Indianapolis Colts Draft: 3 Trade-Back Targets in Round 1

The Indianapolis Colts hold the 15th overall selection for the 2024 NFL Draft. While last season it was known a quarterback was to be selected, this year there are several different directions Indy could take in round one. One possible scenario is a trade back within the first round to stockpile picks while still snagging a valuable player at a position of need.

With that subject as the headline, it's time to dive into three prospects that Indianapolis may target if they decide to trade the 15th pick and move back on day one of the draft. 

Cornerback | Cooper DeJean (Iowa)

Iowa Hawkeyes playmaker Cooper DeJean has displayed versatility, incredible athleticism, and the ability to create turnovers in coverage. These are all traits that Indianapolis needs in a future cornerback to join Kenny Moore II, JuJu Brents, and Dallis Flowers. However, Indy likely won’t select DeJean at the 15th overall location. 

More realistically, Indy would need a trade-back to grab the dynamic corner later in round one. One trade that might surface is with the Pittsburgh Steelers (20th overall) or Philadelphia Eagles (22nd overall). The Steelers need another receiver after the departure of Diontae Johnson, and the Eagles may want a top-tier draft cornerback earlier than 22nd overall. 

Regardless of how it would happen, Indy could grab a cornerback that has seven interceptions (three returned for touchdowns), 13 passes defended, and a punt return for a score throughout his three-year NCAA career. 

Not to mention, the new kickoff rules in play may make the Colts want DeJean for more than just coverage, as he averaged an impressive 13.1 yards per punt return on 31 total returns (406 yards) and could serve as a kick returner. 

The Colts won't be disappointed if they trade back and still land a player like DeJean. While he's a bit smaller than the typical Gus Bradley cornerback, he's also one of the most athletically gifted defensive backs in recent memory to come out of the draft. This alone gives him a solid floor with a high upside in the pros. 

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Wide Receiver | Adonai Mitchell (Texas)

Texas pass-catcher Adonai Mitchell rose through the prospect ranks after an impressive combine performance where he wowed the spectators and displayed how deadly of an offensive weapon he can be. 

While his 2021 and 2022 weren't notable with Georgia, 2023 with Texas was. Last year, Mitchell caught 55 passes for 845 yards (15.4 avg) and 11 scores. Mitchell is also a crafty route-runner with fantastic speed, both attributes that could help a quarterback like Anthony Richardson. 

What's murky is where Mitchell will go in round one (if that's where he's drafted.) Recently, Indy sent head coach Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, and wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne to the Texas Pro Day to watch Mitchell and teammate Xavier Worthy. 

Should Indianapolis find the board falling and feel Mitchell is worth trading back, they might do so with a team like the Arizona Cardinals (using their 27th overall pick) or Buffalo Bills (28th overall), as each squad needs playmakers on both sides of the ball. 

If Steichen gets a player like Mitchell, he's getting a weapon with plenty of skills to match a more explosive offense. Also, he would fit in nicely with receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. However, it wasn't just Mitchell at the Texas Pro Day. 

Wide Receiver | Xavier Worthy (Texas)

The electric Worthy showcased incredible consistency, explosiveness, and reliability in his three years as a Longhorn. While Worthy did set the NFL Combine record for fastest 40-yard dash (4.21), he's more than just a downfield threat with incredible speed. 

Worthy can play either outside or in the slot and works well with short and deep route-running. While the NFL will undoubtedly demand all collegiate receivers to improve their technicals and fundamentals, Worthy has the advantage of knowing the route tree and having insane quickness to make himself grab the attention of opposing defenses. 

While teammate Mitchell is enticing to think about with the Colts, Worthy is likely a better fit given what Steichen wants offensively, and that is to be explosive. With a quarterback like Richardson under center and Worthy being a big play waiting to happen, it's a perfect match. The question is, where would Worthy go in the draft? 

I believe if Indianapolis truly wants Worthy, a trade similar to what I mentioned with Mitchell's entry would occur. Worthy's first-round stock is in the 20-32 range, meaning the Colts could snag him anywhere in that region. 

If the Colts get Worthy to don the horseshoe, he's a T.Y. Hilton-type receiver who could be a massive addition, if his ceiling hits. Due to Worthy's speed, he'll open up opportunities for the rest of the offensive weapons in Steichen's scheme while posing a constant threat with Richardson at the helm. 

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