Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo identified the “perfect” mid-round NFL draft prospect for the Indianapolis Colts.

With not having a first-round selection, and several roster holes to still address, GM Chris Ballard hitting on these third to fifth round picks will be crucial.

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The defensive end position remains a big need for the Colts, so Melo identified Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker as an ideal fit for Indianapolis.

“Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard loves toolsy and traitsy pass rushers,” wrote Melo. “Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker exploded for 14.5 sacks this past season after transferring to the program from Houston. Tucker also held his own against better competition at the Senior Bowl, displaying an athletic and speedy arsenal.”

Colts’ draft prospect to watch: EDGE Nadame Tucker

Tucker put together a huge season at Western Michigan in 2025, recording 61 quarterback pressures and 14 sacks, according to PFF. Those 61 pressures were the ninth-most among defensive ends last season. Tucker also held his own in the run game as well.

Nadame Tucker’s NFL draft profile

Here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say in his pre-draft scouting report:

“Tucker’s rush ability far exceeds his run defense. He’s an instinctive, skilled rusher with an uncommon feel for a player with so few reps. He uses quickness and bend to buzz the edge, while marrying hands and feet for quick wins. He dominated weaker competition but more polish will be needed for his jump to lining up across from bigger, longer tackles. He gets swallowed and controlled at the point of attack, and that will persist without substantial improvement. Despite limited career production, the rush tape is impressive enough for Day 3 consideration and an opportunity as a designated rusher.”

Nadame Tucker’s athletic profileWhat is the Colts’ need at defensive end?

Although the Colts signed Arden Key and Micheal Clemons in free agency, this position does remain a rather large need. Ideally, the Colts could still add a more high-impact presence to play opposite of Laiatu Latu, but that will be difficult without a first-round pick.

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This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Nadame Tucker named perfect mid-round pick for Colts