Pre-Combine Mock-Offseason

[Caleb3502]

 

For contract projections and the list of free agents, I used Spotrac. I used Overthecap to keep track of cap space. I used the Draft Network’s prospect information tabs to research more about the draft prospects. I used PFF’s mock draft simulator and big board to get a rough idea of what rounds each prospect is expected to go as of now (a lot will change post-combine).  

 

2024 Cap Space (per Overthecap): $72,337,573 | Cap Space in 2025: $149,231,062

 

Releases

 

TE Mo Alie-Cox - Saves $5,920,000

 

TE Andrew Ogletree - Saves $870,452

 

2024 Cap Space after Releases: $79,128,025  | 2025 Cap Space after Releases: $150,375,610

 

Notes 

- MAC just isn’t worth paying nearly $6M per year. Maybe he comes back on a pay cut. 

- Ogletree’s release is due to the off-the-field issue   

 

Re-sign

 

Unrestricted Free Agents

DE Genard Avery

S Julian Blackmon - 2 Years/$14.5M ($500K Roster Bonus in 2024 & 2025 | 2024 Cap Hit: $6.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $8M)

DT Taven Bryan

LB Ronnie Harrison - 1 Year/$1.25M

DE Tyquan Lewis 

DE Jacob Martin

WR Isaiah McKenzie

QB Gardner Minshew - 2 Years/$13M (2024 Salary of $6.5M Fully Guaranteed)  

CB Kenny Moore II - 2 Years/$21M (2024 Salary Fully Guaranteed | $1.5M Roster Bonus in 2025 |  2024 Cap Hit: $10M | 2025 Cap Hit: $11M)

RB Zack Moss - 2 Years/$9M (2024 Cap Hit: $4M | 2025 Cap Hit $5M) 

G Danny Pinter 

WR Michael Pittman Jr. - 4 Years/$92M ($44M Guaranteed and $24M in Signing Bonus | 2024 Cap Hit - $20M | 2025 Cap Hit: $22.5M | 2026 Cap Hit: $24M | 2027 Cap Hit: $25.5M | $44M Guaranteed = 2024 Salary + Signing Bonus) 

P Rigoberto Sanchez - 2 Years/$5M 

DT Grover Stewart - 3 Years/$36M ($16.5M Guaranteed | $6M in Signing Bonus | $2.5M Roster Bonus in 2026 | 2024 Cap Hit - $10.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $12M | 2026 Cap Hit: $13.5M | $16.5M Guaranteed = 2024 Salary + Signing Bonus)

 

Restricted FAs

C Jack Anderson 

RB Trey Sermon

WR Juwann Winfree

 

Exclusive-Rights FAs

S Henry Black

 

2024 Cap Space Remaining: $24,735,491 | 2025 Cap Space: $82,875,610

 

Notes 

- Blackmon had a really solid year at SS. Not sure how much the injury will affect his market, but I think around $7M/year is fair for him. 

- Could definitely see Tyquan Lewis come back on another 1-year deal, but for now, I decided to let him walk to have more money to spend in free agency for an EDGE upgrade. 

- Starting to think that Minshew might get more in free agency than I would be willing to pay, but I would have him back at $6.5M/year. He obviously has his limitations but it’s good to have a backup you know you can win games with. 

- PFF projects Moore to get 2 years/$13.5M, but I think he gets closer to $10M/year after having a bounceback campaign. 

- It’s very possible Moss walks in free agency, but I decided to bring him back with the cap increase. 

- I don’t think MPJ makes it to free agency. He’ll either sign a deal or get tagged. I’m expecting between $21M and $24M per year for him. The passing game looked hopeless in Atlanta without - him. Richardson needs a consistent and reliable offensive weapon. 

- Most likely Stewart’s last big payday at 30 years old. Him and MPJ are probably are most important re-signs this off-season. What he provides in the run game as one of the better 1-techs in the NFL is hard to replace.    

 

Free Agents

 

DE Dorance Armstrong Jr. - 3 Years/$26M ($16.5M Guaranteed | $9M Signing Bonus | $1.5M Roster Bonus in 2026 | 2024 Cap Hit - $7.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $8.75M | 2026 Cap Hit: $9.75M | $16.5 Guaranteed = 2024 Salary + Signing Bonus)

Despite a team record of 51 sacks in 2023, the pass rush can still be improved upon. Guys like Hunter and Burns are getting $20M+ and guys like Huff and Greenard will most likely command $15M+. I don't see Ballard going way over $10M/year for an outside free agent. If he goes after EDGE in free agency, I'm expecting it's someone like Armstrong Jr with an Ebukam-type deal. Armstrong Jr, had a career high in tackles last year (38) and has had at least 7.5 sacks each of the last two years. Armstrong Jr would provide more help off the edge and would rotate in at LEO with Ebukam.

