NFL Draft Grades - Indianapolis Colts
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Indianapolis Colts Upcoming 2025 Draft Picks (8)
2025
Pick 14. (R:1 P:14) -
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Grade: A+
A no-brainer. Tyler Warren should have been drafted in the top 10. He could have gone as high as No. 7. This is a steal, and it fills a big need. This pick is definitely worthy of an A+ grade.A no-brainer. Tyler Warren should have been drafted in the top 10. He could have gone as high as No. 7. This is a steal, and it fills a big need. This pick is definitely worthy of an A+ grade.
Grade: A+
A no-brainer. Tyler Warren should have been drafted in the top 10. He could have gone as high as No. 7. This is a steal, and it fills a big need. This pick is definitely worthy of an A+ grade.A no-brainer. Tyler Warren should have been drafted in the top 10. He could have gone as high as No. 7. This is a steal, and it fills a big need. This pick is definitely worthy of an A+ grade.
2025
Pick 45. (R:2 P:13) -
J.T. Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
Grade: B+
T.J. Tuimoloau had some first-round buzz, but ultimately went in the second round. I like the value, and I also like the need fit. The Colts will have just one edge rusher under contract following this season in Laiatu Latu, so they had to find a pass rusher to help them beat C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, and now Cam Ward.
Grade: B+
T.J. Tuimoloau had some first-round buzz, but ultimately went in the second round. I like the value, and I also like the need fit. The Colts will have just one edge rusher under contract following this season in Laiatu Latu, so they had to find a pass rusher to help them beat C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, and now Cam Ward.
2025
Pick 80. (R:3 P:16) - Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
Grade: B+
The Colts have a questionable secondary, so it makes sense to draft someone like Justin Walley, whom I had in the second round consistently. He’s an instinctive cornerback who should help Indianapolis stop the pass. Solid pick.
Grade: B+
The Colts have a questionable secondary, so it makes sense to draft someone like Justin Walley, whom I had in the second round consistently. He’s an instinctive cornerback who should help Indianapolis stop the pass. Solid pick.
2025
Pick 127. (R:4 P:25) - Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
Grade: B+
The Colts needed offensive tackle depth, so Jalen Travis makes sense in this range. He’s an athletic, big tackle with plenty of upside.
Grade: B+
The Colts needed offensive tackle depth, so Jalen Travis makes sense in this range. He’s an athletic, big tackle with plenty of upside.
2025
Pick 151. (R:5 P:13) - D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State
Grade: B+
D.J. Giddens is a tough runner who has shown plus receiving ability. The Colts needed a backup for Jonathan Taylor, and they took a decent one here, as Giddens could have been chosen a bit earlier with no complaints.
Grade: B+
D.J. Giddens is a tough runner who has shown plus receiving ability. The Colts needed a backup for Jonathan Taylor, and they took a decent one here, as Giddens could have been chosen a bit earlier with no complaints.
2025
Pick 189. (R:6 P:13) -
Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Grade: B+
I'm sure Colts fans will appreciate this pick because they probably feel as though they don't have a viable quarterback (though I'd argue that Daniel Jones deserves a shot on a real team.) Riley Leonard could have gone much earlier than this, so the Colts should be graded favorably.
Grade: B+
I'm sure Colts fans will appreciate this pick because they probably feel as though they don't have a viable quarterback (though I'd argue that Daniel Jones deserves a shot on a real team.) Riley Leonard could have gone much earlier than this, so the Colts should be graded favorably.
2025
Pick 190. (R:6 P:14) - Tim Smith, DT, Alabama
Grade: B+
The Colts needed some defensive line depth, so Tim Smith is a logical pick in the sixth round. He has the talent and upside to play well in the pros despite being chosen this late.
Grade: B+
The Colts needed some defensive line depth, so Tim Smith is a logical pick in the sixth round. He has the talent and upside to play well in the pros despite being chosen this late.
2025
Pick 232. (R:7 P:16) - Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin
Grade: B
Hunter Wohler was a tackling machine at Wisconsin who was expected to be chosen in this range. He needs to improve in pass coverage. He'll be a key special teamer in the NFL.
