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[Indianapolis Colts]

CBS Sports lists Colts as one of four desperate teams facing ‘make or break’ 2025 season

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It’s put up or shut up time for some of the Colts’ top leadership entering a critical 2025 campaign.

According to CBS Sports Cody Benjamin, the Indianapolis Colts are among his four desperate teams facing a ‘make or break’ 2025 campaign:

Indianapolis Colts

Like Gannon in Arizona, Shane Steichen is coming off just his second season as a head coach. Unfortunately he’s gone backward, if only slightly, since coming out from under Nick Sirianni’s wing with the Philadelphia Eagles. After a 9-8 debut, his Colts dropped to 8-9 amid a flurry of messy quarterback swaps in 2024. Even worse: His offense hinges on a near-miraculous leap from either incumbent youngster Anthony Richardson or former New York Giants castoff Daniel Jones under center. General manager Chris Ballard, meanwhile, is even riper for reevaluation; he’s survived two coaching changes while cycling through countless quarterbacks post-Andrew Luck. The Colts have won precisely one playoff game in the eight years of Ballard’s direction. They’re overdue.

While the Colts ownership can’t fire themselves, there’s no question that longtime general manager Chris Ballard, 3rd-year head coach Shane Steichen, and 3rd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson are facing critical 2025 seasons—all of whom are firmly on hot seats.

Ballard somewhat surprisingly survived this offseason, and entering his 9th season (62-69-1) with the Colts, he has to achieve meaningful results—as he has no AFC South titles and just one playoff win during that same lengthy span (which is an eternity for a modern NFL GM).

Having a turnstile at the starting quarterback position since franchise quarterback Andrew Luck retired with Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, Nick Foles, Anthony Richardson, Gardner Minshew, and Joe Flacco, Ballard won’t get another crack at the apple—should Richardson and veteran free agent addition Daniel Jones ultimately falter this year.

It’s highly questionable whether the quarterback room of Richardson and Jones will prove to be enough—and that could very well cost Steichen (17-17) his job too, who regressed a bit this past season when it came to handling the media publicly and his locker room internally.

The saying goes something like, “If you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterbacks.”

Fortunately, all 3 men of the Colts’ top leadership likely know the high stakes headed into the 2025 season regarding their continued future job security.

If they don’t achieve significant improvement from last year (i.e., at least a playoff berth, which the Colts haven’t achieved since 2020), someone else may very well be replacing them come next offseason—and rightfully so.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...our-desperate-teams-facing-make-or-break-2025

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts need to pick a side in the draft and load up

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The Colts need to establish an identity, and the draft is a good place to start.

The Indianapolis Colts have an opportunity in front of them next week to carve out an identity for this franchise. As it currently stands, they are neither a defensive team nor an offensive team. Fans cannot point to one side of the ball and say, “that is where the Colts hang their hat”. Chris Ballard has spent a majority of the offseason improving the defense with two key signings in Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward. Last year’s first round pick was spent on Laiatu Latu, and while the results are still to be determined, the belief and hope is he will make a jump in year two. Without being reckless, the Colts need to continue in this vein and really go all in on the defense.

“Build the monster” was the mantra of Chuck Pagano. It never really came to fruition during his tenure, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting again now. This is said with the caveat of not overly reaching if top offensive talent is available, but if all things are equal, defense needs to be the focus. There are two main reasons for this: 1.) the Colts must establish an identify if they want to find success, and 2.) Anthony Richardson at quarterback is too much of an unknown. Will he be the quarterback in 2026 or even the end of 2025? To build to the strengths and ability of a player who might not be with the team in ten months would be unwise.

Draft picks can hit in any round. First rounders flame out while players selected in the seventh round can go on to the Hall of Fame. It can be a crapshoot. There do tend to be premium picks, however. Rounds one through four can produce some solid players, and it would behoove the Colts to use those picks to beef up the defense. Fans witnessed too many missed tackles and blown coverages last year. The amount of points given up and the overall defensive numbers are simply not going to win many games. Ballard needs to build something formidable that can last. A defense that can keep an offense within striking distance and create turnovers and wreak havoc is always of value, regardless of who is playing quarterback.

