The Indianapolis Colts are poised to add two compensatory draft picks to their haul for the 2026 NFL Draft. Following the recent free agency period, where the Colts lost more compensatory free agents than they signed, they are projected to benefit from the NFL's compensatory selection formula. The Colts lost five compensatory free agents, including notable names like Joe Flacco and E.J. Speed, while only three of their own signings, Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum among them, counted as compensatory. Though several signings canceled each other out, the Colts will receive two seventh-round picks as a reward for their net losses.

In total, the Colts will now hold nine selections in the upcoming draft, enhancing their ability to strategically improve their roster. The compensatory pick system is a significant aspect of NFL operations, rewarding teams for player departures and encouraging competitive balance. The Colts' draft strategy could benefit from this additional capital, allowing them to address immediate needs and build for the future.

After the 2025 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts are facing lingering concerns, especially surrounding their linebacker position. The team opted to select Hunter Wohler, a safety from Wisconsin, in the seventh round, intending to transition him into a linebacker role. This choice raises questions about depth and capability at a position crucial for defensive coverage, particularly with EJ Speed now with the Houston Texans.

General Manager Chris Ballard expressed confidence in second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, highlighting his effectiveness in limited playing time last season. However, with only 242 career defensive snaps, the transition of Carlies to a starting role is fraught with uncertainty. Additionally, the Colts’ new defensive scheme under Lou Anarumo emphasizes versatility and may require more from its linebacking core than previously expected.

The Indianapolis Colts have made significant strides in the NFL draft, particularly with their first-round selection of tight end Tyler Warren, targeting a key roster hole. However, several pressing needs remain as they head into the second day of the draft. The team could address the loss of E.J. Speed by looking for a coverage linebacker to complement Pro Bowler Zaire Franklin.

Additionally, there's a need for offensive line depth due to free-agent departures, and a running back to support Jonathan Taylor in a deep positional draft class is crucial. Defensive line upgrades are also a priority, with a focus on finding impactful players to join DeForest Buckner and bolster the pass rush. As such, the Colts will be weighing their options carefully to maximize their second-day opportunities.

The Indianapolis Colts are evaluating their linebacker position ahead of the upcoming draft, following the losses of EJ Speed and Grant Stuard in free agency. While General Manager Chris Ballard acknowledges the need for depth, he indicated it's not an urgent priority. The focus is now on fostering competition to secure a spot next to Zaire Franklin, particularly with Jaylon Carlies, who transitioned successfully from safety last season and is viewed as an ascending talent.

Ballard praised Carlies for his performance, especially his impressive coverage skills, which limited opponents to a mere 6.0 yards per catch. Although Carlies underwent shoulder surgery, he is expected to be ready for training camp. The Colts have a strong history of developing linebackers, which may allow them to bypass selecting a linebacker in the early rounds of the draft. Ballard remains optimistic about the upcoming draft opportunities to bolster depth and competition at the position.

The Indianapolis Colts have made a strategic move in the latest mock draft by selecting linebacker Jalon Walker from Georgia with the 14th overall pick. This decision is noteworthy as it allows the Colts to address two pressing needs simultaneously: bolstering their linebacker corps and enhancing their pass rush depth.

Walker is recognized for his versatility, able to perform effectively as both an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. His addition will provide new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with flexible options on the field, particularly beneficial in critical situations like third-and-long plays. Having recorded 34 pressures and seven sacks in a single college season, Walker brings a promising skill set to the Colts' defense.