Let’s take a way-too-early look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft and see who the experts have the Indianapolis Colts selecting.
Is it too early to be looking at 2026 NFL mock drafts for the Indianapolis Colts? Yeah, probably. But are we going to do it anyway? Yes, we are.
Of course, nearly a full year out from when the 2026 NFL draft takes place, accurately trying to project who the Colts will actually take in the first round is a near-impossible task. Team needs can change quickly depending on how the upcoming NFL season unfolds, along with what happens in free agency next March.
Adding to the difficulty of doing a mock draft this far out is that the Colts find themselves in a situation where, if they don’t find some sustained success this season, big changes could be coming.
So, with all of that in mind, more than anything, I would use these mock drafts as one way to begin getting to know some of the top prospects heading into the 2025 college season.
To determine the draft order for these mocks, analysts used the current Super Bowl odds, which have the Colts picking in the top 10. And if that is actually the case next year, you can probably pencil in a quarterback for Indianapolis.
Here is who the Colts are taking in some way-too-early 2026 mocks:
ESPN: TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson
Jordan Reid: “Parker had a breakout season in 2024, with 11 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. He is a versatile player capable of playing from multiple pre-snap alignments and stances, using his length as a run defender and closing speed in the pass rush.”
CBS Sports: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
Josh Edwards: “Indianapolis went tight end in the first round as expected, but it is important to identify pieces to that interior defensive line in the coming years. The hope is that Woods continues on his upward trajectory.”
Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman: “Leavitt had a brilliant first season as Arizona State’s starter and is poised to become the engine of the Sun Devils’ offense after Cam Skattebo’s departure to the NFL. Leavitt’s 88.9 PFF overall grade ranked ninth among qualified quarterbacks last season, while his 1.1% turnover-worthy play rate tied for third.”
Bleacher Report: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Brent Sobleski: “The former 5-start recruit has the size and ample arm talent to lead an NFL franchise at a high level. As long as he continues to show improvement with his decision-making and overall consistency, he should easily find himself in the top-10 conversation.”
33rd Team: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs: “The Colts are entering 2025 with what has been described as an open competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones at quarterback. Richardson will need a big year to take the pressure and negative perception off his status with the team. Jim Irsay would not be mad about landing (another) Manning.”
Athlon Sports: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling: “No matter who wins the quarterback battle in Indy this year, finding a true franchise left tackle to protect that passer will likely remain a priority next season. Mauigoa is a powerful, athletic prospect with the physical traits and upside to lock that premium position down for the Colts.”
Pro Football Network: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante: “You could make the case that Caleb Downs is the best overall player in college football entering 2025. He’s a well-built, highly intelligent defensive back with elite range, sharp processing, and positional versatility. He’s effective in coverage, disruptive against the run, and brings strong ball skills and effort as a downhill tackler. He also happens to be the younger brother of Colts wide receiver Josh Downs — a bonus for Indy.”