In a three-round 2026 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network, the Indianapolis Colts prioritized defense with their two selections.
It’s been an active free agency period for GM Chris Ballard, which includes making nine outside signings, re-signing several of the Colts’ own free agents, along with trading away Zaire Franklin and Michael Pittman.
However, there are still three big items remaining on Ballard’s offseason to-do list.
Ballard will have to tackle those needs while being short on draft capital. The Colts have a modest seven selections in this year’s draft, with only two picks coming in the top 100.
Let’s take a closer look at who Ian Cummings has Indianapolis selecting in his latest mock.
Pick 47: Josiah Trotter, LB, Missouri
What’s the need? Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker. This is a position where Ballard should be double-dipping in the NFL draft.
What Cummings had to say: “Run defense is becoming more and more valuable amidst the new two-high evolution, and Josiah Trotter is one of the best run-defending LBs in the class with his instincts, explosion, and take-on ability.”
Pick 78: Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
What’s the need? Arden Key and Micheal Clemons give the rotation a boost, but ideally, the Colts would still add a more high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu. However, finding that caliber of player without a first-round pick may not be likely. So adding more competition and bolstering the depth may be the way the Colts have to go here.
What Cummings had to say: “Dani Dennis-Sutton is somewhat stiff, but at 6-foot-6 and almost 260 pounds, he’s an elite linear athlete, a competent run defender, and an absolute motor monster on the rush.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Son of former All-Pro LB headlines Colts’ picks in 3-round mock draft
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
