Colts address two positional holes in latest NFL.com mock draft—adding ‘plug-and-play’ defensive starter

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 08: Jacob Rodriguez #10 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders defends during the first half of the game against the BYU Cougars at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images According to NFL.

com’s Eric Edholm, the Indianapolis Colts will address two holes in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft by selecting both Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams in Rounds 2 and 3 respectively: Round 2: No. 47 overall: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech Round 3: No. 78 overall: Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson Considering the Colts lack a first-rounder, this would be a pretty solid duo to land.

You just know GM Chris Ballard would have the hots for Rodriguez’s football instincts and character, as well as his playmaking ability, in Indianapolis. An edge rusher would have been nice, but the offerings weren’t enticing enough there. Grabbing Williams in Round 3 felt like respectable value.

He’s a smaller-framed receiver and not a true burner, but Williams is a consistent producer who can make defenders miss. Regarding Rodriguez, the 6,’1”, 231 pound senior linebacker for Texas Tech recorded 128 tackles (63 solo), 11 tackles for loss, a sack, 4 interceptions, 6 passes defensed, 2 fumble recovers, and 7 forced fumbles during 14 starts this past season—earning unanimous All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Big 12 honors (*for a consecutive year) among his other seasonal accolades. Here’s his NFL.