The Indianapolis Colts' intentions on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft might be becoming clear.
The Indianapolis Colts recently hosted Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II for an official predraft 30 visit, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
"Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell II is visiting with the Packers, Commanders, and 49ers this week, the last few in a jam-packed visit schedule," Rapoport posted on X. "Last week, the talented pass-catcher had Top 30 visits with the Panthers, Colts, and AZCardinals."
On the surface, this is obvious due diligence for the Colts to conduct. They have traded away receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and AD Mitchell over the last several months, and Brazzell is an early-round prospect who could develop into an explosive playmaker for the Colts.
However, if you look beyond Brazzell at other recent visits for the Colts, you see a trend.
Brazzell joins Georgia State's Ted Hurst and Louisville's Chris Bell as receivers who have recently taken 30 visits with the Colts. Along with Brazzell, Hurst and Bell are both widely considered to be picked between the top 50 and 100 selections in next week's NFL Draft, which would be between the second and third rounds.
The Colts currently hold one pick each in the second (47th) and third (78th) rounds. Are their intentions to replace Pittman and Mitchell in this range?
Brazzell (6'4", 198, 22 years old) is the latest notable receiver prospect out of Tennessee, and while many others have failed to catch on in the NFL, Brazzell has plenty of traits to indicate that he could be a hit.
He's a height-weight-speed prospect who ran a 4.37 in the 40 at the Scouting Combine. His speed allows him to eat up the cushion given by cornerbacks, and he quickly gains separation. Brazzell beats defenders deep but also picks up yardage after the catch.
He's a better route runner than many players his size, and he can win most jumpball situations.
Brazzell is a three-year starter with college production (136 career catches for 2,072 yards and 16 touchdowns), which is another indicator that he can contribute at some reasonable level as a rookie.
At present, without Pittman and Mitchell, the Colts will have Alec Pierce and Josh Downs starting at receiver, likely with Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine rotating in as well. Tight end Tyler Warren is also likely to absorb a bigger role in the passing game.
Adding a receiver on Day 2 in the second or third round, whether it's Brazzell, Hurst, Bell, or someone else, is nearing likelihood.