Former North Dakota State QB Cole Payton is visiting the Colts today, per source.
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Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell
It appears more and more likely that the Indianapolis Colts will take a wide receiver early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Needing to bolster the position after trading away Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis has been meeting with several prospects ahead of the upcoming draft.
The Colts have previously met with Louisville’s Chris Bell and Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt ahead of the draft. Now, a report reveals Indy had met with a third wide receiver ahead of the draft.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indy has met with Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell on a 30 visit.
Brazzell had the second-most receiving yards in the SEC (1,017) and tied for the most touchdown receptions (9) in the conference. In his collegiate career, the wide receiver hauled in 2,072 receiving yards and 16 total touchdowns. Brazzell played his first two college seasons with Tulane.
The soon-to-be Tennessee Volunteer has a similar frame to Pittman Jr. and could be a strong replacement. Brazzell stands an inch taller than Pittman, with a height of 6’5″ and could be the next big body target for the Indianapolis Colts.
GettyColts met with an FCS National Champion
Daniel Jones will be the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback heading forward after the team retained the QB on a two-year, $88 million deal that can be worth up to $100 million.
Keeping Jones is a positive, as he appears to be the team’s long-term answer at the position since Andrew Luck suddenly retired. But the depth at quarterback is lacking.
To help address the lack of depth at quarterback, the Colts are meeting with North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton.
Former North Dakota State QB Cole Payton is visiting the Colts today, per source.
Payton, a two-time FCS Champion with the Bison, recorded 2,719 passing yards and 16 touchdown passes, with 777 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in his final collegiate season with the team — Payton spent his entire college career with NDSU.
The FCS quarterback was used more in the running game in college, with the 2025 season being his first full season at QB. In his time playing collegiate football, Payton logged 3,190 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. With his legs, the quarterback recorded 1,919 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.
Anthony Richardson has asked for a trade and appears to be headed out, but Colts general manager Chris Ballard suggests the former fourth-overall pick may remain, creating a lack of depth at the position.
Riley Leonard is the only backup for the 2026 season, but the Colts bringing Philip Rivers out of retirement to lead the team in a late playoff push instead of Leonard speaks to the team’s belief in him.
GettyIndianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard
The Indianapolis Colts will be making their first selection on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 47th overall pick. GM Chris Ballard mentioned ahead of the draft that the team may trade for more picks during the three-day event.
“Right now, we have seven picks. I would guess we end up with more,” said Ballard, via Stampede Blue. “So we’ll see, you never know on draft day.”
A player of Chris Brazzell’s caliber and how Cole Payton can be used in two phases of the offense can both contribute to an evolving Colts offense. But trading back, or forward, can hurt the team’s chances of adding these two players.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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