Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

It's easy to see how Indianapolis GM Chris Ballard would appreciate Levis, who oozes toughness, even if he's coming off a challenging 2022 season. If the Colts really want him, though, they might have to move up -- Levis will go high.

For too long, the Indianapolis Colts have failed to go after a young quarterback in the draft and instead opted for stop-gap veterans. C.J. Stroud has the makeup of an NFL franchise quarterback after two strong seasons in the Big Ten where his accuracy and passing game instincts shined.

Like Will Levis at the 2, take your guess on the quarterback of choice here. Young's lack of size is going to matter in the offseason process, but he's the most talented NFL-caliber quarterback in the draft.

The selection of a head coach will play a big role in what direction the Colts go with their top draft pick, but in the event they opt for QB help by way of free agency or trade, Johnson could end up as a Day 1 starter plugging the gaping hole up front they've had for several years.

The Colts don't necessarily have to trade up to No. 1 to get a quarterback in this draft. They'd have to make that move to guarantee their choice of the QBs, however. Young is the most game-ready prospect on the board, but Stroud or Will Levis could make noise with that Indianapolis roster in the right system. Bonus: No picks given up here.

Chris Ballard has made no secret of the need to get the quarterback position right this year, in the way of failed experiments involving Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan. Stroud's performance against Georgia in the College Football Playoff, and in particular his ability to play off-structure and outside the pocket, was the kind of game that scouts will remember throughout draft season.

Since Andrew Luck's retirement, the Colts have had little success turning to QBs nearing the end of their careers, and it's safe to assume that owner Jim Irsay will be looking for the team's next face of the franchise. C.J. Stroud has flown under the national-media radar all season, but some NFL teams will tell you he'll be in the running for QB1, and his performance in the College Football Playoff semifinal game vs. Georgia showed that he can beat you with his arm and his legs.

There is no telling what the Colts could do in this draft. You'll read plenty of scenarios of them selling the farm to get to No. 1 overall and draft a quarterback, and that is certainly plausible. But will Chicago want to move that far down when a lesser move is available? In this scenario, let's say they don't and Indianapolis has to stay put. I still think they can get a young quarterback to invest in, whether that is the QB2 or QB3 in this class. That debate will likely come down to Kentucky's Will Levis or Ohio State's C.J. Stroud.

Levis gets a lot of flack from draft readers who point out his lack of production — just 22 big-time throws to 24 turnover-worthy plays — over the past two seasons. But it seems the NFL is much higher on Levis than his numbers might indicate due to their belief in his physical tools and how much better he can be with some improved passing weapons (none of his wide receivers in 2022 earned a 73.0-plus receiving grade). Plus, if play under pressure is a point of emphasis for Colts general manager Chris Ballard, Levis' 58.1 passing grade under pressure beats out Stroud's 46.2. Levis' 72.9% adjusted completion percentage was also significantly higher than Stroud's 50.0%.

Do with those numbers what you will — as will the Colts.

The trades for Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan in back-to-back offseasons didn't work out for general manager Chris Ballard, and now the Colts are starting over -- again -- at quarterback. Don't they have to draft a signal-caller here (if they don't trade up to get their preferred guy)? They have some intriguing talent on their roster, but as we've seen time and time again in the NFL, nothing else matters if they don't have their quarterback.

There's a clear gap after the top three passers in this class, and the Colts don't necessarily have to trade up to get one of them. In this scenario, they could take Young, a quick processor with an elite feel for the pocket and how to move around and locate his target. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner doesn't have a big frame, which some NFL scouts will downgrade him for because there aren't many starting quarterbacks under 200 pounds. I love his tape, though, and I'd be willing to bet on his talent. Spread out the offense and watch him throw darts to Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.

After cycling through a bevy of veteran signal-callers, it is time for the Colts to find a young quarterback to build around.

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