 

WR K.J. Osborn - 2 Years/$15M (2024 Cap Hit: $7M | 2025 Cap Hit: 8M)

Osborn lined up 50/50 in the slot and outside (405 plays in the slot and 368 plays on the outside). The Colts need more help from the WR group in stretching the field, and Osborn has proven to be a viable option in the deep passing game. I’m not completely out on Alec Pierce yet. I do think he can rebound with Richardson back at QB, but they need insurance at that position. When Pittman was out for the Atlanta game, the WR corp was a mess.  Mike Evans, Gabe Davis, and Darnell Mooney would all command too much in free agency. They could be in play if MPJ somehow walks, but otherwise, we’d be looking at WRs projected to make less than $10M/year.      

 

S Alohi Gilman - 2 Years/$8M (2024 Cap Hit: $3.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $4.5M) 

After 3 underwhelming seasons to begin his career, Gilman broke through in 2023, setting career highs in tackles (73), interceptions (2), and forced fumbles (3). Contract projections for him are around $3M/year, which seems low, but that may be because of the safety market in general. Chargers are also at -$25M in cap space, so they might have some trouble retaining their in-house free agents. After a disappointing year from Rodney Thomas, FS and safety in general is a primary need. Gilman would give the Colts a more reliable option at FS at an affordable rate. If they don’t address safety in free agency, they would have to grab someone like Tyler Nubin or Kam Kinchens on Day 2 of the draft.

 

DT Tim Settle - 1 Year/$3.25M

Buckner and Stewart are excellent, but there isn’t anything behind them. Taven Bryan was underwhelming, and Adebawore and Johnson are still young and unproven. Settle has experience at both 3-tech and 1-tech. 

 

TE Charlie Woerner - 1 Year/$2M 

One of the better run-blocking tight ends. Woerner is the Alie-Cox replacement. Woerner doesn’t offer much in the passing game but has been a reliable and consistent blocker for successful rushing attacks in San Francisco. 

 

T Brandon Parker - 1 Year/$1.25M

Depth signing for competition. With Braden Smith’s injuries and Blake Freeland’s struggles, it would probably be wise to add some tackle depth this off-season.       

 

2024 Cap Space Remaining: $6,136,736 | 2025 Cap Space: $61,625,610

 

Colts Key Free Agents in 2025 

DT DeForest Buckner 

C Ryan Kelly 

DE Kwity Paye 

DE Dayo Odeyingo 

LB Zaire Franklin

LB E.J. Speed 

G Will Fries 

  

NFL Draft

 

Round 1 Pick 15: DT Byron Murphy II - Texas 

I’ve been under the impression that it’s WR or CB in the 1st, but I think DT is in play at #15. With Buckner in the last year of his deal (I think he’ll be here moving forward, but he does come with a big price tag), the Colts need more help along the interior defensive line. Even if Buckner and Stewart are here for the foreseeable future, they need someone who can rotate in and make an impact. Murphy II is short for a 3-tech at 6’1” (Buckner is 6’7”), but has the strength and quickness to shed blocks in the pass and the run game. Despite his height, he has the athleticism and physical tools to be a disruptive force along the D-Line. Murphy II is the #1 DT in the class right now and should test well at the combine. There’s a real chance he’s not available at #15. But if he is, he deserves consideration.  

  

TRADE

Colts Receive #52, #100

Rams Receive: #46, #150

 

*Round 2 Pick 52: WR Devontez Walker - North Carolina

I considered Brian Thomas Jr in the 1st round but decided to wait until Day 2 for a WR. I’m not completely out on Alec Pierce, but it would be wise to invest an early pick in someone who can be a legitimate deep threat like Walker, who has great acceleration and speed. Catching is a bit of a concern, as Walker had a drop rate of 8.5% (For reference, Josh Downs’ drop rate was 2%, MPJ’s was 2.8%, and Alec Pierce’s was 6.4%). His route tree would also need refinement, as he’s limited right now to routes where he’s running in stride. He can come in and make an impact as a Z deep-threat WR, but he has the potential to be a starting-caliber #2 WR if he can expand and polish his route running.      

