Previewing Colts' quarterback position ahead of 2026 NFL draft

With the 2026 NFL draft near, we will be taking a position-by-position look at where things stand with the Indianapolis Colts.

The draft will take place from Apr. 23-25. The Colts have a modest seven draft picks at the moment, including just two in the top 100. GM Chris Ballard, however, has hinted strongly at wanting to gain additional capital. That, in part, could come from trading Kenny Moore.

Up first in our draft preview are the quarterbacks.

Colts' quarterbacks under contract

• Daniel Jones
• Anthony Richardson
• Riley Leonard
• Seth Henigan

Colts' offseason departures at quarterback

None -- as of now. The Colts are attempting to trade Anthony Richardson.

What is the Colts' need at quarterback?

With Daniel Jones under contract, the need here is low. The Colts put all of their offseason eggs in the Daniel Jones basket, believing that the success that he had through the first half of last season can be repeated and sustained, even with him coming off a major injury.

Assuming the Colts do find a trade partner for Anthony Richardson, that still leaves them with Riley Leonard as the team's backup. Leonard impressed during his Week 18 start against Houston last season, showcasing that he is ready to fill that backup role.

Perhaps after the draft, the Colts will sign a UDFA to compete with Seth Henigan for the third quarterback spot on the depth chart. Given the needs on the roster elsewhere, and that Ballard is in a must-win season, he may not have the luxury of using a draft pick -- even a late round selection -- on this position group.

The Colts have reportedly had LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton in on official draft visits.

Top quarterback prospects in 2026 NFL draft

With help from the consensus big board, here are the top quarterbacks available in this year's draft:

• 1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
• 31. Ty Simpson, Alabama
• 82. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
• 112. Cole Payton, NDSU
• 116. Drew Allar, Penn State
• 124. Carson Beck, Miami
• 150. Taylen Green, Arkansas
• 195. Cade Klubnik, Clemson
• 225. Sawyer Robertson, Baylor
• 237. Luke Altmyer, Illinois
• 279. Joe Fagnano, UCONN
• 295. Jalon Daniels, Kansas

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Where Indianapolis Colts stand at quarterback