Three huge areas of need for the Indianapolis Colts get addressed in Chad Reuter's latest mock draft.
However, the NFL draft is around the corner, and while the Colts don't possess a first-round pick, they can still do damage through Day 2 and 3 of the NFL draft.Let's begin with one of the most sought-after linebacker prospects coming to the Circle City.
Dec 6, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez in action during the second half against the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez is the quintessential do-it-all linebacker that Indianapolis needs, as he can likely start as soon as Week 1. After starting his FBS career with Virginia in 2021, Rodriguez soared to new heights after becoming a Red Raider from 2022 to 2025. Rodriguez was elite during his final two seasons, accumulating an impressive 255 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, five interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles in 2024 and 2025. He can cover, defend the run, and operate well in blitz packages. If the Colts can land Rodriguez, it will give them an immediate impact player who can develop while learning on the fly in 2026.Indiana's Elijah Sarratt kisses the trophy after the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Indianapolis was able to re-sign Alec Pierce, but that led to trading long-time WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a sixth-round pick. This leaves a big hole to fill in the receiver room.Sarratt transferred from James Madison to IU with head coach Curt Cignetti in 2024 and never looked back. Sarratt finished Indiana's National Championship title run with 65 catches for 830 receiving yards and a mountainous 15 touchdown receptions. This is an excellent choice if the Colts can nab Sarratt, and while he might not be ready for full-time receiving duties right away, he can potentially turn into the Pittman replacement the Colts need.Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Zakee Wheatley against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Colts saw their young and promising talent, Nick Cross, head off to the Washington Commanders in free agency on a two-year, $14 million deal. This left Cam Bynum alone in the safety room, but then Chris Ballard added veteran Jonathan Owens and former Dallas Cowboys safety, Juanyeh Thomas. While Thomas could be poised to start opposite Bynum, the draft is still a golden opportunity to add fresh talent. Reuter believes Penn State's Zakee Wheatley fits the bill. Wheatley played five years with Penn State and provided 223 tackles, six picks, and three fumble recoveries. As for his 2025 season, he was great as a cover safety and run defender. Wheatley missed 11 tackles, which will need to be cleaned up. However, given his versatility, Wheatley would be a solid pick for Round 4. This is a prospect flying under the radar, but it gives Indianapolis an experienced rookie who can be rotated in as a pure safety, linebacker, and slot defender.Drake Wally is a co-deputy editor of Indianapolis Colts on SI. His works have also appeared on Bleacher Report, MSN, Yahoo, and SBNation. He also co-hosts the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Panthers 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: March EditionExpert 2026 NFL Draft coverage — mock drafts, scouting reports, TDN100 player rankings, prospect interviews, and the 1 Mock Draft Simulator.
Read more »
Buccaneers 7-Round NFL Mock Draft: March EditionExpert 2026 NFL Draft coverage — mock drafts, scouting reports, TDN100 player rankings, prospect interviews, and the 1 Mock Draft Simulator.
Read more »
How we think first three rounds of NFL draft might play out for RaidersProject Fernando Mendoza is well underway with the Raiders, with the club working around the clock to build a strong infrastructure for its soon-to-be rookie quarterback, even before he sets foot i…
Read more »
How we think first three rounds of NFL draft might play out for 49ersThe 49ers did a solid job improving their defensive line and wide receiver rooms in free agency. That allows them to approach the draft with a wide-open mindset, where the best player available at …
Read more »
Two-Round NBA Mock Draft Lands Kings Three Unique ProspectsHere's what a potential two-round draft could look like for the Sacramento Kings this summer.
Read more »
South Florida coach Bryan Hodgson bolts for ProvidenceThree teams in three years for the rising 38-year-old coach.
Read more »