 

Round 3 Pick 82: CB Cam Hart - Notre Dame

Brents and Jones both showed flashes as rookies, but there’s not much behind them on the depth chart, and the secondary certainly had its struggles in 2023. Corner probably needs to be addressed on either Day 1 or Day 2. I initially mocked Quinyon Mitchell in the 1st round but decided to go DT instead. Hart meets the Ballard CB requirements: long arms (32 ⅝ inches), tall (6’3”), team captain. Hart is a versatile corner with the ability to play both man and zone. He’s a willing tackler but could use improvement in the run game.  

 

*Round 3 Pick 100: TE Ben Sinnott - Kansas State 

The Colts have struggled to find consistent production from the TE position over the last couple of years. Jelani Woods showed flashes as a rookie, but we did not see him at all last year due to injury setbacks. Sinnott lined up all over the field for Kansas State (fullback, H-back, in-line, detached TE, slot WR, and outside WR). Not a dominant in-line blocker, but is an effective run blocker on the perimeter. Sinnott is an effective route runner from multiple alignments and would give the Colts another receiving option at TE. I would not be opposed to Brock Bowers at #15, but I think he’ll be grabbed by someone before #15.   

 

TRADE

 

Colts Receive: #130, #190

Vikings Receive: #118

 

Round 4 Pick 130: LB Michael Barrett - Michigan

Franklin and Speed have both been solid LBs, but the Colts could use a better coverage LB in the group. Ronnie Harrison, a converted safety, is probably their best coverage LB. Barrett is regarded as one of the better coverage LBs in the draft, displaying excellent zone coverage awareness and good speed to close in on receivers. He is not the greatest run defender and probably not a full-time starter, but his range as a coverage LB would be useful in numerous passing-down alignments.   

 

Round 5 Pick 150: WR Isaiah Williams - Illinois

I can see the Colts doubling down on WR in the draft. The Colts could use some more help at slot WR, where Josh Downs is pretty much the only true slot WR on the roster. Williams has exceptional speed, acceleration, and change of direction. Williams racked up numerous YAC at Illinois, an area the Colts need to improve upon in 2024.    

 

*Round 6 Pick 190: EDGE Jasheen Davis - Wake Forest 

More help at EDGE. Davis adds some speed to the pass rush. He’s quick off the line and has good speed and agility to close in on the QB. Sill raw as a pass rusher, though I  suppose that is to be expected of an EDGE prospect taken on Day 3. 

 

Round 6 Pick 193: IOL Tannor Bortolini - Wisconsin  

Played all 5 positions along the O-Line at Wisconsin, though projects as an interior OL for a zone-blocking offense in the NFL. Played over 1,900 snaps in college, so he comes with experience. He could be an upgrade over Wesley French or provide some depth behind Quenton Nelson and Will Fries.  

  

Round 7 Pick 232: OT Brandon Coleman - TCU 

Tackle depth to add competition for Brandon Parker and Blake Freeland. Coleman is an athletic lineman with long arms that excels in zone-blocking. 

 

Draft Pick Values (per Overthecap)

#15 = $3,449,556 | #52 = $1,426,919 | #82 = $1,029,219 | #100 = $1,026,492 | #130 = $998,133 | 

#150 = $981,945 | #190 = $894,606 | #193 = $848,407 | #232 = $825,136

 

Rookie Pool = $11,390,413 

Cap Space Needed to Sign Draft Picks  = $11,390,413 - (795,000*9) = $4,228,258

 

Cap Space Remaining After the Draft = $1,908,476

 

Roster

 

Bold = Free Agent/Trade Acquisition 

Italics = Rookie 

 

Offense

QB: Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger  

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss, Evan Hull, Tyler Goodson, Zavier Scott   

WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Devontez Walker, Ashton Dulin, Ethan Fernea 

WR: K.J. Osborn, Alec Pierce, D.J. Montgomery, Terrell Bynum   

Slot WR: Josh Downs, Isaiah Williams, Tyrie Cleveland 

TE: Jelani Woods, Ben Sinnott, Charlie Woerner, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Eric Tomlinson, Jordan Murray    

