Colts Team Notes

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts fans, this is an automated news feed that shares what's going on in Indianapolis.

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Among the biggest positional needs that the Indianapolis Colts have to address this offseason is at safety.

The need for the Colts at this position is two-fold. For one, they just need more depth with only Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo under contract for the 2025 season.

But in addition to that, improved play is very much needed as well, which GM Chris Ballard pointed out during his season-ending press conference–again.

“We’ve got to get better,” said general manager Chris Ballard about the Colts’ secondary as a whole during his end of season press conference.

While we did see Nick Cross take a step forward as the team’s strong safety in 2024, the overall production from the secondary just wasn’t there for the Colts. Indianapolis would rank in the bottom third of the NFL in completion rate, yards per pass attempt, passer rating, and pass deflections.

Lou Anarumo’s disguise-heavy defensive scheme can hopefully lead to improved play on the back end, but Ballard needs to infuse competition and added talent on to the roster as well this offseason.

From a salary cap perspective, the Colts have just over $28 million in available space. This likely won’t be enough to get through an entire offseason, but they do have the ability to create more room.

With help from Pro Football Focus’ free agent rankings, here are the top available options at safety:

Jevon Holland, Dolphins​

Playing alongside of Cross, Holland could fill the free safety role. Throughout his career, he’s been a reliable tackler and run defender, and has had solid ball production with six interceptions and 13 pass breakups in his first three NFL seasons from 2021-2023.

PFF’s projected contract: 4 years, $98 million

Talanoa Hufanga, 49ers​

Injuries have limited Hufanga to just 17 games over the last two seasons. Over his career, Hufanga has been stout against the run and has limited pass catchers to only 10.1 yards per reception. He would total seven interceptions between the 2022 and 2023 seasons as well.

PFF’s projected contract: 2 years, $25 million

Camryn Bynum, Vikings​

Bynum could slide right into that deep safety role with the Colts. During his first four seasons in Minnesota, Bynum has produced eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups. He’s also routinely graded out as a very good run defender and tackler as well. Opposing quarterbacks have a below-average passer rating when targeting him.

PFF’s projected contract: 3 years – $42.75 million

Source

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts not close enough to contention to make big trade this offseason

There appear to be a number of top tier players who could be available this offseason for trade. However, the Indianapolis Colts are not in a position currently to be acquiring those players.

So far this offseason, star pass rusher Myles Garrett has requested a trade from Cleveland. On Sunday, it was reported by Adam Schefter that 49ers’ receiver Deebo Samuel has been granted permission to find a trade partner.

Also on Sunday, Ian Rapoport reported that the “long-term futures” of pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Micah Parsons are also up in the air at this time.

Would any of those players just mentioned make the Colts better? Of course they would. But also, the Colts aren’t one player away from being a contender either.

Following an 8-9 season in 2024, which was the fourth straight year that the Colts missed the playoffs and it also became the 10th consecutive year that Indianapolis didn’t win the AFC South, GM Chris Ballard was honest in his assessment of the team during his end of season press conference.

“Right now, we’re not close,” Ballard said. “I’m going to make this really clear. Close is losing on the last play of the Super Bowl. That’s close. Going 8-9, that’s not close. No, I’m not saying we won’t be closer when we get to the start of [next] season. But right now, sitting here today, we’re an 8-9 football team. We’ve got to own that.”

Ballard would admit that how he constructed the roster in 2024 was a “mistake.” While he banked on continuity being a catalyst for the Colts to take a big step forward following a 9-8 season in 2023, the team would instead regress.

DeForest Buckner would mention “ego” as one of the issues on the defensive side of the ball. Ballard would use the word “complacent” when discussing the roster.

To overcome that, the emphasis this offseason will be on competition and infusing that element throughout the team. As you look at this Colts roster, just about every position group could use an addition or two in that regard with the hope that it elevates the floor and play of each unit.

So for a Colts team that has work to do, parting with premium draft capital doesn’t make much sense when this team needs more than just one position addressed–even if it is with a really good player.

In addition to that, not only would the Colts be sending away a top flight draft pick or two to make an addition, but there is the salary cap impact as well of bringing on a hefty contract that would likely require an extension.

That is then going to limit what the Colts can do elsewhere in free agency. As of now, the Colts have a modest amount of cap spacing, ranking 18th with just over $28 million in salary cap room, according to Over the Cap.

While it’s a fun thought, the Colts are not close enough to contending where a trade of that magnitude would put them over the top and losing out on high draft picks and cap space would limit their ability to address other position groups when there is a need throughout most of the roster.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/09/colts-not-in-a-position-to-make-big-trade-this-offseason/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts 14th on waiver wire priority for start of 2025 NFL league year

Following the Super Bowl, the NFL’s waiver wire period for the 2025 league year began on Monday, and the Indianapolis Colts will be 14th on that list.

