7-round Colts mock draft has Indianapolis take a different approach than many expect, and it leads to a unique haul
A brand new Indianapolis Colts 7-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft looks at what the team’s draft haul could look like if they prioritize taking the best safety available at pick 47 in round two.
The wait is almost over, football fans, as draft week has arrived. The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday, April 23. The Indianapolis Colts will have to wait to join the party on the day, though. The team currently owns pick 47 in the second round as their top draft selection, after trading their first-round pick for Sauce Gardner.
It’s time to wrap up our four-part series, where I’ve built Colts’ seven-round mock drafts based on a different position being selected in round two. This final article in the series will show how the Colts’ draft haul could look if they target safety in round two.
Check out the other mock drafts in this series:
LB – EDGE – WR
Colts 7-round mock draft: Going safety in round two creates a tough board for Indy to navigate
Safety is a big need for the Colts heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. The team lost starter Nick Cross in free agency to his hometown team, the Washington Commanders. They also lost depth piece Rodney Thomas to the Seattle Seahawks. The Colts signed and Jonathan Owens in the opening days of free agency. And recently signed Nasir Adderley, who previously retired from the NFL after the 2022 season.
While they’ve made moves at safety, they haven’t found a for sure starter opposite Cam Bynum. Cross was an important part of Lou Anarumo’s defense this past year. He wore a lot of hats, and replacing him will be difficult. Their best chance might be at pick 47 in the second round. Personally, I don’t love the value there unless one of the top three (Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren) falls into their laps.
Round 2, Pick 47: LSU S AJ Haulcy
For this exercise, I have to go with safety here, and we’ve done no trade-backs in the series, so I’ll stay consistent. I don’t think any of the safeties in this class after the top three warrant this pick, so a trade down would make sense, though.
If they have too, though, LSU’s AJ Haulcey would be a solid fit. His coaches and teammates rave about how motivated he is for every snap. He has solid athleticism and size and should be able to play either safety role at the next level. I think his ceiling is higher at free safety, though. This could move Bynum to strong safety, which could work honestly.
Round 3, Pick 78: UConn WR Skyler Bell
Some will hate that this isn’t an edge or linebacker, but I couldn’t pass on Skyler Bell out of UConn. Bell can play outside and in the slot at just under 6-0. He would slot in as a day one starter for the Colts to replace Michael Pittman Jr.
Bell doesn’t have Pittman Jr.’s size, but he plays with a similar amount of spunk and grit. He also has a lot more juice than what the team got out of Pittman the last couple of years. He is a real YAC threat and is a quick separator. I think he would be a great complement to Alec Pierce and Josh Downs for 2026 and beyond.
Round 4 pick 113: Auburn EDGE Keyron Crawford
Keyron Crawford is one of two edge rushers out of Auburn in this class getting buzz. His counterpart, Keldric Faulk, will likely end up a first-round pick. However, there is certainly an argument to be made that Crawford has the higher ceiling strictly as a pass rusher.
If the Colts wait till round four to target edge, Crawford is a name I have circled. A productive two-year player at Arkansas State to begin his career. Then made the jump up in competition by transferring to Auburn. It took time for him to get comfortable at the SEC level in 2024. Looked like he belonged in 2025 with 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, and I think he is just scratching the surface on what he could become.
Round 5 pick 156: Utah LB Lander Barton
Waiting till round five to target a linebacker would make some people sick to their stomach. I get it, the current state of the linebacker room is rough, but I do think Lander Barton out of Utah would be a solid get for the Colts. Great size at just under 6-5 and wore a lot of hats for Utah’s defense. A natural playmaker who had five interceptions, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles during his college career.
Round 6 pick 214: Oregon OT Alex Harkey
I expect the Colts to address their offensive line depth issues in this year’s draft. They need to find competition for their swing tackle job for Blake Freeland. Oregon’s Alex Harkey started all 14 games during his lone season with the school this past year. He honestly had better film in 2025 than his teammate, Isaiah World, who will be selected higher. Some also believe he could kick inside and be an even better guard.
Round 7 pick 249: Houston CB Latrell McCutchin
Once the Colts trade Kenny Moore II, their need at corner will grow. I don’t expect them to target a slot, though. Instead, I would expect them to try to find depth outside. Houston corner Latrell McCutchin has solid size at just under 6-2, and his 4.43 40-yard dash speed will check boxes for Anarumo.
Lackluster ball skills throughout his college career. He never recorded an interception but showed some big flashes this past season, with 10 pass deflections. He also played special teams this past year despite being a full-time starter. That could help him win a roster spot in training camp with the Colts.
Round 7 pick 254: Dartmouth C/OT Delby Lemieux
Last up is a major sleeper in this year’s class that I think the Colts should target in round seven or as an undrafted free agent. Delby Lemieux, out of Dartmouth, was a three-year starter at left tackle for Dartmouth. Many believe he will make the move to center in the NFL. The Colts need a backup for Tanor Bortolini, but also could use tackle depth. Let Lemieux compete for both spots, and I think he has a real shot at making the roster.
Colts mock draft full summary:
Of the four mock drafts in this series, this is probably my least favorite, but I still think the haul shaped up well. My favorite picks are Bell and Crawford, back-to-back in rounds three and four.
I think the Colts land two day one starters in Haulcy and Bell. I also think Barton has the potential to compete for a starting role. Crawford, Harkey, McCutchin, and Lemieux are all high upside guys with a solid shot at making the roster. If this were the Colts class, I think they’d feel good, not great, about how they did.
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