Colts are looking for explosive players again in the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, with over 300 hopefuls traveling to Indianapolis ahead of the draft.

The focus of the combine was an unprecedented number of high-level athletes showcasing their abilities. Testing numbers were higher in practically every position group, demonstrating the athleticism of the whole class.

The Indianapolis Colts are delighted to have such a large pool of talent to pick from. The Colts and general manager Chris Ballard are recognized for selecting top-tier athletic talents with elite characteristics. Anthony Richardson, Jelani Woods, and JuJu Brents had some of the greatest athletic numbers for their positions at the combine and were drafted by the Colts.

Ballard and the Colts have made their intentions known this offseason. They aim to acquire dynamic offensive playmakers as well as defensive players who can limit explosive plays. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our first Colts 2024 mock draft after the combine.

With quarterbacks, wide receivers, and offensive tackles likely to dominate the first ten picks, the Colts select one of the draft’s top talents. Brock Bowers is classified as a tight end, although offensive playmaker is a more appropriate descriptor. Bowers, who stands 6-3 and weighs 240 pounds, is an excellent athlete and weapon in Shane Steichen’s offense.

Bowers has the ideal skill set for a tight end in today’s NFL. He has glue-like hands and is a strong, hard-nosed runner who specializes at gaining yardage after the catch. Bowers is also a capable blocker. The Colts aim to get more explosive on offense this offseason, and Bowers would be the ideal fit with Richardson.

Round 2 Pick 50: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State.
November 5, 2022; Stanford, California, USA: Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaden Hicks (25) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory credit: Darren Yamashita/USA TODAY Sports.

TRADE: The Colts trade their No.46 (second round) pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for the No.50 (second round), No.171 (fifth round), and No.184 (sixth round) picks.

It wouldn’t be a Colts draft without a trade-back. Ballard strikes a deal with the Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman to drop four spots in the second round and receive a handful of Day 3 picks. Even with the trade back, the Colts acquire an impact player.

Jaden Hicks offers the Colts some much-needed safety help. He is an excellent athlete with the speed to cover the deep zone or man up against tight ends, and his closing skills allows him to make plays against the run. Hicks competed at the Senior Bowl, which the Colts value highly, and may compete for the starting free safety position right away.

Many expect the Colts to sign an experienced cornerback in free agency. With Brents and Jaylon Jones starting the majority of the 2023 season as rookies, experience is essential. That is not to say the position will not be addressed in the draft.

Many expect the Colts to sign an experienced cornerback in free agency. With Brents and Jaylon Jones starting the majority of the 2023 season as rookies, experience is essential. That is not to say the position will not be addressed in the draft; in this mock, the Colts add to the secondary with another high-level athlete in the third round.

Cam Hart is a cornerback with excellent size and length who uses his body to reroute wide receivers. His physicality is also on display in press reportage. Hart, another Senior Bowl participant, could enter the Colts’ lineup and push for a starting cornerback job while also contributing on special teams.

Round 4: Pick 118.

The Colts’ offensive line rebounded significantly under new offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly returned to the Pro Bowl, and Bernhard Raimann established himself as the team’s franchise left tackle. However, depth throughout the line remains in issue, and the Colts must plan for the future as Kelly enters the second half of his career.

Tanor Bortolini was a standout at the combine, demonstrating his athleticism and explosiveness. He has good running and passing technique and rarely plays out of place. Bortolini is positionally versatile, playing both center and guard. With Will Fries in the final year of his contract, Bortolini could have the inside track.