Defensive units can change in a heartbeat. Chris Ballard used free agency to improve and can drive the point home in the draft. He needs to choose a lane and run with it. Truly build a monster on the defensive side of the ball and watch the offense flourish because of it. If Ballard uses at least three picks out of the first four on defense, it could make a huge impact this year and beyond. If at least two out of those three hit, we could go from talking about building the monster to actually witnessing it on the field.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4/15/24408794/colts-need-to-pick-a-side-in-the-draft-and-load-up

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts recently had virtual pre-draft meeting with Virginia Tech WR Da’Quan Felton

Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

The Colts brought in an intriguing ‘height-speed’ later round receiver prospect that has some potential upside.

According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Indianapolis Colts recently held a virtual pre-draft meeting with Virginia Tech wide receiver Da’Quan Felton:

.@HokiesFB WR Da'Quan Felton is so explosive. 17.6 YPC, ran a 4.45 at 6-5, 213.#Commanders private workout. Recent virtuals #Colts, #49ers, #Giants, #Bills, #Jets.@DFeltonn x @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/zW46JJx2AU

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 15, 2025​

The 6’5,” 213 pound (32 1/4” arms) senior wideout recorded 32 receptions for 360 total receiving yards (11.3 ypr. avg.) and 2 touchdown receptions during 12 starts in 2024.

Here’s his NFL.com draft profile:

Overview

Height, weight, speed prospect whose production suffered from scheme fit and quarterback play in 2024. Felton is a linear mover who needs to be used with a heavier dose of vertical routes to be effective. He’s a nonchalant route runner underneath with below-average hands and run-after-catch talent. While his ball-tracking fails to stand out, he can out-stride and uncover against wide corners looking to run with his post and go routes. The 2024 production was disappointing, but there will be teams ready to believe in the speed and measurables with the hope he can become a rotational option to take the top off of coverages.

Felton is projected to be a late ‘Day 3’ pick, but the height-speed combo is intriguing as a later round prospect, who may also be able to immediately contribute on special teams.

Da'Quan Felton is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 8.30 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 651 out of 3815 WR from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/vCSjtfp0O9 pic.twitter.com/VrzpHbLHSW

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 12, 2025​

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...t-meeting-with-virginia-tech-wr-daquan-felton

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

NFL.com’s burning question for Colts is regarding QB Anthony Richardson’s future

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Like a few members of the Colts’ top leadership, 3rd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is facing a ‘make-or-break’ 2025 campaign.

According to NFL.com’s Jeffrl Chadiha, the Indianapolis Colts’ burning question this offseason is whether ‘this will be the end of the road’ for incumbent starting quarterback Anthony Richardson:

Indianapolis Colts

BURNING QUESTION: Is this the end of the road for Anthony Richardson?

It doesn’t look great for him. The Colts signed Daniel Jones to a one-year deal to compete with Richardson for the starting job next season. Colts GM Chris Ballard said the competition will make everybody better, which seems like another way of saying his third-year quarterback had better step up. That would be a fair approach, because it would be understandable for the Colts to have concerns about how a quarterback selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft is going to fare after two disappointing seasons. Richardson missed 13 games with injuries as a rookie and then was benched in Weeks 9 and 10 of last season. His career completion percentage sits at 50.6 percent. He also has thrown 11 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in 15 total NFL games. This is why Jones, who fell to third on the Giants’ depth chart before being released by New York last season, is considered a real option for Indianapolis. If Jones can just be steady, that could be enough to keep Richardson on the bench for good.

After bringing in veteran free agent Daniel Jones, the Colts have proclaimed publicly that it will be an open offseason competition between Richardson and the former New York Giants castoff for the starting quarterback job in Indianapolis.

While it still remains in the Colts franchise’s best interests for Richardson to win the job outright on the merits, it’s anyone’s guess whether he can hold off the top challenger Jones for the QB1 title throughout this year’s training camp and the preseason.

Since being the 4th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Colts haven’t handled AR’s initial development arguably all that gracefully.

