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'Sleeper' at quarterback on Colts' radar ahead of 2026 NFL draft
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- 'Sleeper' at quarterback on Colts' radar ahead of 2026 NFL draft
Quarterback is a position in the 2026 NFL draft that is on the Indianapolis Colts' radar.
Among the teams to meet with UCONN's Joe Fagnano virtually were the Colts , he told Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo in an interview.
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The Colts have also met with Garrett Nussmeier , Behren Morton , and Cole Payton in various capacities this draft cycle as well.
Let's take a closer look at what Fagnano could bring to the Colts.
Colts 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: UCONN QB Joe Fagnano
After spending seven seasons at the college level, Fagnano is an older prospect at 25 years old. Over his career, he's had 1,604 dropbacks, completing 62% of his passes at 7.6 yards per attempt with 94 touchdowns to 18 interceptions.
This past season was a career year for Fagnano, whose efficiency improved drastically as he complted 69% of his throws at 8.4 yards per attempt -- both career highs. He also threw just one interception.
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Fagnano is the 265th-ranked prospect on the consensus big board .
Joe Fagnano's athletic profile
Scouting report on Joe Fagnano
Here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft evaluation:
"Rare seventh-year senior with the size and production to warrant a deeper dive. Fagnano is a ball-distributing pocket passer with an average arm and inconsistent accuracy. He's highly experienced, showing adequate command of his offense. He gets through his progressions with decent pace and can find his rhythm when working underneath. He's not a chess master in terms of dissecting and attacking defenses but he has taken care of the football throughout his career. Fagnano is a little older and lacks above-average mobility, accuracy or arm talent to build around, so a practice squad might be his ceiling."
What impact can Joe Fagnano have in the NFL?
To conclude his interview with Melo, Fagnano was asked what kind of impact he could make in the NFL:
"I think I'm a very good quarterback to be honest with you. I've overcome a lot of adversity. I think that's a testament to the type of person and quarterback I am. I don't think many players would have come out on the other side of my journey unscathed. I'm very proud of how I've worked to put myself in this position."
What is the Colts' need at quarterback?
Assuming the Colts do find a trade partner for Anthony Richardson, that still leaves them with Riley Leonard as the team's backup. Perhaps late in the draft or afterward in undrafted free agency, the Colts add a quarterback to compete with Seth Henigan for the third spot on the depth chart. However, given the needs on this roster elsewhere, the Colts may not have the luxury of using a draft pick on a quarterback.
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This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts meet with UCONN QB Joe Fagnano
