Colts open to stunning blockbuster trade in 2024 NFL draft

Are the Indianapolis Colts hoping to make a blockbuster deal into the top five of the NFL Draft?

The Indianapolis Colts have been the subject of whispers about a potential trade up from the 15th choice in the 2024 NFL Draft for the previous few weeks.

There is a clear reason for this. Despite signing standout wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to a lucrative contract earlier this offseason, Indianapolis needs to give young quarterback Anthony Richardson additional passing options.

The Colts have largely been linked to Washington Huskies’ Rome Odunze. In fact, our final mock draft has Indianapolis moving up to eighth place, alongside the Atlanta Falcons, for the great wide receiver.

“The Indianapolis Colts have two clear needs at wide receiver and cornerback, but the talent level at this position is much higher than the latter. While general manager Chris Ballard would have to forfeit some significant draft capital in this trade, he’d be providing quarterback Anthony Richardson with a wide receiver who is eerily similar to Keenan Allen and Davante Adams.”

Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson on Indianapolis Colts trading up

While eight appears to be the standard width for trade-up scenarios, there is another option at play here. Leave it to Colts owner Jim Irsay to generate rumors out of thin air.

Indianapolis Colts could trade up for Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft

“I wouldn’t rule anything out,” Irsay added. “We’re open-minded.”

Outside of an on-field fit, the linkages are clear. Harrison’s father played with the Colts from 1996 to 2008. He made eight Pro Bowl appearances for the team and is the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He is also a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Having said that, Indianapolis faces a possible logistical headache. The top three NFL Draft picks are projected to be quarterbacks. Caleb Williams will be drafted first overall by the Chicago Bears. Jayden Daniels is the Washington Commanders’ anticipated number two choice. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots will either draft a quarterback or trade down with a team that does.

This puts the Arizona Cardinals in play at number four as a potential trade partner. They’re said to be open for business.

The question here is about cost. A trade from 15 to 4 would most certainly cost the Colts several future first-round picks. Are they prepared to rely on a generational talent like Harrison Jr. to continue in his father’s footsteps? It’s an actual question.