What must happen in the 2026 NFL draft in order for the Indianapolis Colts to “ace” their selections and address their key needs?
ESPN’s Ben Solak recently answered that question for the Colts and the other 31 NFL teams.
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Without a first-round pick, and the Colts in a must-win situation this season, Solak mentions that GM Chris Ballard has to be “highly precise.” The three position groups in particular that should take priority for the Colts, according to Solak, are edge rusher, linebacker, and safety. He notes, however, that going 3-for-3 on those positions in the draft won’t be easy.
At pick 47, the first time that the Colts are on the clock, Solak likes the idea of Indianapolis addressing the safety position. Although the Colts addressed this unit in free agency, and have Hunter Wohler returning, it’s not a given that he, Juanyeh Thomas, or Jonathan Ownes can provide a consistent presence next to Cam Bynum.
“Pick No. 47 could be a great spot to fill safety, as coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense needs savvy safeties for it to work. A.J. Haulcy (LSU) and Bud Clark (TCU) are natural fits in the box below Cam Bynum,” wrote Solak.
At defensive end, the Colts have length and power, but “no juice,” as Solak put it. The Colts finished last season ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric.
Linebacker remains a major hole on this roster, with there being almost no experience at this position outside of Akeem Davis-Gaither. The good news is that this is a deeper linebacker draft class.
“Linebacker is a deep position that could be filled at any time. Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas) has the sort of testing Ballard typically prioritizes at the position, but 47 would be too early, and 78 probably would be too late,” wrote Solak.
While these three positions should take priority, Solak adds that if there is good value at offensive tackle or wide receiver on Day 2, making an addition at one of those positions would make sense. As of now, the WR3 role is up for grabs, while more tackle depth is needed.
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Solak also brought up the idea of trading up, but based on what Ballard has said this offseason, the Colts could be looking to trade down instead, in an effort to accumulate more draft picks.
To put a bow on all of this, here was Solak’s parting message to the Colts: “Use Day 3 picks to trade up and fill immediate gaps at linebacker, safety and edge rusher. If a tackle or receiver falls, go for it.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Analyst details how Colts can perfect their picks