Indianapolis Colts 2026 Mock Draft Has Eye-Opening Position Early

On the latest episode of the Locked On Colts podcast, on the Locked On Podcast network, hosts Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks present their latest 2026 Indianapolis Colts mock draft.

Each making seven picks for the Colts — one each from Rounds 2-6, and then two in Round 7 — Jake and Zach preview how things could unfold for the Colts in late April.

*A reminder that the Colts do not presently hold a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, and they are projected to receive sixth and seventh-round compensatory picks.

Round 2: WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame

If the Colts move on from Michael Pittman Jr., Fields fills the hole instantly as a height/weight/speed (6'4", 218) playmaker, whose best football is ahead of him. He gives you some of what both Pittman and Alec Pierce offer.

Round 3: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State

With both DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart entering their age-32 seasons (and with Buckner coming off neck surgery), the Colts need to start planning for the next chapter at defensive tackle. Jackson (6'5", 328) is a mammoth who could be a stalwart for the Colts against the run for years to come.

Round 4: LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU

The Colts will likely need to replace WILL linebacker Germaine Pratt, and Perkins is an intriguing run-and-chase linebacker prospect who is above average at rushing the passer.

Round 5: DE Vincent Anthony Jr., Duke

Indy is likely going to remake its edge group, with Laiatu Latu and JT Tuimoloau being the only notable returning players. Anthony would be a solid rotational player to provide some of the run-stopping and power off the edge that Tuimoloau brings.

Round 6: LB Eric Gentry, USC

You have to have a clear plan in which you have strong conviction for a player like Gentry, who is 6'6", 221, with 10-1/2" hands, and over 35" arms. Maybe Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, dubbed by former players as "The Mad Scientist," would know what to do. Regardless of whether Gentry is used at linebacker or edge, he needs time to develop and add power to his frame. Early returns could see him specialize on the field goal and punt block units.

Round 7: S Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame

Anarumo utilizes three-safety looks quite often and could need to replace free agent Rodney Thomas II, who saw 150 snaps as the deep safety last year. Stroman has excellent coverage skills in short areas and can be brought down into the slot to cover tight ends and running backs. While he has the coverage skills of a free safety, he likes to get physical in the box like a strong safety.

Round 7: OL Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State

It didn't pan out for Onianwa to be one of the Buckeyes' next great tackles after transferring from Rice, but projecting him inside at guard could be where he's best suited. At 6'7", 331, he has rare size, and he's got the filled-out frame and power to go with it, but his quickness reflects a player of his size, making it difficult to trust him on an island outside. The Colts need quality depth on the offensive line and players capable of playing both inside and out.

Round 2: S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

If the Colts lose Nick Cross in free agency, they'll have a big hole to fill. Thieneman has above-average instincts in the box, as the ultra-productive Cross does, but an even more superior feel for the game in coverage.

Round 3: LB Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Lawson is another WILL linebacker prospect with plus ability in coverage and the cherry on top of being a productive pass rusher. He's also aggressive against the run and looks to make things happen rather than waiting for the ball to come to him.

Round 4: WR Skyler Bell, UConn

Bell gets separation with the best of them, as he is both quick and fast, and his production last season makes him an intriguing prospect. He had 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns last year for the Huskies. Despite his frame of 5'11", 187, his mobility, inside-outside versatility, and ball production indicate he'll contribute early in the NFL.

Round 5: OT Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M

Not only do the Colts love a massive offensive tackle prospect, which Crownover is at 6'7", 331, but he also has the caveat of being a former tight end, which has also been a common trait among Colts tackle prospects. Indy needs someone behind Bernhard Raimann and whoever is the right tackle in 2026 between Jalen Travis and free agent Braden Smith. Blake Freeland is the next tackle up.

Round 6: DT Zxavian Harris, Ole Miss

Speaking of big guys, how does 6'8", 330 from the defensive tackle spot sound? Harris is as powerful as you would hope with that frame, but he needs to learn to play with better pad level, which is easier said than done for a player with the height of a frontcourt NBA player.

Round 7: IOL Fernanda Carmona, Arkansas

The Colts' interior O-line depth is a bit uninspiring right now, with Dalton Tucker, Josh Sills, Bill Murray, LaDarius Henderson, and Jimmy Morrissey as the current competitors behind the starters. Carmona has experience starting at tackle and guard, but his grappling style and lack of high-quality mobility make him a better interior prospect, potentially even as a Danny Pinter replacement if he departs in free agency.

Round 7: LB Owen Heinecke, Oklahoma

The Colts seem to always find a way to land a late-round/undrafted linebacker who stands out on special teams, and that could be Heinecke this year. He lacks the instincts and awareness on defense to be confident in his fit there, but as a see-ball, get-ball player, special teams should be his calling card.

You can find the audio version of the latest episode on the official Locked On Colts site, or by 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.