Why NFL mock drafts see the Colts picking cornerback or tight end in first round

The NFL Draft is next week and the Indianapolis Colts hold the 15th pick in the first round.

The Colts' biggest perceived needs are cornerback and an electric pass catcher, though offensive line depth and an attention-grabbing pass rusher couldn't hurt.

These mock drafts have narrowed the field of Colts possibilities, but you never know what will happen when they are on clock.

Colts draft order: When they pick in NFL Draft 2024

Logan Ulrich, NFL Trade Rumors: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

DeJean has flown under the radar because an injury has kept him out of the public eye for most of the pre-draft process. But at his personal pro day, he tested extraordinarily well, meeting a lot of the athletic thresholds a team like the Colts has for the position. There are questions about whether DeJean fits best at cornerback or safety at the next level, but in Colts DC Gus Bradley's scheme, DeJean would be a strong fit in multiple roles.

Second round: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Colts GM Chris Ballard has a type when it comes to draft prospects -- big and athletic. Legette checks those boxes in a major way. At 6-1 and 220 pounds, Legette ran a sub-4.4-second 40 time. His testing and a massive final season at South Carolina will probably outweigh four previous nondescript years, and Indianapolis needs more pass-catchers to help young QB Anthony Richardson.

Third round: Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas State

If Ballard looks to reinforce the offensive line, which he arguably should do given C Ryan Kelly's age and contract status and the opportunity to upgrade at right guard from Will Fries, Beebe will check a lot of boxes. He meets the requisite athletic thresholds and has flexibility to play both guard and center.

Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

A top edge rusher like Jared Verse wouldn't be surprising here, but if the Colts get the chance to land the top corner in this year's class, they might not be able to pass up Mitchell's combination of elite athleticism, production, and film.

Second round: Marshawn Kneeland, edge rusher, Western Michigan; third round: Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas; fourth round: Javon Baker, WR, UCF.

Marcus Mosher, 33rd Team: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Indianapolis Colts move around the board, trying to acquire Brock Bowers. But in this mock, he falls to them at No. 15. Bowers is one of the best eight players in the draft but falls a bit due to positional value. Him paired with Anthony Richardson for the next several years would be a joy to watch.

Second round: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State; third round: Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky; fourth round: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson; fifth round: Justin Eboigbe, edge rusher, Alabama; sixth round: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma; seventh round: Will Reichard, K, Alabama.

Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The Colts give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson a trusty safety valve in the draft’s best tight end.

Connor Rogers, NBC Sports: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

DeJean in Gus Bradley’s defense is a dream landing spot. His instincts, ball skills, tackling and punt return ability will make him an impact player.

Nathan Jahnke, Pro Football Focus: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Colts are set at slot cornerback with Kenny Moore II, but the young trio of Darrell Baker Jr., Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents on the outside struggled. Colts defenders had a 30.2 team PFF coverage grade when outside wide receivers were targeted last season, which was the lowest mark among teams. The Colts with Chris Ballard will probably make multiple trades on Day 2 and Day 3, but they are less likely to make a Day 1 trade given their needs and where cornerbacks will get picked.

Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

He can play outside and inside and had great ball production at Alabama. He goes to Indy, where he can start Day 1.

Peter Schrager, NFL.com: Trade alert

Colts move up to No. 9 in trade with the Bears and pick Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Indianapolis sends Chicago a future second-round pick in order to move up six slots and pounce on Nabers, the star receiver out of LSU. In an AFC South that saw the Jaguars, Texans and Titans all aggressively attack free agency, Colts GM Chris Ballard shows he has some tricks up his sleeve, too.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL mock drafts: Colts picking cornerback or tight end in first round