This week on the Locked On Colts podcast, the guys do their first Mock Draft Monday of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.
This week on the Locked On Colts podcast, on the Locked On Podcast network, hosts Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks start their first mock draft of the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.
Without a first-round pick this year, the guys start in Round 2 as each makes a selection for the Indianapolis Colts, they move on to Round 3, and then list several players who make sense on Day 3. The catch? The haul can only be made strictly of players from the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.
First, Jake selects Missouri defensive end Zion Young in Round 2. While Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis is the dream, a potentially high-end pass rusher is too good to pass up. With explosion and power, Young has the ability to upgrade Kwity Paye's spot in a short amount of time.
Meanwhile, Zach stays on the defensive line, selecting Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter. A space-eating nose tackle, Hunter is a robust but slippery player who affects the backfield more than most nose tackles.
In Round 3, Jake went to the defense's second level and took Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher. The Ducks defender stood out as a run defender during 11-on-11s in Mobile, but his abilities in pass coverage would immediately improve the middle of the field for the Colts' defense.
Zach's third-round pick was another defensive lineman, Michigan edge defender Derrick Moore. Similar to Young, Moore is a powerful edge defender whose attributes should make him an early contributor. Many big, powerful edges are good run defenders first before developing a pass-rush prowess, but Moore is a better pass rusher right now. That shows a promising future as a potentially formidable edge presence.
The guys then list their Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) possibilities, highlighted by numerous offensive linemen and defensive backs.
The Colts don't necessarily need any new starters on the offensive line, but they do need depth and someone to push Jalen Travis as the starting right tackle (if Braden Smith is not re-signed). Likewise, the secondary may have to replace safety Nick Cross or even cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr.
You can find the audio version of the latest episode on the official Locked On Colts site, or following on YouTube:
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Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.