Grade: B
Hunter Wohler was a tackling machine at Wisconsin who was expected to be chosen in this range. He needs to improve in pass coverage. He'll be a key special teamer in the NFL.
Walt's Mock Selections as of 4/25/2025 -View Current Mock Draft
Round: 1
Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts need to give Anthony Richardson the best chance to succeed. A talented tight end would go a long way in helping him develop. Colston Loveland made clutch catches during Michigan's championship run. He projects as a decent blocker as well. *** OTHER 2025 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: *** 1. Tyler Warren, TE - The Colts haven't possessed a great tight end in quite a while. That would obviously end with this pick. 2. Grey Zabel, OT/G/C - Another spot for Zabel, who will be very appealing because he can play every position.
Round: 2
Indianapolis Colts: Alfred Collins, DE/DT, Texas
The Colts will want a deeper rotation on the defensive line to help put some heat on C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence. Alfred Collins is a tough run defender who gets some pressure on quarterbacks. Pick change; previously Trey Amos, CB
Round: 3
Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Baron, DE, Miami
The Colts will have just one edge rusher under contract following 2025, so they'll need some help around Laiatu Latu. Tyler Baron has a good skill set and plenty of upside. Pick change; previously Quincy Riley, CB
Round: 4
Indianapolis Colts: Jeffery Bassa, OLB, Oregon
The Colts had the most missed tackles in the NFL last year, so they'll need multiple new linebackers. Jeffery Bassa was a solid contributor for Oregon. He's an instinctive and quick linebacker.
Round: 5
Indianapolis Colts: Elijah Ponder, DE, Cal Poly
The Colts need multiple pass rushers with all of their impending expiring contracts. Pick change; previously Denzel Burke, CB
Round: 6
Indianapolis Colts: B.J. Mayes, CB, Texas A&M
The Colts have a weak cornerback group, so it shouldn't surprise anyone if they obtain multiple players at the position.
Round: 7
Indianapolis Colts: Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State
The Colts could be interested in offensive line depth late in the draft.
Past Grades and Selections
2024 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2024
Pick 15. (R:1 P:15) -
Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
A+ The Colts are getting the top defensive player at No. 15 overall. That's unreal. Some media people are slow on the Latu news, but he was cleared medically, so he should have gone top 10. Latu would have gone eighth overall if Arthur Blank didn't step in and do something stupid, so the value here is outstanding.
A+ The Colts are getting the top defensive player at No. 15 overall. That's unreal. Some media people are slow on the Latu news, but he was cleared medically, so he should have gone top 10. Latu would have gone eighth overall if Arthur Blank didn't step in and do something stupid, so the value here is outstanding.
2024
Pick 52. (R:2 P:20) -
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
B Adonai Mitchell may seem like great value, but he has some issues. He has character concerns, and teams weren't happy with how he managed his type-1 diabetes. However, Mitchell has immense upside, and I like the Colts finding a new weapon for Anthony Richardson.
B Adonai Mitchell may seem like great value, but he has some issues. He has character concerns, and teams weren't happy with how he managed his type-1 diabetes. However, Mitchell has immense upside, and I like the Colts finding a new weapon for Anthony Richardson.
2024
Pick 79. (R:3 P:15) -
Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh
B I don't think the Colts really needed to trade up for Matt Goncalves, but I don't hate the decision. Goncalves has positional versatility up front, as he can play guard and tackle. He could compete for a starting job sooner rather than later.
B I don't think the Colts really needed to trade up for Matt Goncalves, but I don't hate the decision. Goncalves has positional versatility up front, as he can play guard and tackle. He could compete for a starting job sooner rather than later.
2024
Pick 117. (R:4 P:17) - Tanor Bortolini, C/G, Wisconsin
A+ I love this pick. The Colts can't be making a mistake by giving the injury-prone Anthony Richardson better protection. Tanor Bortolini was a possible third-round prospect who can play guard and center.