From now through Week 3 of the 2025 regular season, the waiver wire order will align with the 2025 NFL draft order–hence why the Colts are 14th. From Week 4 and on in the regular season, the waiver wire priority will be determined by each team’s record at that point.

Players with four or more seasons of accrued NFL seasons are not subject to the waiver wire until after the 2025 NFL trade deadline. Up until that point, any player who is released and has at least four years of credited seasons will automatically become an unrestricted free agent and can sign where they please.

However, for those players with three or fewer accrued seasons, they will be subject to the waiver system.

In short, how this works, is once a player is on waivers, for 24 hours any team can put in a claim on that player. If the Colts and the Packers put in a claim on the same player, for example, that player would end up in Indianapolis because the Colts are 14th in waiver priority and the Packers are 23rd.

If a player goes unclaimed on waivers during that initial 24 hour period, they then become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.

Cornerback Samuel Womack was claimed on waivers by GM Chris Ballard following roster cutdowns prior to the 2024 NFL season.

Free agency and the draft are going to be the primary ways that the Colts add to their roster this offseason, but waivers is another avenue teams use and is something to be mindful of with the offseason underway.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...-wire-priority-for-start-of-2025-league-year/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts 2025 free agency predictions: Will QB Sam Ehlinger return?

In the coming weeks, we will be taking a closer look at each of the Indianapolis Colts’ unrestricted free agents and making a prediction as to whether or not they will return for the 2025 season.

Up next, let’s take a look at quarterback Sam Ehlinger. If you’ve missed any of our other free agency predictions, you can find them below.

Will Fries
Julian Blackmon
Grant Stuard
Ryan Kelly
Dayo Odeyingbo
Mo Alie-Cox
Trey Sermon
Ashton Dulin
Mark Glowinski
Taven Bryan

Ehlinger was a 2021 sixth-round selection by the Colts and just finished out Year 4 of his rookie deal.

On the Colts this past season, Ehlinger was the team’s third quarterback behind Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco.

He was inactive when both Richardson and Flacco were available, but filled in as the backup for several games when Richardson was sidelined. Elingher has seen only three offensive snaps over the last two seasons.

Bringing in competition for Richardson is on the offseason to-do list for GM Chris Ballard. While Ehlinger won’t check that box, depth is needed at the position as well with Richardson and Jason Bean the only quarterbacks currently under contract for the 2025 season.

I do believe Ehlinger could provide that depth through training camp and potentially be the Colts’ third quarterback once again.

The big reason I think that is because late last season, Ballard told The Athletic that Ehlinger was one of the “strongest voices” in Richardson’s corner as he went through being benched. With the Colts still wanting Richardson to be the guy at quarterback, I do think there is value in having Ehlinger’s presence and that relationship on the roster.

Prediction: Colts re-sign Sam Ehlinger.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...ency-predictions-will-qb-sam-ehlinger-return/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Analyst predicts Colts accomplish a feat in 2025 they haven't done in a decade-plus

Can the Indianapolis Colts accomplish something in 2025 that they haven’t done since 2014?

Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr thinks so.

Orr recently made one bold prediction for each NFL team this upcoming season. For the Colts, Orr said that they will win their division, and in addition to that, Anthony Richardson will be “dialed in.”

“Shane Steichen was able to get a different kind of offense out of Jalen Hurts than Kellen Moore has and, after a third attempt, will start to get Richardson in the kind of system that will accentuate his strengths,” Orr wrote.

As Colts fans are well aware, Indianapolis hasn’t won the AFC South since 2014. Houston and CJ Stroud will have to be dethroned, but the AFC South isn’t a juggernaut of a division either.

While the Colts did get swept by the Texans last season and certainly have ground to makeup, they did finish only one game behind them in the divisional race.

Accomplishing this starts with how general manager Chris Ballard goes about the offseason. After calling his construction of the 2024 roster a “mistake,” competition is going to be the theme of this offseason. Ballard wants to infuse that element throughout the roster to help elevate play and fight off complacency.

The challenge for Ballard in that regard is that there are a lot of position groups that he could justify adding to, and of course, only so many resources to go around. The Colts currently have seven draft picks and rank 18th in cap space–although they have the means to create quite a bit more room.

With that said, if you’d like to take the optimistic outlook as Orr has, there are good players at each level of the defense with DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore, and Zaire Franklin, not to mention that addition of Lou Anarumo as defensive coordaintor.

On offense, the Colts have Jonathan Taylor and three wide receivers who eclipsed 800 receiving yards in 2024, along with a sound offensive line, assuming Will Fries returns.

