Colts Go Defense in Mel Kiper’s Pre-Combine Mock Draft

The Indianapolis Colts get an injection of secondary talent in Mel Kiper Jr.’s final pre-NFL Combine mock draft.

In the majority of mock drafts that precede the NFL Combine, offensive playmakers have been associated with the Indianapolis Colts. But in his last mock draft prior to the NFL Combine, Mel Kiper Jr.—the Godfather of NFL draft analysts—has the Colts selecting defence.

Terrion Arnold, a former Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback, is projected by Kiper to be selected by the Colts at No. 15 overall.

“Indianapolis got solid cornerback play from rookies JuJu Brents (Round 2) and Jaylon Jones (Round 7) last season, but it has to keep improving there,” Kiper said on ESPN+. “To be honest, the Colts might use this opportunity to select the greatest defender available because they need to infuse talent throughout the defence.

“Last season, as the closest defender in coverage, six-foot Arnold picked intercepted five passes and gave up just four catches of 20 yards or more. There is a glaring gap at the position in Minnesota (sic), and he might start right away.”

Evidently, Kiper considered selecting Arnold with the Vikings’ No. 11 selection, which they used on edge rusher Jared Verse. Even the most powerful person in the world occasionally makes editing errors.

The Colts have been linked to offensive weapons on multiple occasions in an effort to maximise quarterback Anthony Richardson’s potential and rookie contract. At No. 15, the top three offensive talent guys are already gone. Rome Odunze and Malik Nabors, wide receivers, are selected by the Giants and Bears, respectively, at picks six and nine. Another tight end that the Colts frequently selected in mock drafts, Brock Bowers, is gone to the Jets at No. 10.

Arnold is the defensive equal of Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. Arnold is a rising star after his 2023 season, much like Daniels. Prior to the season, teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry was regarded as the best cornerback available in the draft. However, Arnold—whose stock has surged as the Crimson Tide has made another college football playoff run—outperformed McKinstry.

Despite being fifth in the NFL in sacks, the Colts allowed the fewest passing yards in 2023 at No. 16, placing them in the middle of the pack. In the secondary, they most certainly could use some assistance. Pro Football Focus (PFF) had Kenny Moore, the Colts cornerback, ranked No. 18 in the NFL, higher than any other player. However, Moore is a prospective free agent.

Though respectable for rookies, JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones were ranked No. 66 and No. 94 by PFF, respectively. However, if a player like Arnold is available at No. 15 in the NFL Draft in April, it would not be wise to pass on them.