The Indianapolis Colts have definitely adjusted their 2027 NFL draft outlook following two notable trades.
After sending guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, Oct. 27, Indianapolis has added two selections in next year's draft and an additional pick in 2028.
Per Spotrac's latest projection, the Colts could have 10 selections in the 2027 NFL draft, including two compensatory picks that have yet to be finalized.
Projected 2027 #Colts Draft Picks
— Spotrac (@spotrac) October 27, 2026
1st: None
2nd: Own
3rd: Own/SEA
4th: Own/SF
5th: Own/Comp
6th: Comp
7th: Own/BUF
Indianapolis will be without a first-round selection after trading it to the New York Jets in the Sauce Gardner deal, making its Day 2 selections especially important.
Here's how the draft capital breaks down and which prospects Indianapolis could target to address its roster needs.
Colts projected to have 10 picks in 2027 NFL draft
The Colts acquired a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-rounder in exchange for Nelson.
Indianapolis also landed a 2027 fourth-rounder by trading Buckner to San Francisco.
In August, the Colts acquired Buffalo's seventh-round pick in the Sedrick Van Pran-Granger trade, which cost Indianapolis its original sixth-round selection.
Spotrac's current projection includes the following:
- Round 2: Colts' own pick
- Round 3: Colts' own pick
- Round 3:Seahawks' pick (Nelson trade)
- Round 4: Colts' own pick
- Round 4: 49ers' pick (Buckner trade)
- Round 5: Colts' own pick
- Round 5: Projected compensatory pick
- Round 6: Projected compensatory pick
- Round 7: Colts' own pick
- Round 7:Bills' pick (Van Pran-Granger trade)
The two compensatory selections are projections tied to Indianapolis' 2026 free-agent activity. Their placement could change before the NFL officially awards compensatory picks in the season's aftermath.
With Nelson and Buckner departing, the Colts have questions in the trenches, along with other positions that could benefit from more young talent.
Colts 2027 NFL mock draft: One prospect for every pick from trades
Round 3 (via Seahawks): Mario Craver, wide receiver, Texas A&M
Indianapolis could use an explosive receiver, especially with veteran Keenan Allen's long-term future up in the air. Craver, a second-team All-American in 2025, brings speed and yards-after-catch ability that could complement Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. The Texas A&M junior has caught 30 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns through seven games in 2026, including six receptions for 45 yards and a score against Alabama on Oct. 24.
Round 4 (via 49ers): Tony Rojas, linebacker, Penn State
Indianapolis selected CJ Allen in the second round of the 2026 draft, but linebacker depth is worth thinking about. Rojas brings athleticism and pursuit ability that could work with the team's defenders. The Penn State standout has recorded 56 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two interceptions through seven games in 2026, earning second-team AP midseason All-America honors.
Round 5 (compensatory): Drew Azzopardi, offensive tackle, Washington
Welcoming competition at offensive tackle would make sense for Indianapolis. Azzopardi has the size and experience to develop into a potential starter on the right side of the offensive line. The 6-foot-7, 325-pound lineman has started all seven games at right tackle for Washington in 2026. He also made strides in pass protection last season, allowing just one sack and reducing his pressures allowed from 29 in 2024 to 15 in 2025.
Round 6 (compensatory): Qua Russaw, edge rusher, Ohio State
Bringing in a pass rusher would bolster Indianapolis' defense. Russaw could start behind Laiatu Latu and the Colts' existing edge rotation while contributing on special teams. The former Alabama defender transferred to Ohio State ahead of the 2026 season and has recorded 14 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack through six appearances.
Round 7 (via Bills): Decker DeGraaf, tight end, Washington
Tyler Warren is an important part of Indianapolis' offense, but adding depth behind him would be worthwhile. DeGraaf has receiving capability at tight end with room to grow. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior has started all seven games for Washington in 2026, catching 13 passes for 135 yards and two touchdowns. He also recorded 32 receptions for 360 yards and two scores in 2025.
The Colts have a lot of time to determine their approach before the 2027 draft, and their needs could switch through free agency and other trades.
However, with no first-round selection currently available, maximizing their two third-rounders and two fourth-rounders could be necessary to accelerate the franchise's rebuilding process.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Who could the Colts select with draft picks acquired through trades?