ESPN's iconic Mel Kiper Jr. has released his latest mock draft for 2026, but the Indianapolis Colts weren't a part of it. Kiper only did a first-round mock, you see. Indy isn't a part of that. It is because of general manager Chris Ballard.
As Colts fans will remember, Ballard, after not making a true trade deadline move in his previous eight seasons with the team, decided to go all-in in year nine. He gave the New York Jets two first-round selections and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Gardner is a great player, but he isn't a quarterback, top edge rusher, left tackle, or WR1.