When it comes to Richardson, he would complete just 47% of his passes last season and threw only eight touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

But again, the theme here is optimism since the prediction from Orr was that Richardson would be dialed in.

So some positivity that fans can hold on to is that Richardson did improve during the second half of the season after being benched. This included being more efficient and leading two fourth quarter comebacks. Shane Steichen was also better utilizing Richardson’s strengths within the weekly gameplan.

In addition to that, unlike last offseason, Richardson is fully healthy this time around and he’s also working with the same quarterback coach who helped Josh Allen early in his career.

At this incredibly early stage of the offseason, who knows how the Colts fare in 2025, but that’s what makes this a bold prediction from Orr. And for the reasons mentioned, while the path to an AFC South title isn’t clear by any means, you can potentially see a path there, as Orr does, although that’s been the case before for Indianapolis.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...olts-accomplish-feat-2025-havent-done-decade/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Of interest to Colts? Bengals LB 'close' with Lou Anarumo requests trade

Perhaps the latest news out of Cincinnati could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.

According to Ian Rapoport, Bengals’ linebacker Germaine Pratt has requested a trade. Rapoport adds that Pratt was “close” with former defensive coordinator–and now Colts’ defensive coordinator–Lou Anarumo.

Pratt was a defensive captain in Cincinnati. Tom Pelissero would note that he ranked top 10 in tackles last season and was one of only three players with 140 or more tackles and six or more turnover plays.

Pratt has spent his entire six year career in Cincinnati, playing under Anarumo each of those seasons. In addition to totaling all those tackles, Pratt has been a reliable tackler, and accumulated 22 quarterback pressures as well over the last two seasons combined.

In coverage over his career, he has held pass catchers to 9.6 yards per reception and has generated eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

Having played under Anarumo for six seasons, Pratt is obviously very comfortable in that system, one that demands versatility as part of disguising the defensive coverages, and there is value in that, given the big shift that comes with a new scheme.

The Colts also have a need at the linebacker position with EJ Speed set to hit free agency.

If it gets to the point where the Bengals are willing to trade Pratt, what type of trade compensation they would be looking for is not known.

What we do know at this time is that whoever might land Pratt would inherit a contract with a modest $8.18 million cap hit in 2025. However, this is the final year of Pratt’s current deal so an extension would likely be apart of the equation.

Whether or not GM Chris Ballard has interest in Pratt remains to be seen, but there is an obvious fit in Indianapolis with the Colts having a need at linebacker and Anarumo being the new defensive play caller.

(This article was updated to provide additional information.)

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...als-lb-close-with-lou-anarumo-requests-trade/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts offseason: Don't forget the salary cap element in trade talks

Discussing trade scenarios for the Indianapolis Colts can be a fun part of the offseason. However, when doing so, don’t forget about the salary cap component of the equation.

When discussing trades, the conversation often centers around what would have to be given up to get a player. Is it draft capital? And if so, how much and how good are the picks? Is it a player you’re sending away in return for another?

Obviously, those are important pieces of the puzzle, but trades aren’t only about what the team is sending away and the player they’re getting in return–there is a salary cap element to this as well.

Let’s look at one possibly realistic example for the Colts. It was recently reported that the Bengals’ linebacker Germaine Pratt, who is “close” with new Colts’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, has requested a trade.

Whether the Colts are interested or not or what they might have to give up to get Pratt are unknowns. But we do know that Indianapolis would be inheriting a contract that comes with an $5.6 million cap hit in 2025, and it’s also the last year of Pratt’s current deal, which means an extension would likely have to be worked out upon the trade being complete.

So now, if you’re the Colts, you have less draft capital because you traded something away to get Pratt, and you now have less cap space both in 2025 and beyond because of the contract you had to take on. There is also now one less inexpensive rookie contract on the books for the next four seasons with less draft capital as well.

This isn’t to say the Colts shouldn’t explore this trade–for a few reasons–it does make some sense for them. But the point is that part of the decision-making process for Chris Ballard goes beyond any potential draft pick(s) being traded away.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...n-dont-forget-salary-cap-element-trade-talks/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts 'targeting' another veteran DB coach

The Indianapolis Colts may not be done adding to their defensive coaching staff under Lou Anarumo.

According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, the Colts are “targeting” veteran defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson.

Zenitz doesn’t specify what the specific role for Henderson would be.

Chris Hewitt was added to the coaching staff recently to be the pass game coordinator and secondary coach under Anarumo. Perhaps Henderson would take on an assistant role in the secondary or he and Hewitt could each be responsible for one of the safety and cornerback positions, which is the setup Anarumo had in Cincinnati, for what it’s worth.

Last season, Henderson was the New York Giants’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

He has been with the Giants the last five seasons and interviewed for New York’s defensive coordinator role in 2024 when the team moved on from Wink Martindale.

