Who should the Colts take on Day 3 of NFL Draft 2024? Here are players to watch

The Colts are through two days of the 2024 NFL Draft. They've added one premium defender in first-round UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, a second-round wide receiver in Texas' Adonai Mitchell and a third-round offensive lineman in Pittsburgh's Matt Goncalves. Now, they can focus on other depth needs as they get into Rounds 4-7 on the third and final day.

NFL Draft best available fits Rounds 4-7

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

The Colts added Adonai Mitchell in the second round already, but if they want one more receiver option to add explosive plays and yards after the catch to their offense, Troy Franklin can check those boxes. As an outside receiver, he was electric for Oregon last season, racking up 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns, and the underlying numbers are more impressive. In this year's receiver class, he ranks first in expected points added per route run, fourth in yards after the catch per catch and fourth in explosive play rate, according to StatsBomb. His 9.00 Relative Athletic Score makes him a great fit for how the Colts typically draft, though they don't often go for receivers lacking in weight the way he is at 176 pounds.

Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame

The Colts have not yet addressed what felt like a significant need at outside cornerback. They have a type here, preferring physicality and length over long speed in order to live in press-man coverage, and not too many prospects fit that type. One who does is Cam Hart. Measuring 6-3 and 202 pounds, Hart displayed his confidence and traits by defending Marvin Harrison Jr. about as well as any defender did last season. He could come in and compete for a starting spot along with Jaylon Jones and Dallis Flowers.

Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville

The Colts could use a backup running back to Jonathan Taylor to replace the 794 yards and five touchdowns Zack Moss gave them in that spot last season. Isaac Guerendo happened to back up Taylor once before for two seasons at Wisconsin and also hails from Avon High School. He also ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any running back at this year's NFL Scouting Combine in 4.33 seconds. At 6-foot and 221 pounds, he could add running back depth and a potential kick return option.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

One sneaky need on this Colts roster is backup linebacker. The Colts have a firm starting duo with Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, but both arrived as Day 3 draft picks who rose up through special teams before developing into those stalwarts on defense. With no clear backups behind them, it's time for the Colts to continue the pipeline. Edefuan Ulofoshio brings a good background to start on special teams after spending six years in college and rising to one of the leaders on a defense that played for the national title last season. He had 94 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss along the way.

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

After the Colts fell just a couple picks shy of potentially landing Georgia star tight end Brock Bowers, they rightfully ignored the position in a very weak draft class. But they have an opening after nobody established himself as a top option at the position last year. At 6-4 and 247 pounds, Cade Stover fits the "F" mold they have drafted in the past. He caught 41 passes for 476 yards and five touchdowns last season as the rare productive Ohio State tight end. He's a tough and competitive player and was a leader on the Buckeyes, adding intangibles that the Colts would find attractive.

Colts NFL Draft needs

The Colts could use a starting-caliber option at outside cornerback, given that JuJu Brents only played nine games last season and Jones and Flowers are also young and inexperienced. They need a backup running back to replace Moss' production and to ensure a running game behind Taylor. They could use a return man or two. They could also look for backups at linebacker, safety and possibly tight end or wide receiver.

Colts NFL Draft picks 2024

• Round 1, Pick 15: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

• Round 2, Pick 20: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

• Round 3, Pick 15: Matt Goncalves, OL, Pittsburgh

• Round 4, Pick 17:

• Round 5, Pick 7:

• Round 5, Pick 16:

• Round 5, Pick 20:

• Round 7, Pick 14:

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts Day 3 targets: Best available for NFL Draft Rounds 4, 5, 6 and 7