The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2022 NFL Draft with a lack of draft capital due to their trade for Carson Wentz. Thanks to the Matt Ryan trade, Indianapolis no longer has an immediate need for a quarterback this year. Unfortunately, Indianapolis still has needs at wide receiver, tight end, left tackle, and cornerback. The Colts re-signed Mo Alie-Cox, Zaire Franklin, Tyquan Lewis, and Matt Pryor. The lone addition Indianapolis has made is cornerback Brandon Facyson. Zach Pascal and Mark Glowinski signed elsewhere. As a result, wide receiver is an even bigger need, while right guard will likely be filled by Danny Pinter for the 2022 season. With needs at skill positions for the newly acquired Ryan, that is a position the Colts desperately need to address in the draft.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
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Round 2, Pick 42: Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Even with Michael Pittman in the fold, the Colts desperately need to pair him with another receiver. While Watson could sneak into the first round due to the Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill trades, he was still on the board when the Colts were on the clock in the second round. At six-foot-four, Watson pairs his height with intense speed. At NDSU, Watson was used in multiple ways, including running back. The Colts love taking Senior Bowl players, and Watson dominated in Mobile.
For more on Watson, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 73: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
Outside of Facyson and slot cornerback Kenny Moore, the Colts don’t have a starting-caliber cornerback on the roster. Isaiah Rodgers flashed towards the end of the year, but the trading of Rock Ya-Sin hurt the cornerback room. Bryant is the “other” Cincinnati cornerback and would immediately provide as a second or third outside cornerback. Despite being targeted a ton this year, Bryant flashed, and the Colts would be wise to add him in the third round as he would provide a solid starting option.
For more on Bryant, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 122: Cordell Volson, OT, North Dakota State
Eric Fisher is still a free agent and could be back, but General Manager Chris Ballard spoke highly of Pryor on the Pat McAfee Show last week. Despite that, adding another player to the competition for the left tackle spot is necessary for Indianapolis. Volson developed immensely in his final two years at North Dakota State and is perhaps the most experienced player in the 2022 draft. Volson will head to the NFL after playing 65 games for the Bison and could be the left tackle of the future for Indianapolis.
Round 5, Pick 159: Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State
As stated earlier, Indianapolis desperately needs help at the cornerback position. Adding another cornerback in Lucas, who is another experienced player who shined at the Shrine Bowl, is an excellent decision, who also has inside-outside versatility. Ballard has been known to not attack the cornerback position as much as many would have liked, and by taking Lucas and Bryant, he shows that it is a priority in this draft.
Round 5, Pick 179: Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State
Another pick, another Senior Bowl prospect. This makes it four-for-five for Indianapolis and Senior Bowl prospects, with the other being a Shrine Bowl participant. With Jack Doyle‘s retirement, tight end is even more of a need, even with Alie-Cox returning. Kylen Granson was a great selection last year, but the Colts love using multiple tight end sets, and Bellinger is one of the best blocking tight ends in the class. While his catching production wasn’t the best, that’s primarily because San Diego State didn’t use him in that regard. With his athleticism, Bellinger is a fantastic value selection at the end of the fifth round.
Round 6, Pick 217: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
Adding Thornton gives the Colts another receiver to the fold to compete for a roster spot but also adds an element of speed to the roster. Parris Campbell hasn’t panned out, and while that may primarily be due to injury, the Colts need to look ahead. Thornton has dynamic athleticism and is an underrated receiver prospect who lives in the short areas due to his release and run after the catch, something the Colts haven’t had due to the injuries to Campbell.
Round 7, Pick 240: Smoke Monday, SAF, Auburn
With the loss of George Odum, the Colts need help behind Julian Blackmon and Khari Willis at the safety spot. Will Redmond and Marvell Tell are still on the roster, but more bodies need to be added to the fold from a competition standpoint. Monday can align at any position in the secondary or in the box and would provide an immediate impact on special teams.
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