Since getting his start as a coach in the NFL in 2007, Henderson has also had stops at Atlanta (2016-2019), Dallas (2012-2015), Cleveland (2009-2011), and with the New York Jets (2007-2008).

At each coaching stop, Henderson has worked with the defensive backs.

GM Chris Ballard was direct in his season-ending press conference about the secondary play, specifying that the Colts have to get better on the back end. Last season, the Colts ranked in the bottom third in passer rating allowed, completion rate, pass deflections, and yards per pass attempt.

Anarumo’s coaching background is rooted in the secondary and his disguise-heavy scheme can help with some of that heavy lifting when it comes to improved play. Hewitt also has extensive and impressive track record of working with defensive backs.

Now, the Colts are potentially adding another experienced voice in Henderson to the mix as well.

Getting more out of the safeties and cornerbacks is going to take some additions on Ballard’s part, but the Colts are investing heavily into this position group with their coaching staff.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...teran-defensive-backs-coach-jerome-henderson/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

'Underrated' free agent options for Colts at biggest positions of need

The Indianapolis Colts have a number of positions they could justify addressing this offseason, but only so many resources to go around.

The Colts currently have just over $28 million in salary cap space, which ranks as the 18th-most in the NFL–although they have the ability to make more room–and they have seven draft picks, one in each round.

Adding competition throughout the roster is going to be a theme of the offseason for the Colts based on what GM Chris Ballard said at his end of season press conference. But doing that doesn’t require adding the best available player at each position group either.

So who are some of the underrated options for the Colts to target in free agency at those key needs? Pro Football Focus provided some help and put a list together:

Cornerback: Paulson Adebo, Saints​

Adebo appeared in only seven games last season after suffering a broken femur. But between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Adebo has allowed a completion rate of just 58% at 13.8 yards per catch with excellent ball production that includes seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups.

PFF notes that with Adebo’s play-style, a defensive coordinator who prefers to play more aggressive man coverage will “surely value” what he brings to the table.

Safety: Elijah Molden, Chargers​

Molden primarily filled the deep safety role with the Chargers in 2024, which would make him a good fit with Nick Cross, who was the Colts’ strong safety last season. However, Molden does have some experience playing closer to the line of scrimmage as well.

Molden was a very sound tackler this past season and held opponents to under 10.0 yards per reception with three interceptions, two pass breakups, and a passer rating when targeted of only 44.8.

“While Molden does not possess the versatility of some other safeties, he can be very valuable in a well-defined role as a deep safety,” wrote PFF.

Linebacker: Tyrel Dodson, Dolphins​

The Colts need an added coverage presence at the linebacker position to pair with Zaire Franklin, and Dodson has been one of the higher graded coverage linebackers in each of the last two seasons by PFF’s metrics.

During that span, he’s held opponents to 9.0 yards per catch, has three interceptions–all of which came in 2024–and four pass breakups and a cumulative passer rating of 88.6.

“His contributions in coverage should have a lot of teams interested in signing him. Good coverage linebackers are a bigger need than ever before.”

Tight end: Mike Gesicki, Bengals​

With the tight end class in free agency not being all that deep, Gesicki might not be a huge underrated option, but he can surely help the Colts’ passing game.

In his one season with the Bengals, Gesicki’s production bounced back as he totaled 665 receiving yards at 10.2 yards per catch with two touchdowns.

Nearly 70% of Gesicki’s snaps came lined up in the slot and fewer than 10% were in-line. He there to catch the ball.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...ents-options-colts-biggest-positions-of-need/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

How big of a need is the offensive line for Colts this offseason?

How big of a need is the offensive line position for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason?

Well, it depends. To answer that, we have to know what happens in free agency with Will Fries.

Fries 2024 season was cut short due to a leg injury in Week 5. But before that, he was playing as one of the best guards in football, ranking fourth in PFF’s run-blocking grade and 10th in pass-blocking grade.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote recently that Fries is expected to “attract serious interest” this offseason, and after the guard market really took off last year, Fries is likely in store for a good-sized payday.

If Fries returns, then the Colts’ starting five along the offensive line is likely already on the roster with Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, Fries, and either Braden Smith or Matt Goncalves, if Smith is released.

In this scenario, however, depth is still very much a need. Ryan Kelly, Mark Glowinski, and Danny Pinter are all free agents, and if Smith is released, that leaves only Blake Freeland off the bench at tackle.

Excluding the aforementioned starters, here is who else is under contract currently along the offensive line: Freeland, Josh Sills, Atonio Mafi, Dalton Tucker, and Jack Wilson.