LT: Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland, Jake Witt  

LG: Quenton Nelson, Josh Sills, Arlington Hambright   

C: Ryan Kelly, Wesley French 

RG: Will Fries, Tanner Bartolini, Lewis Kidd

RT: Braden Smith, Brandon Parker, Brandon Coleman  

 

Defense

DE: Samson Ebukam, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Titus Leo 

DT: DeForest Buckner, Byron Murphy II, Adetomiwa Adebawore

DT: Grover Stewart, Tim Settle, Eric Johnson 

DE: Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Jasheen Davis, Isaiah Land

MLB: Zaire Franklin, Michael Barrett, Segun Olubi, Liam Anderson  

OLB: E.J. Speed, Grant Stuard, Ronnie Harrison, Cameron McGrone, Austin Ajiake  

CB: Julius Brents, Cam Hart, Darrell Baker Jr. 

CB: Jaylon Jones, Dallis Flowers, Ameer Speed 

Nickel CB: Kenny Moore II, Chris Lammons 

FS: Alohi Gilman, Rodney Thomas, Daniel Scott, Michael Tutsie, Kendell Brooks    

SS: Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Trevor Denbow, Marcel Dabo    

 

Special teams

K: Matt Gay 

P: Rigoberto Sanchez

LS: Luke Rhodes

[Indeee]

12 hours ago, Caleb3502 said:

 

For contract projections and the list of free agents, I used Spotrac. I used Overthecap to keep track of cap space. I used the Draft Network’s prospect information tabs to research more about the draft prospects. I used PFF’s mock draft simulator and big board to get a rough idea of what rounds each prospect is expected to go as of now (a lot will change post-combine).  

 

2024 Cap Space (per Overthecap): $72,337,573 | Cap Space in 2025: $149,231,062

 

Releases

 

TE Mo Alie-Cox - Saves $5,920,000

 

TE Andrew Ogletree - Saves $870,452

 

2024 Cap Space after Releases: $79,128,025  | 2025 Cap Space after Releases: $150,375,610

 

Notes 

- MAC just isn’t worth paying nearly $6M per year. Maybe he comes back on a pay cut. 

- Ogletree’s release is due to the off-the-field issue   

 

Re-sign

 

Unrestricted Free Agents

DE Genard Avery

S Julian Blackmon - 2 Years/$14.5M ($500K Roster Bonus in 2024 & 2025 | 2024 Cap Hit: $6.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $8M)

DT Taven Bryan

LB Ronnie Harrison - 1 Year/$1.25M

DE Tyquan Lewis 

DE Jacob Martin

WR Isaiah McKenzie

QB Gardner Minshew - 2 Years/$13M (2024 Salary of $6.5M Fully Guaranteed)  

CB Kenny Moore II - 2 Years/$21M (2024 Salary Fully Guaranteed | $1.5M Roster Bonus in 2025 |  2024 Cap Hit: $10M | 2025 Cap Hit: $11M)

RB Zack Moss - 2 Years/$9M (2024 Cap Hit: $4M | 2025 Cap Hit $5M) 

G Danny Pinter 

WR Michael Pittman Jr. - 4 Years/$92M ($44M Guaranteed and $24M in Signing Bonus | 2024 Cap Hit - $20M | 2025 Cap Hit: $22.5M | 2026 Cap Hit: $24M | 2027 Cap Hit: $25.5M | $44M Guaranteed = 2024 Salary + Signing Bonus) 

P Rigoberto Sanchez - 2 Years/$5M 

DT Grover Stewart - 3 Years/$36M ($16.5M Guaranteed | $6M in Signing Bonus | $2.5M Roster Bonus in 2026 | 2024 Cap Hit - $10.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $12M | 2026 Cap Hit: $13.5M | $16.5M Guaranteed = 2024 Salary + Signing Bonus)

 

Restricted FAs

C Jack Anderson 

RB Trey Sermon

WR Juwann Winfree

 

Exclusive-Rights FAs

S Henry Black

 

2024 Cap Space Remaining: $24,735,491 | 2025 Cap Space: $82,875,610

 

Notes 

- Blackmon had a really solid year at SS. Not sure how much the injury will affect his market, but I think around $7M/year is fair for him. 

- Could definitely see Tyquan Lewis come back on another 1-year deal, but for now, I decided to let him walk to have more money to spend in free agency for an EDGE upgrade. 

