In the realm of NFL dreams, the Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft with hopes as high as the Lucas Oil Stadium roof. Imagine walking away with a lineup of future Hall of Famers, All-Pros, and Super Bowl champions. It’s a tantalizing thought, even if it seems a bit like catching lightning in a bottle.
To get a sense of what Colts fans might dream of, we turn to Ben Solak’s insightful rankings of the best-ever draft picks from selections No. 1 through No. 262. If the Colts could somehow snag the best-ever pick at each of their draft positions, they’d be the toast of the NFL.
Let’s dive into what Colts fans might envision for the upcoming draft, while also keeping our feet on the ground with a “reality check” of past Colts picks at these spots.
#47 Pick
Dream Selection: Bobby Wagner, LB
Drafted 47th in 2012, Wagner became a cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks' dominant defense.
With six first-team All-Pro selections, his impact is undeniable. He continues to be a force, recently starting for the Washington Commanders.
Reality Check: Jerry Logan, a fourth-round pick in 1963, stands out as the best Colts selection at No. 47. A three-time Pro Bowler, Logan was pivotal in the Colts’ Super Bowl V victory.
#78 Pick
Dream Selection: Joe Thuney, OL
Thuney, picked 78th in 2016, boasts four Super Bowl rings from his time with the Patriots and Chiefs, and now plays for the Bears. His career exemplifies reliability and success.
Reality Check: The Colts have yet to hit the jackpot at No. 78, with none of their selections playing in the NFL. However, they’ve found success nearby with players like Bernhard Raimann (77th in 2022) and Josh Downs (79th in 2023).
#113 Pick
Dream Selection: Kevin Greene, LB
Greene, selected 113th in 1985, is a Hall of Famer with 160 career sacks. His relentless play made him a legend in the NFL.
Reality Check: The Colts’ most notable pick at No. 113 was Sid Abramowitz in 1983, who managed a four-season NFL career, bookending his time with the Colts.
#156 Pick
Dream Selection: Ed Newman, OL
Newman, the 156th pick in 1973, earned four Pro Bowl nods with the Dolphins after joining a team fresh off a perfect season.
Reality Check: Carl Powell, picked in 1997, is the Colts’ most successful No. 156 selection. He played 11 games as a rookie and later had a journeyman career across the NFL.
#214 Pick
Dream Selection: Ken Houston, DB
Drafted 214th in 1967, Houston’s Hall of Fame career spanned 14 seasons with the Oilers and Washington, marking him as one of the greats.
Reality Check: The Colts’ connection to the No. 214 pick came in 2012 with Tim Fugger, part of a trade that brought Drew Stanton to back up Andrew Luck.
#249 Pick
Dream Selection: Dwight Clark, WR
Clark, a 10th-round pick in 1979, was a key figure in San Francisco’s first Super Bowl-winning team, becoming a favorite target of Joe Montana.
#254 Pick
Dream Selection: Elijah Alexander, LB
Picked 254th in 1992 by Tampa Bay, Alexander spent three of his nine NFL seasons with the Colts, showcasing his resilience and talent.
Reality Check: The Colts have had the No. 254 pick twice, with Justice Cunningham in 2013 making a brief appearance in Indianapolis, catching one pass in his lone season.
As the draft approaches, Colts fans can dream big, hoping for a haul that echoes the legends of the past while staying grounded in the realities of draft day outcomes.