The Indianapolis Colts are in line to pick 14th in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Colts hold seven picks, one in each round.
General manager Chris Ballard will be in charge of the selections, and they have perceived needs at many positions. IndyStar’s Joel A. Erickson ranks cornerback and tight end as their biggest needs.
On cornerback: “No matter who the Colts hire at defensive coordinator, Indianapolis will struggle if it doesn’t get much better at cornerback, where Ballard has failed so far to provide a difference-maker through the draft, although he has produced success in free agency with the signings of Xavier Rhodes and Stephon Gilmore in the past.”
On tight end: “Indianapolis tight ends produced just 39 catches in 2024, fewest of any NFL team. … The Colts’ top two tight ends last season, Mo Alie-Cox (12 catches, 147 yards) and Kylen Granson (14 catches, 182 yards) are both free agents.”
A popular name linked to the Colts is Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who had 104 catches for 1,233 yards and 8 touchdowns as the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinals. One question raised by these mock drafts: Would Warren be available to the Colts in the second round?
“The Colts had a defense that couldn’t stop anyone down the stretch, so I imagine they’ll be drafting the best player on that side of the ball. Trey Amos is a tall cornerback with plus speed and athleticism.”
Second round: Warren
“The Colts seemingly have a million tight ends on their roster, but none of them are very good. Tyler Warren is a big tight end who has shown impressive receiving ability.”
