These six players are commonly mocked to go ahead of the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft, but could still find themselves on the team.
The Indianapolis Colts dealt their first-round pick in this and next year's drafts to the New York Jets in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
However, the Colts could still find themselves picking a player who'd originally been projected to go in the first round, as they are slated to make their first pick at No. 47.
Below are six players whose draft stock has placed them around the first round for much or all of the 2026 pre-draft process, but for one reason or another, could slip into the Colts' territory midway through the second round.
Nov 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Christen Miller (52) and linebacker CJ Allen (3) celebrate after a victory over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesLB C.J. Allen, Georgia
Why He Could Go Early: Allen is a smart MIKE linebacker who makes very few mistakes. He's a good leader and communicator, and plays adequately against the run and pass.
Why He May Slide: He lacks the height (6'0") and length (31" arms) desired for modern linebackers, he lacks any elite attributes, and he's not much of a playmaker. In 41 career games, Allen has just one interception and two forced fumbles. Other players, such as Jacob Rodriguez, Anthony Hill Jr., and Jake Golday, offer much higher upside.
Fit With Colts: The Colts need a MIKE linebacker after trading Zaire Franklin away, and while Allen could be a startable, three-down player for Indy, they're looking for players with more upside and more enticing traits.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20. Mandatory Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-UnionDT Caleb Banks, Florida
Why He Could Go Early: Banks is 6'6", 327, with 35-inch arms, but he moves like a much smaller man without losing the power that comes with that size. He missed most of 2025 with a foot injury, but looked great during the Senior Bowl and at the Combine.
Why He May Slide: After missing most of 2025 with a foot injury, he suffered another injury to the same foot during the Combine, which is expected to keep him out until June. Two foot injuries in less than a year for a person that size is concerning.
Fit With Colts: Some teams may give a medical red flag to Banks for the repeated foot injuries, but if the Colts fully investigate and clear him, then he's a home run fit to be the heir apparent to 32-year-old Grover Stewart. Banks' quickness and athleticism at his size is something that any team would covet.
Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) rushes the line past Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Markel Bell (70) during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesED Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Why He Could Go Early: Howell is an explosive, flexible speed rusher with college production, giving Bowling Green and Texas A&M 35.5 tackles for loss and 27.0 sacks.
Why He May Slide: It's a crowded edge group in the top three rounds. For teams that prefer more size, length, and power at the edge position, Howell may not be their cup of tea. He also has some of the shortest recorded arms (30-1/4") for an edge rusher in Combine history, which is a big red flag for edge evaluations.
Fit With Colts: Defensive end is arguably the Colts' biggest need, and while Howell's play style fits the "fast ball" that Colts general manager Chris Ballard wants in an edge player, the Colts are another team that would prefer to have size, length, and power at the position. Would they view Howell as enough of an exception to their rules?
Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn ImagesS Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Why He Could Go Early: McNeil-Warren has terrific size and athleticism for the safety position. He's got toughness and is built like a strong safety, but also has the range and ball skills of a free safety, having 16 combined interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries in his career.
Why He May Slide: The NFL doesn't put safeties on a pedestal, and McNeil-Warren has to compete with Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman for attention at the position. McNeil-Warren is a terrific prospect, but Downs and Thieneman are special.
Fit With Colts: The Colts lost strong safety Nick Cross in free agency. McNeil-Warren would come in and likely eventually become the Colts' best safety. His loyalty to Toledo, his blend of size and athleticism, his toughness, playing special teams throughout his career, and his special ball skill traits likely have Ballard smitten.
Dec 7, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end T.J. Parker (3) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the 2024 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesED T.J. Parker, Clemson
Why He Could Go Early: There's almost nothing Parker has that teams don't want: size and length (nearly 6'4", 263, 33" arms), athleticism, power, and college production (41.5 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks in 39 career games).
Why He May Slide: Parker and the rest of Clemson had a severe down year in 2025. He went from 19.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks in 2024 to 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks in 2025. Parker is also part of a deep edge group like Howell is. If not for Arvell Reese, David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., Akheem Mesidor, and Keldric Faulk all being ranked high, Parker wouldn't have business getting out of Round 1.
Fit With Colts: The Colts would be incredibly fortunate to land Parker. He has the size, strength, length, and power they want, and would be a no-doubt starter for them opposite of Laiatu Latu.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) sacks South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) after the Tigers’ 28-14 win at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C. Saturday, November 29, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard / USA Today Co Inc SCDT Peter Woods, Clemson
Why He Could Go Early: Woods is strong and explosive, with obvious room for growth. He has 12.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks in the last two years.
Why He May Slide: Teams may have a preference for bigger players like Kayden McDonald, Christen Miller, or Banks. They have better size and length that teams may be looking for.
Fit With Colts: The Colts have a bit of a crowded group at three-tech, but DeForest Buckner will be 32 this season and is coming off of a neck injury. Colby Wooden and Adetomiwa Adebawore are also entering contract years. If Woods can add more bulk to play one-tech behind Stewart, this is a much better fit.