With just over a week until the 2023 NFL draft, the mock drafts will be out in full force as analysts try to project what the Indianapolis Colts and the rest of the league will do.
Dane Brugler of The Athletic dropped a seven-round mock draft Monday and while there were no trades involved at any level, he had the Colts hitting several areas of need.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the mock draft from the Colts’ perspective:
Round 1 | No. 4 overall
The Pick: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
Richardson has been one of the most popular names linked as a potential Colts target for the better part of two months now. It seems as though Richardson is likely one of the finalists for the No. 4 overall pick.
Here’s what Brugler said about the selection:
Like the Texans, the Colts shouldn’t be considered locks to select a quarterback in the top five this year. It would be understandable, however, if Indianapolis decides Richardson is worth the risk. There’s been so much talk about Richardson’s ceiling, but with his size, mobility and general feel as a passer, I am encouraged by Richardson’s floor as an NFL QB. His development mentally will decide that ceiling.
You can read our scouting report on Richardson here.
Round 2 | No. 35 overall
The Pick: CB Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi State
Forbes is an intriguing case considering his unique build at 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds. He’s extremely lengthy, athletic and explosive and has shown throughout his career the ability to make plays on the ball. He would compete for a starting role right away in Gus Bradley’s defense.
Round 3 | No. 79 overall (from WAS)
The Pick: WR Marvin Mims, Oklahoma
Mims would be a fantastic addition to the wide receiver room and would immediately compete for WR3 snaps. He would be a strong fit as a vertical slot option in Shane Steichen’s offense and seems to be a prospect that’s flying under the radar from a media perspective.
Round 4 | No. 106 overall
The Pick: G Emil Ekiyor, Alabama
Ekiyor would seemingly battle with Will Fries for the starting role at right guard. He was a productive piece of the Alabama offensive line and should impress with his movement skills. He also has the versatility to work at all three interior spots.
Round 5 | No. 138 overall
The Pick: S JL Skinner, Boise State
Skinner would likely compete for the final spot in the safety room with Rodney Thomas II, Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross returning. He might be able to fill the nickel role that Blackmon was in during the final month of the season when Kenny Moore II was dealing with an injury. Skinner would probably play more against the pass than he would the run as he has the athleticism to stick with tight ends.
Round 5 | No. 162 overall (from BUF)
The Pick: LB Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati
Though the Colts have a solid room of linebackers even after Bobby Okereke’s departure. Pace is undersized for the position and doesn’t have the length we’re used to seeing, but he was a unanimous All-American selection in his first year as a starter for Cincinnati. He could be a major special teams player while competing for a depth spot.
Round 5 | No. 176 overall (from DAL)
The Pick: DT Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky
It wouldn’t be a Chris Ballard draft without a defensive tackle selection on Day 3. Martin has already gotten some interest from the Colts in the form of a top-30 visit so this fit makes sense. Martin has the size, length and power to compete for a rotational role at the one-technique behind Grover Stewart.
Round 7 | No. 221 overall
The Pick: OT Earl Bostick Jr., Kansas
The depth at offensive tackle is incredibly thin so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts added to this position earlier in the draft. A sixth-year senior, Bostick will be 25 years old before his rookie season ends. He has good size, length and movement skills for the position but made the switch from tight end in 2020 so he’s still learning the nuances of it.
Round 7 | No. 236 overall (from TB)
The Pick: EDGE Tavius Robinson, Mississippi
At 6-foot-6 and 257 pounds, Robinson has 33 3/4-inch arms while posting a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash. He was a team captain at Ole Miss, and he finished his senior season on a high note with career-highs in tackles for loss (8.0), sacks (7.0) and forced fumbles (five).
