Indianapolis Colts pull off trade in a new three-round 2024 NFL mock draft

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, and we are one step closer to the 2024 NFL Draft. With this big milestone in the books, I published my largest mock draft of the cycle to date, a three-round 32-team mock draft with trades. And below is the haul the Indianapolis Colts came away […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard (R) talks with Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman (L) before the game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, and we are one step closer to the 2024 NFL Draft.

With this big milestone in the books, I published my largest mock draft of the cycle to date, a three-round 32-team mock draft with trades.

And below is the haul the Indianapolis Colts came away with.

Colts Trade pick 15 to the Eagles

A trade back to gain more draft picks in this talented class should not be ruled out for the Colts, especially with Chris Ballard at the helm. In this mock, I had the Colts do just that: they sent pick 15 in the first round and their sixth-rounder this year (pick 193) to the Philadelphia Eagles for pick 22, their second-rounder this year (pick 50), and a 2025 3rd. This trade gives the Colts an extra seconder to work with for a draft class, and many believe day two is going to produce multiple day-one contributors.

With the top three WRs and TE Brock Bowers off the board, the Colts likely have a large group of players they would consider at pick 15. If that is the case, a trade-back makes the most sense to me. After the trade-back, they still have multiple players on the board that I considered at 15, which could very well be the Colts' actual reality if this were to happen.

Round 1, Pick 22: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Army Black Knights defensive back Cameron Jones (10) during the first quarter at Tiger Stadium.
Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

“With multiple potential targets on the board, I think Chris Ballard and the Colts could look to add extra day two picks in this talented class. After striking a deal with the Eagles, I have the Colts taking LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr., a player I think they would strongly consider at 15.”

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Ballard has made it clear as day he wants the Colts offense to be more explosive next season. And if they want a deep threat, look no further than Brian Thomas Jr., who is coming off an excellent Scouting Combine where he measured in over 6'3" and recorded the second-fastest 40-yard dash with his 4.33 run. Thomas Jr. led the FBS with 17 touchdowns last season and would be the Colts starting Z WR on day one, opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. on the outside. 

Round 2, Pick 46: Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Aug 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) celebrates a stop against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts have no clear FS starter on their roster for next season, so in my opinion, they have to add a player they can trust to start day one in either free agency or the draft. There are multiple solid options in free agency, but if they swing and miss there, Tyler Nubin is my top FS in the draft, and I think he would be a better option to start at FS than Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II.

Round 2, Pick 50: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson (LB30) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Some may be shocked to see LB so high for the Colts, but Payton Wilson's ability in coverage would be a massive addition. Wilson's athletic profile will excite the Colts. The only area that may cause some hesitation is his arm length, which is shorter than their typical preference. But Wilson had a great showing at the Scouting Combine and would be able to join Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed to form quite the LB trio.

Round 3, Pick 82: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State

Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Azareye'h Thomas (20) and defensive back Jarrian Jones (7) celebrate an interception against the North Alabama Lions during the third quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

I know some of you reading this are losing your mind that the Colts waited this long to add a CB. I think they will end up adding a veteran through free agency or a trade. However, an area I think they should look at is slot corner to back up and develop behind Kenny Moore II, who I believe the Colts will re-sign this offseason. This class has many prospects to consider for that position, and I like Jarrian Jones out of Florida State's fit with the Colts. He also can play on the outside if needed, which would be solid depth if needed.