The 2021 NFL draft just ended with the Indianapolis Colts making seven picks throughout the big weekend, but it’s never too early to look ahead at a mock draft for the 2022 class.
Okay, fine, it may be way too early to be looking ahead to the 2022 class. The newest additions for the Colts just started rookie minicamp and are still getting acclimated to life in the NFL.
That said, the here’s who the Colts took in Mark Schofield’s “ridiculously early” 2022 mock draft for Touchdown Wire:
No. 23 overall: OT Charles Cross, Mississippi State
The Philadelphia Eagles could have three picks in the first round, and that depends on what Carson Wentz does during the 2021 season. As part of the terms of the Wentz trade the Colts included a conditional selection with these terms: If the quarterback plays on 75% of the Colts’ offensive snaps in 2021, or if he plays on 70% of the snaps AND the Colts make the playoffs, the Eagles will receive Indianapolis’ 2022 first-round selection. If Wentz fails to hit those numbers, the Eagles will receive the Colts’ 2022 second-round selection. Let’s take the “glass half-empty” approach and assume Wentz does not meet those conditions, and therefore give Colts fans a reason to read this mock draft.
Despite the retirement of Anthony Castonzo, the Colts did not add to the offensive line until the seventh round of the 2021 NFL draft, so this could be a position the team addresses early in 2022. Charles Cross was impressive last year in his first season starting at left tackle, and if he continues to impress he could leave school after the end of his redshirt sophomore season, making him an option for the Colts next draft.
It is likely the Colts don’t have their first-round pick next season. If all goes according to plan with Wentz, Ballard will be without a first-rounder for the third time in four years.
Of course, there is no guarantee with that given Wentz’s injury history. But the Colts are planning on being without a premium pick in the 2022 draft, hoping the move for Wentz was worth it.
Adding to the offensive line might wind up being the Colts’ biggest objective throughout next offseason depending on what they do at left tackle leading up to the season. They hosted Eric Fisher on a visit and have interest in Charles Leno Jr. following his release from the Chicago Bears.
The college football season is far from arriving but Cross should be on the list of potential prospects to watch for the Colts in the fall.