A+ I love this pick. The Colts can't be making a mistake by giving the injury-prone Anthony Richardson better protection. Tanor Bortolini was a possible third-round prospect who can play guard and center.
2024
Pick 151. (R:5 P:16) - Jaylon Carlies, WR, Missouri
C+ This seems like another special teams pick to me. The Colts could have selected Jaylon Carlies later, as he's a safety-linebacker tweener who doesn't have a natural position in the NFL.
C+ This seems like another special teams pick to me. The Colts could have selected Jaylon Carlies later, as he's a safety-linebacker tweener who doesn't have a natural position in the NFL.
2024 Indianapolis Colts - Prospect:TBD
2024 Indianapolis Colts - Prospect:TBD
2023 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2023
Pick 4. (R:1 P:4) -
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
A- Many had Will Levis mocked to the Colts, but Charlie Campbell reported that Indianapolis wasn't really interested. Anthony Richardson is a better fit for the Colts' offense. He also has a higher floor because of his Justin Fields-type rushing ability. The Colts had to draft a franchise quarterback, and Richardson is a far superior choice compared to Levis.
A- Many had Will Levis mocked to the Colts, but Charlie Campbell reported that Indianapolis wasn't really interested. Anthony Richardson is a better fit for the Colts' offense. He also has a higher floor because of his Justin Fields-type rushing ability. The Colts had to draft a franchise quarterback, and Richardson is a far superior choice compared to Levis.
2023
Pick 35. (R:2 P:4) -
Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
A The Raiders lost their top two tight ends from last year, including Darren Waller, who was traded to the Giants. They had a huge void at the position, but that's no longer the case. Michael Mayer is a steal here, as he could have gone in the late teens or early 20s without any complaints.
A The Raiders lost their top two tight ends from last year, including Darren Waller, who was traded to the Giants. They had a huge void at the position, but that's no longer the case. Michael Mayer is a steal here, as he could have gone in the late teens or early 20s without any complaints.
2023
Pick 79. (R:3 P:16) -
Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
A The Colts lost Parris Campbell, so it makes sense that they'd go after a slot receiver. He's a talented player who easily could have gone off the board a round earlier than this. I'm a big fan of this selection.
A The Colts lost Parris Campbell, so it makes sense that they'd go after a slot receiver. He's a talented player who easily could have gone off the board a round earlier than this. I'm a big fan of this selection.
2023
Pick 106. (R:4 P:4) - Blake Freeland, OT, BYU
A The Colts' offensive line is not what it once was. Their blocking was poor at times last year, so offensive line help was needed with Anthony Richardson now under center. Blake Freeland is a very athletic tackle with tons of upside. He could have easily gone a round earlier than this.
A The Colts' offensive line is not what it once was. Their blocking was poor at times last year, so offensive line help was needed with Anthony Richardson now under center. Blake Freeland is a very athletic tackle with tons of upside. He could have easily gone a round earlier than this.
2023
Pick 138. (R:5 P:3) - Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina
A+ I love this pick. The Colts really needed another cornerback, and Darius Rush provides great value as a prospect I had in my third round. He's a big and fast cornerback with plenty of potential.
A+ I love this pick. The Colts really needed another cornerback, and Darius Rush provides great value as a prospect I had in my third round. He's a big and fast cornerback with plenty of potential.
2023
Pick 162. (R:5 P:27) - Will Mallory, TE, Miami
C It makes sense that the Colts would add a tight end to provide competition at the position. Will Mallory is a gifted athlete, but disappointed during his time in Miami. Perhaps the Colts can coach him up
C It makes sense that the Colts would add a tight end to provide competition at the position. Will Mallory is a gifted athlete, but disappointed during his time in Miami. Perhaps the Colts can coach him up
2023
Pick 176. (R:5 P:41) - Evan Hull, RB, Northwestern
B- I don't think the Colts really needed another running back, but Evan Hull is a solid prospect at this spot of the draft. He's a tough runner who will give maximum effort. Perhaps he'll be able to emerge as a No. 2 back one day.
