APRIL 25: The Colts may try to take a big swing in Round 1, with SI.com’s Albert Breer mentioning Indianapolis will probably attempt to make a move for one of the top three wideouts or Brock Bowers. Sitting at No. 15, the Colts may only need to move up a few spots to secure draft real estate good enough to nab Bowers or Rome Odunze. It will probably take a more substantial trade package for Indy to land Harrison or Malik Nabers.
The Bowers element here is interesting, as the Colts have seven tight ends on their offseason roster. Top option Jelani Woods arrived during Frank Reich‘s tenure, as did Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. Bowers is viewed as this draft’s top tight end by a wide margin; the Georgia product may not make it out of the top 10, setting a potential target for the Colts if they are serious about moving up.
APRIL 24: Most of the trade-up reporting and speculation related to the upcoming draft has centered on quarterbacks, to no surprise. Teams not in need of a rookie passer could still be active in seeking a move up the board, though, and the Colts could be one of them. 
Indianapolis is currently set to select 15th overall, but a trade could be in consideration. The Colts are viewed as being interested in a trade-up aimed at securing a receiver, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Likewise, ESPN’s Matt Miller reports the team has frequently been mentioned as a potential suitor for Texas wideout Xavier Worthy. Miller’s final mock draft sends the speedster to Indianapolis, albeit with no trade being involved. Owner Jim Irsay noted the team’s “great interest” in Marvin Harrison Jr. (via FOX59’s Mike Chappel), but he will no doubt be out of range.
Worthy earned plenty of acclaim by breaking the all-time 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine, showcasing his ability as a vertical threat at the NFL level. The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. in place for years to come atop the WR depth chart, having worked out a three-year deal this offseason which takes the place of his franchise tag. Worthy is also on the radar of the Dolphins, owners of the No. 21 selection.
Indianapolis will have plenty of non-QB options to consider on Day 1, of course, regardless of if the team moves up or down the board. General manager Chris Ballard spoke about the team’s situation during a pre-draft press conference, during which he noted all options are being considered. All teams provide smokescreens this time of year, but Ballard noted the Colts have a track record of moving both up and down the board.
“History, I just go off history,” Ballard said (via NFL.com). “And you know, the more picks you have, the better chance you have to hit. Now, of course, you’re not going to hit on all of them, but it gives you more of a chance to hit. Look, we’ve moved up, we moved up for Jonathan Taylor. When we see one that’s in striking distance that we think we can go get, we’ll do it. But it’s got to work out. And then you’ve got to have… somebody that wants to make the trade.”
The Colts own seven total picks in the 2024 draft, one in each round. The team will thus have the capital required to move up the board slightly in round one, but the possibility of adding later selections could entice Ballard. This year’s class is known to be deep at the receiver spot, and plenty of notable options will be available on Friday and Saturday. Still, Indianapolis will be a team to watch with respect to wideout interest.
Multiple picks to move up to #4 for Marvin Harrison Jr ? Of note is that his father Harrison Sr was a WR for the Colts, and likely soon a Hall of Famer.
I meant Hall of Fame inductee in 2016.
I think the Colts have a nice two prong offense where they can hit opponents with either the pass or run to keep them off balance. Their defense seems to be in greater need of upgrades so perhaps Ballard should make that the priority. With so many teams focused on offense in round 1, I expect some very good defensive players to slide down and become great values.
Good plan except Irsay is calling the shots in Indy. If he wants MHJ he’ll make the call.
If Ballard wants better chances of getting it right, then trading up to get MHJ is a can’t miss pick. He’s graded higher than Calvin Johnson. If it takes giving up this year’s 1st round and 2nd round plus next year’s 1st round, it’s worth it. Who wouldn’t give up a 1st and 2nd rounder for Megatron? Also I wouldn’t mind picking Alt either, but the fanbase wouldn’t like that move.
Grabbing Harrison would an all time popular move, and an extremely potent addition to the offense. Is it move the likely exorbitant price yo move up to 4 or 5 in a deep WR draft? Probably not, but it would likely be at least a useful addition.
If the Colts are willing to trade Taylor, it may be possible. Taylor’s been hurt, but he’s still a great back who would have value on any team. Using him in combination with picks could make the move. After his extension, however, that trade could become complicated, if the Colts are even willing to do it. Having Richardson and Taylor together was a goal of their offense. Still, in a seventeen game season, a workhorse back isn’t as essential as he once was (despite my personal belief in the value of a good lead back). I think that the door is slightly opened there, even if I don’t find it likely.
At the end of the day, Irsay is the type of owner who will have a lot of say and a lot of involvement in what happens. If he wants Harrison, he will tell Ballard to go get him.
Sorry, my phone garbled that second sentence-it’s meant to say “is it worth the likely exorbitant price to…”
I think I can provide a solution for any future phone glitches you might encounter.
link to freesound.org
They still don’t have a quarterback, worth a crap
If serious about a hands 1st TE ask Ravens if they’d part with league proven Isiah Likely and their 2nd 4th rounder for the 15. Ravens need quality blocker for Lamar which should be there at 15, but sketchy at 30. Hands first Charlie Kolar moves up to #2 behind Andrews for Ravens and they grab a block 1st TE in a late round. And, in effect, Colts get an extra pick.