The Indianapolis Colts are entering a critical offseason. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen were fortunate to keep their jobs after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the team miss the postseason. Ballard and Steichen must enjoy a quality 2025 NFL Draft that catapults the Colts into AFC South contention.
The Colts own the 14th overall selection and three total top-100 picks. Investing in the young quarterback while also finding impact starters for new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo are among the goals. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that addresses the Colts’ biggest needs.
Round 1 (No. 14 overall): Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Colts are expected to grab a weapon that further invests in Anthony Richardson's development. Tyler Warren is a QB-friendly target who creates mismatch opportunities underneath the coverage. Whether he's dominating safeties or linebackers one-on-one at the catch point or outrunning defenders in the open field, Warren is an elite tight end prospect who will make an immediate impact on a quarterback and pro offense.
Round 2 (No. 45 overall): Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Ballard must continue investing draft capital at cornerback until the room finally comes together. Darien Porter meets Ballard’s athletic and size thresholds at the position, checking in at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds with arms longer than 33 inches. Porter began his college football career at wide receiver, but has made a smooth transition to corner, utilizing length to disrupt the catch point, with career-highs in interceptions and pass breakups throughout 2024.
Round 3 (No. 80 overall): Billy Bowman Jr., SAF, Oklahoma
Nick Cross and Julian Blackmon have been inconsistent at safety and the latter is scheduled for unrestricted free agent. Billy Bowman Jr. is a legitimate, experienced ball-hawk with production in waves. Bowman Jr. will remind Anarumo of Jessie Bates III, who he once coached with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Round 4 (No. 116 overall): Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart aren't getting younger at defensive tackle. Rotational defender Taven Bryan is a free agent. Oregon's Jamaree Caldwell would add depth and competition. Caldwell deserves so much more pre-draft recognition than he's currently getting. Caldwell pairs overwhelming power with a red-hot motor.
Round 5 (No. 152 overall): Jackson Slater, IOL, Sacramento State
Ballard has several notable pending free agents at interior offensive line, including center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries. Kelly is 32 years old, and Fries is recovering from a season-ending tibia injury. Jackson Slater was a standout performer at this year's Senior Bowl and possesses the versatility required to develop into a starter at any of the three inside positions.
Round 6 (No. 191 overall): Nohl Williams, CB, California
It's worth doubling down at cornerback. Nohl Williams pairs outstanding size with competitiveness and physicality. Williams produced an FBS-best seven interceptions this past season. No Colts defender had more than three takeaways in 2024.
Round 7 (No. 234 overall): Collin Oliver, LB, Oklahoma State
E.J. Speed and Dayo Odeyingbo are among Indianapolis' pending free agents. Front-seven depth will be required to refill the cupboard. Collin Oliver has some off-ball linebacker/edge flexibility. Athleticism allows Oliver to be an effective hybrid defender.
