The time is finally here. The Indianapolis Colts are set to embark on a wild journey with the start of the 2023 NFL draft, which means it’s time to make our final predictions.
I’m sure you all are sick of reading about mock drafts, and understandably so. At this point, we just want 8:00 p.m. ET to get here so we can stop speculating and predicting.
But with some time until the start of the draft, we’ll be releasing our final predictions. For this, we are considering two factors.
- Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud will go within the first three selections.
- The Colts will be walking away with a quarterback at No. 4 overall.
With that, here’s my final mock draft for the Colts ahead of the 2023 NFL draft:
Round 1 | No. 4 overall
The Pick: QB Anthony Richardson, Florida
While the national buzz has been doing the smokescreen work for the Colts (the Will Levis buzz), they get to sit back and select the prospect who is a perfect fit for Shane Steichen’s scheme. Richardson’s numbers are concerning as are his 13 collegiate starts.
But when watching him with a keen eye, you can see he’s far more advanced than a lot of analysts give him credit for. He has advanced pocket presence, the ability to manipulate defenders at the second and third levels, and his arm talent is through the roof. He’s also just 20 years old, which should be viewed more as a positive for a team hitting the rebuild button (even if they don’t want to admit it). All of this without mentioning he’s as big as Cam Newton but much faster.
Richardson needs to learn how to manage his velocity on short throws, and his lower-half mechanics need work. But Richardson is a unicorn, and they have the type of coach to get him to that ceiling.
Round 2 | No. 48 overall (from DET)
Projected trade: DET sends Nos. 48, 81, 183 to IND for Nos. 35, 236
The Pick: CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
In the event a player like Hendon Hooker falls, the Colts could be a prime trade candidate for a team looking to move up. They certainly will want to trade back on Day 2 in order to add more picks.
Grabbing a receiver or lineman is certainly possible here, but Brents is a perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s defense. He’s incredibly athletic, lengthy and physical at the catch point. He lacks long speed but would compete for a starting spot on the boundary immediately.
Round 3 | No. 79 overall (from WAS)
The Pick: WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati
Though Scott lacks ideal size, he has the type of elite track speed to be an immediate weapon as a vertical slot option in Shane Steichen’s offense. He glides with ease in a T.Y. Hilton-esque manner on posts, crossers and slants. His route tree isn’t all that nuanced, but he’s a fantastic fit to work as a vertical WR3 with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce on the outside.
Round 3 | No. 83 overall (from DET)
The Pick: OT Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion
The Colts need to add depth and competition to the offensive tackle spots. Some may view Saldiveri as an interior player, but he has the movement skills and upside to start on the edge as well. He needs refinement when it comes to consistent hand placement, but he’s an intriguing prospect to add to the offensive line.
Round 4 | No. 106 overall
The Pick: EDGE Yaya Diaby, Louisville
This might be viewed as a bit of a reach, but I could see Ballard being enticed by Diaby’s elite athleticism and upside. He has the length, short-area quickness and bend to run the arc. He could compete in a rotational sub-package role while developing his counters from the LEO position.
Round 5 | No. 138 overall
The Pick: iOL Jon Gaines II, UCLA
I refuse to leave a mock draft without taking Gaines. He’s a versatile, intelligent and athletic prospect who can work at all three interior spots. His elite movement skills will give him the chance to compete for a depth spot right away, and he has the upside to be a capable starter at right guard.
Round 5 | No. 162 overall (from BUF)
The Pick: CB Starling Thomas V, UAB
The Colts need cornerback depth in the worst way. Even after taking Julius Brents on Day 2, Thomas is a prime Day 3 selection. He would thrive as a nickel defender in Gus Bradley’s scheme thanks to his physicality and feisty nature at the catch point. He also brings elite track speed and impressive short-area quickness.
Round 5 | No. 176 overall (from DAL)
The Pick: DT Brodric Martin, Western Kentucky
A powerful and mauling space eater, Marting has the length and physicality to compete right away for a rotational role at the one-technique defensive tackle position behind Grover Stewart.
Round 6 | No. 183 overall (from DET)
The Pick: TE Payne Durham, Purdue
Though it’s not a need, we know the Colts are impressed with this tight end class. They could use a steady blocker in the room to complement the receiving abilities of Jelani Woods and Kylen Granson. Durham isn’t a special athlete, but he’s a competent blocker who could compete for a depth role early on.
Round 7 | No. 221 overall
The Pick: RB Evan Hull, Northwestern
It’s a luxury pick, but Hull is an intriguing prospect to add to the backfield late on Day 3. He’s an exceptional receiving back, but he has the size and speed to handle between-the-tackles duties as well. He could compete right away for the RB3 role.
