7-round Colts 2026 NFL mock draft: Indianapolis lands a Heisman candidate, a local favorite, and a high upside pass rusher
A brand new 7-round Indianapolis Colts mock draft shows what their full haul could look like if they prioritize linebacker being their first selection come the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts have a lot of pressure on their shoulders heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They have multiple significant needs but lack a war chest large enough to address them all. Which makes conducting a Colts mock draft so interesting right now.
As a result, I will be sharing four mock drafts over the next two weeks. The goal is to show what kind of haul they could land, depending on the position they target with their first pick.
The four positions I think are on the table to be selected are linebacker, edge rusher, safety, and wide receiver. I asked Colts fans on X to vote for which mock would be released first, and the winner is: Linebacker.
Colts 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft: How the class could shake out if Indy goes LB in round 2
The Colts’ need at linebacker is crystal clear. They had one of the worst linebacker rooms in the league last year. And their choice to trade away Zaire Franklin only adds to the need.
The Colts signed Akeem Davis-Gaither, but they need another starter, and they also need more depth. But if they take a linebacker in round two, it’s because they see an option to land a day one starter with the potential to be a star playmaker for Lou Anarumo’s defense.
Round 2, Pick 47: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
There isn’t much that hasn’t been said about how special Jacob Rodriguez’s senior season at Texas Tech was. He finished the year fifth in voting for the Heisman trophy and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Texas Tech’s defense as a whole was scary, but its leader was undeniably Rodriguez.
Being able to lead a star-studded defense like that is a trait NFL teams will love. I expect the Colts to be high on him for that reason, as well as his versatile skill set. Whether rushing the passer, dropping into coverage, or attacking gaps to bring down running backs, Rodriguez always seemed involved in the play.
Give him the green dot as a rookie and let him help rejuvenate the Colts linebacker room. That would feel like quite the way to start off the 2026 NFL Draft class for Indy.
Round 3, Pick 78: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Retaining Alec Pierce this offseason was a big win for the Colts. It did come at the cost of Michael Pittman Jr., whom the Colts traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now they have a clear need at wide receiver, and I think they could draft one much higher than anyone realizes.
Some will think using a third on the position is too high, given the team’s defensive needs. But I truly think it is also on the table for the second round. Here, they use the third round, and my favorite option for them is Indiana University star wide receiver, Elijah Sarratt.
Sarratt led the FBS with 15 receiving touchdowns and helped turn around the Hoosiers’ program. So much so that the team went on to win the national championship in 2025. Sarratt’s ability to make contested catches is evident on film. I also think his ability to attack openings in the zone in the middle of the field is underrated. A wide receiver trio of Pierce, Sarratt, and Josh Downs would be an exciting group to build around.
Round 4 pick 113: Jaishawn Barham, Edge, Michigan
Waiting till round four to address the pass rush would be a bold move for the Colts. But the options in round three, to me, are fairly similar to what they could consider at the top of day three of the draft. A top option I think they will be high on is Michigan’s Jaishawn Barham.
Barham is still so new to the edge position, but the flashes in 2025 are worth betting on. His strong run defense will help him play early in his NFL career while he polishes his pass-rush skills. If this is the route the Colts go, adding a veteran edge off the free agency market would make sense. Some examples they could target would be Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, Dante Fowler Jr., and A.J. Epensea.
Round 5 pick 156: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
If VJ Payne is still sitting around on day three, I will be banging the table for the Colts to run a card up with his name on it. The Kansas State safety has a great feel in coverage, so much so that some want to see him move to corner. His physicality, though, makes him a great fit at safety, and he would likely play in the box if the Colts drafted him.
He’s a special athlete who hits hard and played all over the field at Kansas State. I think he would be a great option to replace Nick Cross in the starting lineup next to Cam Bynum. Payne will end up being one of the biggest steals of the draft, in my opinion, and I hope the Colts are the team to land him.
Round 6 pick 214: Diego Pounds, OT, Ole Miss
The Colts need to add depth on the offensive line, and they’ve had some decent success with late-round swings under Chris Ballard. Ole Miss’ Diego Pounds is a big man at just over 6’5″ and weighed in at 330 lbs at his pro day. He moves well at his size and could be fantastic competition for Blake Freeland to be the Colts swing tackle in 2026.
Round 7 pick 249: Wesley Bissainthe, LB, Miami (FL)
The Colts landed a starter at linebacker in round two in Rodriguez, but as I said earlier, they also need depth in the room. Miami’s Wesley Bissainthe was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes and is a very intelligent player. He is a bit smaller than some would like at linebacker, at just under 6’2″ and 225 lbs, but the Colts have seen similarly built players work at the position.
Bissainthe could also make sense to make a move to safety in Lou Anarumo’s defense. No matter what his primary position would be, though, he would be an excellent special teamer, and his high football IQ would be an asset to whatever position room he would join.
Round 7 pick 254: Caden Barnett, G, Wyoming
Last but not least is Wyoming guard Caden Barnett. Barnett is a former starting right tackle who made the move to guard during his final college season. Many thought he looked at his best in the new position. He moves well and has incredible play strength that shows up in the run game. The Colts’ offensive line depth is rough, and Barnett could be a solid addition to compete at guard and tackle.
Full Draft Summary:
In the first part of this four-part series, I committed to only one thing: linebacker in round two. After that, I let the draft board dictate many of the team’s directions.
In the end, I think this class would give the Colts two day-one starters in Rodriguez and Saratt. With the potential for two others to quickly compete for a spot in Barham and Payne. Then they add needed depth to the offensive line. As well as landing Bissainthe, who I think has more potential than people give him credit for.
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