Indianapolis Colts 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Indianapolis Colts , the biggest need is an obvious one: Edge rusher. Indianapolis lost Kwity Paye, who was the team's second-best edge rusher, in free agency.

Laiatu Latu is the only Colts' edge rusher opposing teams have to gameplan for. Wide receiver is also a notable need after the club traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft Here's everything you need to know about the Indianapolis Colts for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster. Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft best prospect fit: LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly: The Colts spent in free agency to stock up in the secondary and the defensive line but the linebacking corps is lagging behind. Golday brings prototypical size to the position with great athleticism and fluidity to improve as a coverage guy.

His hand strength makes him a solid run defender and help the Colts' defense in both phases. MORE: Finding the perfect prospect for every team Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft trade candidate: QB Anthony Richardson Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy: The writing is on the wall for Richardson's time in Indianapolis. After Daniel Jones' extension, it's just a matter of time before the young gunslinger ends up somewhere else.