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2025 NFL DraftColtsMock Draft

Colts 7-Round Mock Draft Addresses Team’s Biggest Needs

By March 26, 2025No Comments

The NFL Draft is officially less than one month away, and while the Colts could and probably should add a few depth pieces to the roster before the draft, the big swings have likely ended. Without further ado lets get into one scenario for how Chris Ballard and the Colts’ front office could approach this years draft.

 

Chris Ballard; Indianapolis Colts. Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

 

Round 1: Trade Down! Colts trade picks 14 and 151 to the Chargers for picks 22, 86, 125, and 158

 

Pick 22: Colston Loveland, TE Michigan

 

Yes, it’s a patented Chris Ballard trade-down. However, this year, when the values of players 10-40 are similar, it makes sense to get more dart throws on day 2 of the draft. In this case, the Colts traded down with Los Angeles, who went up for Tet McMillan, a win-win for both organizations.

Colston Loveland may not be the prototypical Y tight end the Colts are looking for to live in 11 personnel, but with Tyler Warren going off the board early to the Saints in this scenario, the Colts still grab one of the most talented players in the draft. The former Michigan Wolverine is still only 20, with a body type that has the potential to fill out if the Colts want him to become a more stout run blocker. Right now, Loveland profiles as the best pass-catching tight end in the class. A fluid mover with exceptional route running chops, Loveland could immediately come in and provide not just a safety blanket, but a legitimate middle-of-the-field target for whomever is behind center.

If the Colts select Loveland expect a follow up signing of a cheap free agent who specializes in blocking. Bringing back Mo Alie-Cox on a team friendly deal fits the bill.

 

 

 

 

Round 2: 

Pick 45: Carson Schwesinger, LB UCLA

 

It is no secret the Colts needed to upgrade at WILL linebacker after the defense’s calamitous performances that ended the 2024 season. Carson Schwesinger should fill that role and then some in Indy. A former walk-on at UCLA, Schwesinger displayed exceptional playmaking instincts in his lone year starting for the Bruins. Schwesinger thrives as a zone defender and blitzer, and would immediately give Jaylon Carlies competition for the best coverage instincts in the Colts linebacker room. Personally, I’m a huge fan of what Carlies can be for the Colts, but the instincts that the UCLA All-American linebacker brings would fill a huge need for a position group that needs an infusion of talent.

Even with drafting Schwesinger, Indy would be wise to add another low-end free agent to fill out the room and add depth.

 

 

 

 

Round 3: Trade Up! Colts trade picks 80 and 125 to the Jets for picks 73 and 145

Pick 73: Jordan Burch, DL Oregon

 

Chris Ballard can be aggressive when a player that he covets begins to fall. Jordan Burch’s current projections range wildly, but he fits the body type the Colts lost with Dayo Odeyingbo’s departure to Chicago. NFl.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein actually used Odeyingbo as Burch’s closest NFL comparison. The arm length isn’t quite as pronounced as Dayo’s was (33″ vs. 35″), but the explosion and power combination at 6’4″ 280 lbs is what will command Ballard’s attention. The former Oregon Duck has a bag of pash-rushing moves and a surprising bend for a large defensive end. A former five-star, Burch has tremendous upside and is the exact type of body type the Colts attack in the draft. Despite receiving the much-maligned “tweener” moniker, Chris Ballard has shown an eagerness to draft players with Burch’s measurables before.

Jordan Burch could come in and be used as a rotational edge as a rookie as he hones his run-defending skills, and then receive a bump in playing time in year two after the Colts edge group has thinned out in 2026.

