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Roughly one month from the 2025 NFL draft taking place, ESPN's Matt Miller has put out a full seven-round mock draft. So who did the Indianapolis Colts come away with?
After aggressively adding to the secondary in free agency, while cornerback and safety could still be added to in varying degrees, those are no longer top needs for the Colts entering the NFL draft.
Now at the top of the needs list is the tight end position. In addition to that, bolstering the depth along both the offensive and defensive lines should be a priority as should adding competition to the linebacker position.
Let's see if the Colts tackled these needs and which others Miller had them address in his latest mock.
In mock drafts where Tyler Warren is already off the board, Loveland has been a popular pick given the Colts' need for a pass-catching presence at tight end, which Loveland will very much provide. He can line up in the slot or out wide and can attack all levels of the field in a variety of ways.
With that said, not to be forgotten about at the tight end position, particularly in Shane Steichen's offense, is the importance of blocking in the run game.
"Loveland was the Michigan passing game this past season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite anemic QB play," wrote Miller. "He also became an accomplished move blocker in the Wolverines' run-heavy scheme, which Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will appreciate."
With Will Fries in Minnesota, Matt Goncalves will presumably slide over from tackle to right guard. However, even with the Colts already having their potential starting five on the roster, interior depth and finding a swing tackle, is still very much a need for them, not to mention that competition at right guard wouldn't be a bad thing either. Sustained success for the Colts' offense starts with good offensive line play.
Most of Jackson's college snaps came at guard, but he did play left tackle last season as well. As a guard during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Jackson allowed just three combined sacks during that span and only 23 total pressures. He graded out well in the run game by PFF's metrics as well.
"Jackson is naturally a left guard but filled in extremely well at left tackle for Ohio State last season after Josh Simmons' mid-October knee injury," Miller wrote. "Jackson was especially remarkable during the Buckeyes' four-game playoff run to a national championship. He projects as a guard in the NFL, though it's great to know he can play tackle in a pinch."
With Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis, this isn't a pressing need, but losing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency zapped some of the depth from this unit, not to mention that he also led the team in pressures last season. In addition to that, the draft is about planning ahead, and Ebukam, Paye, and Lewis are all set to be free agents in 2026.
Pressure-wise, Oladejo had a career year in 2024, totaling 33 pressures with seven sacks. He's consistently graded out as one of the better run defenders at the defensive end position over the last two seasons.
"The Colts need to replace Dayo Odeyingbo, who left for Chicago after 16 sacks in the past three seasons. Oladejo is an ascending player with the traits to become a three-down defensive end," wrote Miller.
The starting linebacker position next to Zaire Franklin is up for grabs. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can fill that role, but there should be competition for that playing time rather than assuming someone can fill it. Ideally, whoever starts next to Franklin will bring an added coverage presence to the position.
Mondon has really been a reliable tackler throughout his career, which has helped him produce against the run and also limit pass catchers, holding opponents to just 6.7 yards per catch last season.
The Colts have really solidified this unit by adding Charvarius Ward and even bringing in Corey Ballentine to provide veteran depth. While no longer a premium pick needs to be spent here, one can justify GM Chris Ballard still adding to this room if the board falls that way on Day 3.
Over the last two seasons, Stout has been one of PFF's higher-graded run defenders at cornerback. He brings both boundary and slot experience to the NFL, which can be valuable in Lou Anarumo's defense. Stout totaled six interceptions and eight pass breakups over three seasons.
Ideally, this is a position that the Colts can address before Round 6. Even with Cam Bynum and Nick Cross, depth is still a concern here with only Daniel Scott, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo on the depth chart behind those two.
Versatility-wise, Trader is a very good fit for Anarumo, having played all over the defensive backfield at Maryland pretty regularly. He was an excellent tackler this past season by PFF's metrics and produced one interception and four pass breakups in coverage.
Not a position that has garnered a lot of attention for the Colts, but one where double-dipping in the draft does make sense. Along with searching for a starter, depth is a need as well after Grant Stuard signed with Detroit.
Asante has been quite productive as a blitzer the last two seasons, and for what it's worth, he's been better against the run by PFF's metrics. He also has a ton of special teams experience.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL draft: Gut reactions to Colts' picks in ESPN's latest mock
Continue reading...
