Colts NFL Draft 2023 guide: Picks, predictions and key needs

The Indianapolis Colts have the fourth decide within the NFL Draft when Spherical 1 begins April 27 in Kansas Metropolis. The Colts personal 9 whole picks within the seven-round draft.

Full draft order

See how each decide within the seven-round NFL Draft is scheduled.

NFL Draft particulars

• Spherical 1: April 27, 8 p.m. ET
• Rounds 2-3: April 28, 7 p.m. ET
• Rounds 4-7: April 29, midday ET

In regards to the Colts

• Head coach: Shane Steichen (first season)
• Basic supervisor: Chris Ballard
• Final yr’s file: 4-12-1

The Colts have been spiraling at quarterback ever since Andrew Luck retired in 2019. After one other failed substitute try with Matt Ryan, who was launched following one turnover-filled season, Indianapolis is poised to pick a sign caller with the No. 4 decide within the draft. The workforce has addressed different wants by way of free company, most notably with the high-priced signing of former Professional Bowl kicker Matt Homosexual, however this offseason can be outlined by whom the Colts select as their subsequent franchise QB.

Colts’ key place wants

Offensive line: Indianapolis had the highest-paid offensive line within the league final season, although normal supervisor Chris Ballard conceded it by no means seemed the half. The Colts gave up 60 sacks, the second most within the NFL, because of the regression of heart Ryan Kelly, left guard Quenton Nelson and proper sort out Braden Smith, all of whom obtained large contract extensions in recent times. Indianapolis additionally relied an excessive amount of on unproven gamers at left sort out and proper guard, which backfired tremendously. The workforce has but to make an offensive line transfer in free company, however the clock is ticking on strengthening that unit for presumably a rookie quarterback.

Cornerback: After buying and selling Stephon Gilmore to the Cowboys and having Brandon Facyson signal with the Raiders in free company, the Colts solely have two cornerbacks on their roster who obtained important taking part in time final season: Kenny Moore II and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. Moore struggled in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s new system, elevating questions on whether or not he’ll be traded or reduce earlier than the 2023 season. Rodgers confirmed flashes of his potential however has by no means been a full-time starter. This places Indianapolis firmly out there for cornerbacks, by way of the draft and free company, who can contribute straight away on the again finish.

Kenny Moore II stays with the Colts after struggling through the 2022 season. (Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Right this moment)

Huge receiver: If the Colts intend on drafting a quarterback, they should encompass him with playmakers. Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce headline the workforce’s vast receivers room, which, for the time being, is common at greatest. Parris Campbell had a breakout season in 2022 and parlayed that into a brand new contract with the Giants. Indianapolis changed him with former Payments wideout Isaiah McKenzie, however that’s not sufficient. Including one other receiver, maybe early within the draft, might go a great distance because the franchise enters a brand new period.

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Colts draft evaluation

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Will Levis’ pro-day efficiency offers Colts window into debate about him: What the Kentucky QB confirmed and the way it may or won’t match for Indianapolis.

C.J. Stroud exhibits Colts what they could be lacking at Ohio State professional day: A formidable professional day could make Indianapolis want it had made extra of an effort to commerce up for the No. 1 decide.

Colts 2023 NFL Draft large board 2.0: 10 gamers (and a couple of QBs) Indy could goal in rounds 1-3: Attainable choices to fill the Colts’ greatest wants.

The Athletic’s most up-to-date mock drafts

March 22: Beat author mock draft: QBs go shortly, shock commerce, Aaron Rodgers stalemate: James Boyd stands pat at No. 4 and takes the presumptive franchise quarterback of the longer term.

March 13: After Panthers commerce for No. 1, quarterbacks go 1-2-3-4: Ben Standig goes with Kentucky QB Will Levis at No. 4 after quarterbacks are taken with the highest three picks.

March 9: Colts 2023 mock draft 2.0: Staying put and taking an opportunity on Anthony Richardson

Colts’ final 5 prime picks

2022: WR Alec Pierce, decide No. 53 — Pierce started his rookie marketing campaign by dropping his first potential landing catch and getting concussed within the 2022 season opener in opposition to Houston, however he rebounded with a game-winning, 32-yard landing seize in opposition to Jacksonville in Week 6. The 22-year-old completed the yr with 41 receptions for 593 yards and two scores, displaying flashes of his potential regardless of Indianapolis’ struggles with three totally different beginning quarterbacks.

Alec Pierce catches a landing move in opposition to the Cowboys. (Kevin Jairaj / USA Right this moment)

2021: DE Kwity Paye, decide No. 21 — Paye took a step ahead in his second season, totaling profession highs of 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. The 24-year-old missed 5 video games as a result of an ankle damage, limiting his likelihood to proceed growing. If he can keep wholesome this yr, he’ll have an actual shot to blossom into one of many Colts’ prime defensive gamers.

2020: WR Michael Pittman Jr., decide No. 34 — Pittman has had 5 totally different beginning quarterbacks in three seasons, making it more durable to gauge his manufacturing or lack thereof. The 25-year-old isn’t the quickest wideout and doesn’t create a lot separation. Nonetheless, he’s made lots of contested catches and isn’t afraid of contact. Pittman’s registered 227 receptions for two,510 yards and 11 scores in three years, proving he can at the very least be an NFL workforce’s No. 2 receiver.

2019: CB Rock Ya-Sin, decide No. 34 — Drafting Ya-Sin was a giant miss by Ballard and firm. He’s the one participant chosen first by the Colts throughout the final 5 years who’s now not on the workforce. The 26-year-old began 13 video games as a rookie however backslid in 2020 and 2021 earlier than being traded to the Raiders forward of the 2022 season. Ya-Sin has solely snagged two interceptions in 52 profession video games.

2018: G Quenton Nelson, decide No. 6 — Nelson has already established himself as among the best offensive linemen in Colts historical past. The 27-year-old has been a Professional Bowler yearly of his profession and is a four-time All-Professional, highlighted by three first-team nods. He slipped slightly final season, failing to earn an All-Professional choice for the primary time. However assuming he bounces again in 2023, Nelson would proceed what’s shaping as much as be a Corridor of Fame profession.

(High photograph of Anthony Richardson: James Gilbert / Getty Photos)