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The Indianapolis Colts added eight draft picks to their roster in this year's NFL draft.
Overall, the general consensus for the Colts seems to be that this was a very solid draft. They addressed their biggest need with a prospect in Tyler Warren, who many considered the top tight end in this year's class.
In addition to that, JT Tuimoloau, DJ Giddens, and Tim Smith will have paths to not only contributing but being key rotational members of their respective position groups. The addition of Jalen Travis also gives the Colts some more tackle depth, allowing them the flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to guard.
Of course, we won't know the true impact of this year's class until these players hit the field and have time to develop, but on paper, it does look like Chris Ballard elevated the roster.
Now that the dust has settled on this year's NFL draft, let's take a closer look at the Colts' rookie class, where we highlight the best pick, sleeper, head-scratching pick, and more.
When need meets value, that's a huge win in the NFL draft. We all know that the Colts need a much greater pass-catching presence at the tight end position, and Warren can provide that, particularly with his reliability and over the middle of the field, as Ballard described. But along with that passing game presence, Warren is a versatile and sound run-blocker as well. That well-rounded skill set adds some unpredictability to an offense, which not only creates opportunities for Warren but for his teammates.
We recently went through the exercise of seeing where each Colts' draft pick was selected compared to their consensus big board ranking, and Giddens was the best value selection in that regard. His consensus ranking was No. 111, and the Colts picked him at 151st overall. Giddens proved to be a big play threat at Kansas State and has pass-catching experience as well. He can provide a needed production boost from the backup running back role.
With Smith's role at Alabama, a run-stuffing presence in the middle of that defensive front, his impact isn't always going to show up on the stat sheet, and the same could hold true with the Colts. However, when a defense has a player who can create push, eat up space, and occupy blockers, everyone around him benefits. The defensive tackle depth behind Buckner and Stewart must improve this season, and if Smith can provide that jolt, that could have a very positive impact overall on the defensive line rotation.
If we again look at the consensus board and compare it to Walley's ranking, there is a big discrepancy. The Colts clearly liked Walley, but could they have gotten him later? But his speed, versatility, and instincts, as Colts' scouts have described, are all reasons he can be a good fit in Lou Anarumo's scheme. So, going beyond when he was taken, perhaps more head-scratching was addressing cornerback in the top 100. While this was a big need coming into the offseason, adding Charvarius Ward and bolstering the depth of this group with Corey Ballentine changed the complexion of this unit. With the offensive line and linebacker being other big needs at this time, should those positions have been prioritized in the third round?
The obvious pick here is quarterback, but let's talk about something else and tie it into the draft. While Travis gives the Colts the added flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to right guard, it feels a bit risky to assume that he can make that position change seamlessly, and I thought that adding competition for that starting right guard spot was going to be on Ballard's draft to-do list. Now this isn't to say Goncalves won't be effective inside, but my point is we don't know. Regardless of who wins the quarterback competition, if the Colts' offensive line play isn't good enough, I'm not sure it matters who is under center.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' class
Continue reading...
Overall, the general consensus for the Colts seems to be that this was a very solid draft. They addressed their biggest need with a prospect in Tyler Warren, who many considered the top tight end in this year's class.
In addition to that, JT Tuimoloau, DJ Giddens, and Tim Smith will have paths to not only contributing but being key rotational members of their respective position groups. The addition of Jalen Travis also gives the Colts some more tackle depth, allowing them the flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to guard.
Of course, we won't know the true impact of this year's class until these players hit the field and have time to develop, but on paper, it does look like Chris Ballard elevated the roster.
Now that the dust has settled on this year's NFL draft, let's take a closer look at the Colts' rookie class, where we highlight the best pick, sleeper, head-scratching pick, and more.
Best pick: TE Tyler Warren
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When need meets value, that's a huge win in the NFL draft. We all know that the Colts need a much greater pass-catching presence at the tight end position, and Warren can provide that, particularly with his reliability and over the middle of the field, as Ballard described. But along with that passing game presence, Warren is a versatile and sound run-blocker as well. That well-rounded skill set adds some unpredictability to an offense, which not only creates opportunities for Warren but for his teammates.
Best value pick: DJ Giddens
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We recently went through the exercise of seeing where each Colts' draft pick was selected compared to their consensus big board ranking, and Giddens was the best value selection in that regard. His consensus ranking was No. 111, and the Colts picked him at 151st overall. Giddens proved to be a big play threat at Kansas State and has pass-catching experience as well. He can provide a needed production boost from the backup running back role.
Sleeper pick: Tim Smith
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With Smith's role at Alabama, a run-stuffing presence in the middle of that defensive front, his impact isn't always going to show up on the stat sheet, and the same could hold true with the Colts. However, when a defense has a player who can create push, eat up space, and occupy blockers, everyone around him benefits. The defensive tackle depth behind Buckner and Stewart must improve this season, and if Smith can provide that jolt, that could have a very positive impact overall on the defensive line rotation.
Head-scratching pick: CB Justin Walley
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If we again look at the consensus board and compare it to Walley's ranking, there is a big discrepancy. The Colts clearly liked Walley, but could they have gotten him later? But his speed, versatility, and instincts, as Colts' scouts have described, are all reasons he can be a good fit in Lou Anarumo's scheme. So, going beyond when he was taken, perhaps more head-scratching was addressing cornerback in the top 100. While this was a big need coming into the offseason, adding Charvarius Ward and bolstering the depth of this group with Corey Ballentine changed the complexion of this unit. With the offensive line and linebacker being other big needs at this time, should those positions have been prioritized in the third round?
Must follow position group: Offensive line
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The obvious pick here is quarterback, but let's talk about something else and tie it into the draft. While Travis gives the Colts the added flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to right guard, it feels a bit risky to assume that he can make that position change seamlessly, and I thought that adding competition for that starting right guard spot was going to be on Ballard's draft to-do list. Now this isn't to say Goncalves won't be effective inside, but my point is we don't know. Regardless of who wins the quarterback competition, if the Colts' offensive line play isn't good enough, I'm not sure it matters who is under center.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' class
Continue reading...
