Are the Indianapolis Colts the most interesting team in the 2023 NFL Draft? A bright, young, new head coach and a need at quarterback make for an exciting combination. This Colts NFL Mock Draft explores the moves that Indianapolis may make in April now that we know who will be coaching the team going forward.
In this scenario, simulated trades were active among other teams via the Mock Draft Simulator, but the Colts held steady and did not make any moves.
Latest Indianapolis Colts 2023 NFL Mock Draft
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida | Round 1, Pick 4
On the clock at pick four in this Colts NFL Mock Draft, Jim Irsay’s phone is ringing off the hook with two trade offers. The Green Bay Packers are willing to give up a bounty to move up from pick 15, while the Seahawks offer substantially less for Indianapolis to move down one spot.
However, it’s apparent the Colts are going to get their face of the franchise in the 2023 NFL Draft. Irsay, in discussing the hiring of their new head coach, is quoted as saying, “offense, in my mind, can be a little more complex to develop knowing that we’re going to have to find a young quarterback to develop.”
MORE: List of Indianapolis Colts Draft Picks in 2023 NFL Draft
That new head coach, former Philadelphia Eagles OC Shane Steichen, could drive the direction and ultimate selection of that new QB. That said, the Indianapolis HC has proven he can tailor his scheme to specific QB strengths rather than matching a QB to his offense.
Nonetheless, the selection of Florida QB Anthony Richardson gives him a similar QB type to the one he leaves behind in the City of Brotherly Love. Richardson is a magical athlete with unlimited creation capability. Meanwhile, he possesses the arm talent to rattle off the punishing deep shots that Steichen loves to dial up in his offense.
Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State | Round 2, Pick 35
To win football games, you have to be strong in the trenches. There’s no secret sauce or magic recipe. You need to have guys who can dominate, and that’s particularly true as you transition to a new, young, quarterback. Indianapolis has multiple needs on the offensive line, and in Round 2 of this Colts NFL Mock Draft, they strike for a bookend at the right tackle position.
Ohio State’s Dawand Jones is a built-in-a-lab freak at tackle. His measurements at the Senior Bowl set social media on fire, with an albatross-esque wingspan being the highlight. For a big man (6’8″, 359-pound), he’s remarkably spry — with the ability to explode out in blocks, mirror in pass pro, and get to the second level in the run game. Unsurprisingly, he’s as strong as an ox.
Xavier Hutchinson, WR, Iowa State | Round 3, Pick 79
Regardless of whether Richardson starts immediately or whether Indianapolis leans on a veteran QB early in the Steichen era, the Colts will need to add at least one pass catcher, if not more, between now and the start of the 2023 NFL season. The answer in this Colts NFL Mock Draft is Iowa State, WR Xavier Hutchinson.
Despite being productive for the Cyclones, Hutchinson has been somewhat overlooked in this class. However, an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl has forced scouts to reevaluate his tape. An excellent route runner, the 6’3″, 205-pound pass catcher is a big-bodied threat who can separate and has the most reliable pair of hands that you’ll find in this class.
Nick Hampton, EDGE, Appalachian State | Round 4, Pick 106
Yannick Ngakoue. Tyquan Lewis. Khalid Kareem. Ben Banogu. Defensive end is the position most likely to be decimated by free agency departures, with all the above out of contract with the Colts. There is also a need for extra pass rush production in Indianapolis too, making it very likely the Colts address the position in April.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
Nick Hampton might not possess the size of Indy’s current defensive line grouping, but at 6’3″ and 236 pounds with 34″ arms, he can still be a dangerous pass rush threat around the outside track. He’s an explosive presence who can convert speed to power incredibly well and possesses an alluring combination of technical ability and a hot-running motor.
Riley Moss, CB, Iowa | Round 5, Pick 140
With the first of two fifth-round picks in this Colts NFL Mock Draft, Indianapolis bolsters its cornerback room with a productive playmaker. Iowa’s Riley Moss has an excellent athletic profile that allows him to consistently make plays in coverage while possessing the football intelligence to ensure that he’s regularly in the right place at the right time.
Sean Tucker, RB, Syracuse | Round 5, Pick 164
In Jonathan Taylor, the Colts have one of the top running backs in the NFL. Historically, Steichen has used a change-of-pace back in his running game, and there isn’t a player with more pace in the 2023 NFL Draft class than Syracuse running back Sean Tucker. A former 55m, 100m, and 200m sprint champion, there are few who can match him in open space.
Jerome Carvin, G, Tennessee | Round 7, Pick 223
Upgrading the interior of the offensive line, particularly at right guard, is likely to be a focus this offseason. Jerome Carvin is a versatile interior offensive lineman with experience at all three spots. An impressive technician, the former Tennessee standout has a solid anchor and functional play strength. He was particularly impressive at center during the Shrine Bowl.
Caleb Murphy, EDGE, Ferris State | Round 7, Pick 238
Having doubled up on the offensive front, this Colts NFL Mock Draft rounds out with a double-dip on the edge. Ferris State pass rusher Caleb Murphy boasts an incredible statistical résumé that passes the test from a tape evaluation perspective.
MORE: QB Options for Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 NFL Draft
He can win with speed around the outside track but has the strength in his frame to defeat contact in a direct line to the quarterback.