Indianapolis Colts 7-Round 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Scouting Combine
The Indianapolis Colts, like most teams across the NFL, have their eyes focused on free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. And with the NFL's scouting combine approaching, I decided to take my first crack at what their draft haul could look like in my first Colts seven-round mock draft of the year. Colts 7 […]
The Indianapolis Colts, like most teams across the NFL, have their eyes focused on free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft.
And with the NFL's scouting combine approaching, I decided to take my first crack at what their draft haul could look like in my first Colts seven-round mock draft of the year.
Colts 7 Round Mock Draft:
Round 1, Pick 15: Brian Thomas Jr. WR, LSU
This is a different first-round selection than the player I typically mock to the Colts here (TE Brock Bowers). But I love the fit of LSU's WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the Colts offense. Great size at 6'4", 215 LBs, with reliable hands. Due to his partner in crime, Malik Nabers, getting so much hype, I think Thomas Jr. is getting underrated at this point. But he is expected to test really well at the upcoming scouting combine; one source shared he will likely run a low 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and is coming off his best season in college with 17 touchdowns, which led the FBS. The Colts want more weapons on the offensive side of the ball for QB Anthony Richardson, and Thomas Jr. has the size, athleticism, and production to warrant being an option when the Colts are on the clock at 15. A WR room with Michael Pittman Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce would have Richardson poised for a big sophomore season.
Round 2, Pick 46: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
In my opinion, the Colts' biggest need at the moment is a ball-hawking FS who they can trust in single-high situations. We saw them lose trust in Rodney Thomas II as the year went on, and Nick Cross hasn't shown enough to hand him the job next season. I think Minnesota's Tyler Nubin is the best FS in this draft class and would pair well with veteran Julian Blackmon if the Colts retain the free agent. Nubin had five interceptions last season at Minnesota and earned an impressive 90.1 coverage grade from PFF.
Round 3, Pick 82: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Some will be upset that I passed on a CB in the first two rounds, but it all worked out as I have the Colts grabbing a talented CB in Notre Dame's Cam Hart. Hart had a tremendous week at the 2024 Senior Bowl. Before the Senior Bowl, many viewed Hart as a day three corner; I think his college production, paired with his dominant week in Mobile, earned him a day two selection. Hart didn't allow a single touchdown last season in coverage at Notre Dame, and with the Colts, he would join the young duo of Juju Brents and Jaylon Jones as the team's foundation at the CB position.
Round 4, Pick 118: Jaylin Simpson, CB/S, Auburn
After already taking a S and CB, I have the Colts adding a hybrid of the two in Auburn's Jaylin Simpson. The role I think he would best fit with the Colts would be a slot corner. We saw last year that the Colts had no other option on the roster to play the slot anytime Kenny Moore II wasn't available. With Moore II a free agent, whether he is re-signed or not, they have to add talent at the position. Simpson would offer flexibility to let him compete at multiple positions. Still, he already has solid experience playing in the slot, and at 6'1", he would be an option to develop as a depth outside CB and/or S.
Round 5, Pick 150: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire
New Hampshire's Dylan Laube is one of my favorite players in this draft class. He had an incredible week at the Senior Bowl, working with the RBs and the WRs. Laube showed why many view him as one of the best receiving backs in this year's class. The Colts and Jonathan Taylor came to terms on a contract extension during last season, but we saw last year how valuable it is to the Colts to have a two-headed monster in the backfield. Zack Moss is a free agent, and I think adding a RB with pass catching ability is a need for the Colts. Laube's ability in the passing game could land him a decent role early in his NFL career, and could make him the perfect compliment to Taylor in Indianapolis.
Round 6, Pick 193: JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame
JD Bertrand seems like a perfect day-three LB prospect. He may not test as an elite athlete, but an employee on Notre Dame's coaching staff recently shared with me that he believes Bertrand was the "smartest player" on Notre Dame's team last season. Bertrand offers a solid balance in both the run and the passing games. The Colts adding a day-three LB during the Ballard era is as close to a sure thing as you can predict, and I think Bertrand will check a lot of their boxes.
Round 7, Pick 232: Evan Anderson, DT, FAU
During Grover Stewart's suspension, it became obvious that the Colts needed more talent at NT. Stewart is a free agent this offseason, which also intensifies this need. I think they could look to draft one earlier than the 7th round, but one of my sleepers in this class is FAU's Evan Anderson. I think Anderson was the biggest snub not to receive an invite to this year's scouting combine. A big human being at 356LBs and had a great week at the Shrine Bowl. Anderson was solid in the passing game at FAU, but his ability in the run game is what should get him drafted. His strength and relentlessness will catch the eye of NFL talent evaluators.
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