The Indianapolis Colts are just a few hours away from the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
What they plan to do with the No. 15 overall pick is a complete mystery, but they should have their fair share of exciting prospects to choose from. Whether it’s adding to the defensive side of the ball or an explosive weapon on offense, the Colts will have their choices.
Assuming they stay with the No. 15 overall pick, there will be a lot of hope riding on four quarterbacks and a handful of offensive tackles being taken before the Colts are on the clock. Doing so would push down some other premier players down further.
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For this piece, we won’t be including the Big 3 of wide receivers in Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. If the Colts have the chance to add any one of them, they should take it over the list of players below.
Ranking the Colts best NFL draft options in Round 1
1. TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
If Bowers is available for the Colts, it’s going to be very difficult for them to pass on the chance to add an offensive weapon like that. Bowers would immediately carve out a role as one of the top options for Anthony Richardson, and he would help solve the issues the Colts have with yards after the catch.
2. EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
In the event Turner falls this far, which is highly unlikely, the Colts might not be able to pass up the upside that comes with his profile. The Colts don’t have a major need at edge rusher, but they’re always looking at the position, and Turner has the tools to be an incredibly disruptive player every weekend.
3. CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
It will be interesting to see how the Colts go about addressing the cornerback position. If Arnold is available, though, he’s a perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s defense. With the way the AFC South has added weapons, the Colts need to add more talent to their secondary. Arnold is a perfect fit both on the field and in the locker room, and he’s likely high on their board.
4. CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
It’s anyone’s guess as to which cornerback the Colts would prefer between Mitchell and Arnold. It’s probably a pretty even split and if both of them are on the board, it would be a difficult decision. Mitchell checks nearly every box the Colts have when it comes to cornerbacks. He has the size, length, speed and ball skills to be a starter on the boundary immediately.
5. WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
With the Colts looking for more explosive weapons, Thomas Jr. is all the rage. He perfectly fits what the Colts need as a long-striding vertical threat on the outside, and his tracking abilities would go well with Anthony Richardson’s big arm. It will be interesting if Thomas’ shoulder injury will impact his draft stock but if it’s not an issue, the Colts could use his explosiveness from a vertical stand point.