“I do think at the end of the year, the offensive line ended up playing better,” Chris Ballard said after the season. “We had some young guys that had to play…We need to make sure we’ve got the right talent level. I’m pleased with how these young guys came along, but we gotta make sure we got enough depth there.”

However, on the flip side, if Fries were to sign elsewhere, the need along the offensive line grows exponentially. At this point, the Colts are banking on Tucker, Mafi or Sills to be their starting right guard–a move that comes with obvious risks and one that Ballard has made previously at other position groups that hasn’t paid off.

In this scenario, either devoting real salary cap dollars in free agency to the position or an early round draft pick becomes a must.

Naturally, all eyes when it comes to the Colts’ offense are fixated on Anthony Richardson. But success for this unit starts with the offensive line play–which, at times, was up and down last year due to injuries.

A good offensive line gives the quarterback time in the pocket, and allows for a strong running game to lean on. This then keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations where the defense has the advantage.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/15/how-big-need-offensive-line-colts-offseason/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

What grade did Colts' 2024 rookie class receive and how do they rank?

How did the Indianapolis Colts’ 2024 draft class compare to the rest of the NFL?

Gennaro Filice of NFL.com recently handed out grades and ranked all 32 rookie classes based on their performances last season.

The Colts’ class would receive a C+ from Filice and ranked 20th overall compared to the rest of the NFL.

The theme from Filice as he walked through the Colts’ draft class was that this group was collectively “solid.”

“He (Laiatu Latu) wasn’t great, he wasn’t lousy, he was … solid,” wrote Filice. “That descriptor largely sums up this draft class for Indianapolis.”

Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player taken off the board and totaled a sound 42 pressures, according to Next Gen Stats, four sacks, and three forced fumbles.

He showcased the ability to win regularly as a pass rusher, ranking 29th among all defensive ends in PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric and improved as a run defender as the season went on. Latu was, however, the third-most productive rookie at his position group in terms of pressures and he was fourth in sacks.

Both rookie offensive linemen Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves filled in well when called upon and both look like players that the Colts can and will rely on heavily to be mainstays within their offensive line unit.

“I’m pleased with how these young guys came along,” said Chris Ballard after the season about Bortolini and Goncavles.

Jaylon Carlies, a former college safety, was the Colts’ third linebacker when lined up in their 4-3 base defense last season. Carlies proved to be a reliable tackler and allowed only 6.0 yards per catch. He could be starting next to Zaire Franklin this upcoming season.

Lastly, Ballard did find Dalton Tucker and signed him as an undrafted rookie. Although he was benched late in the season, anytime a UDFA makes the 53-man roster and earns the opportunity to contribute, that’s a win.

Those were all positives, but as Filice mentions, second-round pick AD Mitchell had a very quiet year.

Mitchell would catch only 45% of his passes as he dealt with drops and at times wasn’t on the same page as the quarterback. In terms of playing time, there were weeks where he was the fifth receiver on the depth chart.

Like Ballard said, Mitchell must find consistency, but what he did show was the ability to create separation with his speed and route running abilities.

Filice didn’t mention this, but I will: three of the Colts draft picks from 2024 didn’t even finish the year with the team.

Micah Abraham was released during roster cutdowns and wasn’t brought back. Jonah Laulu was also released during roster cutdowns but was claimed by the Raiders where he saw defensive snaps last season. And then Jaylin Simpson was signed by the Jets off the Colts’ practice squad mid-season.

Those were all Day 3 picks and this happening once isn’t going to reshape the roster in a negative way by any means. But 33% of your draft picks lasting only about seven months or less isn’t good either.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...4-rookie-class-receive-how-indianapolis-rank/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

One Colts player makes Bill Belichick's 2024 'All-Belichick' team

Bill Belichick released his 2024 All-Belichick team on Instagram and included was Indianapolis Colts’ linebacker Zaire Franklin.

At Belichick’s Mike linebacker position was Franklin along with Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker Roquan Smith.

At the Will linebacker spot was Philadelphia’s Zack Baun, Washington’s Frankie Luvu, and Atlanta’s Kaden Ellis.

Belichick is a six-time Super Bowl champion head coach, a three-time AP Coach of the Year, and is now the head coach at the University of North Carolina.

Below is the entire 2024 All-Belichick team. Michael Lombardi also helped in putting this team together.

​

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bill Belichick (@billbelichick)​

Franklin was also named a second-team All-Pro and he made the Pro Bowl as well following his 2024 performance.

Franklin led the NFL in total tackles with 173. He also generated 15 pressures a blitzer, according to Pro Football Focus, and in coverage came away with three pass breakups and two interceptions–a career-high.

With EJ Speed set to be a free agent this offseason, the Colts will have to figure out who will be starting alongside of Franklin when the defense is lined up in nickel next season.

