The 2026 NFL draft is near, so let’s refamiliarize ourselves with the trade value chart in the event that the Indianapolis Colts are looking to move up or down the draft board.
Based on GM Chris Ballard’s comments this offseason, he has strongly hinted at wanting to trade back in an effort to accumulate more draft capital.
The trade value chart was created by former Dallas Cowboys’ head coach Jimmy Johnson during his tenure with the team. In short, the chart assigns a numerical value to each selection throughout the seven rounds of the NFL draft, so a team can quantify whether or not a trade involving draft picks is a fair one.
Today, there are various models out there of the trade value chart, but Johnson’s has largely stood the test of time and laid the foundation.
Colts trade back scenario using trade value chart
Using the 2026 version of Johnson’s trade chart, here is an example of what the Colts could potentially get in return from trading down from pick No. 47 to pick No. 52 in a deal with Green Bay.
The Colts would have to give up pick No. 47 (430), and in return they would receive picks 52 (380) and 120 (54). In this scenario, the Colts would trade away 430 points in draft pick value and acquire 434 points.
For a look at this year’s trade value chart and the assigned values to each of the Colts’ selections, you can find that here.
The Colts will enter this year’s draft with a modest seven selections, including only two in the top 100 — hence Ballard wanting to move back at some point.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Get to know 2026 NFL trade value chart incase Colts make a move
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
