Updated Jan. 21, 2026, 10:38 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
The Indianapolis Colts<\/a> do not have a first-round draft pick in 2026. So, using Mel Kiper’s first mock draft<\/a> as our guide, which prospects could the Colts<\/a> potentially miss out on in Round 1?<\/p>\n The Colts do not own a first-round pick in 2026 — or 2027 — after trading for Sauce Gardner at last season’s deadline.<\/p>\n “I would still do the move again today,” said GM Chris Ballard<\/a> after the season. “Those guys are not easy to find.”<\/p>\n So instead of picking at 16th overall, that selection belongs to the New York Jets.<\/p>\n 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”<\/a> to the defensive front, along with wanting to get younger and faster on that side of the ball.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n The Colts’ first selection will come in Round 2 at pick No. 47 overall. In total, the Colts have five draft picks<\/a> currently, but are projected to get two more compensatory selections.<\/p>\n