March 15, 2026, 8:47 a.m. ET

How has the first wave of NFL free agency potentially impacted how the Indianapolis Colts go about the early portion of the 2026 NFL draft?

The Colts have been relatively active up to this point, re-signing several of their own free agents, along with making a handful of outside additions.

From a salary cap standpoint, the Colts are positioned to make more additions in free agency. However, at this stage of free agency, options are limited when it comes to finding high-impact players.

Despite the moves made already, there are still several roster holes that have to be addressed by Ballard, and the NFL draft will play a key role in that. With only two picks in the top 100, Ballard has to make those selections count.

Given the current construction of the Colts’ roster a week into free agency, let’s run through a three-round 2026 NFL mock draft, using Pro Football Network’s simulator.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

For the complete list of Colts’ selections in this year’s draft, you can find that here. The Colts could also be a prime candidate to trade down as well.

Pick 47: Anthony Hill, LB, Texas

What’s the need? After trading away Zaire Franklin, the Colts have almost no experience at this position currently. Jaylon Carlies, who has played just over 200 career defensive snaps, is the most experienced player at linebacker in terms of snaps.

What to know about Anthony Hill Jr.: Hill has played nearly 2,000 defensive snaps over the last three seasons and brings a well-rounded skill set to the position. During that span, he has generated 60 quarterback pressures and logged 227 total tackles, according to PFF. In coverage, he’s allowed 8.3 yards per reception with three interceptions and two pass breakups. While mostly playing from the box, Hill Jr. has experience in the slot and lining up along the defensive front.

NFL.com scouting report: “Three-down linebacker with the playing demeanor and production of a future Pro Bowler. He posted 31.5 TFLs, 17 sacks and eight forced fumbles in his three seasons at Texas, making an impact in every phase. He’s instinctive, athletic and under control, transitioning seamlessly from read to react to finish. He plays with downhill thump to thwart interior blocks and the speed to pursue runners from sideline to sideline. Hill has plus cover talent in man or zone, proven credentials as a blitzer or edge rusher, and finishes plays as a strong, reliable tackler.” – Lance Zierlein

Pick 78: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

What’s the need? The Colts have bolstered their defensive end depth, signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency, but the team still needs to find that high-impact presence to pair with Laiatu Latu. The Colts ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate last season. More consistency is needed.

What to know about Gabe Jacas: Jacas is listed at 6-3 – 270 pounds and is an experienced player with nearly 2,300 career defensive snaps. Over the last two seasons, Jacas has surpassed 40 quarterback pressures and totaled 20 sacks, per PFF. Out of 100 eligible edge rushers last season, Jacas ranked 32nd in pass rush win rate.

NFL.com scouting report: “Jacas is well-built with tremendous play strength and the ability to play as a hand-down end or a stand-up edge. He’s more rugged than explosive and twitchy. He can hold his ground against power but needs to do a better job of playing with discipline to set and contain his edge. Jacas’ pass-rush plan lacks creativity but features a good deal of force and leg drive to bully his way into the pocket once he opens the tackle’s edge.” – Lance Zierlein