With the 2026 NFL Draft just two weeks away, the Indianapolis Colts war room is trying to revamp a roster that faces a significant reset at key positions.
What looked like a promising foundation in the stable has shifted dramatically over the course of the last month. Former cornerstone pieces to the stampede were traded away, including linebacker Zaire Franklin and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. More uncertainty lingers following the recent reports regarding trade requests from both quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II. With multiple starting spots to fill, Indianapolis appears poised to lean into a new identity on the defensive side of the football. In the second year under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Colts seek a new identity built on younger, faster, more instinctive players.
Advertisement
Round 2 (Pick No. 47): LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Selecting Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez in the second round would signal a clear commitment to rebuilding the second level of Indy’s defense. With Franklin gone and Germaine Pratt still unsigned, the linebacker unit has been depleted and now becomes one of the most urgent roster needs. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year fits the mold of a unique tone-setter in Indy.
Rodriguez was a former quarterback at Virginia — but even after switching sides of the ball at Texas Tech — still managed to find the end zone and score four touchdowns over the last two seasons. He brings rare versatility and football IQ for a prospect at his position. There is a ton to love when watching his highlight tape, a field general capable of stonewalling ball carriers at the line, while also dropping into coverage and making momentum-shifting plays when targeted.
Rodriguez captained a Texas Tech defensive unit that led the nation in rushing defense, while it also ranked top three in both total and scoring defense. He posted a 93.0 overall defensive grade and a 94.8 run defense grade, which were both the best scores among FBS linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus. The unanimous All-American terminated drives more than any player in college football, evidenced-best by his seven forced fumbles in 2025, increasing his career total to 13. His four interceptions last season also showcased his instinctive, turnover-driven capabilities. His trophy case includes the Bednarik, Nagurski and Butkus awards, recognizing him as not just the nation’s top linebacker, but also the nation’s top defensive player.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-1, 231-pound Rodriguez fared well with solid testing results, including a 4.57 40-yard dash that finished seventh among his position group. Despite not having the fastest straightaway speed, Rodriguez ran the fastest three-cone drill (6.90) and tied for the best 20-yard shuttle (4.19) among linebacker who participated at the combine.
Advertisement
He profiles as an immediate impact starter, the type of defensive centerpiece Indianapolis can rebuild around. His outstanding production pushed him into rare territory as Rodriguez finished fifth in the Heisman voting, the highest placement for a linebacker since Will Anderson finished fifth in the 2021 Heisman race. Rodriguez has built a reputation as a run-stopping force with strong tackling efficiency and a nose for diagnosing plays. He can be an instant plug and play to a unit that has emphasized speed and pursuit under its current structure.
Round 3 (Pick No. 78): WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
The Colts’ third-round decision could define their Day 2 direction by either doubling down on defense or choosing another weapon for quarterback Daniel Jones. Indianapolis may seek defensive help on Day 2, but Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt presents compelling value if NFL team’s dare pass over him into the third round. Choosing Sarratt would give Indianapolis another receiver who wins where it matters most, the 1-on-1 matchups and 50-50 balls thrown outside the numbers.
Sarratt did not test at the combine and may not have the elite tangibles to sneak into the first round, but he compensates with disciplined route running, an excellent release, and elite production on the grandest stages that makes for an intriguing third round draft pick. Sarratt fits as a complementary target who can stretch the field and give Jones a reliable intermediate option, particularly in play-action situations.
Advertisement
At 6-foot-2 1/2, 210-pounds, Sarratt’s thrives on making contested catches, showcased best on his back-shoulder chemistry with projected No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza during the Indiana Hoosiers 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship run. Sarratt led the nation with 15 receiving touchdowns, including a nation-best 11 touchdowns against single coverage last season. His 87.3 PFF receiving grade ranked third among all receivers in this year’s draft class, behind only Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate, who are both projected to go inside the top 10. In fact, no receiver has more touchdowns (44), contested catches (54), or receiving yards (3,652) than Sarratt since he entered the college ranks.
The zero-star recruit out of national powerhouse Baltimore St. Frances started his college journey at Saint Francis in Pennsylvania before transferring to James Madison to play with his brother Josh, then ultimately following Coach Curt Cignetti to the promised land in Bloomington. In two wins over Oregon, Sarratt totaled 15 catches for 196 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game inside Lucas Oil Stadium, Sarratt caught the go-ahead touchdown to give Indiana a 13-10 lead over Ohio State, which proved to be the difference. Faced with third-and-8 inside the red zone, Mendoza tossed a jump ball to his clutch pass-catcher running a slot fade and Sarratt rose up at the goal line to haul in the 17-yard touchdown.
Without a first round draft pick, the Colts war room has no room to whiff on another project based solely on traits. Make no bones about it, if the Colts land the Defensive Player of the Year, along with the nation’s top red zone threat, the front office will have absolutely aced Day 2 of the draft. Ace Day 2 of the draft for the Indianapolis Colts with PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator.
