2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup: Analysts Predict Colts’ Day 2 Picks

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft has officially come and gone, and for the Indianapolis Colts, it was a night of observation rather than participation. Without a first-round selection after last year’s trade for defensive end Kwity Paye’s extension and other roster moves, General Manager Chris Ballard and his front office watched 32 names come off the board. Yet, despite the lack of a splashy Thursday night pick, the Colts are in a surprisingly enviable position heading into Day 2.

With the 78th overall pick and a later selection on Friday, Indianapolis holds the keys to potentially reshaping the core of their roster. The consensus among draft analysts is that the Colts have a strong board to work with, thanks to a deep class and a few premium positions of need aligning perfectly with the available talent. Let’s dive into the latest mock draft roundup and see who the experts are projecting to don the horseshoe on Day 2.

Why Day 2 is Critical for Chris Ballard and the Colts

It’s no secret that the Colts have a laundry list of roster holes. While quarterback play has stabilized under Anthony Richardson’s continued development, the defense and offensive depth remain works in progress. With only two picks in the top 100 (Picks 78 and roughly 110-115 via compensatory projections), Ballard cannot afford to miss. The margin for error is razor-thin.

The key needs entering Day 2 are clear:

• Edge Rusher: The pass rush was inconsistent in 2025, and adding a dynamic rotational piece opposite Laiatu Latu is a priority.
• Linebacker: The middle of the defense needs more speed and coverage ability. Zaire Franklin is a tackling machine, but the unit lacks a true sideline-to-sideline playmaker.
• Offensive Line Depth: While the starting five is solid, the Colts always value trench reinforcements, especially at guard and swing tackle.
• Tight End: A receiving threat at tight end would unlock more of Shane Steichen’s offensive scheme.

Analysts agree that the Colts’ Day 2 strategy will likely focus on the defensive front seven, and one name keeps popping up across multiple mock drafts: Jaishawn Barham from Michigan.

Mock Draft Pick 78: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan

In several prominent mock drafts, the Colts are projected to select Jaishawn Barham at pick 78. Barham, a versatile edge defender who transferred from Maryland to Michigan, brings a unique blend of power and bend that fits defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme perfectly.

Why Barham fits the Colts:

• Pass-Rush Juice: Barham recorded 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his final college season. He has a relentless motor and a developing arsenal of pass-rush moves.
• Scheme Versatility: At 6’4” and 260 pounds, he can play with his hand in the dirt or stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. This flexibility is gold for a Colts defense that mixes fronts.
• Competition for Depth: The Colts’ edge rotation behind Latu and Dayo Odeyingbo needs a young, hungry player. Barham provides immediate competition and could be a long-term starter.

Analyst Matt Miller of ESPN recently highlighted this pick, stating: “In his mock, Miller addresses the Colts’ two biggest needs right away. Linebacker needs added competition throughout that depth chart, while the Colts should still be looking to add more pass-rush juice at defensive end.” Barham represents exactly that—a high-motor edge who can also drop into coverage, making him a three-down threat.

Barham’s college tape shows a player who wins with both power and technique. He bull-rushes offensive tackles into the quarterback’s lap and has a surprisingly quick spin move for his size. For a team that ranked 18th in sacks last season, adding a player of Barham’s caliber in the third round would be a steal.

Alternative Day 2 Targets for the Colts

While Barham is the most common name linked to the Colts at pick 78, the mock draft landscape offers several other intriguing possibilities. If Ballard decides to go in a different direction, here are three other Day 2 targets analysts are watching closely.

1. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

If the Colts want to inject pure athleticism into their linebacker room, Jihaad Campbell is the guy. A former five-star recruit, Campbell has the speed to cover tight ends and running backs, which has been a glaring weakness for Indianapolis. He projects as a Will linebacker in a 4-3 defense, allowing Franklin to move to the strong side. Campbell’s stock has risen after a strong combine, but he might still be available at pick 78 due to a deep linebacker class.

2. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Never count out the Colts when it comes to offensive line value. Aireontae Ersery is a massive (6’6”, 330 lbs) left tackle prospect with surprising feet. While Bernhard Raimann is locked in at left tackle, Ersery could be developed as the swing tackle and eventual replacement for Braden Smith on the right side. Ballard loves maulers in the run game, and Ersery fits that mold perfectly.

3. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

The tight end position in Indianapolis has been a black hole since Jack Doyle retired. Mason Taylor is a polished receiver with NFL bloodlines (his father is Hall of Famer Jason Taylor). He is a reliable chain-mover who would give Richardson a big, safe target over the middle. If the Colts miss on a defensive player in the first few picks of Day 2, Taylor is a strong candidate to be the selection.

What the Experts Are Saying: A Consensus on Defense

When you survey the top draft analysts from NFL Network, The Athletic, and Pro Football Focus, a clear consensus emerges: the Colts will go defense with their first Day 2 pick. The reasoning is simple—the offense, while not perfect, has its franchise quarterback and a top-tier running back in Jonathan Taylor. The defense, however, needs a transfusion of young talent.

Key Takeaways from the Mock Draft Roundup:

• Edge Rusher is Priority #1: Over 60% of the mock drafts surveyed have the Colts taking an edge rusher at pick 78. Barham is the favorite, but J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State) and Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) are also mentioned.
• Linebacker is a Close Second: The need for a fast, coverage-savvy linebacker is undeniable. Campbell and Barrett Carter (Clemson) are the top two targets if the Colts go this route.
• Don’t Sleep on a Trade: Some analysts predict Ballard might trade up from pick 78 into the late second round to snag a falling prospect. The Colts have extra picks in later rounds to facilitate a move.

“The Colts are in a sweet spot,” wrote Dane Brugler of The Athletic. “They have a clear need at pass rusher, and the third round is loaded with high-floor, high-upside edge players. If Barham is there, it’s a no-brainer. If not, they can pivot to a linebacker or even a cornerback and still get a starter-caliber player.”

Predictions for the Colts’ Day 2 Haul

Based on the current mock draft trends and the Colts’ roster needs, here is my expert prediction for how Day 2 will unfold for Indianapolis:

Pick 78: Jaishawn Barham, EDGE, Michigan
This is the most logical pick. Barham’s skill set directly addresses the lack of pressure off the edge. He will rotate in immediately and challenge for a starting role by mid-season. His ability to set the edge against the run also helps a defense that was gashed at times in 2025.

Pick 110 (Compensatory): Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
With their second pick, the Colts will look to add a weapon for Anthony Richardson. Taylor is a smooth route runner with reliable hands. He won’t be a superstar, but he will be a steady, reliable target who moves the chains. This pick also adds a layer of protection for Richardson, giving him a safety valve over the middle.

If the Colts can walk away with Barham and Taylor, it would be a home run Day 2. They would have addressed two critical needs—pass rush and tight end—with high-floor prospects who can contribute immediately.

Conclusion: The Colts Are Primed for a Strong Day 2

While missing the first round stings for a fanbase eager for star power, the reality is that Chris Ballard has historically excelled on Day 2 of the draft. Players like Shaquille Leonard (second round), Michael Pittman Jr. (second round), and Julian Blackmon (third round) were all selected on Friday night. The 2026 draft class offers a similar opportunity.

The mock draft roundup makes one thing clear: the Colts are in a prime position to add a difference-making pass rusher like Jaishawn Barham and then pivot to a need like tight end or linebacker. The board is deep, the needs are obvious, and the pressure is on Ballard to deliver. If the mock drafts are any indication, the Colts will emerge from Day 2 with two players who will be key contributors for years to come.

For Colts fans, Friday night promises to be a turning point for the franchise’s defensive identity. The pieces are there. Now, it’s time for Ballard to put them together.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.