Colts make bold trade up for help on offense in NFL.com 7-round mock draft

In a new seven-round mock draft from Chad Reuter of NFL.com, he has the Colts making a bold move by trading up in the first round to add some needed playmaking help on offense.

There’s no question that the Colts could use some added juice on offense–GM Chris Ballard has even said so. However, while Ballard has shown a willingness during his tenure to make draft day trades, he more often than not prefers to move back to accumulate assets.

“I just go off history,” said Ballard on Friday. “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 a better chance to hit.” 

Also, a factor in this decision is the total amount of draft capital that the Colts have available. They currently have seven picks in total, only four teams have fewer, and rank 21st in draft capital value.

In the trade-up scenario, Reuter has the Colts parting with picks 15, 46, and 117 and in return get picks 9 and the Bears third-round selection. This leaves the Colts with just six selections, including none in the second round.

“I think it would depend,” said Ballard about trading up. “There would have to be someone within striking distance we felt was really unique and a difference-maker for us.”

Here is a breakdown of how this mock draft unfolded for the Indianapolis Colts: