The Indianapolis Colts will be on the clock soon after the start of the second round of the 2023 NFL draft looking to add more key pieces to either side of the ball.
With a rookie quarterback already introduced to the Circle City, there are several ways the Colts can go with their two selections—as of this writing—including a trade down from the No. 35 overall pick, which is certainly possible thanks to the slide of quarterbacks Will Levis and Hendon Hooker.
If either or both of those quarterbacks are still on the board, there’s a chance the Colts will receive a few calls to trade back.
Here are my predictions for the Colts on Day 2 of the draft:
Trade with Falcons
Going with the assumption that Will Levis will still be on the clock at No. 35 overall, which certainly is not a guarantee, the Falcons want to move up for a player they reportedly considered at No. 8 overall. Doing so will cost a premium and a sight overpay, but the Falcons reportedly were trying to get into the back into the first round during late Round 1.
Among teams that looked into potentially trading into the late first round last night, per sources: #Titans #Rams #Patriots #Falcons
Could have implications at the top of the second round.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 28, 2023
In this deal, the Colts receive the Nos. 44 and 75 overall picks and send the Nos. 35 and 236 picks to the Falcons. This gives the Colts an extra Day 2 pick to work with while the Falcons move up for their potential starting quarterback.
Round 2 | No. 44 overall (from ATL)
The Pick: G O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
I’ll admit, this is a bit of wishful thinking. There’s more than a solid chance Torrence is gone by this pick. But if he’s not, the mauling guard would be a fantastic addition to an offensive line that needs it’s swagger bag.
Torrence is a massive people mover who excels in run blocking, which will be a perfect fit with his fellow Gator product in Anthony Richardson already donning the horseshoe. The Colts know they have to throw to win, but the run game can be an explosive element with Shane Steichen at the helm.
Round 3 | No. 75 overall (from ATL)
We continue on the offensive side of the ball with the addition of a speedy vertical threat from the slot. Scott shows shades of T.Y. Hilton with his fluidity, reliable hands and second gear in the open field. He has elite track speed, explosiveness and the type of tracking downfield to thrive as the WR3 from the slot.
Round 3 | No. 79 overall (from WAS)
The Pick: CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
The Colts have to walk away with a cornerback prospect on Day 2. They may even stay put at No. 35 if a player they like falls to them. We should expect a run on cornerbacks Friday night, and the Colts get in on that with a hometown selection. I won’t argue with anyone who says Brents will be off the board by this pick because I could certainly see that happening. But some of the cornerbacks got pushed down, and the Colts take advantage of it with an extremely lengthy, athletic and physical corner who projects a solid zone defender.
