Colts trade up for playmaking TE in NFL.com mock draft

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In the second edition of Eric Edholm’s one-round mock draft, he has the Indianapolis Colts trading up with the Chicago Bears from pick 15 to pick 9 to take playmaking Georgia tight end Brock Bowers.

With the Bears only having four draft picks in total, the fewest in the NFL, they do feel like a prime trade-down candidate. Here is what Edholm had to say:

“If the Bears could get more Day 2 ammunition, I think they’d strongly consider moving down here. For the Colts, it would be a rare move up, but if GM Chris Ballard wants Bowers, he might have to get aggressive to move in front of the Jets. Bowers would be an excellent security blanket for Anthony Richardson and could become Dallas Clark 2.0.”

Edholm didn’t specify what the Colts would have to give up to make this move, but if we use the Rich Hill trade value chart, it could look something like the Colts acquiring pick 9 and the Bears third-round pick in exchange for picks 15, 46, and 117 in the fourth-round.

During Chris Ballard’s tenure as GM, he has been much more willing to trade down in order to accumulate draft capital. Although, during his pre-draft press conference, he did speak to what it would take for him to move up:

“I think it would depend,” said Ballard. “There would have to be someone within striking distance we felt was really unique and a difference-maker for us.”

Also, a part of this equation is that the Colts only have seven picks – with only four teams having fewer – and if the trade above were to take place, they’d be left with only six. However, Bowers certainly fits the mold of being a ‘difference-maker,’ as Ballard put it.

At Georgia, Bowers was a very reliable target and would bring that presence to the Colts’ offense immediately. He’s also extremely versatile, able to move around the formation, and was very good with the ball in his hands, picking up yards after the catch.

Having a move-tight end like Bowers can do wonders for an offense. His ability to impact the game in a variety of ways opens up the playbook for Shane Steichen and creates mismatches that not only he can exploit but also his teammates will feel his gravity.

Bowers’ willingness as a blocker can add a layer of unpredictability to the Colts’ offense as well.

This is a Colts offense that needs more playmaking, specifically through the passing game after ranking 24th in explosive plays last season, and Bowers would bring that element and do so in a unique way as a tight end.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts trade up for playmaking TE in NFL.com mock draft