Top options for the Indianapolis Colts' to select with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Combine is set to get underway next week in Indianapolis.  The Indianapolis Colts are set to see multiple of their top draft options in the first round test their athletic abilities.   And before it begins, I want to share the players I think are the best fits to be the Colts' selection […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Nov 11, 2023; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch against the Mississippi Rebels in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium.
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The 2024 NFL Combine is set to get underway next week in Indianapolis. 

The Indianapolis Colts are set to see multiple of their top draft options in the first round test their athletic abilities.  

And before it begins, I want to share the players I think are the best fits to be the Colts' selection at 15 in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Top options for the Colts 2024 first-round pick: 

Brock Bowers, TE, Georiga

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) scores a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA college football game against Ole Miss in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Georgia won 52-17.
Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

A popular player selected by the Colts among mock drafts right now is Georiga TE Brock Bowers. Bowers is the clear top TE in this year's class, and some wonder if he will even make it to the Colts pick at 15. If he is there, though, I have him as my top option for the Colts pick at 15 (assuming that the top three blue-chip WRs are off the board). This past playoff cycle was the perfect example of how important the TE position is when you have an elite one. When looking at all four of the conference finalists had a true game changer at the position. A matchup nightmare like Bowers, with a creative play-caller in Shane Steichen and the dual threat of Anthony Richardson, would keep defenses up at night. 

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7.
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Wiggins is my top CB in this year's draft class. And I think he will test off the charts at the scouting combine. If I had to guess which CB best fits what the Colts typically go for in this year's class, it would also be Wiggins. He checks the size and athleticism boxes that the Colts have prioritized during Chris Ballard's time as their GM. And with the Colts' secondary being a huge question mark, they absolutely have to add talent there this offseason. 

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Oct 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Tiger Stadium.
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

This WR class is filled with talent, and while the Colts are probably out of reach of the top three in this year's class, there are multiple other talented options to consider. When looking at the best fit with the Colts especially, I think it's Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU. Thomas Jr. is coming off an incredible season where he led the FBS with 17 touchdowns as one of the Heisman winner Jayden Daniels' favorite targets. His tape shows the ability to make big plays down the field with his size and speed, but he has also displayed solid ability to make plays after the catch. I think a WR group with Michael Pittman Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce would set up an incredible sophomore season for QB Anthony Richardson. 

Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

My last option today is edge rusher Dallas Turner out of Alabama. He is the highest player listed on my overall big board from this group and is my edge 1 in this year's class. I think the only way the Colts consider an edge with their first-round pick is if they believe said player has the potential to be a top-tier pass rusher at the pro level. And that's how I personally view Turner. I think he has a top-five edge rusher in the NFL type of ceiling. And that's, I think that's the missing piece to take the Colts' defensive line from really good to elite.