 

 

 

 

Pick 86: Wyatt Milum, OG West Virginia

 

I don’t know if Wyatt Milum drops this far, but if he does, the Colts should sprint the card in. Colts on SI’s Zach Hicks beat me to it, but Milum is a player I’ve had my eye on for a while now as a player the Colts will like. The former West Virginia standout is an athletic people mover with short arms, the exact type of offensive lineman Chris Ballard typically drafts. Milum had an outstanding college career, starting immediately as a freshman before eventually settling in at left tackle over the course of the next three years. A team captain and Senior Bowl participant this past year, Milum only conceded six total pressures and didn’t allow a sack in 13 starts this year. He even took on consensus top-five pick Abdul Carter in a colossal matchup and held his own, winning most of the reps.

Wyatt Milum’s best position in the pros is likely inside at guard, where he could slot in for the Colts on the right side. This would allow Matt Goncalves to kick back out as the swing tackle as he prepares to eventually take over the right tackle position next year with Braden Smith’s contract expiring.

 

 

 

Round 4:

Pick 117: LeQuint Allen, RB Syracuse

 

LeQuint Allen fits exactly what the Colts are looking for in a third-down running back. Allen is one of if not the best pass-catching back in the draft class. Moreover, he is an above-average pass blocker who showed intelligence in picking up assignments while in pass pro, a place where many young backs struggle and then can’t find playing time. His traits as a running back aren’t overly impressive, but Allen wouldn’t be expected to carry the bulk of the carries with Jonathan Taylor as the featured back. He profiles as a J.D. McKissic type who has average speed and burst but is known for his pass-catching abilities. Allen is also a Senior Bowl participant who was named a team captain as a true junior at Syracuse, both big Chris Ballard boxes that Allen checks.

 

 

 

Round 5: 

Pick 145: Thor Griffith, DT Louisville

 

Thor Griffith is one of my favorite players in the class for multiple reasons, and his name is just the cherry on top. The former Harvard standout transferred to Louisville for the 2024 season and was listed at number 16 on Bruce Feldman’s “Freak List” at The Athletic. Griffith was listed at 6’2″ 320 pounds, and clocked a 4.95 40 while benching 225 45 times. Griffith also has a great first step get off for such a massive person and shows the pass-rushing juice to not just be a run stuffer. Moreover, he logged an elite PFF grade this season, with an 84.4 total grade. Ideally, Griffith could help give the Colts more than Raekwon Davis did last year in a nose tackle rotation.

 

 

 

Pick 158: Caleb Rogers, IOL Texas Tech

 

Last year I predicted that the Colts would draft Jaylon Carlies in the 5th round due to his athletic profile’s similarities to EJ Speed. This year my prediction came in the form of comparing Caleb Rogers’ profile to Tanor Bortolini’s.

 

 

 

Rogers was a five-year starter at both tackle spots for the Red Raiders, but profiles as a guard in the NFL. His athletic ability jumps off the tape, and a move to guard would suit him well, as he also deals with shorter arms (32 3/8″). Furthermore, Rogers was a team captain and Senior Bowl participant. Rogers could come in and immediately compete for a backup guard spot, while also having the versatility to kick out to tackle in an emergency. I expect Rogers to be a Colt at the conclusion of the draft.

 

 

 

Round 6:

Pick 189: Caleb Ransaw, S Tulane

 

Caleb Ransaw had one of the most impressive combines of any defensive back. His outstanding RAS is what could convince Chris Ballard to take a chance on him this late in the draft. The Tulane product could fight for a spot as the backup nickel behind Kenny Moore, or move back to safety where he can use his speed to cover wide swaths of the field in zone coverage. It is always a good idea to bet on athletes this late in the draft.

 

 

 

Round 7

Pick 232: Tommi Hill,  CB Nebraska

 

Tommi Hill could go much higher than this, as he is a big cornerback (6’00” 213lbs) with great athleticism and a knack for run support. However, he fought through a foot injury for most of 2024 which hampered his effectiveness and caused his draft stock to plummet. Hill is a zone corner through and through, and if he can get back to 2023 form he could push for a roster spot on a Colts team that now seemingly has many capable cornerbacks.

 

 

More from The Blue Stable:

Has Chris Ballard Finally Changed His Ways After Day 1 Of Free Agency?

 

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