B- I don't think the Colts really needed another running back, but Evan Hull is a solid prospect at this spot of the draft. He's a tough runner who will give maximum effort. Perhaps he'll be able to emerge as a No. 2 back one day.
2023
Pick 221. (R:7 P:4) - Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M
A+ Jaylon Jones is an instinctive cornerback with good speed and athleticism. He also provides major value for a Colts team that really needed cornerback help. I had Jones in the third round, so I love this value.
A+ Jaylon Jones is an instinctive cornerback with good speed and athleticism. He also provides major value for a Colts team that really needed cornerback help. I had Jones in the third round, so I love this value.
2023
Pick 236. (R:7 P:19) - Jake Witt, OT, Michigan Tech
B Jake Witt was drawing some late interest as a final-round pick, so I'm not surprised to see him be drafted at this spot. Jake Witt is a lengthy and athletic lineman, but needs to get much stronger for the pros.
B Jake Witt was drawing some late interest as a final-round pick, so I'm not surprised to see him be drafted at this spot. Jake Witt is a lengthy and athletic lineman, but needs to get much stronger for the pros.
2022 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2022
Pick 53. (R:2 P:21) -
Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
A- Grade
Alec Pierce fits what the Colts look for in receivers, as far as height and athleticism is concerned. This pick is no surprise, given that T.Y. Hilton is on his way out. Pierce is a solid value here, as he easily could've gone a bit earlier than this.
A- Grade
Alec Pierce fits what the Colts look for in receivers, as far as height and athleticism is concerned. This pick is no surprise, given that T.Y. Hilton is on his way out. Pierce is a solid value here, as he easily could've gone a bit earlier than this.
2022
Pick 73. (R:3 P:9) - Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia
B+ Grade
Another weapon for Matt Ryan certainly makes sense, especially after the Colts lost Jack Doyle to retirement this offseason. Jelani Woods is a raw, one-year wonder, but he's unbelievably athletic and has the potential to turn into a star. He also has a low floor, but teams need to take risks to win Super Bowls. I like this pick.
B+ Grade
Another weapon for Matt Ryan certainly makes sense, especially after the Colts lost Jack Doyle to retirement this offseason. Jelani Woods is a raw, one-year wonder, but he's unbelievably athletic and has the potential to turn into a star. He also has a low floor, but teams need to take risks to win Super Bowls. I like this pick.
2022
Pick 77. (R:3 P:13) -
Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
A Grade
Bernhard Raimann has upside, but his arm length could be a problem. It's why he fell to the third round, but the Colts were correct in obtaining him at this juncture. Eric Fisher is gone, so the Colts needed to do something to address this area. I had the Colts picking Raimann at No. 42, so I love this value!
A Grade
Bernhard Raimann has upside, but his arm length could be a problem. It's why he fell to the third round, but the Colts were correct in obtaining him at this juncture. Eric Fisher is gone, so the Colts needed to do something to address this area. I had the Colts picking Raimann at No. 42, so I love this value!
2022
Pick 96. (R:3 P:32) - Nick Cross, S, Maryland
C Grade
I like Nick Cross just fine as a third-round prospect, but I don't know why the Colts had to give up a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cross is very athletic and possesses huge upside, but the Colts should have been more patient.
C Grade
I like Nick Cross just fine as a third-round prospect, but I don't know why the Colts had to give up a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cross is very athletic and possesses huge upside, but the Colts should have been more patient.
2022
Pick 159. (R:5 P:16) - Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State
B+ Grade
The Colts had a horrible pass rush last year, so they had to find help in that regard. Eric Johnson is a solid player with nice size and length whom I frequently mocked in this range, so I like Indianapolis' decision to take him.
B+ Grade
The Colts had a horrible pass rush last year, so they had to find help in that regard. Eric Johnson is a solid player with nice size and length whom I frequently mocked in this range, so I like Indianapolis' decision to take him.
