Colts appoint Alabama CB in most recent PFF mock draft

In another mock draft from Pro Football Focus, Indianapolis takes a superb cornerback.

With the offseason in full gear, the Indianapolis Colts have had numerous big-time names projected for the No. 15 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The most popular candidates emerge on the offensive side of the ball, including Georgia’s top tight end Brock Bowers.

However, according to Pro Football Focus’s most recent mock draft, the Colts will select Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round.

A solid argument can be made for Arnold, who stands 6’0″ and was a ballhawk for the Crimson Tide in 2023, recording five interceptions, 12 pass breakups, 40 solo tackles, and one forced fumble.

Arnold could be considered the best cornerback in this class, and some argue that Indianapolis needs a real No. 1 corner to combine with second-year starter JuJu Brents.

Although Indianapolis was appropriately impressed with two of its rookie defensive backs, Brents and Jaylon Jones, their secondary also suffered from a number of injuries, leading in faster youth movement and an inexperienced cornerback room, which led to some late-season defensive issues.

Arnold would undoubtedly be an interesting addition to an already youthful cornerback group. He might start next to Brents on Day 1, giving Indianapolis a top-ranked cornerback who can make an immediate impact.

Remember that Kenny Moore II is set to become a free agency in March, and Dallis Flowers is recovering from a ruptured Achilles and may not be ready to play immediately. Indianapolis’ depth, excluding the aforementioned youngsters, leaves more problems than answers. Yes, Moore II might re-sign with Indianapolis this offseason, but cornerback remains a high priority for this team.

For some, cornerback may not be as important a need for the Colts as other positions, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. However, it’s difficult to argue with Arnold’s resume, and the draft is rife with talented wide receivers and other offensive playmakers that Indianapolis could select after the first round.