The Indianapolis Colts approach the 2025 NFL Draft with several needs as they try to improve on an 8-9 season, their fourth straight without an AFC playoff berth.
They have added Daniel Jones to challenge quarterback Anthony Richardson, as well as a couple of defensive backs they expect to start right away.
What are Colts’ needs in 2025 NFL Draft?
Tight end, interior offensive line, pass rusher and defensive back are considered their biggest needs.
Latest Colts mock drafts: Who will the Indianapolis Colts pick in the first round?
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
“They lack a true threat at tight end, which Warren would be. He could go higher than this, but in this mock he is taken behind (Michigan’s Colston) Loveland, which leads to the Colts getting him. He would be a nice security blanket for either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, two quarterbacks who need that.”
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“The Colts had arguably the NFL’s worst tight end production last season, with their group combining for 39 catches, 467 yards and two TDs. They also lost Kylen Granson (Eagles) and Mo Alie-Cox (unsigned) and haven’t addressed the position. In an enormous make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson (and/or possibly Daniel Jones), Indy has to get more playmakers in its offense. Loveland has the seam-stretching ability to make plays down the field, and he has the 6-foot-6 size to post up in the red zone.
“Receiver is the other position that stands out, but I went with Loveland as the better value (No. 11 on my board). Here’s an interesting note from ESPN Research off that decision: This would be the first time since 2006 that multiple running backs and multiple tight ends were selected before a second wide receiver went off the board.”
Second round, Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
“Savaiinaea played tackle last season at Arizona — and played it well, with zero sacks allowed. But his NFL future is probably inside at guard, where he started 12 games in 2022. The Colts’ interior lost Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. Savaiinaea has the ability and size to open running lanes for Jonathan Taylor and keep interior pass rushers off Anthony Richardson.”
Nate Tice, Charles McDonald, Yahoo: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
(Loveland is gone and the Colts pass on Warren)
“Even after signing Charvarius Ward, the Colts aren’t done adding to the cornerback position. Drafting Johnson here would be a huge get for the Colts. He has true No. 1 cornerback upside and would turn a glaring roster weakness into a position of strength for new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.”
Rhett Lewis, NFL.com: Will Johnson
(Warren is gone and the Colts pass on Loveland)
“Johnson is a complicated evaluation: His 2024 season was abbreviated by a foot injury, and a hamstring issue has curtailed his pre-draft process. It reminds me of Derek Stingley Jr.’s situation a few years ago. Each corner had fantastic tape early in college before experiencing an injury-plagued junior season, muddying the prospect profile. Johnson could follow Stingley’s path to stardom, as the latter just earned first-team All-Pro honors.”
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: Loveland
“There are days when I think Loveland might be right there with Warren as a legit top-10 prospect. An outstanding receiver who terrorized linebackers and has the ability to beat safeties (and some corners), Loveland is also a better blocker than people realize and one of the most dependable talents on the board. He’d be a perfect fit in Indianapolis.”
Rob Rang, Fox Sports: Loveland
“Whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones throwing the passes, the Colts need to surround their quarterbacks with more weapons, especially one with Loveland’s Pro Bowl-caliber combination of size, body control and ball skills.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia
“The Colts are happy to add an explosive hybrid front seven player to their defense. They need a talent like Walker up front.”
2nd round: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU; 3rd round: Miles Frazier, G, LSU; 4th round: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia; 5th round (via mock trade with Giants): Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas; 6th round: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU; 7th round: Ethan Downs, edge, Oklahoma.
Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
(Warren is gone and Loveland is available)
“It’s no surprise that Colts general manager Chris Ballard values high-level athletes with elite traits. Does any prospect better fit that build than Emmanwori? While Indianapolis’ defense already houses a solid option at safety in Nick Cross, Emmanwori’s 86.8 PFF coverage grade, if he can reproduce it in the NFL, would be a significant improvement and a better pairing with new signee Camryn Bynum.”
How many draft picks do the Indianapolis Colts have in 2025?
