The Indianapolis Colts currently own the 15th overall pick in the NFL Draft of 2024. Is it prudent to acquire draft money and trade back? Should they choose the best player available with the pick, or should they hold onto it?
Since 2017, Chris Ballard has been the general manager of the Colts, managing the team’s previous seven draft selections. He likes draft trades, as all Indianapolis supporters are aware.
Eleven of Ballard’s eighteen draft-day transactions have involved trade downs. An ideal instance occurred in 2019 when Indianapolis traded the 26th overall pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for the 46th overall pick and a second-round pick in 2020.
Ballard might try again this year by adding a couple of extra picks and moving down from No. 15.
The Colts need to fill a number of holes, just like any other NFL team. Trades and free agency don’t round out the roster. Teams have to use the draft as well.
Ballard might be able to work out a deal with the Arizona Cardinals if he chooses to take the “trade back” route. Perhaps they would take the Indianapolis No. 15 pick from the Colts in lieu of the 27th and 35th overall picks.
At 27, might select a cornerback similar to Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama. JuJu Brents was excellent as a rookie when healthy, and the Colts re-signed Kenny Moore II this off-season. They might, however, need an extra corner, which makes McKinstry—a playmaker—a prime choice.
