Which position area should the Colts address in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Indianapolis Colts narrowly missed the AFC playoffs and own the No. 15 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
What position area should they address first?
The Colts had a lot of issues in the defensive backfield, some related to injury, suspensions and youth. Their quarterback for most of the season is a potential free agent, as are their top wide receiver and a key defensive lineman.
'I believe in continuity': Colts coach Shane Steichen on defensive coordinator Gus Bradley
2024 NFL mock draft: Who should the Colts select at No. 15?
Trevor Sikkema, Pro Football Focus: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
DeJean, who just officially declared for the draft, started at outside cornerback for Iowa in their off-coverage, Cover 3 base system. At 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, he can body any type of receiver at the catch point, and his experience in off-coverage has allowed him to showcase his instincts, ball skills and playmaking ability. Though he doesn’t have a lot of experience in press coverage, he has the skill set to play it with success.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Indianapolis endured some growing pains from a young secondary this season, but another infusion of young talent might be necessary. McKinstry is a versatile and savvy in coverage, and he would make for a nice pairing with 2023 second-rounder JuJu Brents.
Matt Holder, Bleacher Report: Laiatu Latu, edge rusher, UCLA
The 23-year-old is the most polished pass-rusher among the incoming crop, with 23.5 combined sacks and 34 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.
A pass-rush technician is the best way to describe Latu. He has active hands and fluid hips to win around the edge and a variety of ways. He's also effective when turning speed into power as a complete pass-rusher.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
McKinstry has a fluid shutdown game to go with his strong frame and fun name. The Colts desperately need a coverage and playmaking boost outside in their secondary.
Connor Livesay, 33rd Team, Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
Despite an impressive season from the Indianapolis Colts, they need to add more offensive assets. They have questions at wide receiver, tight end and offensive line. Brian Thomas Jr. has been one of the biggest risers over the 2023 season and worked himself into the top half of the first round.
Shane Shoemaker, Clutch Points: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The Colts may have found their quarterback in last year's draft, now they'll look to keep him protected. Fautanu was part of the Huskies Joe Moore award winning offensive line this season.
Nick Simon, Draft Kings: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Indianapolis has a number of needs to fill this offseason and I have the team taking FSU wideout Keon Coleman with the No. 15 pick. Dynamic wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is set to become a free agent this offseason and the Colts will have a huge hole to fill if he’s not re-signed. They can fill that hole in the form of Coleman, who made big play after big play for a Seminole team that went 13-0 and won the ACC. Pair him with Josh Downs and you have two young receivers for a returning Anthony Richardson next year.
Walter Football: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
In terms of size, speed, athleticism and upside, Thomas is probably second only to Marvin Harrison Jr. among the wide receiver prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Thomas has mismatch size and is a fast wideout with the ability to challenge teams vertically. In 2023, he totaled 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. Thomas has a great skill set with a ton of upside to develop. There is some rawness to his game, as he plays small. He needs to play to his size.
Matt Johnson and Andrew Buller-Russ, Sportsnaut: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The dream scenario for the Indianapolis Colts in our 2024 NFL mock draft happens. Brock Bowers is arguably a top-10 talent, earning NFL comparisons to George Kittle lite. Not only can he play the Dallas Goedert role as a pass-catcher in Shane Steichen’s offense, but Indianapolis can also depend on Bowers to help open up running lanes for Jonathan Taylor. Bowers is a tremendous fit for the Colts’ offense.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL mock draft 2024: Colts picks at No. 15 in first round
