ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. have joined forces to put together a three-round NFL mock draft. So who did the Indianapolis Colts come away with?
In this mock, Yates and Kiper alternated picks and based their selections on “what they’re hearing” and “how each team might tackle big roster needs.”
So let’s break down the Colts‘ selections with our gut reactions to each pick.
Colts pick at 14: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
With Tyler Warren gone, Kiper had the Colts taking Loveland to provide the tight end position with a needed boost. With the Colts needing a much larger passing game presence from this position, Loveland could very much provide that as the best pure pass-catching tight end in this year’s class.
His ability to line up across the formation and to attack different levels of the field in a variety of ways will not only create production opportunities for himself, but for others in the offense as well.
Not to be forgotten about at tight end is the importance of run blocking in Shane Steichen’s offense. Loveland has continued to improve in that area, but how the Colts evaluate his ability in that facet of the game and the opportunity for growth could determine whether he’s picked here or not.
“Loveland can be Anthony Richardson‘s seam-stretcher and really improve the Colts’ tight end room, which didn’t even reach 500 receiving yards last season,” wrote Kiper. “It’s a huge year for Richardson, and if the Colts want to properly evaluate him as their future under center, they should build up his supporting cast.”
Colts pick at 45: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Perhaps Jaylon Carlies, who GM Chris Ballard spoke very highly of recently, can step in and start at linebacker next to Zaire Franklin. However, in an offseason where Ballard wants to prioritize competition, he shouldn’t assume that’ll be the case either and should bring in someone to compete for that playing time.
Added coverage ability and versatility, given Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, are two elements that the Colts should be looking to add to this position group.
Schwesinger proved to be an extremely reliable tackler last season, making 133 of his 144 attempts. In coverage, he allowed a completion rate of 77% at 9.4 yards per catch with two interceptions and two pass breakups, according to PFF.
“Few players skyrocketed on draft boards last season quite like Schwesinger, who has elite range as a coverage ‘backer,” wrote Yates. “He had 115 tackles in 2024.”
Colts pick at 80: Emery Jones Jr., G, LSU
At a minimum, after losing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, depth along the interior is needed. However, similarly to linebacker, while perhaps Matt Goncalves can slide over from tackle to right guard to fill that vacant starting spot, the Colts shouldn’t assume that either.
While naturally, all of the focus on the outside will be on the Colts’ quarterback competition, if Ballard doesn’t get the offensive line right, I’m not sure it matters who the quarterback is. So with some unknowns up front, the Colts need to give themselves options and create competition.
Jones played right tackle at LSU but is projected as a guard here. He allowed one sack and 28 pressures in 2024 and has been an above-average run-blocker by PFF’s metrics.
“Jones has been getting a little buzz. His game is raw, and he will kick inside in the pros after playing right tackle at LSU,” Kiper wrote. “But there’s upside here.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Gut reactions to Colts picks in Kiper and Yates’ mock
ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. have joined forces to put together a three-round NFL mock draft. So who did the Indianapolis Colts come away with?
In this mock, Yates and Kiper alternated picks and based their selections on “what they’re hearing” and “how each team might tackle big roster needs.”
So let’s break down the Colts‘ selections with our gut reactions to each pick.
Colts pick at 14: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
With Tyler Warren gone, Kiper had the Colts taking Loveland to provide the tight end position with a needed boost. With the Colts needing a much larger passing game presence from this position, Loveland could very much provide that as the best pure pass-catching tight end in this year’s class.
His ability to line up across the formation and to attack different levels of the field in a variety of ways will not only create production opportunities for himself, but for others in the offense as well.
Not to be forgotten about at tight end is the importance of run blocking in Shane Steichen’s offense. Loveland has continued to improve in that area, but how the Colts evaluate his ability in that facet of the game and the opportunity for growth could determine whether he’s picked here or not.
“Loveland can be Anthony Richardson‘s seam-stretcher and really improve the Colts’ tight end room, which didn’t even reach 500 receiving yards last season,” wrote Kiper. “It’s a huge year for Richardson, and if the Colts want to properly evaluate him as their future under center, they should build up his supporting cast.”
Colts pick at 45: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Perhaps Jaylon Carlies, who GM Chris Ballard spoke very highly of recently, can step in and start at linebacker next to Zaire Franklin. However, in an offseason where Ballard wants to prioritize competition, he shouldn’t assume that’ll be the case either and should bring in someone to compete for that playing time.
Added coverage ability and versatility, given Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme, are two elements that the Colts should be looking to add to this position group.
Schwesinger proved to be an extremely reliable tackler last season, making 133 of his 144 attempts. In coverage, he allowed a completion rate of 77% at 9.4 yards per catch with two interceptions and two pass breakups, according to PFF.
“Few players skyrocketed on draft boards last season quite like Schwesinger, who has elite range as a coverage ‘backer,” wrote Yates. “He had 115 tackles in 2024.”
Colts pick at 80: Emery Jones Jr., G, LSU
At a minimum, after losing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency, depth along the interior is needed. However, similarly to linebacker, while perhaps Matt Goncalves can slide over from tackle to right guard to fill that vacant starting spot, the Colts shouldn’t assume that either.
While naturally, all of the focus on the outside will be on the Colts’ quarterback competition, if Ballard doesn’t get the offensive line right, I’m not sure it matters who the quarterback is. So with some unknowns up front, the Colts need to give themselves options and create competition.
Jones played right tackle at LSU but is projected as a guard here. He allowed one sack and 28 pressures in 2024 and has been an above-average run-blocker by PFF’s metrics.
“Jones has been getting a little buzz. His game is raw, and he will kick inside in the pros after playing right tackle at LSU,” Kiper wrote. “But there’s upside here.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Gut reactions to Colts picks in Kiper and Yates’ mock