- Starting to think that Minshew might get more in free agency than I would be willing to pay, but I would have him back at $6.5M/year. He obviously has his limitations but it’s good to have a backup you know you can win games with. 

- PFF projects Moore to get 2 years/$13.5M, but I think he gets closer to $10M/year after having a bounceback campaign. 

- It’s very possible Moss walks in free agency, but I decided to bring him back with the cap increase. 

- I don’t think MPJ makes it to free agency. He’ll either sign a deal or get tagged. I’m expecting between $21M and $24M per year for him. The passing game looked hopeless in Atlanta without - him. Richardson needs a consistent and reliable offensive weapon. 

- Most likely Stewart’s last big payday at 30 years old. Him and MPJ are probably are most important re-signs this off-season. What he provides in the run game as one of the better 1-techs in the NFL is hard to replace.    

 

Free Agents

 

DE Dorance Armstrong Jr. - 3 Years/$26M ($16.5M Guaranteed | $9M Signing Bonus | $1.5M Roster Bonus in 2026 | 2024 Cap Hit - $7.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $8.75M | 2026 Cap Hit: $9.75M | $16.5 Guaranteed = 2024 Salary + Signing Bonus)

Despite a team record of 51 sacks in 2023, the pass rush can still be improved upon. Guys like Hunter and Burns are getting $20M+ and guys like Huff and Greenard will most likely command $15M+. I don't see Ballard going way over $10M/year for an outside free agent. If he goes after EDGE in free agency, I'm expecting it's someone like Armstrong Jr with an Ebukam-type deal. Armstrong Jr, had a career high in tackles last year (38) and has had at least 7.5 sacks each of the last two years. Armstrong Jr would provide more help off the edge and would rotate in at LEO with Ebukam.

 

WR K.J. Osborn - 2 Years/$15M (2024 Cap Hit: $7M | 2025 Cap Hit: 8M)

Osborn lined up 50/50 in the slot and outside (405 plays in the slot and 368 plays on the outside). The Colts need more help from the WR group in stretching the field, and Osborn has proven to be a viable option in the deep passing game. I’m not completely out on Alec Pierce yet. I do think he can rebound with Richardson back at QB, but they need insurance at that position. When Pittman was out for the Atlanta game, the WR corp was a mess.  Mike Evans, Gabe Davis, and Darnell Mooney would all command too much in free agency. They could be in play if MPJ somehow walks, but otherwise, we’d be looking at WRs projected to make less than $10M/year.      

 

S Alohi Gilman - 2 Years/$8M (2024 Cap Hit: $3.5M | 2025 Cap Hit: $4.5M) 

After 3 underwhelming seasons to begin his career, Gilman broke through in 2023, setting career highs in tackles (73), interceptions (2), and forced fumbles (3). Contract projections for him are around $3M/year, which seems low, but that may be because of the safety market in general. Chargers are also at -$25M in cap space, so they might have some trouble retaining their in-house free agents. After a disappointing year from Rodney Thomas, FS and safety in general is a primary need. Gilman would give the Colts a more reliable option at FS at an affordable rate. If they don’t address safety in free agency, they would have to grab someone like Tyler Nubin or Kam Kinchens on Day 2 of the draft.

 

DT Tim Settle - 1 Year/$3.25M

Buckner and Stewart are excellent, but there isn’t anything behind them. Taven Bryan was underwhelming, and Adebawore and Johnson are still young and unproven. Settle has experience at both 3-tech and 1-tech. 

 

TE Charlie Woerner - 1 Year/$2M 

One of the better run-blocking tight ends. Woerner is the Alie-Cox replacement. Woerner doesn’t offer much in the passing game but has been a reliable and consistent blocker for successful rushing attacks in San Francisco. 

 

T Brandon Parker - 1 Year/$1.25M

Depth signing for competition. With Braden Smith’s injuries and Blake Freeland’s struggles, it would probably be wise to add some tackle depth this off-season.       

