Updated Jan. 21, 2026, 10:38 a.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts do not have a first-round draft pick in 2026. So, using Mel Kiper’s first mock draft as our guide, which prospects could the Colts potentially miss out on in Round 1?
The Colts do not own a first-round pick in 2026 — or 2027 — after trading for Sauce Gardner at last season’s deadline.
“I would still do the move again today,” said GM Chris Ballard after the season. “Those guys are not easy to find.”
So instead of picking at 16th overall, that selection belongs to the New York Jets.
From the sounds of it, the defense will be a big priority for the Colts this offseason. Ballard mentioned the need to add “more fuel” to the defensive front, along with wanting to get younger and faster on that side of the ball.
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Based on how Kiper’s mock shook out, here is who the Colts could have possibly taken had they owned their first-round draft pick.
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio StateCJ Allen, LB, GeorgiaAkheem Mesidor, DE, MiamiPeter Woods, DT, ClemsonKayden McDonald, DT, Ohio StateCaleb Banks, DT, FloridaCashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
The Colts’ first selection will come in Round 2 at pick No. 47 overall. In total, the Colts have five draft picks currently, but are projected to get two more compensatory selections.
“It does put a premium on making sure those second, third, fourth round picks end up being really good,” GM Chris Ballard said of not having a first-round pick.