2022 Indianapolis Colts - Prospect:TBD
2022
Pick 217. (R:6 P:38) - James Houston, LB, Jackson State
A- Grade
The Lions know they need as many pass rushers as possible to consistently beat Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. James Houston is a quality edge rusher I mocked in the fifth round, so I like this value Detroit is getting toward the end of the sixth frame.
A- Grade
The Lions know they need as many pass rushers as possible to consistently beat Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins. James Houston is a quality edge rusher I mocked in the fifth round, so I like this value Detroit is getting toward the end of the sixth frame.
2022
Pick 240. (R:7 P:19) - Christian Holmes, CB, Oklahoma State
B Grade
I just missed on Christian Holmes, mocking him 239th instead of 240th! Darn it, my mock is ruined! At any rate, Christian Holmes is a tall corner, so there's that. Cornerback is a huge need, so perhaps Holmes will have a chance to make the final roster.
B Grade
I just missed on Christian Holmes, mocking him 239th instead of 240th! Darn it, my mock is ruined! At any rate, Christian Holmes is a tall corner, so there's that. Cornerback is a huge need, so perhaps Holmes will have a chance to make the final roster.
2021 NFL Draft Selections and Grades
2021
Pick 21. (R:1 P:21) -
Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
B Grade
The Colts lost a couple of defensive linemen in free agency this offseason, so it makes sense that they would select Kwity Paye. They're really swinging for the fences with this selection. Paye has incredible talent and pass-rushing upside, but he's very raw and inexperienced. He has high bust potential, but there's also extreme upside with him.
B Grade
The Colts lost a couple of defensive linemen in free agency this offseason, so it makes sense that they would select Kwity Paye. They're really swinging for the fences with this selection. Paye has incredible talent and pass-rushing upside, but he's very raw and inexperienced. He has high bust potential, but there's also extreme upside with him.
2021
Pick 54. (R:2 P:22) -
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE/3-4DE, Vanderbilt
C- Grade
The Colts are ready to win this year, so why did they draft a player who will have to redshirt in 2021? Dayo Odeyingbo is a very talented defensive tackle, but he tore his Achilles in late January. This selection will pay off in the long term, but it goes against Indianapolis' plan right now.
C- Grade
The Colts are ready to win this year, so why did they draft a player who will have to redshirt in 2021? Dayo Odeyingbo is a very talented defensive tackle, but he tore his Achilles in late January. This selection will pay off in the long term, but it goes against Indianapolis' plan right now.
2021
Pick 127. (R:4 P:22) - Kylen Granson, TE, SMU
D Grade
The Colts like to run multi-tight end formations, so it makes sense that they would target the position despite already having some talent there. Granson has some athletic potential, but I didn't have him in my final mock draft, so I'm not a huge fan of this pick.
D Grade
The Colts like to run multi-tight end formations, so it makes sense that they would target the position despite already having some talent there. Granson has some athletic potential, but I didn't have him in my final mock draft, so I'm not a huge fan of this pick.
2021
Pick 165. (R:5 P:21) - Shawn Davis, S, Florida
B+ Grade
The Colts had a need at safety, so it's about time that they addressed it. Shawn Davis was projected in the fourth round of some of my draft updates, so I like the value. We didn't have all the numbers as far as Davis' measureables are concerned, but he stood out in the Senior Bowl.
B+ Grade
The Colts had a need at safety, so it's about time that they addressed it. Shawn Davis was projected in the fourth round of some of my draft updates, so I like the value. We didn't have all the numbers as far as Davis' measureables are concerned, but he stood out in the Senior Bowl.
2021
Pick 206. (R:6 P:22) - Landon Young, OT, Kentucky
B+ Grade
Landon Young appeared in the final couple of rounds in some mock updates. He's an athletic offensive lineman, but isn't very lengthy, so there's a chance he'll have to move to guard. This is fine, as the Saints needed some help at that position.
B+ Grade
Landon Young appeared in the final couple of rounds in some mock updates. He's an athletic offensive lineman, but isn't very lengthy, so there's a chance he'll have to move to guard. This is fine, as the Saints needed some help at that position.
2021 Indianapolis Colts - Prospect:TBD