The Colts are heading into the 2026 draft without a first-round pick. Chris Ballard has built his reputation on stockpiling picks, acquiring as many “darts to throw at the dartboard” as possible. That’s why last year’s trade for Sauce Gardner was so surprising. It went against everything Ballard has typically avoided as a general manager.
It was bold.
It was a risk.
It was going all in.
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I thought the trade was reckless at the time, and I still do, but not because the Colts are without a first-round pick in 2026.
Even so, while the Colts are happy to have Gardner starting on their defense, and likely aren’t too concerned about missing a pick in what’s viewed as a weaker draft, they now enter draft week with glaring needs and limited resources to address them.
In free agency, the focus was on keeping the offense intact while reshaping the defense in a single offseason. They moved on from aging, underperforming players and replaced them with younger options who offer some upside. It may not look great on paper, but neither did many of the Seahawks’ moves at this time last year.
Still, the reality is simple: the Colts need depth, competition, and legitimate talent to field even a remotely competitive defense in 2026.
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Given how the offseason has unfolded, does it make sense for the Colts to trade additional 2026 picks to better address those holes?
I think it does.
THE COLTS LIFECYCLE AS A FRANCHISE
When the Colts traded for Sauce Gardner at the deadline, it was an “all-in” approach to try and maximize a historic start on offense. They viewed cornerback as too important to future success in the playoffs to keep patching up year after year— and Gardner was a long-term solution rather than another short-term fix.
The Colts failure to capitalize in 2025, means that not only is the pressure even higher for this regime in 2026, but that they also have less resources to try and flip aging parts of their roster at premiere positions.
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So 2026 represents a pivotal year for this franchise, which I know feels like every year in Indianapolis, but remains true nonetheless.
In my opinion, if the Colts want to acquire known commodities, the Colts should feel the pressure to use 2026 picks, so that they aren’t forced to use 2027 resources when even more of their roster needs turning over… and maybe led by a new regime.
PASS RUSHERS ON THE MOVE?
The Colts are in desperate need of pass-rush help. Outside of Laiatu Latu, who has yet to fully emerge as a premier edge rusher, there aren’t many reliable options. While there’s some depth, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the current group is enough to anchor a quality defensive line.
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We’ve already heard the Jonathan Greenard rumors, and there’s been some light buzz around Josh Sweat potentially being available.
Now, there’s even speculation that both of the Steelers’ EDGE rushers could be on the market.
Depending on how the board falls, it could make sense for the Colts to move one of their remaining picks to land a proven player. Prospects like Gabe Jacas or Dani Dennis-Sutton may eventually develop into strong contributors, but asking them to step in as immediate, quality starters as rookies is a risk the Colts may not be able to afford.
Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are two larger OLB who can play the run and have pass rush upside. Herbig is the younger player with more upside, but Alex Highsmith is more likely to be traded.
This is a play from two years ago, but really shows off Alex Highsmith’s skillset that would hypothetically translate into the Colts scheme.
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In Lou Anarumo’s defense, DE’s will have to reduce down vs. certain formations and play multiple gaps over the TE. Look at Highsmith get into a two-point stance and squared up to play multiple gaps. Once he reads toss to his side, watch him spit the double team and then force the cutback, while fighting through George Kittle trying to wash him out of the play.
He’s also an instinctual player who has a versatile set of pass rush moves, really strong at the point of attack, and can even drop into coverage a bit— all things the Colts covet in this scheme.
BOTTOM LINE
Heading into a pivotal year for the franchise, and plenty of holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how Chris Ballard wants to attack draft week. The 2026 draft isn’t as strong as other years, particularly at the top, so not having a first round pick this year is no big deal. But the Colts do need to move quickly in order to field a competitive defense in 2026.
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While it’s more likely the Colts will trade down in the second round to acquire more picks, mainly because that’s Ballard’s M.O., I would not rule out the Colts making a move at Highsmith or another pass rusher that can give them more certainty in year 1.
If the Colts choose to wait until after the 2026 draft to make a trade, they’ll be forced to use their 2027 picks in order to do that. While the top end talent in 2027 is certainly projected to be better than this year, it’s a bit too early to say what the Day 2 talent will shape up to be.
What we do know is that more of this Colts roster will turn over in 2026. DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are projected to be free agents next year, and at the moment, it feels unlikely that the Colts will want to commit another long-term contract, to keep them in Indy.
It feels as if the Colts need an answer on the defensive line, and they need one that can be there past 2026.
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