The Colts went with a variety of positions in this year’s draft, taking three cornerbacks, two offensive tackles, one quarterback, one wide receiver, one defensive tackle, one safety, one tight end, one running back, and one edge rusher.
They prioritized athleticism, starting with their first pick in new franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the Colts NFL Draft Recap.
Colts NFL Draft Picks 2023
- Round 1, Pick 4 Overall: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
- Round 2, Pick 44 Overall (From ATL): Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
- Round 3, Pick 79 Overall (From WAS): Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
- Round 4, Pick 106 Overall: Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
- Round 4, Pick 110 Overall (From TEN via ATL): Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Northwestern
- Round 5, Pick 138 Overall: Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
- Round 5, Pick 158 Overall (From MIN): Daniel Scott, S, California
- Round 5, Pick 162 Overall (From BUF): Will Mallory, TE, Miami
- Round 5, Pick 176 Overall (From DAL): Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
- Round 6, Pick 211 Overall (From MIN): Titus Leo, EDGE, Wagner
- Round 7, Pick 221 Overall: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
- Round 7, Pick 236 Overall (From TB): Jake Witt, OT, Northern Michigan
Colts NFL Futures Odds
Now that the NFL Draft is complete, get ready for the 2023-24 NFL season with the latest Colts odds and futures betting markets.
Colts Draft Grade 2023
Colts NFL Draft Grade: A
I gave the Colts an A for not only securing their quarterback of the future in Richardson, but also getting great values on Josh Downs and Adetomiwa Adebawore.
Click to see our full report card of 2023 NFL Draft Grades.
Note: The following information was written prior to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Colts Draft Team Needs 2023
1. Quarterback
The Colts have been plagued by erratic quarterback play, especially in the last two seasons. New head coach Shane Steichen worked well with Jalen Hurts as Eagles’ offensive coordinator. Expect the Colts to start off Steichen’s tenure with a quarterback at fourth overall.
2. Wide Receiver
Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce form a solid duo at wide receiver. However, this is a thin group that just lost Parris Campbell to free agency. The Colts added veteran depth in Isaiah McKenzie, but it’s clear that they can use another rookie to upgrade the receiving core.
3. Right Guard
Indianapolis could use an upgrade at right guard to pair with Quenton Nelson. Former seventh-round pick Will Fries currently sits atop the depth chart, but he earned a 44.4 pass-blocking grade in 2023, per PFF.
Filling this hole would help protect their rookie quarterback.
Colts May Also Consider Drafting: Cornerback, Edge Rusher
Colts NFL Draft Round 1 Mock 2023
- Round 1, Pick 4 Overall: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
As of April 5, our own Anthony Cervino is predicting the Colts will pick this elite athlete with ideal physical traits and tremendous rushing ability to become their new franchise quarterback. Read our full NFL Mock Draft.
Colts NFL Draft Pick History
Colts NFL Draft Picks 2022
- Round 2, Pick 21 (53rd Overall): Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
- Round 3, Pick 9 (73rd Overall): Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
- Round 3, Pick 13 (77th Overall): Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
- Round 3, Pick 32 (96th Overall): Nick Cross, S, Maryland
- Round 5, Pick 16 (159th Overall): Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State
- Round 6, Pick 13 (192nd Overall): Andrew Ogletree, TE, Youngstown State
- Round 6, Pick 38 (216th Overall): Curtis Brooks, DT, Cincinnati
- Round 7, Pick 18 (239th Overall): Rodney Thomas, DB, Yale