First, the team brought in Gardner Minshew during Richardson’s rookie year as offseason quarterback competition, but the expectation was always that the former Florida Gator standout would ultimately win the job. The Colts’ stance was that having been limited to just 13 starts with the Gators collectively, Richardson needed the NFL game day reps.

After a tantalizing initial debut, Richardson was limited to just 4 starts during his rookie campaign because of a season-ending shoulder injury.

While there were high hopes entering his 2nd-year in 2024—fully recovered and after such a promising start to his pro career, Richardson endured a sophomore slump that seemingly reached its boiling over point during his infamous Week 8 ‘tap-out’ against the Houston Texans—which cost the 22-year-old starter, who still needed the reps, a 2-game benching (*although it would’ve been indefinitely if veteran Joe Flacco hadn’t played so poorly).

After the presumed learning lesson, Richardson reportedly became more of a professional within the Colts building, showing up early, staying late, and ramping up his film study to better become the ‘CEO of W. 56th street.’ His play showed some improvement down the season’s stretch too, as following the benching, Richardson led the Colts to late game-winning drives—albeit against rather lackluster NFL competition.

He still needs to improve upon his consistency and especially his passing accuracy—which was just 47.7% last season. His availability also remains a concern, as still needing valuable game day reps, Richardson missed the Colts’ last two games because of further injury.

Jones doesn’t inspire much confidence, as he’s struggled from similar issues that Richardson has regarding his durability and turnover prone tendencies. Like Richardson, he does offer dual-threat mobility, and in a simulated practice setting, likely could look better with his passing accuracy, completing more shorter passes in rhythm.

The Colts have to use 2025 to truly see what they have with Richardson—both on and off the field, and whether there’s enough production and promise to continue with him as their franchise quarterback hopeful going beyond next year.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...ts-is-regarding-qb-anthony-richardsons-future

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts hosted Kansas OL Bryce Cabeldue on a Top 30 Visit

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A projected Day 3 offensive line prospect met with the Colts ahead of the NFL Draft.

The Indianapolis Colts met with Kansas OL Bryce Cabeldue for an official Top 30 visit ahead of the NFL Draft, per draft insider Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda. According to Pauline, the Colts are one of a few teams (Chiefs, Seahawks) to schedule a pre-draft visit with the Kansas offensive lineman.

Although Cabeldue played primarily at tackle in college, he projects as a guard at the next level. Typically the jump for tackles from college to the NFL is one of the hardest transitions among any position, particularly due to the insufficient athleticism of most prospects, therefore the rate at which tackles who remain tackles is far lower than those who kick inside to the interior. Bryce Cabeldue falls under the latter, though it’s not due to his lack of athleticism.

After getting turned down from participating at the NFL Scouting Combine, Cabeldue proved his athletic chops were up to standard during the Big 12 Pro Day. Here he posted the following measurements and testing numbers:

Bryce Cabeldue is a OT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.40 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 92 out of 1508 OT from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/ZNSuDnJqzx pic.twitter.com/VFw5cAGhqv

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 10, 2025​

This Pro Day showing from Cabeldue not only proves that he is athletic enough to play at the next level but showcases his ability to make the transition as a tweener who can play at both the interior and exterior of the offensive line. Cabeldue’s natural power as a blocker also excites the prospect of moving him to guard full-time, given his mauling tendencies in the run game would fit what the Colts like to do offensively.

For more on Cabeldue as a prospect, refer to NFL.com’s prospect profile below:

Collegiate right tackle who is built like a guard and should make the move inside as a pro. Cabeldue is not much of a knee-bender but he’s low-cut, which helps him maximize his balance. He has good pop on contact and can maul his way to wins. He’s more athletic than expected inside the box, but his range as a blocker will trail off. He plays with an attacking mindset and takes the action to opponents, but he needs to play with inside hands to minimize his lack of length in pass pro. He projects as a backup guard and his toughness plays in his favor.

