After trading their first-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft to acquire defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, the Indianapolis Colts currently won’t be selecting until the No. 34 overall pick.
Moving out of the first round for the second year in a row, there is always a chance the Colts move back into Day 1 if they see a prospect they really like. As it stands, however, the Colts’ first pick in the draft comes in at No. 34.
With just over a month left until the draft, here are 16 prospects the Colts could consider at No. 34:
Jordan Love, QB: It’s likely a stretch that Love is available given his upside, but his concerns could see him fall. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see a team snag him late in the first round to secure the fifth-round option though.
Jacob Eason, QB: Blessed with a rocket arm, Eason is a bit rough around the edges, but he’s fun to watch. He certainly would need to sit a year behind Philip Rivers, but the traits might be enough for the Colts to pull the trigger.
Denzel Mims, WR: Potentially a late first-round pick, Mims would be a dream selection for the Colts at No. 34. He has the skills and athleticism to be their WR1.
Tee Higgins, WR: Contested catch ability and prototypical size to work as an X-receiver, Higgins could be on the radar for the Colts, who desperately need an infusion of top-end talent in the wide receiver room.
Jalen Reagor, WR: Reagor didn’t have the best combine showing, testing in the fifth percentile in the three-cone drill. But he has intriguing traits on tape that likely keeps his stock high enough in the second round for consideration.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR: He’s not a burner, but he’s explosive and creates well after the catch. He can be versatile on the outside and in the slot. Getting him the ball quick and watching him work would be perfect for Rivers.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR: His draft stock is polarizing. He might go in the late first round or he might fall to the second. A potential X-receiver, Shenault Jr. should certainly be in the conversation at No. 34.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR: Making him a big slot might be the way to go and while the lacked production in college, he might find better success in the NFL with a better quarterback.
Terrell Lewis, EDGE: The Colts need help on the edge, and Lewis is an intriguing Day 2 pick who might fit exactly what Chris Ballard wants to add to the defensive line.
Josh Jones, OT: Anthony Castonzo is returning but the future at the left tackle position is unknown. Jones is likely a volatile prospect, but the athleticism and ceiling might be worth it.
Lucas Niang, OT: As an athletic and high-ceiling prospect, Niang might need to develop consistency with his pass sets. But that’s an area of specialty for the Colts and their offensive line coaching staff. The payoff could turn into the future at left tackle.
Neville Gallimore, IDL: Potentially a Day 1 pick, Gallimore is a perfect fit for the Colts front working as a one-gap penetrator. Working with Grover Stewart would be a nice duo at the one-technique.
Ross Blacklock, IDL: Blacklock has met with the Colts and his skill set blend perfectly with their penetrating front. He has the size to work at both the one-technique and the three-technique.
Raekwon Davis, IDL: There are legit questions about his loafing but if the Colts can tap into it and get him to buy in, he might be a steal on Day 2.
Justin Madubuike, IDL: Though it might be a little early, Ballard doesn’t mind spending up a bit for a player who could find immense success in the defensive scheme. Madubuike is a wonderful fit for the Colts.
Trevon Diggs, CB: The Colts met with Diggs this offseason and with the room growing stronger, they could potentially round it off with another boundary corner who thrives in zone coverage.