Perhaps second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies can step into that role. But regardless of whether it’s Carlies or someone else, added coverage ability at this position for the Colts will be a priority.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...makes-bill-belichick-2024-all-belichick-team/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor with 3 of the most 'remarkable rushes' in 2024

Indianapolis Colts’ running back Jonathan Taylor didn’t have just one of the most “remarkable rushes” in 2024, but he had three of them.

So, what makes a carry a remarkable rush?

This is a metric by NFL Next Gen Stats that with machine learning and tracking data, predicts at handoff how many yards a ball carrier should pick up based on how the offensive line is positioned relative to the defenders.

The “remarkable rushes” are those where the ball carrier “greatly defies expectations” by picking up way more yards than what was expected.

On this list, which measures every carry by every running back over the course of the entire season, Taylor showed up three-times within the top 20.

Taylor’s first appearance came at No. 13 with 61 rushing yards over expected in the Colts Week 16 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

He then also came in at No. 14 on this list with 59 rushing yards over expected on another carry that came against Tennessee in that same Week 16 game.

This, of course, was the matchup where Taylor totaled 218 rushing yards in that game. This was the second-highest single-game rushing total of Taylor’s career and the Colts also set a new franchise record with 335 team rushing yards.

Then, in addition to being No. 13 and 14 on this list, Taylor also appeared at No. 18 after he had 54 rushing yards over expected on a Week 10 run against the Buffalo Bills.

When it was all said and done, this was Taylor’s most productive season since 2021. He rushed for 1,431 yards at 4.7 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns, according to PFF.

Compared to the rest of the NFL, Taylor ranked sixth in yards, 11th in yards per rush, and was eighth in rushes of 10-plus yards.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/16/colts-rb-jonathan-taylor-3-most-remarkable-rushes-2024/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

ESPN draft analyst with 12 first round grades, what could it mean for Colts?

ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has 12 prospects on his big board with first-round grades. What might this mean for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 NFL draft?

For starters, although there are 32 prospects drafted in the first round, draft analysts and teams don’t have 32 prospects with first-round grades. In fact, it never gets that close.

As Miller notes in his article, the average draft class has roughly 15 players who are deemed “first-round talents.”

When it comes to the big positions of need for the Colts, here are the prospects that received first-round grades, according to Miller:

Tight end: Tyler Warren (Penn State), Colston Loveland (Michigan).

Cornerback: Jahdae Barron (Texas), Will Johnson (Michigan)

Safety: None

We’ve also seen some mock drafts where the Colts add to the defensive line. Admittedly, depth is a need, but with the amount of resources invested into that position group and the needs the Colts have elsewhere, I don’t know if Chris Ballard spends another first round pick on that group, particularly with how deep the draft class is at this position.

Defensive tackle: Mason Graham (Michigan)

Defensive end: Jalon Walker (Georgia), Mykel Williams (Georgia)

I’d also add that if Will Fries doesn’t return, then adding to the offensive line could be in play at this point as well.

There are not quarterbacks in this year’s class that received first round grades from Miller, but inevitably, there will be a quarterbacks taken early in the draft, which can help push down some of these players into the Colts’ range.

So what does all of this mean for the Colts?

If Ballard’s board is somewhat in alignment with Miller’s–and they could very well be different–I would guess that any one of the four players at tight end and cornerback listed are in play for Indianapolis.

If there’s a scenario where those players are gone, then the opportunity to trade down very much exists.

While 12 players with first-round grades is not a lot, the strength of this draft class, as NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah noted, is in the middle, with Jeremiah saying that picks 20-60 are “pretty much the same.”

So if the Colts are short on options at pick 14 when it comes to prospects with first round grades, trading down to accumulate an additional draft pick in that 20-60 range could be the prudent move.

Conversely, if there is an abundance of players that the Colts have grading out similarly, a trade down scenario exists there as well. As long as they stay in range where they can still land one of those prospects, the Colts can double-dip in this scenario by moving down to accumulate additional capital while still getting a player they value highly.

With all that said, the NFL scouting combine takes place next week and those results could impact how big boards shake out as well.

But for the time being–and there is still a lot of time left between now and the draft–Miller’s rankings give as an idea of who the high-end prospects in this year’s class are, and that of course, has an impact on how things might play out for the Colts.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/espn-draft-analyst-12-first-round-grades-what-mean-colts/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts pass on 2 favorites in 2025 NFL mock draft and go different route

Two popular picks for the Indianapolis Colts in many 2025 NFL mock drafts have been Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

However, in a recent mock draft from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, with both Warren and Starks available at pick No. 14, the Colts went in a different direction by taking South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori.