 

2024 Cap Space Remaining: $6,136,736 | 2025 Cap Space: $61,625,610

 

Colts Key Free Agents in 2025 

DT DeForest Buckner 

C Ryan Kelly 

DE Kwity Paye 

DE Dayo Odeyingo 

LB Zaire Franklin

LB E.J. Speed 

G Will Fries 

  

NFL Draft

 

Round 1 Pick 15: DT Byron Murphy II - Texas 

I’ve been under the impression that it’s WR or CB in the 1st, but I think DT is in play at #15. With Buckner in the last year of his deal (I think he’ll be here moving forward, but he does come with a big price tag), the Colts need more help along the interior defensive line. Even if Buckner and Stewart are here for the foreseeable future, they need someone who can rotate in and make an impact. Murphy II is short for a 3-tech at 6’1” (Buckner is 6’7”), but has the strength and quickness to shed blocks in the pass and the run game. Despite his height, he has the athleticism and physical tools to be a disruptive force along the D-Line. Murphy II is the #1 DT in the class right now and should test well at the combine. There’s a real chance he’s not available at #15. But if he is, he deserves consideration.  

  

TRADE

Colts Receive #52, #100

Rams Receive: #46, #150

 

*Round 2 Pick 52: WR Devontez Walker - North Carolina

I considered Brian Thomas Jr in the 1st round but decided to wait until Day 2 for a WR. I’m not completely out on Alec Pierce, but it would be wise to invest an early pick in someone who can be a legitimate deep threat like Walker, who has great acceleration and speed. Catching is a bit of a concern, as Walker had a drop rate of 8.5% (For reference, Josh Downs’ drop rate was 2%, MPJ’s was 2.8%, and Alec Pierce’s was 6.4%). His route tree would also need refinement, as he’s limited right now to routes where he’s running in stride. He can come in and make an impact as a Z deep-threat WR, but he has the potential to be a starting-caliber #2 WR if he can expand and polish his route running.      

 

Round 3 Pick 82: CB Cam Hart - Notre Dame

Brents and Jones both showed flashes as rookies, but there’s not much behind them on the depth chart, and the secondary certainly had its struggles in 2023. Corner probably needs to be addressed on either Day 1 or Day 2. I initially mocked Quinyon Mitchell in the 1st round but decided to go DT instead. Hart meets the Ballard CB requirements: long arms (32 ⅝ inches), tall (6’3”), team captain. Hart is a versatile corner with the ability to play both man and zone. He’s a willing tackler but could use improvement in the run game.  

 

*Round 3 Pick 100: TE Ben Sinnott - Kansas State 

The Colts have struggled to find consistent production from the TE position over the last couple of years. Jelani Woods showed flashes as a rookie, but we did not see him at all last year due to injury setbacks. Sinnott lined up all over the field for Kansas State (fullback, H-back, in-line, detached TE, slot WR, and outside WR). Not a dominant in-line blocker, but is an effective run blocker on the perimeter. Sinnott is an effective route runner from multiple alignments and would give the Colts another receiving option at TE. I would not be opposed to Brock Bowers at #15, but I think he’ll be grabbed by someone before #15.   

 

TRADE

 

Colts Receive: #130, #190

Vikings Receive: #118

 

Round 4 Pick 130: LB Michael Barrett - Michigan

Franklin and Speed have both been solid LBs, but the Colts could use a better coverage LB in the group. Ronnie Harrison, a converted safety, is probably their best coverage LB. Barrett is regarded as one of the better coverage LBs in the draft, displaying excellent zone coverage awareness and good speed to close in on receivers. He is not the greatest run defender and probably not a full-time starter, but his range as a coverage LB would be useful in numerous passing-down alignments.   

 

Round 5 Pick 150: WR Isaiah Williams - Illinois

I can see the Colts doubling down on WR in the draft. The Colts could use some more help at slot WR, where Josh Downs is pretty much the only true slot WR on the roster. Williams has exceptional speed, acceleration, and change of direction. Williams racked up numerous YAC at Illinois, an area the Colts need to improve upon in 2024.    

 

*Round 6 Pick 190: EDGE Jasheen Davis - Wake Forest 

More help at EDGE. Davis adds some speed to the pass rush. He’s quick off the line and has good speed and agility to close in on the QB. Sill raw as a pass rusher, though I  suppose that is to be expected of an EDGE prospect taken on Day 3. 

 

Round 6 Pick 193: IOL Tannor Bortolini - Wisconsin  

Played all 5 positions along the O-Line at Wisconsin, though projects as an interior OL for a zone-blocking offense in the NFL. Played over 1,900 snaps in college, so he comes with experience. He could be an upgrade over Wesley French or provide some depth behind Quenton Nelson and Will Fries.  

  

Round 7 Pick 232: OT Brandon Coleman - TCU 

Tackle depth to add competition for Brandon Parker and Blake Freeland. Coleman is an athletic lineman with long arms that excels in zone-blocking. 

