The Colts brought back Kenny Moore and he needs some speedy downfield coverage in the secondary. They might think about adding more offense, but corner fills a key need and is the better value here.
Please refer back to Pick No. 9, Sentence 1. Anthony Richardson has just four starts under his belt, and the Colts must remain committed to surrounding him with high-end talent. Re-signing Michael Pittman was Step 1. Continuing to develop Josh Downs is Step 2. Drafting the best TE in this year's class, who boasts incredible run-after-the-catch skills, is a monster Step 3.
DeJean to Indianapolis is one of my favorite fits in this mock draft. The Colts ran zone coverage on 76.9% of their plays last season, far and away the highest rate in the league. A zone-heavy scheme perfectly fits DeJean’s skill set as an athletic, highly instinctual cornerback who is a terrific run defender.
Not to mention, the Colts need help both at cornerback and safety, and DeJean can play both.
The value in this scenario might just be too tantalizing for GM Chris Ballard. Indy’s both light at tight end and in terms of downfield weapons for second-year QB Anthony Richardson. Despite being limited by an ankle injury for a good chunk of the 2023 season, Bowers, the only two-time Mackey Award winner ever, had 26 TD catches during his three-year college career and averaged nearly 60 grabs for 850 yards as the rare player at his position who could dominate a game offensively – sometimes as a ball carrier. He’d be a nice fit for a team that favors formations with multiple tight ends while becoming a nice option for Richardson and alternative to WR Michael Pittman Jr.
The Colts have to improve at the cornerback position in this year’s draft, and the addition of Nate Wiggins would provide immediate help. He has elite speed and brings good length to the position. Wiggins is scheme versatile and has been one of the best cover corners the last two seasons, allowing a completion rate of just 45 percent at 12 yards per catch while recording three interceptions and 14 pass breakups.
Anthony Richardson, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and now Brock Bowers. Fully healthy, that’s one of the best skill position units in the league.
Bowers isn’t much of a blocker due to his size, but it’s not for a lack of effort. And where he struggles in the run game, he makes up for as a pass catcher, turning short targets into long gains with his YAC ability.
Corner is a more pressing need for the Colts — but if the top two are gone, the second-best edge would be a fine consolation prize. The Colts are still deciding on Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option, and Verse’s traits will definitely intrigue Chris Ballard. Wide receiver is another possibility here.
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