Cubs Minor League Wrap: Owen Ayers breaks out in Smokies win
Owen Ayers hits first Double-A home run in Smokies win!
The Indianapolis Colts acquired cornerback Mekhi Blackmon from the Minnesota Vikings, who received a sixth-round pick in return. Blackmon started 11 games for the Colts in 2025, showcasing his potential despite some struggles.
The Colts traded a 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 196 overall) to acquire Mekhi Blackmon from the Vikings.
In 2025, Mekhi Blackmon played in all 17 games for the Colts, starting 11 and recording 64 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions.
The Vikings used the 196th pick to trade down, moving from 49 to 51, and acquired an additional sixth-round pick (No. 159).
The trade was significant as the Vikings needed cornerback depth, and Blackmon proved to be a valuable player for the Colts, highlighting a missed opportunity for Minnesota.
Owen Ayers hits first Double-A home run in Smokies win!
3 Key Takeaways from Rams Drafting Keagan Trost
Alabama's top players still available as NFL Draft enters Day 3

Brewers face tough challenge, losing to Cy Young winners in consecutive games.
Dallas Cowboys select Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham at No. 92 in the NFL draft.
Discover the best players available for the 49ers as Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft approaches!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The Vikings used the 196th pick in a trade down, falling back from 49 to 51. They got 51 and 159, so they moved up in the sixth round with the pick. We will update.
After starting only three games for the Vikings in a reserve role in 2023 and missing the entire 2024 season, the former third-round pick had his breakout campaign in 2025, playing in all 17 games for the Colts and starting 11. Blackmon finished the year with 64 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions. There were ups and downs, as Blackmon saw some struggles in coverage, but he stepped up for the Colts when needed after their slew of unexpected injuries. Overall, Blackmon was targeted 66 times, the most of any Colts cornerback according to PFF, and allowed a completion rate of 63.6 percent. He also gave up a passer rating of 93.2, while committing eight penalties. He also missed 10 tackles and had a missed tackle rate of 13.3 percent. So, there were some ups and downs, but Indianapolis found itself a serviceable depth cornerback who was thrown to the fire in 2025.
Following the Blackmon trade, the Vikings were tested at cornerback with their depth. They had Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers, who played almost 100 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in 2025, but their No. 3 corner was a question mark. Fabian Moreau, who was brought onto the practice squad and later signed, ended up playing a key role down the stretch. But Minnesota could’ve used the cornerback depth, and Blackmon ended up being a solid player for the Colts in 2025, stepping into a bigger role than expected. Now, Blackmon is best suited as a depth cornerback, so it wasn’t a major hit for 2025, but the Vikings did have a need at the position and traded away a potential solution there.