The Indianapolis Colts are in a good spot headed into next year as they outperformed expectations going 9-8 last year even after rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson went down. With Richardson returning next year the Colts have a solid shot to win the AFC South with a good offseason.
Indianapolis has a few priority free agents to retain this offseason with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., cornerback Kenny Moore, and defensive tackle Grover Stewart set to hit the open market. If they can bring them back, the Colts roster will be in a good spot headed into the draft.
Without further ado, let’s hop into a three-round 2024 NFL mock draft for the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis Colts Three-Round Mock Draft
Round One, 15th Overall: Nate Wiggins CB Clemson
Improving at cornerback is a big priority for the Colts this offseason especially with Kenny Moore being a free agent. This cornerback class features many players worthy of consideration for their first-round pick at 15th overall. That includes Nate Wiggins who most analysts consider as one of the top corners in the class.
After a stellar career at Clemson, the 2023 first team All ACC cornerback projects nicely to develop into a reliable corner at the next level. His mirroring ability out of man coverage is amongst the best in this class as he has good change of direction, short area quickness, balance, and a good understanding of how to read and react to wide receiver’s breaks.
Wiggins also displays good instincts to sit on intermediate routes in off-man coverage or keeping his eyes on the quarterback to react to passes when in between two offensive players in hook zone or curl flat coverages.
Round Two, 46th Overall: Jermaine Burton WR Alabama
Regardless of whether the Colts can retain Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason the Colts are in play for a wide receiver on day two. Josh Downs had a strong rookie season and projects to be a solid slot receiver for years to come, but Alec Pierce hasn’t quite produced enough for the Colts to feel confident in him in a starting role moving forward.
This class is full of wide receivers who project well as complimentary pieces at the next level projected to come off the board on day two including Jermaine Burton who goes to the Colts in this mock draft scenario. Jermaine Burton would be a good fit for the Colts, providing an explosive deep threat with the tools to develop into a consistent separator at the next level.
Round Three, 82nd Overall: Michael Hall Jr. DT Ohio State
Adding another pass rusher to the interior defensive line rotation is a potential need for the Colts with Grover Stewart and Taven Bryan being free agents.
Michael Hall Jr. has all the tools to develop into a strong pass rusher in the NFL as he has great first-step explosiveness, quickness, and technical refinement as he uses his hands well. He was highly productive rushing the passer at Ohio State as his pass rush win rate of 18.3% was second in college football amongst interior defensive linemen.
Main Photo: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK
