Colts Go Defense in Mel Kiper's Pre-Combine Mock Draft
The Indianapolis Colts have been linked with offensive playmakers in most mock drafts leading up to the NFL Combine. However, the Godfather of NFL draft analysts, Mel Kiper Jr., has the Colts going defense in his final pre-NFL Combine mock draft.
Kiper has the Colts selecting former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold at No. 15 overall.
"Indianapolis got solid cornerback play from rookies JuJu Brents (Round 2) and Jaylon Jones (Round 7) last season, but it has to keep improving there," wrote Kiper on ESPN+. "Frankly, the Colts need a talent injection on their entire defense, which is why I could see them picking the best available defender here.
"Six-foot Arnold picked off five passes and allowed just four catches of 20-plus yards as the nearest defender in coverage last season. Minnesota (sic) has a clear void at the position, and he could be a day one starter."
Clearly Kiper had some thoughts of taking Arnold with the Vikings pick at No. 11 where they went with edge rusher Jared Verse. Even the world-wide leader makes some editing mistakes now and then.
The Colts have been linked several times with offensive weapons to help maximize the talent, and rookie contract, of quarterback Anthony Richardson. The three-top offensive-skill players are already off the board at No. 15. Wide receivers Rome Odunze and Malik Nabors go No. 6 and No. 9 to the Giants and Bears respectively. Tight end Brock Bowers, another common pick for the Colts in mock drafts, is gone at No. 10 to the Jets.
Arnold is the defensive equivalent of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Like Daniels, Arnold is a fast riser after his 2023 season. Teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry was considered the top cornerback in the draft heading into the year. But McKinstry was outplayed by Arnold who has seen his stock soar as the Crimson Tide made another college football playoff run.
The Colts were middle of the pack in passing yards allowed in 2023 at No. 16 despite being fifth in the NFL in sacks. They could definitely use some help in the secondary. Kenny Moore was the highest ranked Colts cornerback by Pro Football Focus (PFF) at No. 18 in the NFL, but he's a pending free agent.
JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones ranked No. 66 and No. 94 respectively by PFF, tolerable for rookies, but not good enough to forgo the position if a talent like Arnold is available at No. 15 in April's NFL Draft.
