Overall, Indianapolis Colts fans can be happy with how the 2025 NFL Draft went.
Entering the annual showpiece, Indy had a few areas that they needed to address. Tight end, guard and linebacker in particular were identified as positions to target during the event.
Round 1 went better than expected, with the Colts landing a player who had been extensively linked with the organisation.
Of all the needs listed above, tight end was probably the most glaring. One stat doing the rounds was that no Colts player at the position has achieved 500 receiving yards since 2018.
Warren falls into Indy’s lap
Without claiming to be Nostradamus, Penn State’s Tyler Warren was the player I selected for the HuddleUK mock draft. However, given the obvious need and the consensus of him being a top prospect, this was an easy choice.
The way it unfolded in the real thing was even easier. Warren fell invitingly into the grateful arms – metaphorically at least – of General Manager Chris Ballard.
There had been talk of moving up from pick 14 to get their man. But the fact that Warren, an accomplished blocker and receiver, was available without trading up was a huge bonus.
Analysing the rest of the draft
The team then added a defensive end, cornerback, offensive and defensive tackle, and running back, as well as another quarterback, Riley Leonard. They finished their draft by picking safety Hunter Wohler, who is slated to play as a linebacker.
After looking at the positions that were initially listed as important, it does not look like the brief had been met. While Indy got their man for tight end, other roles looked unfulfilled.
After drafting an offensive tackle, it appears they may look in-house for a guard. Last year’s draft selection, Matt Goncalves, is one option for the role.
Equally, linebacker was seen as a position that really needed addressing, with the team allowing players to leave in free agency.
This was covered by Chris Ballard in a press conference after the draft. He intimated that new Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo may use fewer players in the role, and lean more on defensive backs in his scheme.
This would explain the selection of Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley in Round 3. At the time, a few eyebrows were raised.
This position had been a glaring need in 2024 but had seemingly been addressed via free agency with Charvarius Ward, among others.
Actually, there was a plan
To sum up, from the outside, it might appear that the Colts did not address the most pressing needs expected of them.
However, it looks like there was a clear plan on draft night and that it was carried out.
That gives me a lot of hope going into the new season. I just cannot wait to get started now!