After aggressively adding to the secondary in free agency, while cornerback and safety could still be added to in varying degrees, those are no longer top needs for the Colts entering the NFL draft.
Now at the top of the needs list is the tight end position. In addition to that, bolstering the depth along both the offensive and defensive lines should be a priority as should adding competition to the linebacker position.
Let's see if the Colts tackled these needs and which others Miller had them address in his latest mock.
Pick 14: Coltston Loveland, TE, Michigan
In mock drafts where Tyler Warren is already off the board, Loveland has been a popular pick given the Colts' need for a pass-catching presence at tight end, which Loveland will very much provide. He can line up in the slot or out wide and can attack all levels of the field in a variety of ways.
With that said, not to be forgotten about at the tight end position, particularly in Shane Steichen's offense, is the importance of blocking in the run game.
"Loveland was the Michigan passing game this past season, catching 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite anemic QB play," wrote Miller. "He also became an accomplished move blocker in the Wolverines' run-heavy scheme, which Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will appreciate."
Pick 45: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
With Will Fries in Minnesota, Matt Goncalves will presumably slide over from tackle to right guard. However, even with the Colts already having their potential starting five on the roster, interior depth and finding a swing tackle, is still very much a need for them, not to mention that competition at right guard wouldn't be a bad thing either. Sustained success for the Colts' offense starts with good offensive line play.
Most of Jackson's college snaps came at guard, but he did play left tackle last season as well. As a guard during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Jackson allowed just three combined sacks during that span and only 23 total pressures. He graded out well in the run game by PFF's metrics as well.
"Jackson is naturally a left guard but filled in extremely well at left tackle for Ohio State last season after Josh Simmons' mid-October knee injury," Miller wrote. "Jackson was especially remarkable during the Buckeyes' four-game playoff run to a national championship. He projects as a guard in the NFL, though it's great to know he can play tackle in a pinch."
Pick 80: Oluwafemi Oladejo, DE, UCLA
With Laiatu Latu, Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis, this isn't a pressing need, but losing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency zapped some of the depth from this unit, not to mention that he also led the team in pressures last season. In addition to that, the draft is about planning ahead, and Ebukam, Paye, and Lewis are all set to be free agents in 2026.
Pressure-wise, Oladejo had a career year in 2024, totaling 33 pressures with seven sacks. He's consistently graded out as one of the better run defenders at the defensive end position over the last two seasons.
"The Colts need to replace Dayo Odeyingbo, who left for Chicago after 16 sacks in the past three seasons. Oladejo is an ascending player with the traits to become a three-down defensive end," wrote Miller.
Pick 117: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
The starting linebacker position next to Zaire Franklin is up for grabs. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can fill that role, but there should be competition for that playing time rather than assuming someone can fill it. Ideally, whoever starts next to Franklin will bring an added coverage presence to the position.
Mondon has really been a reliable tackler throughout his career, which has helped him produce against the run and also limit pass catchers, holding opponents to just 6.7 yards per catch last season.
Pick 151: Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky
The Colts have really solidified this unit by adding Charvarius Ward and even bringing in Corey Ballentine to provide veteran depth. While no longer a premium pick needs to be spent here, one can justify GM Chris Ballard still adding to this room if the board falls that way on Day 3.
Over the last two seasons, Stout has been one of PFF's higher-graded run defenders at cornerback. He brings both boundary and slot experience to the NFL, which can be valuable in Lou Anarumo's defense. Stout totaled six interceptions and eight pass breakups over three seasons.
Pick 189: Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
Ideally, this is a position that the Colts can address before Round 6. Even with Cam Bynum and Nick Cross, depth is still a concern here with only Daniel Scott, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo on the depth chart behind those two.
Versatility-wise, Trader is a very good fit for Anarumo, having played all over the defensive backfield at Maryland pretty regularly. He was an excellent tackler this past season by PFF's metrics and produced one interception and four pass breakups in coverage.
Eugene Asante, LB, Auburn
Not a position that has garnered a lot of attention for the Colts, but one where double-dipping in the draft does make sense. Along with searching for a starter, depth is a need as well after Grant Stuard signed with Detroit.
Asante has been quite productive as a blitzer the last two seasons, and for what it's worth, he's been better against the run by PFF's metrics. He also has a ton of special teams experience.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL draft: Gut reactions to Colts' picks in ESPN's latest mock
Continue reading...