“Ballard is the NFL’s traits-hunter,” said Brent Sobleski. “He’s going to find the most athletic guys in the class and draft them. He adheres more strongly to relative athletic scores than modern musicians rely on Auto-Tune. Emmanwori is an explosive 6’3″, 227-pound athlete, who can be used all over the field.”

This isn’t the first time that we’ve seen Emmanwori go to the Colts. NFL.com’s Eric Edholm mentioned Emmanwori as someone who can scale big boards in the coming months.

As Sobleski lays out, Emmanwori has excellent size and is a good athlete to pair with that.

In three seasons at South Carolina, Emmanwori has played over 2,300 snaps with the bulk of them coming closer to the line of scrimmage, according to PFF’s tracking.

This factor is noteworthy because with Nick Cross playing strong safety last season, what the Colts specifically need is a free safety. So some potential maneuvering between the two might have to take place.

Emmanwori was a reliable tackler last season, making 90 of his 97 attempts. In coverage, he allowed just 8.3 yards per catch with four interceptions and three pass breakups.

The need at the safety position is three-fold. For starters, they need improved play throughout the secondary as GM Chris Ballard said after the season. This includes limiting explosive plays, last season the Colts gave up the 8th most yards per pass attempt.

But in addition to that, the Colts need depth at the position with only Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo under contract in 2025 at the moment.

Lastly, in Lou Anarumo’s defense, where versatility and coverage disguise is at a premium, a lot can be put on the safety’s plate, so a reliable presence on the back end is vital.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...rites-2025-nfl-mock-draft-go-different-route/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Date and time set for Colts' Ballard, Steichen to speak at NFL combine

The NFL scouting combine begins next week, and we will hear from Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen during the event.

According to The Athletic’s James Boyd, both Ballard and Steichen will be speaking to the media on Tuesday, February 25th. Jake Arthur would add that Ballard will be speaking at 4:30 PM ET and Steichen at 5:30 PM ET.

#Colts GM Chris Ballard and HC Shane Steichen will speak to the media at the NFL combine next Tuesday (Feb. 25).

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 18, 2025

This will be the first time that both Ballard and Steichen have met with the media since their season-ending press conferences in early January.

During that aforementioned season-ending presser, Ballard would call his roster-building approach last offseason a “mistake.” What he was specifically referring to was choosing the keep the status quo, despite the Colts missing the playoffs in 2023.

“Instead of really creating competition throughout and throwing new blood into the locker room, new players into the locker room, I said ‘you know what, we’re gonna run it back,’ Ballard said. “That was a mistake.”

To correct that, Ballard wants to emphasize competition this offseason and infusing that element throughout the roster.

Presumably, that means being more active in free agency this offseason, although after making only two outside additions in 2024–backup quarterback Joe Flacco and rotational defensive tackle Raekwon Davis– the words ‘more active’ are relative.

“We’ve got to be better about making sure that we identify the right free agents that can help push this team to where it needs to go,” said Ballard.

The challenge for Ballard is that as you sift through the current Colts roster, there are quite a few position groups he could justify adding to, to various degrees. However, as always, there are limited resources with the Colts ranking 18th in salary cap space and holding seven draft picks.

The general consensus is that the biggest positions of need for the Colts are tight end, safety, and cornerback. You could, however, also add the offensive line to that group if Will Fries heads elsewhere in free agency.

In addition to that, there will be competition at quarterback, and depth at linebacker–plus added coverage ability–depth at running back and defensive tackle should be on the Colts’ radar as well, whether that be through free agency or the draft.

(This article was updated to provide additional information.)

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...ris-ballard-shane-steichen-speak-nfl-combine/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Of interest to Colts? Dolphins 'not expected' to franchise tag S Jevon Holland

Perhaps of interest to the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins will not be using the franchise tag on safety Jevon Holland, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network.

Holland is considered by many as the top free agent safety in this year’s class, and the Colts, of course, have a major need at that position.

Holland has spent his first four NFL seasons with the Dolphins as a former second-round pick and is still not even 25 years old yet.

By PFF’s metrics, Holland has steadily graded out as a good run defender and over the course of his career, he’s been a sound tackler as well.

In coverage, he’s allowed a career completion rate of 67%, which includes two seasons below 61%, and 12.5 yards per catch, along with six interceptions and 16 pass breakups.

Holland would immediately fill the Colts’ free safety role.

“This is a guy who was a three-time captain in Miami and an explosive playmaker,” said Wolfe. “The last year and a half he’s been banged up, hasn’t played his best ball, but somebody’s going to get a guy, under 25, still ready to make that playmaking ability.”

Dolphins not expected to put the franchise tag on safety Jevón Holland putting him on track to test free agency as top player at his position, barring any surprises.

