The Indianapolis Colts have their quarterback of the future in Anthony Richardson after spending the No. 4 overall pick on the 20-year-old and now will look forward to the heart of the draft on Day 2.
We took a look at the best remaining prospects available for the Colts as they enter Day 2 with a pair of selections—Nos. 35 and 79 overall.
Here’s who the experts around the league are predicting the Colts will select Friday evening:
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire
I’m not the biggest fan of Hyatt’s considering his late breakout and slender build. However, he’s a vertical threat with elite downfield speed and impressive tracking ability. He can play, but there’s a lot more development that needs to take place as a route runner in order to avoid being a one-trick pony.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic
35. G/T Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
79. CB Darius Rush, South Carolina
Bergeron has tackle/guard versatility and moves well for his size, and Rush is an intriguing cornerback option who can compete for a starting role on the boundary given his ball skills.
What they said:
The Colts have yet to address the offensive line this offseason, but Bergeron, who has tackle-guard versatility, would change that.
Pro Football Focus
35. OT Dawand Jones, Ohio State
79. DB Jartavius “Quan” Martin, Illinois
Jones is a massive, mauling right tackle who would like force Braden Smith to right guard. Martin is an athletic nickel defender with intriguing ball skills.
What they said:
Jones is a massive tackle with great pass-protection skills, having allowed only five pressures on 419 pass-blocking snaps last season. The Colts give their newly-drafted franchise QB protection.
Martin manned the slot with authority in 2022. He’s one of the class’ best safeties filling around the line of scrimmage against the run, as he earned a 91.0 run-defense grade last season
ESPN
Avila would be a fantastic pick at No. 35. He would compete for the starting right guard role right away thanks to his power and length.
What they said:
The Colts add one of the best interior linemen in the draft to their offensive line that ranked 32nd in pass block win rate and 23rd in run block win rate last season, according to ESPN Analytics data.
Sports Illustrated
35. CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
79. WR Rashee Rice, SMU
Brents is a fantastic fit for Gus Bradley’s defense as a long, athletic and physical cornerback. Rice would be an intriguing piece to compete for the WR3 role, considering his versatility in the slot and the outside, but there’s a road of development ahead as a route runner.
What they said:
After landing its franchise quarterback with Anthony Richardson at No. 4, Indy can fill its biggest need on defense with a big, athletic corner with a massive wingspan.
CBS Sports
79. WR A.T. Perry, Wake Forest
Hall is an intriguing edge rusher considering his size, length and burst. He lacks ideal bend, but he’s got juice. Perry is a tall, slender wideout who is a better route runner than expected considering his height.
What they said:
The Colts love big-time athletes at premium positions. That’s precisely what they’d get with Hall here.
The Draft Network
Bleacher Report
35. G/T Cody Mauch, North Dakota State
79. CB Jakorian Bennett, Maryland
Mauch is a superb athlete with guard/tackle versatility. He moves extremely well and would compete for a starting role right away. Bennett is a feisty defender at the catch point with excellent ball skills, elite athleticism and track speed.
NFL.com
35. G/T Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
79. WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell, Houston
Dell is not the type of wideout Chris Ballard likes in any sense, but he’s electric and sudden at the line of scrimmage and is one of the best separators in the class. Ballard would have to over look his size, though, at 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds.
What they said:
The Colts grab a lineman with the potential to play tackle or guard. Bergeron’s one of the most consistent run blockers in the draft.
