New Mock Draft Gives Colts Instant-Impact Players Through Four Rounds

Now that the first couple of weeks of NFL free agency have passed, the league's landscape will soon begin transitioning into full-blown draft mode.

Mock drafts have already become rampant, and with a team like the Indianapolis Colts lacking a first-round pick this year, multi-round mock drafts from reputable resources can become irresistible for fans.

One recent four-round mock from NFL.com, put together by Chad Reuter, gives the Colts a few things that they desperately need: a starting linebacker, someone to help replace Michael Pittman Jr., and immediate contributors.

Here are Reuter's selections paired with my own analysis for each pick.

LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

The Colts finally made a move at linebacker recently, signing free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither. He is a multi-impact player who, when used optimally, will be set loose to run-and-chase as well as rush the passer. Now reunited with Lou Anarumo, Davis-Gaither's former defensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals, Davis-Gaither is penciled in as the team's new starting WILL linebacker. That leaves a need for a starting MIKE linebacker to replace Zaire Franklin.

Rodriguez has a fascinating background and is one of only a few ideal options to be an instant-impact MIKE linebacker, calling the defense as the green dot. He played at Virginia as a true freshman in 2021, at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. He transferred to Texas Tech in 2022 and converted to linebacker, a role he would stay in and develop into a star.

Rodriguez became a team captain and has started for the last two years. His laundry list of accomplishments is seemingly never-ending. On the field, he's a true three-down player with elite instincts who tracks the ball carrier with precision, moves well in coverage, and makes a ton of plays on the ball. Over the last three years, Rodriguez has forced 12 fumbles, recovered five, has six interceptions, and 12 pass breakups. That goes along with 22.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.

WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

There are a couple of angles to consider with the Colts adding a receiver like Sarratt to replace Pittman, whom they traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in early March. The Colts almost always covet elite athletes or elite separators at receiver, neither of which Sarratt is. However, Sarratt and Pittman are somewhat similar players with similar skill sets; you just wonder if perhaps the Colts would like to take the opportunity to upgrade athletically.

However, if the Colts see Sarratt for his strengths — a sure-handed chain-mover who picks up tough yards over the middle and makes contested catches — then they are in the market for that.

S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State

The Colts no longer have a significant need at safety after recently signing Juanyeh Thomas and Jonathan Owens. However, those were both one-year deals. Also, they lost Rodney Thomas II in free agency, who was their third safety and saw 150 defensive snaps last year.

Wheatley has good size (6'3", 203) and athleticism as a free safety, and the willingness to be physical and go up into the box, which should earn him some playing time beyond just a special teams role early in his career.

Wheatley is a two-year starter and four-year contributor whose comfort level and confidence on the field continue to grow. Since 2024, he has 170 tackles (4.5 for loss), four interceptions, three fumbles recovered, and five pass breakups.

The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thurs., April 23, with Round 1 beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET. Day 2, which includes Rounds 2 and 3, begins on Fri., April 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The third and final day, which includes Rounds 4, 5, 6, and 7, begins at 12:00 p.m. ET on Sat., April 25.