INDIANAPOLIS – There have been signings, re-signings and a few trades.
Quarterbacks have changed zip codes and a slew of accomplished running backs are wearing different jerseys. Imagine the reception Saquon Barkley is going to get when the Philadelphia Eagles walk into MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants in MetLife Stadium.
And imagine life in the NFL without Aaron Donald. Quarterbacks are rejoicing, but the league won’t be the same without his rare talent.
The Indianapolis Colts have retained or extended six significant players, re-signed a few others and added experienced depth at defensive tackle (Raekwon Davis) and quarterback (Joe Flacco).
One move – every move – impacts what’s to come.
That’s our usual long-winded way of getting into Monday’s work: exploring updated versions of several mock drafts. As was the case roughly a month ago, there’s no consensus on how general manager Chris Ballard will invest the No. 15 overall pick in the April 25 draft.
A cornerback? Possibly. A receiver? That’s our preference. A pass rusher? Could be. Brock Bowers? That would really be interesting.
How others are seeing things:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
Selection: WR Brian Thomas, Jr., LSU.
Previous: Not available.
Comment: Although the Colts have made it clear that Michael Pittman Jr. isn’t going anywhere, they’ll be looking for ways to upgrade on the outside for QB Anthony Richardson. At 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, Thomas is a premier athlete (4.33 40-yard dash) and a better route runner than most think.
Ryan McCrystal, Sharp Football Analysis
Selection: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia.
Previous: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson.
Comment: This probably isn’t the most pressing need, but having one of the league’s most athletically unique tight ends as a weapon for one of the most athletically unique quarterbacks (Anthony Richardson) will be tempting.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
Selection: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Previous: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Comment: The Colts have proven they value traits, and this Clemson product is the big-time-traits corner in this year’s draft.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN
Selection: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama.
Previous: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State.
Comment: Indianapolis got solid cornerback play from rookies JuJu Brents (round 2) and Jaylon Jones (round 7) last season, but it has to keep improving there. Frankly, the Colts need a talent injection on their entire defense, which is why I could see them picking the best available defender here.
Field Yates, ESPN
Selection: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama.
Previous: Arnold.
Comment: Extending Michael Pittman Jr. means receiver isn't a massive hole that requires first-round attention, and it means Indy can pivot to its other big need. The Colts retained cornerback Kenny Moore II on a three-year deal, but he plays in the slot, so outside cornerback should probably be the target position here. Arnold offers high-end ball skills (five interceptions last season), instincts, toughness and physicality.
Matt Miller, ESPN
Selection: DE Jared Verse, Florida State.
Previous: Not updated since Feb. 8.
Comment: I’m going off the assumption the Colts will franchise tag wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (signed to three-year, $70 million contract), and that would open the door for a pass-rusher here. The Colts have used recent draft picks on defensive ends in the first and second rounds with mixed results, and despite posting 51 sacks in 2023 (ranking fifth), they still lack a premier player at the position. Verse is a true 4-3 defensive end at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, and he posted nine sacks in 2023. With Verse opposite Kwity Paye and flanking DeForest Buckner, the front four could be a handful in Indy.
Jordan Reid, ESPN
Selection: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama.
Previous: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia.
Comment: The already young Colts cornerback room has JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones in the fold, but Arnold has way more upside. . . . he has experience at all secondary positions. A smooth coverman and consistent tackler, Arnold has traits the Colts have sought in the past, and he comes into the NFL off a five-interception season.
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus
Selection: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia.
Previous: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama.
Comment: This is a common mock draft choice, but it’s an easy one to make if Bowers falls this far — which I believe is realistic. Bowers could be in for plenty of early targets from quarterback Anthony Richardson.
If not Bowers, one of the top cornerbacks could be in the mix here.
Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Selection: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama.
Previous: Not available.
Comment: The Colts re-signed just about everyone this offseason, so the team is largely set. QB Anthony Richardson gets healthy, and you’re in the mix in the AFC South—easy as that. But the Colts’ pass rush last season, which was electric, hid some poor cornerback play on the outside. While Indianapolis has interesting young players at the position already, nobody who has played well enough or been taken with enough draft capital to deter them from Arnold, who moves like an elite CB1. He’s a little undersized, but that’s the only question mark I’ve got.
Garrett Podell, CBS Sports
Selection: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia.
Previous: Bowers.
Comment: The Colts need another big-bodied target over the middle in addition to Michael Pittman Jr., and Brock Bowers falls into their laps as a one of the best tight end prospects in years. He is the SEC's all-time leader for tight ends in catches (175), receiving yards (2,538) and receiving touchdowns (26) -- and all those figures were also the most among TEs from 2021-2023.
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports
Selection: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama.
Previous: Not available.
Comment: I’m a big Terrion Arnold fan. He improved considerably as the season went on and can be used in a variety of ways. You can put him outside, in the slot or even at safety. He's a true Swiss Army knife of a defensive back.
Connor Rogers, NBC Sports
Selection: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Previous: Not available.
Comment: Bowers’ fall ends at the Colts’ pick. They have a promising young head coach and a solid roster built by Chris Ballard. Michael Pittman and Josh Downs are more than capable pass-catching weapons for Anthony Richardson, but Bowers gives them a unique threat that can line up anywhere.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.