Indianapolis Colts go skill on offense and defense in Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest NFL Mock Draft

During the early stages of the mock draft process, the Indianapolis Colts frequently mentioned offensive playmakers.

As the process progressed, cornerback was the clear choice among major media outlets, including Field Yates of NFL.com.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has decided to address both choices with a two-round mock draft in which the Colts select Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold at No. 15 and Oregon Ducks wide receiver Troy Franklin at No. 46.

“This is a simple match, correct? “The Colts’ biggest need is at cornerback, and Arnold is my second-ranked corner,” Kiper wrote on ESPN+ after picking Arnold. “He recorded five interceptions last season as he emerged as the Crimson Tide’s best defensive back. He played a lot of press coverage in college, so he understands angles and how to get receivers off their routes. As a rookie, he might be Indianapolis’ top cornerback.

It’s an extremely deep year at wide receiver, and the Colts can afford to wait until the second round to choose a high-caliber talent like Franklin.

“I thought about an edge rusher for Indianapolis, but there’s value in taking a second-round receiver based on the depth of the class,” Kiper wrote regarding Franklin. “General manager Chris Ballard has used Day 2 picks on wideouts in each of these past two drafts (Josh Downs, Alec Pierce), but the Colts don’t have a press-coverage beater like Franklin, who had 23 touchdown catches in his final two seasons at Oregon.”

With the additions of Arnold and Franklin, the Colts’ passing offense and defense appear to be set for many years. Arnold would be joining Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and Rodney Thomas in the secondary. All are 25 years old or younger.

At age 26, Michael Pittman is the oldest wide receiver in the group.

This year, the Colts remained rather quiet in free agency, preferring to re-sign their core players. Looking at their roster, this makes sense. This is still a young team with plenty of ability. Adding Arnold and Franklin would provide long-term stability at cornerback and receiver.