Execs weigh in on Colts draft class; reevaluate Sauce Gardner trade

Many draft analysts think quite highly of the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 NFL draft class, but what about those within league circles?

The Athletic's Mike Sando recently provided insight into all 32 draft classes after speaking with anonymous executives to get their thoughts.

The Colts' first pick wasn't until 53 overall on Day 2 after initially trading down from pick 47. As we know, the reason that the Colts did not have a first-round pick was because that selection -- along with Indianapolis' 2027 first-round pick -- was traded to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner at last year's deadline.

Gardner was, unfortunately, limited to only four games with the Colts, but when on the field, he played at a high level. In those games, Gardner allowed a completion rate of 54%, giving up just 7.3 yards per catch, with three pass breakups. His presence on the field also changed how Lou Anarumo called games, allowing the Colts' defensive coordinator to be much more aggressive.

Had the Colts retained their first-round pick, they would have been picking 16th overall. But one exec said that even with that selection, the Colts weren't going to land a player of Gardner's caliber.

"They would not have gotten a Sauce Gardner picking where they were going to pick, whether that was at 16 or later in the round,” an exec told Sando. “That verdict on that trade is going to be determined by their next first-round pick, and what that looks like.”

Those who Sando spoke with also seem to be bullish about the Colts' draft class. Adding CJ Allen helps provide stability at linebacker -- a massive need before the draft -- providing the Colts with a Day 1 starter at the MIKE position, and a long-term answer at the position.