The Indianapolis Colts sit in a precarious position entering the 2023 NFL Draft. They have to wait and see. The Carolina Panthers jumped them in the pecking order after they acquired the first pick from Chicago. So, they will now have to watch as Carolina and presumptively Houston take the top two QBs off of the board.
The next domino to fall will be if Arizona moves off of the third pick to a quarterback needy team below the Colts. Then they could be staring at the 4th QB on the board. At that point maybe they opt for Will Anderson and take Hendon Hooker later. It is an interesting scenario but let’s look at what I came up with today.
Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft (2023)
I used the mock draft simulator over at NFL Mock Draft Database to simulate the results with me only picking for the Colts.
1-4: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Without projecting any trades in the simulator, the Colts get the third QB off of the board. Richardson is a better athlete than any other quarterback entering the NFL since at least 1987. Unfortunately, his accuracy and consistency leave something to be desired. At a minimum, Richardson needs a year behind Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles, or both to develop. Could he work out? Sure, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Plus you have this stat to consider:
No QB has ever lost to Vanderbilt and been drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in the same year (h/t to @brianlamb_ISN)
Both Anthony Richardson and Will Levis lost to Vanderbilt this year.
— Draft Countdown (@DraftCountdown) March 16, 2023
2-35: Matthew Bergeron, OT, Syracuse
Bergeron has sweet feet for a lineman and is an ascending player, in my opinion. I am not sold on last year’s 3rd-round selection, Bernhard Raimann as the starting left tackle. Bergeron could come in as the starter and send Raimann to the backup, swing tackle role.
Another scenario to think about is trading for the Bengals’ disgruntled offensive tackle Jonah Williams. Williams is in the final year of his rookie deal, yet is the same age as Raimann. He is owed $12 million+ on his contract this year and will be in line for an extension. I imagine he could be had for a 3rd or 4th round selection. or a creative pick swap.
3-79: Eli Ricks, CB, Alabama
Ricks is an interesting prospect to follow. He didn’t start much for the Crimson Tide after transferring over from LSU. The upside for Ricks remains high but it is more projection than production at this point. The Colts are currently projecting to start Isaiah Rodgers and Dallis Flowers next season after trading Stephon Gilmore.
4-106: A.T. Perry, WR, Wake Forest
While not the most pressing need, you can always use more wide receivers. Perry is a big and fast WR who can get downfield and win those 50/50 balls. If you are counting on Richardson or Minshew, or someone else, you probably will need those tough catches made.
5-138: Andrew Voorhees, IOL, Southern Cal
Vorhees tore his ACL during the Combine so this is a pick for the 2024 season. He was projected as a day-two selection before the injury.
5-162: Mike Morris, EDGE, Michigan
Morris is a potential outside-in-depth piece for the Colts. He likely won’t be asked to win on the edge for the most part as they already have those guys with Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukan, Tyquan lewis, and Dayo Odeyingbo.
5-176: Jerrod Clark, DL, Coastal Carolina
Clark is a two-down run plugger with little pass rushing upside. However, he would fit nicely as a reserve behind Grover Stewart.
7-221: Noah Gindorff, TE, North Dakota State
The Colts already have great athletes in Jelani Woods (a future star IMO) and Andrew Ogletree. Gindorff can give them a nasty blocker who can be TE3 and contribute on special teams.
7-236: Chamarri Connor, S, Virginia Tech
Connor can be a star special teams player while backing up both safety spots and potentially being a reserve nickel corner.
Other Team Mocks