Colts replace a starter that left in free agency in a new 2026 NFL mock draft, but it isn’t the position most are expecting
Colts take an unexpected route in a new 2026 NFL mock draft but it’s probably a realistic outcome that could happen.
The Indianapolis Colts are having to work extra hard ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft due to them not owning a first-round pick after trading their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to the New York Jets as part of their deal for star cornerback Sauce Gardner.
This means the need for their second-rounder to be able to make a day-one impact on their roster is more than most teams around the league. Luckily for them, the team has multiple spots up for grabs after losing starters through free agency or trades this offseason.
A new mock draft from A to Z Sports has the Colts replacing last year’s starting safety, Nick Cross, who left the team in free agency to sign with the Washington Commanders. A position that needs to be addressed but is not commonly predicted for the team’s second-round selection.
Arizona defensive back Genesis Smith’s college stats
- 2023: 13 games, 24 total tackles, 1 interception
- 2024: 12 games, 63 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 6 pass deflections
- 2025: 12 games, 77 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 8 pass deflections
Colts select Arizona safety Genesis Smith in a new mock draft
The Colts had a solid duo at safety last season with Cross and Cam Bynum. Cross had the best year of his career and, as a result, played himself into a solid contract in free agency with the Commanders, and the Colts had to use cap space elsewhere.
They made a couple of signings in free agency at safety in Jonathan Owens and Juanyeh Thomas, but the starting spot for the 2026 season is still very much up for grabs. In a recent A to Z Sports mock draft, the Colts landed a talented safety who would likely slot in as the day-one starter in Arizona’s Genesis Smith.
Smith spent all three years of his collegiate career at Arizona. He appeared in 37 games and recorded 164 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and 14 pass deflections. Smith spent signicnant snaps at both safety spots this past year but his primary role came as a true free safety.
He is a very talented player who can play either safety spot, I do think his best role would be as a single high safety though. That is the spot the Colts used Bynum at last season though, so if they are looking to replace Cross’ who was in the box and used as a bit more of a field roamer I’m not sure Smith would be their top target.
As you saw earier in this article, Smith recently performed at Arizona’s pro day. I decided to combine his testing results from the scouting combine and the pro day to create his A to Z Sports athletic compositie score which can be seen below.
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