Indianapolis Colts ‘Very High’ on Defensive NFL Draft Prospect

At times, the Indianapolis Colts looked like one of the NFL’s best teams last season. Yet, in the weeks leading up to Daniel Jones‘ season-ending Achilles tear, the Colts began to slip. But that didn’t prevent them from going all-in, trading their first-round pick in 2026, plus their top selection in 2027, in exchange for All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Now, as we approach next Thursday’s 2026 NFL Draft, the Colts find themselves in a tough spot, with no first-round selection and no picks until No. 47. The only other pick Indianapolis has in the top 116 selections is in the third round, at No. 78.

That makes projecting who will be available once the Colts are on the clock incredibly difficult, but Indianapolis has taken a liking to some specific mid-round prospects. Now we even know who.

According to Essentially Sports’ NFL insider Tony Pauline, the Colts are “very high” on Kaleb Elarms-Orr. The TCU linebacker’s stock is on the rise, and he’s currently projected to land on Day 2, where the Colts have the 47th and 78th picks.

“Elarms-Orr is a pure off-ball linebacker whose game and draft stock have taken off over the past nine months,” Pauline wrote. “Entering the season graded anywhere from the late rounds to the middle of Day 3, Elarms-Orr turned in a terrific senior campaign and then stood out in pre-draft scouting events such as the Senior Bowl and combine. He’s cemented himself as a Day 2 pick and could slide into the initial 60 picks.”

Pauline adds that the Broncos, Texans, Panthers, and Vikings are also “very high” on Elarms-Orr and they’ve all interviewed him, just like the Colts. Elarms-Orr has drawn strong marks for his athleticism and quickness, but negatives for his football IQ, which could develop with NFL coaching.

Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Trades Take Over First Round of NFL Draft