Perfect Picks 2026: Indianapolis Colts
By Aaron Fletcher
2025 was quite the year for the Colts. Daniel Jones’ unlikely resurgence catapulted the team to a 7-1 start, with their only loss in that stretch coming in a close week 4 affair with eventual NFC runners up, the LA Rams. Their 2nd loss of the season came in week 9 on the road to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This, however, proved to be a season-derailing result for a Colts team that was firmly expected to not just make the playoffs, but even take the AFC. They edged an OT win over the Falcons in Germany, before losing all 7 of their remaining games.
One of the major stories in the Colts’ 2025 season came when they made a trade-deadline move for Cornerback Sauce Gardner. The move saw Shane Steichen’s side trade two first round picks to the Jets, meaning that in the 2026 and 2027 draft, the Colts will not be involved on Day One.
However, moving into the off-season, most of the questions surrounded the QB position. Starting QB Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles tear in week 14 and was set to become a FA, Philip Rivers opted not to return to the NFL at the ripe ol’ age of 44, and Riley Leonard was yet to show he’s ready to lead an NFL team from week 1. Anthony Richardson’s departure was also all but sealed. They were, however, able to strike a big deal with Daniel Jones to bring him back to Indianapolis for two more years.
With the re-signing of Daniel Jones, they also reached a mega deal with WR Alec Pierce, bringing back a true deep threat and an explosive part of their offense, while trading Michael Pitman to the Steelers. LB Zaire Franklin was traded to the Packers, leaving the Colts with very little experience at LB. DE Kwity Paye is now with the Raiders, as part of the Colts’ reshaping of their defensive line. They also let T Braden Smith walk out of the door, in favour of a more youthful approach to their offensive line.
They brought in DE Arden Key from the Titans, signed DT Derrick Nnadi and S Juanyeh Thomas. None of these are household names, but bring in plenty of veteran experience (Nnadi also brings Super Bowl rings) that the Colts needed.
Round 2 - R Mason Thomas (EDGE, Oklahoma)
He might be undersized, but R Mason Thomas is one of the most explosive, athletic defensive linemen in the 2026 class. He’s explosive off the line, and when he has the angle, he’s very difficult to stop. He can bend, and shows great control when on the move.
He spent a chunk of his 2025 injured, but when he was on the field he was electric. As a pure edge, in my opinion, he’s one of the very best in the 2026 draft class. If it wasn’t for injuries, he could very well be a late day one guy. However, those injuries, plus his size, likely see him fall to the middle of the second round.
His size does hinder him, particularly in the run game. Offensive linemen have seen a good amount of success in being able to work his chest, get at his pads and not allow him to be the twitchy athlete he is. When you watch Thomas, ‘power’ doesn’t really jump off the screen. It’s his athleticism.
While the addition of Arden Key makes edge less of a desperate need, the Colts will probably want to take advantage of this deep, very talented defensive line class and Thomas would be an excellent addition in the middle of the 2nd round. He can support as a pure pass rusher, while hopefully he can develop his skills in stopping the run.
Mid Round Gem - Darrell Jackson Jr. (IDL, Florida State)
While FSU may not have had the best couple of years, they’re still producing some absolute beasts. One of those beasts is defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr.
Jackson is a brick wall. He is very different to R Mason Thomas and one of the reasons I’m pairing these two together is that their skillsets are complementary.
Jackson’s a big guy. 6’6, 315lbs+, 34 ¾” arms, 11” hands & a whole lot of power. He holds the point of attack well against double teams, and in the run game, is great at clogging up lanes. Leverage is a problem for him, as his size often allows for offensive lineman to get under him, not allowing him to work the lower pad levels.
One thing that stood out to me is his ability to move and be a little shifty, when he gets the right leverage, though his primary wins do still come from his bull rush.
With some technique improvements, and some refined/better pass rushing moves, it’s easy to see the Seminole have success in the NFL and be a central part of the Colts’ new look defensive line.
Late Round Sleeper - Eric Gentry (LB, USC)
The average height of a LB in the NFL is 6’2. Eric Gentry is 6’6. Given what’s generally asked of a LB, a 6’6 frame isn’t usually the best thing but Gentry is very fast, and has great instincts. He’s at his best when he’s coming down to the line and supporting the defensive line in the run game, but given his frame and speed, Gentry sees success in coverage too.
His ability to read the game and understand the leverage he needs makes him a huge problem when trying to block him. He knows his limitations, and he knows how to utilise his strengths. While the Colts may prefer some more experience at LB, for a late seventh round pick, he’d definitely be worth a punt. He’ll be able to be utilised across special teams, and maybe (just a suggestion here), be put into the passing game as a big body receiver.
One little caveat here to Gentry – I’m a Michigan fan and had to watch Gentry be a huge problem for the Wolverines throughout their game against USC this year.
Draft in full
47 (R2) – R Mason Thomas
78 (R3) – Darrell Jackson Jr (DT FSU)
113 (R4) – Bud Clark (S TCU)
154 (R5) – Caleb Douglas (WR Texas Tech)
216 (R6) – Zavion Thomas (WR LSU)
230 (R7) – Parker Brailsford (C Alabama)
253 (R7) – Eric Gentry (LB USC)
Aaron Fletcher
Guest Contributor
Fletch has been an NFL fan for over a decade and the last few years have seen him transfer a lot of that passion into watching college football at awful hours on a random Wednesday in October. You can find his musings and frankly, lots of whining about sports on twitter @LionsGuyFletch