Final Colts 7-round mock draft for the 2024 NFL Draft

I think there are a few players that could stop the Colts from trading back from pick 15, but in the end, I think the most likely outcome is the Colts trading back to land more draft capital. Here, I had them add a 3rd and a 4th to move back five spots to 20 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as sending a 5th. After the trade back, I have the Colts selecting LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. He led the FBS last season with 17 receiving touchdowns and did it while still having a fairly raw route tree. On day one, he can come in and be a starting Z WR and play a similar role to what he did at LSU last season for the Colts' second-year QB Anthony Richardson. But his ceiling as a player will rise significantly with future Hall of Famer Reggie Wayne coaching him to help improve his route-running 

Round 2, Pick 46: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

In the 2nd, I have the Colts taking a player that may seem like a luxury pick in LB Edgerrin Cooper out of Texas A&M. The Colts have a solid LB duo of Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, but a player like Cooper is too good of a player and fit with the Colts defense to pass up. Cooper can start alongside Speed and Franklin in three LB formations, but his ability to line up all over the field stands out on tape. Last year alone, Cooper spent time on the defensive line rushing the passer, in the box as an LB, and even spent time at corner when asked. The only wrong way to misuse Cooper at the next level is not to use him, and I think he is a player who would be very enticing to the Colts if he was on the board here at pick 46. 

Round 3, Pick 82: Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Christian 

Back-to-back defensive picks here for the Colts, as I have them adding edge rusher Jalyx Hunt out of Houston Christian. Hunt has seen his draft stock rise tremendously over the last few months. His athleticism wowed at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, and he possesses elite length that the Colts and many others around the NFL typically look for on the defensive line. Hunt is a project off the edge, but the Colts already have plenty of starting talent on the roster to allow them to be patient with Hunt and have just the coach in Charlie Partridge to help him reach the potential his athletic profile projects for him.

Round 3, Pick 84: Calen Bullock, S, USC

Using the 3rd round pick the Colts received from the Steelers in their earlier trade, I have the Colts again going defense by adding USC safety Calen Bullock. In my opinion, Bullock possesses the best pure coverage ability of any safety in this class, and that skill, along with his size and speed, will entice the Colts. He struggles to tackle, and that will limit his playing time early in his career while NFL coaches try to fix it. Luckily for Bullock he is just now turning 21 years old on April 30th. I think the Colts would be wise to sign a veteran safety to play in front of Bullock and help groom him over the next year or two to help Bullock reach his potential as a player. 

Round 4, Pick 117: Tanor Bortolini, C, Wisconsin 

After three straight picks on the defensive side of the ball, I have the Colts adding another offensive player in Wisconsin's Tanor Bortolini. Bortolini was one of the biggest winners during the on-field portion of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, which is not typically something you say about an offensive lineman. He has experience playing all five offensive line positions during his collegiate career and even logged snaps at TE. The Colts have two offensive line starters set to hit free agency after next season, in C Ryan Kelly and RG Will Fries. And Bortolini is a player I'm watching closely for the Colts to potentially draft to replace one of them. Bortolini is already strong in pass protection and offers the team that drafts him a high-upside interior starter. He would be a priority depth player for the Colts next season, and if they lose either Kelly or Fries, he will be ready to take over as a starter. 

Round 4, Pick 119: Decamerion Richardson, CB, Mississippi State

I'm sure many of you have been screaming at your screen because I haven't drafted a CB until now. But in the fourth, I have the Colts finally adding a CB in Mississippi State's Decamerion Richardson. Richardson's size at 6'2" and 191 lbs projects him as an outside CB, and his 4.34 40-yard dash time would add much-needed speed to the Colts CB. He still needs work as a prospect, with his ball skills being a real concern, but he is coming off a career-high seven pass deflections this last season. Richardson would be an intriguing depth CB for the Colts with the upside to develop into an NFL starter.

Round 6, Pick 191: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire 

If you follow me, you know how much of a fan I am of New Hampshire RB Dylan Laube's game . I don't think he should still be on the board in the 6th, but many high-up NFL Draft analysts' mock drafts have him hearing his name called in this area. His ability in the passing game out of the backfield and as a returner would fill a need for the Colts. And with them losing Zack Moss this offseason, he could compete to be the team's primary backup to Jonathan Taylor. 

Round 7, Pick 234: Lideatrick "Tulu"  Griffen, WR, Mississippi State

With the Colts' final pick, I have them taking another WR and another player from Mississippi State in Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffen. Griffen has one of the highest ceilings of any returner in this year's draft. If you are going to make the roster as a 7th-round pick, you typically need to find a role on special teams. At WR, he projects best in the slot where he can compete to be Josh Downs' backup, with no WR currently having a strong hold on that job.