1st round: 14th
2nd round: 45th
3rd round: 80th
4th round: 117th
5th round: 151st
6th round: 189th
7th round: 232nd
When is the 2025 NFL draft?
April 24-26 (Thursday-Saturday), 2025, in Green Bay, Wis., around Lambeau Field and the Titletown District.
When is the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday, April 24?
The first round of the draft begins at 8 p.m. ET.
When is the 2025 NFL draft on Friday, April 25?
The second and third rounds of the draft begin at 7 p.m. ET.
When is the 2025 NFL draft on Saturday, April 26?
The fourth through seventh rounds of the draft begin at noon ET.
What channel is the NFL draft on? How can I watch the NFL draft 2025?
TV: All days are on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network
How can I stream the 2025 NFL draft?
The draft can be stream on the NFL+ app and SiriusXM Channel 88.
2025 NFL Draft complete first-round order
- Tennessee Titans (3-14 record in 2024 season)
- Cleveland Browns (3-14)
- New York Giants (3-14)
- New England Patriots (4-13)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
- Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
- New York Jets (5-12)
- Carolina Panthers (5-12)
- New Orleans Saints (5-12)
- Chicago Bears (5-12)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
- Miami Dolphins (8-9)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
- Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
- Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7, lost in wild-card round)
- Denver Broncos (10-7, lost in wild-card round)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, lost in wild-card round)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6, lost in wild-card round)
- Green Bay Packers (11-6, lost in wild-card round)
- Minnesota Vikings (14-3, lost in wild-card round)
- Houston Texans (10-7, lost in divisional round)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-7, lost in divisional round)
- Baltimore Ravens (12-5, lost in divisional round)
- Detroit Lions (15-2, lost in divisional round)
- Washington Commanders (12-5, lost NFC championship game)
- Buffalo Bills (13-4, lost AFC championship game)
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-2, lost Super Bowl)
- Philadelphia Eagles (14-3, won Super Bowl)
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Colts mock draft: First round NFL draft picks
The Indianapolis Colts approach the 2025 NFL Draft with several needs as they try to improve on an 8-9 season, their fourth straight without an AFC playoff berth.
They have added Daniel Jones to challenge quarterback Anthony Richardson, as well as a couple of defensive backs they expect to start right away.
What are Colts’ needs in 2025 NFL Draft?
Tight end, interior offensive line, pass rusher and defensive back are considered their biggest needs.
Latest Colts mock drafts: Who will the Indianapolis Colts pick in the first round?
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
“They lack a true threat at tight end, which Warren would be. He could go higher than this, but in this mock he is taken behind (Michigan’s Colston) Loveland, which leads to the Colts getting him. He would be a nice security blanket for either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, two quarterbacks who need that.”
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“The Colts had arguably the NFL’s worst tight end production last season, with their group combining for 39 catches, 467 yards and two TDs. They also lost Kylen Granson (Eagles) and Mo Alie-Cox (unsigned) and haven’t addressed the position. In an enormous make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson (and/or possibly Daniel Jones), Indy has to get more playmakers in its offense. Loveland has the seam-stretching ability to make plays down the field, and he has the 6-foot-6 size to post up in the red zone.
“Receiver is the other position that stands out, but I went with Loveland as the better value (No. 11 on my board). Here’s an interesting note from ESPN Research off that decision: This would be the first time since 2006 that multiple running backs and multiple tight ends were selected before a second wide receiver went off the board.”
Second round, Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
“Savaiinaea played tackle last season at Arizona — and played it well, with zero sacks allowed. But his NFL future is probably inside at guard, where he started 12 games in 2022. The Colts’ interior lost Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. Savaiinaea has the ability and size to open running lanes for Jonathan Taylor and keep interior pass rushers off Anthony Richardson.”
Nate Tice, Charles McDonald, Yahoo: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
(Loveland is gone and the Colts pass on Warren)
“Even after signing Charvarius Ward, the Colts aren’t done adding to the cornerback position. Drafting Johnson here would be a huge get for the Colts. He has true No. 1 cornerback upside and would turn a glaring roster weakness into a position of strength for new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.”
