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3 draft prospects Colts missed out on without a first-round pick
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- 3 draft prospects Colts missed out on without a first-round pick
By not having a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which players did the Indianapolis Colts potentially miss out on?
The Colts are without their first-round selection after trading it -- and the 2027 first-round pick -- to the New York Jets during last season's NFL trade deadline for cornerback Sauce Gardner .
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Had the Colts had that pick, after finishing 8-9 on the season, they would have been picking at 16th overall.
With that pick, the Jets selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
Taking into account positional need for the Colts, here are some prospects that perhaps could have been of interest.
DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
The Colts still need to add to this position, despite making two free agent signings. It remains to be seen who will be starting next to Laiatu Latu as of now. JT Tuimoloau and Arden Key are candidates.
Faulk has been one of PFF's top run defenders at the defensive end position the last two years, and totaled 75 pressures with 11 sacks during that span as a pass rusher.
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DE Akheem Mesidor , Miami
Mesidor, another top defensive end prospect, was still available at pick 16 as well. He recorded 67 pressures and 13 sacks last season. Those 67 pressures were tied for the fourth-most among all defensive ends in 2025.
S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
The Colts made several additions at safety this offseason -- some of which perhaps do not happen if Indianapolis holds the 16th overall pick -- but the starting spot next to Cam Bynum remains up for grabs. Whether Jonathan Owens , Juanyeh Thomas , or Hunter Wohler can provide a steady presence remains to be seen.
Thieneman has experience in his career playing both deep safety and strong safety. This past year, most of his snaps came in the box. He logged two interceptions, four pass breakups, and gave up just 8.1 yards per catch. He was a very reliable tackler as well.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: 3 first round prospects Colts missed without pick
