'Ideal 3-round' draft haul for Indianapolis Colts after NFL combine

With the NFL combine now behind us, what does the ideal first three rounds of the 2026 NFL draft look like for the Indianapolis Colts?

Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus recently put together his ideal three-round haul for each NFL team, including the Colts. Let's dive into which prospects Locker paired with Indianapolis.

OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

Listed at 6-6, 330 pounds, Iheanachor played over 2,100 snaps at right tackle during a three-season span. He made a big jump from 2024 to 2025 in pass protection, going from giving up 21 pressures and three sacks to 14 pressures and no sacks.

By PFF's metrics, he's graded out as an average run defender, but has fared better in pass protection during his career.

What's the need? To answer that question, we have to ask two more: Is Braden Smith back? My guess is that he's not. And then how do the Colts feel about Jalen Travis? If they're confident in what they saw from him late last season, then offensive tackle is a less pressing need, although adding depth still should remain a priority.

What Locker had to say: " Iheanachor (78.3 PFF pass-blocking grade) could be another developmental project for Indianapolis, which has found several gems along its offensive line."

EDGE Joshua Josephs, Tennessee

A lighter edge defender, measuring in at 6-3, 240 pounds, Josephs went from recording 22 pressures and two sacks in 2024 to 32 pressures and five sacks in 2025.

Those figures compared to his position group won't leap off the stat sheet, given that he's averaged just 185 pass rush snaps over the last two years. However, he's been efficient getting after the quarterback with his opportunities and has been one of PFF's highest-graded pass rushers at defensive end. Josephs has also graded out well against the run.

What's the need? The need here is major. The Colts need more pass rush consistency from this position and depth, with Samson Ebukam, Tyquan Lewis, and Kwity Paye set to be free agents.

What Locker had to say: "Josephs’ profile (21.3% pass-rush win rate, 90.6 PFF pass-rush grade) could give the Colts another starter alongside Laiatu Latu."

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL combine: 'Ideal' draft haul for Indianapolis Colts