After running through a 2026 NFL mock draft that featured the Indianapolis Colts trading down in Round 2, how might things turn out on Day 2 if GM Chris Ballard is aggressive and looks to trade up?
The Colts are without a first-round pick in this year’s draft, leaving them with only two picks in the top 100 and a modest seven selections in total. Their first selection is scheduled to come at pick No. 47 overall.
As GM Chris Ballard has already strongly hinted at, trading back in this year’s draft is very much on his radar. So perhaps it’s not likely that the Colts trade up, at least in the early portion of the draft.
Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator and the Rich Hill trade value chart to ensure that all trades are fair, here is how a three-round mock draft turned out for the Colts when trading up from pick No. 47.
Colts trade up in 2026 NFL mock draft
Realistically, getting back into the first round is probably not likely. That’s a big jump, and there is a premium cost that will come with that, considering the additional value that comes with a first-round selection having a fifth-year option.
So we looked at pick No. 37, which is owned by the New York Giants. In this trade, the Colts parted with picks 47 (430), 113 (68), and 156 (29). In return, Indianapolis received pick 37 (530).
This leaves the Colts with five picks in total, and only two within the first five rounds. Not exactly ideal for a team with several needs to still address.
Pick 37: Zion Young, DE, Missouri
The Colts still need pass rush help, and Young is a prospect who is getting first-round buzz. He had a breakout year in 2025, recording 56 pressures and eight sacks. Out of 100 eligible defensive ends, Young ranked 19th in pass rush win rate. He also graded out as one of PFF’s better run defenders among his position group.
Pick 78: Kyle Louis, LB, Pitt
Louis has been very effective as a blitzer, recording 50 pressures over the last two seasons. In coverage, he’s logged five pass breakups and six interceptions the last two years, while holding pass catchers to 8.4 yards per catch. Louis ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash and, overall, posted elite athletic testing numbers.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts trade up, address pass rush in 2026 NFL mock draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