 

Draft Pick Values (per Overthecap)

#15 = $3,449,556 | #52 = $1,426,919 | #82 = $1,029,219 | #100 = $1,026,492 | #130 = $998,133 | 

#150 = $981,945 | #190 = $894,606 | #193 = $848,407 | #232 = $825,136

 

Rookie Pool = $11,390,413 

Cap Space Needed to Sign Draft Picks  = $11,390,413 - (795,000*9) = $4,228,258

 

Cap Space Remaining After the Draft = $1,908,476

 

Roster

 

Bold = Free Agent/Trade Acquisition 

Italics = Rookie 

 

Offense

QB: Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, Sam Ehlinger  

RB: Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss, Evan Hull, Tyler Goodson, Zavier Scott   

WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Devontez Walker, Ashton Dulin, Ethan Fernea 

WR: K.J. Osborn, Alec Pierce, D.J. Montgomery, Terrell Bynum   

Slot WR: Josh Downs, Isaiah Williams, Tyrie Cleveland 

TE: Jelani Woods, Ben Sinnott, Charlie Woerner, Kylen Granson, Will Mallory, Eric Tomlinson, Jordan Murray    

LT: Bernhard Raimann, Blake Freeland, Jake Witt  

LG: Quenton Nelson, Josh Sills, Arlington Hambright   

C: Ryan Kelly, Wesley French 

RG: Will Fries, Tanner Bartolini, Lewis Kidd

RT: Braden Smith, Brandon Parker, Brandon Coleman  

 

Defense

DE: Samson Ebukam, Dorance Armstrong Jr., Titus Leo 

DT: DeForest Buckner, Byron Murphy II, Adetomiwa Adebawore

DT: Grover Stewart, Tim Settle, Eric Johnson 

DE: Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Jasheen Davis, Isaiah Land

MLB: Zaire Franklin, Michael Barrett, Segun Olubi, Liam Anderson  

OLB: E.J. Speed, Grant Stuard, Ronnie Harrison, Cameron McGrone, Austin Ajiake  

CB: Julius Brents, Cam Hart, Darrell Baker Jr. 

CB: Jaylon Jones, Dallis Flowers, Ameer Speed 

Nickel CB: Kenny Moore II, Chris Lammons 

FS: Alohi Gilman, Rodney Thomas, Daniel Scott, Michael Tutsie, Kendell Brooks    

SS: Julian Blackmon, Nick Cross, Trevor Denbow, Marcel Dabo    

 

Special teams

K: Matt Gay 

P: Rigoberto Sanchez

LS: Luke Rhodes

I, of course, only care about the WR's. I'm hyper focused to that point as is normally the case with me for the last 6 off seasons.

 

With that said KJ Osborn? Absolutely not. He is a JAG.

 

You, like many posters who make these mocks, are always trying to link the Colts with some mid-tier/bottom feeder projection WR or some old guy, i.e Mike Evans in FA. 

 

Let me ask you this? Would you rather PAY MPJ 20-25 mil a year and put him next to a mid-tier/bottom feeder receiver because technically we already have that now or would you rather let MPJ walk and use that money plus a bit more on, let's say, Aiyuk or JJ and put them next to a mid-tier/bottom feeder or a 2024 rook?

 

I'm not saying my option would even be attainable as those players I mentioned might not be available however if the Colts DO NOT try to install a plan similar towards what I just I suggested and implement a plan like you suggested, then this team is just not getting it and it's time to really rethink what this front office is doing from the skill position department.

 

Now, if the Colts keep MPJ and do whatever it takes to move UP and grab a stud WR or stud TE in the draft then now we are talking. If the Colts DO NOT pay MPJ and take that available cash and use their 15th overall pick to go after JJ or Aiyuk and draft a second- or third-day rook WR as well as an example, then now we are talking. 

 

If they pay MPJ and sign a guy like Osborn or Mooney and draft a late 1st or second day receiver then Ballard, IMHO, is NOT the GM we need for the obvious "doing the same thing expecting different results insanity" method towards skill players. Can a second- or third-day receiver turn into a superstar stud? Sure, but I do not trust Ballard and his staff to get that type of pick correct based on past selections in the draft and FA. We need no-brainer locks at WR or TE and not cross your finger guys. 

 

It's time for the Colts to go big or go home.