The confetti has barely settled on the 2025 season, but for the Indianapolis Colts, the work never stops. While the team continues to evaluate its current roster and explore free agency, the front office -- led by general manager Chris Ballard -- is already deep into preliminary evaluations for the 2026 NFL Draft. Two names are emerging as particularly intriguing fits for Indianapolis: Penn State edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton and James Madison wide receiver Elijah Sarratt.
These aren't just random names on a big board. Both players address specific, long-term needs that the Colts must solve to remain competitive in a loaded AFC South and a top-heavy conference. Let's dig into what each prospect brings to the table and why they should be at the top of Indianapolis' wish list.
The Edge Rusher Void: Dani Dennis-Sutton
If there's one position that keeps Colts fans up at night, it's the pass rush. Indianapolis has invested heavily in defensive end Kwity Paye and has seen flashes from Dayo Odeyingbo, but the unit has lacked a consistent, game-wrecking presence off the edge since the prime years of Robert Mathis. Injuries have hampered the group's continuity, and the Colts finished the 2025 season ranked outside the top 15 in sacks. That's not going to cut it against the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and divisional rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
Enter Dani Dennis-Sutton.
The Penn State defensive end is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end with the length and power that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo covets. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 265 pounds, Dennis-Sutton possesses the frame to hold up against the run while also having the burst to turn the corner as a pass rusher. According to preliminary scouting reports circulating among NFL draft analysts, he's considered one of the best available players at his position in the 2026 class.
What makes Dennis-Sutton particularly appealing to the Colts is his versatility. He's played both as a traditional defensive end and as a stand-up rusher in certain sub-packages. That flexibility would allow the defensive coordinator to move him around the formation, creating mismatches against slower guards or tackles. With Paye already established on one side, adding a player of Dennis-Sutton's caliber could transform the Colts' defensive front from a liability into a strength.
The Colts have been aggressive in the past about acquiring edge talent -- they even traded up for Paye -- but they haven't committed a premium pick to the position since. If Dennis-Sutton continues to develop his pass-rush arsenal (his hand usage and counter moves are still a work in progress), he could be the kind of player who immediately doubles the sack production from the edge group.
It's still early, but the buzz around Dennis-Sutton as a top-20 pick in April is growing. For a Colts team that finished 10-7 and lost in the wild-card round, that's exactly where they'll be picking -- and exactly the range where you find foundational pieces.
The Receiving Corps Needs a Jolt: Elijah Sarratt
On the other side of the ball, the Colts are quietly dealing with an under-discussed issue: wide receiver depth. Alec Pierce has emerged as the team's bona fide No. 1 option, and Josh Downs has developed into a reliable slot weapon. However, the team lacks a true vertical threat who can take the top off a defense. Beyond that, the depth chart is a collection of unproven players and special teamers.
That's where Elijah Sarratt comes into the picture.
Sarratt, a standout at James Madison, has been turning heads in scouting circles since his breakout 2024 season. He's the kind of receiver who plays faster than his timed speed -- a smooth, fluid athlete who can separate on deep routes and make contested catches in traffic. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he's got the size to play outside and the quickness to work out of the slot if needed. His ability to track the ball over his shoulder on deep passes is reminiscent of a young T.Y. Hilton, which is high praise in Indianapolis.
For a Colts offense that has largely been built around the run game and short-to-intermediate passing under offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, adding a deep threat would unlock a layer of the playbook that has been missing. Defenses have been able to stack the box against running back Jonathan Taylor because they don't fear the vertical pass. Sarratt's presence alone would force safeties to stay deep, opening up running lanes and intermediate routes for the tight ends.
Draft analysts have Sarratt pegged as a potential Day 2 pick (rounds 2-3), which is a sweet spot for the Colts. Indianapolis has two picks in the second round of the 2026 draft, so they're in a position to be aggressive without overreaching. If Sarratt is still on the board when the Colts pick in the second round, don't be surprised if Ballard calls his name.
Why These Two Fit the Colts' Long-Term Plan
Let's zoom out for a moment. The Colts are in an interesting phase of their franchise. They have a young quarterback in Anthony Richardson, who is entering his third season in the league. The team has shown it can win with a strong defense and a punishing ground game, but the margin for error is thin. The difference between being a wild-card team and a legitimate Super Bowl contender often comes down to a handful of impact players.
Edge rusher and wide receiver are two of the most premium positions in the league. You can never have too many quality pass rushers, and you can never have enough weapons for a developing quarterback. Dennis-Sutton and Sarratt would not be luxury picks -- they would be foundational additions that address the Colts' two biggest roster holes.
Furthermore, both players fit the Colts' culture. Ballard has always prioritized character and work ethic, especially in the early rounds. Dennis-Sutton is known for his relentless motor and leadership at Penn State. Sarratt has a chip on his shoulder after coming from a Group of Five program, something that often translates to an NFL-ready mentality. These are the kinds of players who thrive in Indianapolis.
The Road to April
It's still a matter of months until the 2026 NFL Draft, and a lot can change. Players will rise and fall based on game tape from their senior seasons, the NFL Combine, and private workouts. The Colts' own record could fluctuate -- a strong 2026 campaign could push their pick into the late 20s, while a regression could bring them back into the top 10.
But based on what we know right now, Dennis-Sutton and Sarratt are two names that will be heavily linked to Indianapolis in the months ahead. The team has the draft capital, the positional need, and the philosophical fit to make either -- or both -- a reality.
For Colts fans looking for hope beyond the current season, these are the players to watch. The draft is a marathon, not a sprint, and Indianapolis is already laying the groundwork for its next wave of young talent. If the evaluations hold, April 2026 could be the month the Colts finally land the pass rusher and the receiver that push them over the top.
Keep your eyes on Penn State and James Madison this fall. The Colts certainly will.