Bryce Cabeldue is a projected Day 3 (rounds 4-7) draft selection, but the interest from the Colts has been there since the beginning. Although Indy may just be doing their due diligence, don’t count out a late-round draft selection or a UDFA priority signing once the draft nears its end.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...ed-kansas-ol-bryce-cabeldue-on-a-top-30-visit

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts select top Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell in latest PFF Mock Draft

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The Colts give Lou Anarumo another horse for their revitalized defense with this dynamic playmaker.

According to PFF’s Jordan Plocher, the Indianapolis Colts will select Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 14th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft:

14. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: LB JIHAAD CAMPBELL, ALABAMA

With the top tight end prospect gone, the Colts turn to getting an athletic and versatile front-seven player in Campbell. He showed what a well-rounded linebacker he is in 2024, garnering an 81.0 PFF run-defense grade and an 80.1 PFF coverage grade to go with eight sacks.

The 6’3,” 235 pound linebacker (with 32 1/2” arms) recorded 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, an interception, 2 passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and 2 fumble recoveries during 13 starts in 2024—earning First-Team All-SEC honors.

He has a RAS [Relative Athletic Score] of 9.87 out of a maximum of 10.0.

Campbell is regarded as arguably the top off-the-ball linebacker in this year’s draft class.

Here’s his scouting report via NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who ranks Campbell as his 9th best overall prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft:

“Campbell is a tall, rangy and explosive linebacker. He was recruited to Alabama as an edge rusher but initially moved to linebacker because of the Crimson Tide’s depth on the edges (SEE: Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, among others). This past season, he played both off the ball and on the edge. As an off-ball linebacker, he doesn’t possess elite instincts but offers excellent speed and physicality. He can range sideline to sideline and flashes the ability to thump off blockers and collect tackles on inside runs. He displays exciting tools in his pass-rush opportunities off the edge. He can burst/bend and finish. He also grew more comfortable in coverage throughout the 2024 season. He anticipates routes and positions himself to make plays on the ball. Overall, Campbell expands the playbook for defensive coordinators and his best football is ahead of him.”

Jihaad Campbell is a name that will gain A LOT of steam next week at the Combine. Freaky burst for his size. Speed for days.

Let him rush the passer! pic.twitter.com/qknSIcYH1S

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 20, 2025​

Of course, the Colts could use a starting linebacker alongside NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro Zaire Franklin, as his former teammate (and podcast host) E.J. Speed recently departed to the Houston Texans during free agency. While the team also has 2024 5th round pick Jaylon Carlies, who excelled in coverage, he may be better suited for subpackage linebacker work.

Having already given new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo some key horses to work with in the secondary, Campbell would give him a dynamic linebacker in the 2nd level of his defense featuring speed, athleticism, range, and physicality—and a lot of upside.

While prized Penn State tight end Tyler Warren may be the top target at #14 overall, Campbell wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize for the Colts either to help remake their defense with upgraded talent.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...cker-jihaad-campbell-in-latest-pff-mock-draft

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ RB Jonathan Taylor reportedly will announce team’s 2nd, 3rd round picks

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Colts Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor goes back to ‘Badger Country’ to help announce some upcoming picks.

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor will reportedly announce the team’s 2nd and 3rd round picks at the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):

Jonathan Taylor will announce the #Colts’ second- and third-round picks in next week’s draft in Green Bay, per the NFL.

Taylor was a second-round pick in 2020. He’s since notched three 1,000-yard seasons and earned two Pro Bowl nods.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 17, 2025​

The former University of Wisconsin Badgers’ standout has a bit of a homecoming, and he’ll be announcing the Colts’ two picks, currently #45 and #80 overall, in the 2nd and 3rd rounds of next week’s NFL Draft respectively.

Taylor is fresh off his 2nd career Pro Bowl appearance, as he rushed for 1,431 yards on 303 carries (4.7 ypc. avg.) and 11 rushing touchdowns during 14 games (13 starts) in 2024.

During his first 5 seasons, Taylor has become an NFL First-Team All-Pro, 2x NFL Pro Bowler, NFL rushing yards leader, and NFL rushing touchdowns leader.

