Following the initial rush of free agency, NFL.com’s Chad Reuter put together a four-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL. So who did the Indianapolis Colts end up selecting?
The Colts have been very active in free agency. However, holes on the roster remain as Indianapolis lacks experience in several position groups.
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Finding some immediate impact help in the draft at certain positions will be a must, but general manager Chris Ballard will have to do it with relatively limited draft capital.
Let’s break down the Colts’ picks in the Reuters simulation.
Pick 47: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez is one of PFF’s highest-graded running backs at the linebacker position. He also had excellent ball control in defense, producing 4 interceptions and 3 ball breakups. Rodriguez also was forced to fumble seven times.
Even with the addition of free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither, adding to the linebacker position remains a priority. Outside of Davis Gaither, there is very little experience at the position on the roster.
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Pick 78: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Over two seasons, Zarate has been a vital part of Indiana’s offense, totaling 117 catches, nearly 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s averaging a whopping 18.1 yards per catch in 2024 and has been adept at running the ball his entire career.
After trading Michael Pittman, depth at receiver and competition behind Alec Pierce and Josh Towns on the depth chart must be strengthened. The Colts have since signed Nick Westbrook-Ikein, but further additions to the team should still be on Ballard’s mind.
Pick 113: Zakee Wheatley, junior, Penn State
Whitley is a veteran player with more than 2,000 career snaps, according to PFF, and has played most of his playing time at free safety. He allowed just 5.1 yards per catch in coverage last season. Whitley’s tackling improved from 2024 to 2025, with six interceptions and five tackles for loss in four seasons.
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Similar to the other two picks, while the Colts added to the safety position twice in free agency, that shouldn’t stop Ballard from doing it again in the NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Colts draft 3 position groups in 4 mock rounds
