The Athletic’s Dane Brugler recently put together a 2026 NFL mock draft. So who did the Indianapolis Colts end up picking?
As we know, the Colts are without a first-round draft pick in 2026 — and 2027 — after trading for Sauce Gardner. So Indianapolis’ first selection will come at 47th overall and in the second round.
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With that pick, Brugler has the Colts selecting edge rusher R Mason Thomas from Oklahoma.
“The Colts need more juice off the edge, which just happens to be Thomas’ specialty,” Brugler wrote. “Despite his lack of ideal size, his first-step burst and violent play style would be welcome additions as Indianapolis makes key changes on the defensive side of the ball.”
Listed at 6-2 -249 pounds, Thomas has played 1,307 career defensive snaps, 901 of which have come over the last two seasons.
During that span, Thomas has logged 63 quarterback pressures and 15 sacks. Among all defensive ends in 2025, Thomas ranked 23rd in pass rush win rate, and he was 41st in PFF’s run defense grade.
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As Brugler said, the Colts need more pass rush juice, and GM Chris Ballard feels similarly, saying in his end of season press conference that “more fuel” is needed up front.
In addition to that, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis are all set to be free agents.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Indianapolis Colts pick pass rusher in Round 2