The 26-year-old workhorse has 6,013 total rushing yards on 1,228 carries (4.9 ypc. avg.) and 51 rushing touchdowns on 1,228 career carries since being selected by the Colts with the 41st overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

A number of current and former Colts have announced the franchise’s selections in the past including Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Pat McAfee, Tarik Glenn, Antoine Bethea, and Zaire Franklin, just to name a few Horseshoe Pro Bowlers.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...tedly-will-announce-teams-2nd-3rd-round-picks

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts hosted Cal Poly EDGE Elijah Ponder on a Top 30 visit

Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

A small school athletic freak visited the Colts for a pre-draft visit.

The Indianapolis Colts brought in Cal Poly defensive end Elijah Ponder on a Top 30 visit, Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported.

First and foremost, Ponder is an elite athlete who showcased as much at his Pro Day. Sporting ideal hand size (10”) and arm length (33”), Ponder ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash (to pair with an elite 1.56 10-second split) and lit up the explosive testings with 99th percentile rankings in both the vertical and broad jumps.

Ponder also participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl All-Star and was named one of Chad Reuter of NFL.com’s top performers of the event.

While Ponder’s prospect profile will inevitably be critiqued due to playing inferior competition in the FCS, his athletic profile is certainly up to NFL standards.

Elijah Ponder is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.70 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 62 out of 2012 DE from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/uVqWCjKhTE pic.twitter.com/Pvic81UWio

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 31, 2025​

While Ponder is a bit undersized as a modern-day NFL edge defender, standing at 6’2” tall and weighing a modest 251 lbs, his experience, durability, and sound tackling off the edge are what solidify him as an NFL prospect.

As a key member of the Cal Poly Mustangs’ defense for four straight seasons, Ponder exemplified his consistency and reliability by racking up 2,500 defensive snaps across four healthy seasons. Not only that, Ponder became a secure tackler during his last two seasons at Cal Poly, sporting a 9.5% missed tackle rate in 2023 and following that up with a 3.2% missed tackle rate this past season.

As a pass rusher, Ponder had his most productive season in 2023, where he totaled 51 pressures and nine sacks, though his regression to the 2024 season dwindled only slightly — 38 pressures and seven sacks — while he blossomed into a more formidable run-stopper.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, mastermind behind the illustrious annual NFL Draft guide known as The Beast, even named Ponder as his highest-ranked non-Combine prospect at his position.

My highest-ranked non-Combine prospects on defense:

EDGE: Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly
DT: Kyonte Hamilton, Rutgers
LB: Jailin Walker, Indiana
CB: Korie Black, Oklahoma State
SAF: Dan Jackson, Georgia pic.twitter.com/MA9jqYVtbG

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 16, 2025​

While the Colts are returning most of their starting production from the past two seasons, the loss of Dayo Odeyingbo to free agency, as well as the bleak contractual future of the defensive room, makes adding depth across the defensive line and especially at edge necessary.

Ponder is currently projected as a late Day 3 (rounds 4-7) draft selection, but don’t be surprised if you hear his name called earlier than that.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...cal-poly-edge-elijah-ponder-on-a-top-30-visit

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts set to host draft day event from Lucas Oil

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Still time to get your tickets to the Colts draft party.

What are you doing Thursday night? Ok, you are probably watching the NFL draft and wondering who the Indianapolis Colts will select with the 14th overall selection. Perhaps the better question is from where will you be watching the draft? The majority of us will be watching from the comfort of our homes, while others will venture out to local bars and restaurants. The Colts are giving fans yet another option to enjoy the festivities from Lucas Oil Stadium.

The event is 21+ and only cost ten dollars. That ten dollars gets you a whole lot more than just in the door, however. It starts with field access. It sounds simple, but being on the field can be a truly unique experience and allows fans to see the stadium from a different vantage point. There will also be appearances by Blue and the Colts cheerleaders.

Additionally, and the most enticing aspect for someone like myself is access to players and autographs. Zaire Franklin, Alec Pierce, Laiatu Latu, and Edgerrin James are all scheduled to make appearances. Experiences like that are hard to come by and are always a hit for fans. To cap off the night, there will be a drone light show.

