Colts forget about addressing a top need in 7-round 2026 mock draft

With the 2026 NFL draft approaching, Pro Football Network put together a seven-round mock draft. So, who did the Indianapolis Colts come away with?

Despite what was a fairly active free agency period for the Colts, Chris Ballard still has work to do. Defensive end and linebacker remain priorities. The wide receiver unit could be addressed as well, while adding depth at safety and to the offensive line should be in play.

That, however, will have to be accomplished with a modest seven total draft picks, including only two in the top 100. Ballard has already hinted strongly at wanting to trade back at some point.

Let's break down Alec Elijah's selections for the Colts.

Day 2 draft picks for Colts in mock

• Pick 47: Skyler Bell, WR, UCONN

• Pick 78: Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati

• While I did say wide receiver should be addressed, I don't know how I feel about doing that at pick No. 47. The WR3 role may be up for grabs, but the Colts do still have Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren to impact the passing game.

• I suppose taking a receiver right away is easier to digest with the Colts landing Golday in the third round, but I wouldn't bank on that happening either. Golday is the 52nd-ranked prospect overall on this year's consensus big board.

Early to mid Day 3 draft picks for Colts in mock

• Pick 113: Logan Jones, C, Iowa

• Pick 156: Markell Bell, OT, Miami

• Pick 214: Vincent Anthony Jr., ED, Duke

• I can't see Ballard spending two draft picks on backup offensive linemen, given that he faces a must-win season, but this is a unit short on experienced depth. If someone has to be called on off the bench, there will be real question marks.

• Waiting until pick No. 214 to address a top need is a missed opportunity, especially in a draft class with a lot of Day 2 talent at this position.

Colts late Day 3 picks in mock

• Pick 249: Isaiah Nwokobia, S, SMU

• Pick 254: Chip Trayanum, RB, Toledo

• Even with the free agency additions at safety, I don't mind continuing to add to this group. It's not as if we know what to expect from whoever ends up starting next to Cam Bynum.

• Running back depth is a low-key need. Behind Jonathan Taylor at the moment are only DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley. That said, with relatively limited draft capital, does Ballard have the luxury of addressing this need with a draft pick, considering that Taylor will take the bulk of the snaps?

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Colts miss out on adding to key position of need