NFL Draft Introduction: The Colts' top priority is to surround Anthony Richardson with weapons

Record 2023: 9-8, missed playoffs

Draft picks per round

1st round: No. 15
2nd round: No. 46
3rd round: No. 82
4th round: No. 117
5th round: No. 151
6th round: No. 191
7th round: No. 234

Top needs

Backup RB
Wide receiver
Security
Cornerback
Defensive line/run stopper
Close end

The Colts remained in place to fill their biggest need by re-signing wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II. They could look at the draft to make further additions at both positions.

On offense, the top priority is to surround second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson with weapons, whether by adding another receiver to a strong room with Pittman and Josh Downs or a backfield running mate for Jonathan Taylor after the Departure of Zack Moss. They would be happy to add a top tight end if one was available at No. 15 (see below).

On defense, safety was shaky, although they will re-sign Julian Blackmon, according to an ESPN report. An upgrade there and more competition in the cornerback room would bolster a mediocre pass defense. A run defense that ranked 24th last season also needs help.

Best first-round fit

Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Best day 2 fits

TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

How they did the final draft

The Colts received an A and made one of the biggest hits in the draft last season by selecting Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick. A great athlete bursting with momentum, he saw limited action last season before a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. The jury is still out as the Colts hope Richardson can stay healthy and fulfill his potential in year two and beyond.

Second-round pick Julius Brents secured a starting cornerback spot and showed benefits while staying out of action for nine games due to injury. Downs, a third-round pick, emerged as a strong No. 2 receiving option over Pittman. This remains a promising course with significant question marks even after a year.

Dream fantasy draft pick

The Colts are set at QB, RB and WR but have an opening at tight end, so Brock Bowers would be a great fit in Indy. Anthony Richardson remains raw as a passer, but this is a fast-paced Shane Steichen offense that tied with Gardner Minshew for 11th in points per game last season. Indianapolis was a landing spot for Bowers in some mock drafts for good reason, and the rookie would immediately make a fantastic impression on a Colts team with little competition at tight end. – Dalton Del Don