Whether it is Jim Irsay’s kickoff concert or this draft party, the Colts are good at providing fans unique and fun ways of engaging in and experiencing the action. The price point can’t be beaten and having field access and meeting current and legendary players is more than worth the price. If the Colts can nab a dynamic player that gets fans excited, it will be the cherry on top. Get your tickets today and enjoy.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4/19/24411885/colts-set-to-host-draft-day-event-from-lucas-oil

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts recently conducted virtual visit with Texas IOL Hayden Conner before draft

Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images

The Colts are evaluating a potential ‘Day 3’ interior offensive line prospect to possibly bolster their depth.

According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Indianapolis Colts recently met with Texas interior offensive lineman Hayden Conner:

.@TexasFootball IOL Hayden Conner made 51 appearances with 43 starts.

PR'd in the 3-cone + shuttle at Pro Day.

Met #Cowboys, #Texans, #Bears, #Giants in person at Pro Day. Latest virtuals #Commanders, #Colts.@HaydenConner x @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/QKUgUJbxeq

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 19, 2025​

The 6’6,” 314 pound (with 33 1/4” arms) senior interior offensive man started 16 games at left guard for the Longhorns last season, as a four-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and becoming a Joe Moore Award finalist his final collegiate season.

Here’s his NFL.com draft profile:

Overview

Experienced guard with the measurables to get a longer look from NFL teams. Conner has a broad, well-built frame and his natural power is evident when he lands with some momentum. He played well against Michigan’s Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, but a lack of athleticism makes him scheme-dependent. His size impedes static pass rushers looking to push the pocket, but he’s ill-equipped to match the movements of an active rusher. Conner is above average as a run blocker, but he might be too overmatched athletically to make it long-term.

He has a RAS [Relative Athletic Score] of 7.65 out of a maximum of 10.0:

Hayden Conner is a OG prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 7.65 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 407 out of 1730 OG from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/i9pk3Z8vfJ pic.twitter.com/DmF1oSiW21

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 11, 2025​

Conner projects as a ‘Day 3’ draft pick, and an NFL team, such as the Colts, could be interested in him to help bolster their interior offensive line depth.

In particular, Indianapolis has a glaring opening at starting right guard. While Conner isn’t necessarily a ‘plug-and-play’ starter at this early stage of his potential pro career, he’d help reinforce the trenches with a developmental backup.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...sit-with-texas-iol-hayden-conner-before-draft

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Three 2025 NFL Draft prospects to watch for the Colts - Part 5

Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this series, we’ll look at 3 draft prospects who would be great fits for the Colts in any round.

We’re back for another season of the “3 prospects to watch for” series. This season, every position will be evaluated as the Colts can justify using a high draft pick on pretty much any spot on the team. Here are the three candidates for this week’s FINAL series:

Armand Membou — Offensive Tackle — Missouri​

The first thing that stands out to you is his incredible athleticism and size (over 330 pounds). From there, what I like about Membou are his quick feet, which are perfectly suited for a zone based system. After that, if he gets his hands on you, you’re moving where he moves you. He doesn’t necessarily have the best hand placement, but his sheer power moves people. A good offensive line coach who can clean up his placement will only make Membou an even more dominant offensive tackle. What I also like about Membou is the way he reacts to the defensive ends. A lot of offensive tackles play like robots and if they’re constantly quick on kick slides they can beat with inside moves and vice versa for outside moves; Membou reads the ends well and can stop his momentum and kill an inside move if needed or he can jump out of his stance quickly and beat a quick edge to the corner. Membou is one of the rare players with great athleticism, strength, good enough technique and a sharp mind that should make him an instant impact player. If he falls to the Colts at 13, they should look strongly into him.

The Colts are likely in the market for a right tackle with Braden Smith’s time with the Colts likely coming to an end at the conclusion of next season. While I believe Membou will be best served in the NFL as a right tackle, he possesses the traits to play inside for the short-term, especially if the Colts intend to keep Braden Smith at right tackle.