Rhett Lewis, NFL.com: Will Johnson
(Warren is gone and the Colts pass on Loveland)
“Johnson is a complicated evaluation: His 2024 season was abbreviated by a foot injury, and a hamstring issue has curtailed his pre-draft process. It reminds me of Derek Stingley Jr.’s situation a few years ago. Each corner had fantastic tape early in college before experiencing an injury-plagued junior season, muddying the prospect profile. Johnson could follow Stingley’s path to stardom, as the latter just earned first-team All-Pro honors.”
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic: Loveland
“There are days when I think Loveland might be right there with Warren as a legit top-10 prospect. An outstanding receiver who terrorized linebackers and has the ability to beat safeties (and some corners), Loveland is also a better blocker than people realize and one of the most dependable talents on the board. He’d be a perfect fit in Indianapolis.”
Rob Rang, Fox Sports: Loveland
“Whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones throwing the passes, the Colts need to surround their quarterbacks with more weapons, especially one with Loveland’s Pro Bowl-caliber combination of size, body control and ball skills.”
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia
“The Colts are happy to add an explosive hybrid front seven player to their defense. They need a talent like Walker up front.”
2nd round: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU; 3rd round: Miles Frazier, G, LSU; 4th round: Jared Wilson, C, Georgia; 5th round (via mock trade with Giants): Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas; 6th round: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU; 7th round: Ethan Downs, edge, Oklahoma.
Mason Cameron, Pro Football Focus: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
(Warren is gone and Loveland is available)
“It’s no surprise that Colts general manager Chris Ballard values high-level athletes with elite traits. Does any prospect better fit that build than Emmanwori? While Indianapolis’ defense already houses a solid option at safety in Nick Cross, Emmanwori’s 86.8 PFF coverage grade, if he can reproduce it in the NFL, would be a significant improvement and a better pairing with new signee Camryn Bynum.”
How many draft picks do the Indianapolis Colts have in 2025?
1st round: 14th
2nd round: 45th
3rd round: 80th
4th round: 117th
5th round: 151st
6th round: 189th
7th round: 232nd
When is the 2025 NFL draft?
April 24-26 (Thursday-Saturday), 2025, in Green Bay, Wis., around Lambeau Field and the Titletown District.
When is the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday, April 24?
The first round of the draft begins at 8 p.m. ET.
When is the 2025 NFL draft on Friday, April 25?
The second and third rounds of the draft begin at 7 p.m. ET.
When is the 2025 NFL draft on Saturday, April 26?
The fourth through seventh rounds of the draft begin at noon ET.
What channel is the NFL draft on? How can I watch the NFL draft 2025?
TV: All days are on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NFL Network
How can I stream the 2025 NFL draft?
The draft can be stream on the NFL+ app and SiriusXM Channel 88.
2025 NFL Draft complete first-round order
- Tennessee Titans (3-14 record in 2024 season)
- Cleveland Browns (3-14)
- New York Giants (3-14)
- New England Patriots (4-13)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
- Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
- New York Jets (5-12)
- Carolina Panthers (5-12)
- New Orleans Saints (5-12)
- Chicago Bears (5-12)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
- Miami Dolphins (8-9)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
- Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
- Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7, lost in wild-card round)
- Denver Broncos (10-7, lost in wild-card round)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, lost in wild-card round)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6, lost in wild-card round)
- Green Bay Packers (11-6, lost in wild-card round)
- Minnesota Vikings (14-3, lost in wild-card round)
- Houston Texans (10-7, lost in divisional round)
- Los Angeles Rams (10-7, lost in divisional round)
- Baltimore Ravens (12-5, lost in divisional round)
- Detroit Lions (15-2, lost in divisional round)
- Washington Commanders (12-5, lost NFC championship game)
- Buffalo Bills (13-4, lost AFC championship game)
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-2, lost Super Bowl)
- Philadelphia Eagles (14-3, won Super Bowl)
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Colts mock draft: First round NFL draft picks
