Jan. 14, 2026, 8:57 p.m. ET
If you were the Indianapolis Colts’ general manager, which of these prospects would you select in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft?
Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft machine, I simulated through the first 46 selections in the draft until the Colts were on the clock at pick No. 47 overall in the second round. After trading for Sauce Gardner, the Colts do not have a first-round selection.
Utilizing PFF’s big board, here were the top five prospects available — excluding the running backs and tight ends — at that selection:
Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami: Mesidor is listed at 6-3 – 280 pounds. He recorded 63 pressures and 11 sacks this past season. He was one of PFF’s highest graded run defenders as well.
Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern: Over 430 pass-blocking snaps, Tiernan gave up three sacks and 13 pressures. He graded out much better in pass protection than as a run blocker.
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Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama: Lawson recorded 14 pressures as a blitzer, held pass catchers to 7.6 yards per catch in coverage, and had two pass breakups. He made 87 of his 104 tackle attempts.
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon: Thieneman has experience in his career playing both deep safety and strong safety. This past year, most of his snaps came in the box. He logged two interceptions, four pass breakups, and gave up just 8.1 yards per catch. He was a very reliable tackler as well.
LT Overton, ED, Alabama: Overton is listed at 6-5 – 278 pounds. He recorded 24 pressures and five sacks this season. In 2024, he had a very good run defense grade from PFF.
So, after assessing what the Colts’ biggest positional needs are and who is available on the big board, which prospect would you select?