For @nflnetwork The Insiders nuggets on Holland, Terron Armstead, Tyreek Hill & interesting #Dolphins offseason: pic.twitter.com/OzsosJfg7t

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 19, 2025

Not only at safety, but in the secondary as a whole, the Colts need improved play this season. As GM Chris Ballard said, they have to get better.

The Colts pass defense in 2024 ranked in the bottom-third of the NFL in completion rate, yards per pass attempt, passer rating, and pass deflections.

But another part of this equation for the Colts and what may result in them having to address the safety position in free agency is that Lou Anarumo’s defense, which requires versatility and the ability to disguise coverages, puts a lot on the plate of the safety position.

So having an experienced presence like Holland on the back end to quarterback things, so to speak, could prove to be quite valuable as the Colts transition to a new scheme.

However, in order to land Holland, Ballard has to be willing to offer a hefty contract. His past production, experience, and age is going to result in a big pay day for him with a number of teams interested.

Pro Football Focus is currently projecting that Holland lands a four-year deal worth $98 million. The Colts rank 18th, according to Over the Cap, in salary cap space with just over $28 million–although they have the ability to create quite a bit more room if needed.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...s-not-expected-franchise-tag-s-jevon-holland/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts free agency profiles: CB Paulson Adebo can add playmaking presence

Over the weeks, we will be taking a closer look at potential free agent candidates for the Indianapolis Colts.

Let’s start with the cornerback position and the New Orleans Saints, Paulson Adebo.

Adebo was recently selected as an “underrated” free agent to watch at the cornerback position this offseason.

Unfortunately, his 2024 season ended after only seven games due to a broken femur. However, between the 2023 and 2024 seasons, which spanned 22 games, Adebo allowed a completion rate of just 58% and 13.8 yards per catch.

He’s also had really good ball production during that span with seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups, bringing a playmaking presence to the secondary. Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 68.5 as well.

The need at cornerback for the Colts is obvious. As GM Chris Ballard said, Indianapolis has to get better in the secondary. Collectively in 2024, the Colts’ pass defense ranked in the bottom third of football in completion rate, passer rating, pass deflections, and yards per pass attempt allowed.

With Adebo’s play-style, a defensive coordinator who is willing to rely more on man coverage will “surley value,” as PFF put it, having Adebo at the cornerback position. But with that play-style has come penalties. Adebo was penalized nine times in 2024 alone and some big plays allowed.

Under new Colts’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, as Horseshoe Huddle’s Zach Hicks noted in a recent article, we are going to see more man coverage looks from Indianapolis this season.

With Anarumo’s scheme also emphasizing versatility and relying on the ability to disguise coverages, an experienced addition at cornerback and/or safety could provide more value to the Colts than a rookie would.

Adebo is the 11th ranked cornerback on PFF’s free agency big board and the 87th ranked free agent overall. PFF is projecting that Adebo lands a three-year deal worth $40 million, including $25 million guaranteed.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/colts-free-agency-profiles-cb-paulson-adebo/

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts land versatile DB in The Athletic's 2025 NFL mock draft

The 32 NFL beat writers for The Athletic recently put together a group 2025 NFL mock draft. So who did the Indianapolis Colts come away with?

At pick No. 14, and with Tyler Warren already taken, James Boyd had the Colts draft another big need, by taking safety Malaki Starks from Georgia.

“Indianapolis needs to upgrade at safety, and Starks is widely considered the best one in this year’s draft class,” wrote Boyd. “His athleticism, high IQ and versatility will be crucial in new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system, which has typically heaped a lot of responsibility on its safeties.”

Starks has shown to be a do-it-all defensive back who can line up across the secondary and can fill a variety of roles.

As Boyd notes, in Lou Anarumo’s defense, where versatility and the ability to disguise coverages is vital, having a well-rounded safety on the back end to quarterback things, so to speak, is incredibly valuable.

With that said, for the reasons just mentioned, that could be why we see the Colts attempt to address this need in free agency, with the hope of adding experience on the back end to help with this transition to a new scheme.

Starks has been a sound tackler during his career at Georgia, missing fewer than 7% of his total attempts. As a coverage defender, he’s allowed a completion rate of 61% with six interceptions and 14 pass breakups.

For more on Starks, here is a snippet of what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his pre-draft report:

“Three-year starter with reams of high-leverage games on his résumé. Starks is a versatile safety with the size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches and the speed and ball skills to shine when the action travels deep.”

In addition to the Colts needing improved play from the safety position and in the secondary as a whole, depth is huge need as well. Currently under contract at safety for the 2025 season are Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo.

If Warren is off the board, as he was in this instance, I do think trading down in this year’s draft is very much in play for the Colts.

Source: https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2025...nsive-back-the-athletics-2025-nfl-mock-draft/