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Carson Schwesinger — Linebacker — UCLA​

Schwesinger is one of the most underrated prospects in this entire class and gets a first round grade from me. His feel for the game is fantastic and his blitzing skills are remarkable. He finds ways of sneaking through the cracks and not only getting through the line, but getting through without losing any speed or momentum. His ability to read and hit the right angles will make him a quality starter in the NFL; his other traits (blitzing, instincts) should make him a Pro Bowl level player. He will be a good MIKE linebacker for any team and while his coverage skills are average at best, he likely won’t hurt teams in this regard. I wish he had a bit more experience under his belt, so I question how quickly he can adjust to the NFL game, but when he does, he should be a dominant linebacker.

If Schwesinger is there with their 2nd round pick, the pick should be sent to the league at the speed of light. He’s good enough to merit a trade up to the late 1st round or early 2nd round, and hopefully with a fire under Ballard, he could be more aggressive and make moves like that this year.

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Quinn Ewers — Quarterback — Texas​

The Colts are clearly enamoured with Ewers, visiting with him several times this draft season. Ewers has been a starter for the better part of 3 seasons, so he is not short on experience. He is well built for a quarterback and has good athleticism. Another quality trait he possesses is that he was 27-9 as a starter at Texas. So he’s experienced, wins, well built and athletic, which are very positive signs right off the bat.

Ewers plays his best football in rhythm, which means that he likes quick hitters and his first reads being open. When that happens, the ball is delivered on time and on the money. When his first read is taken away, he gets happy feet and looks to run or force something, but not usually in an egregious way. However, his interception rate nearly doubling from 2023 to 2024 is some cause for concern as usually college quarterbacks’ interception rate decrease as they get older and especially when the team is strong and the offensive system is the same as the previous year.

Ewers’ balls tend to float at times and die towards the end. I don’t think he has a weak arm necessarily, but I don’t find he steps into his throws well enough, which is a weight transfer issue. His mechanics remind me of Johnny Manziel’s (stands tall, weight transfer issues, similar throwing motion), which isn’t necessarily a great thing.

While he’s demonstrated the ability to make big throws under pressure, he can also get happy feet which disrupts the flow and timing of a lot of plays. Luckily for Ewers, he possesses the backyard football ability to scramble and make great plays outside the pocket, which has become a big part of the NFL, so he will be adequate in this area.

Ewers should be available on Day 3 and if he’s not then the Colts aren’t missing out on much. Ewers isn’t anything special and will likely be a reliable backup for his career. The arm talent, mechanics and reading/progression skills just aren’t up to par for the NFL and I simply don’t see a player who can progress into a legitimate NFL starter.

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Links to previous weeks:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...draft-prospects-to-watch-for-the-colts-part-5

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts general manager Chris Ballard talks tight ends ahead of the NFL Draft

Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chris Ballard provided some insight into the pre-draft process during his last press conference ahead of the NFL Draft.

It’s no secret that the Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of a starting tight end who will move the needle; therefore, the influx of position-related questions hurled at Colts general manager Chris Ballard in his last press conference before the NFL Draft makes sense.

It’s been covered so much that it’s essentially become common knowledge amongst NFL fans across the league, but the Colts are coming off a year that saw its tight end room produce the least amount of any room in the NFL. Collectively, it’s a group that leaves much to be desired, and as of now, that same room is set to return.

Those who closely follow the NFL Draft cycle, particularly throughout its pre-draft process, understand that this draft class is littered with viable talent at the tight end position. There’s currently a trio in Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, and Mason Taylor that headlines this group, but front offices across the league believe the names that follow are nothing to scoff at.

While the Colts are in prime position to land one of the aforementioned top names with their first-round pick, therein lies a reality where Chris Ballard and Co. are willing to kick the can on the position until later in the draft so that other pressing areas of need can be addressed in the first round.

When asked if this draft presents an opportunity to ‘take care of the tight end position,’ Chris Ballard expressed that the team is not opposed to using its first-round pick on a tight end but warns of the potential downfalls to drafting a position of need:

“I think we all know we like the group we have — their subset, what they can do. We have two really good blockers. We have a young kid that we think’s got speed and some upside, but saying that, if we had a chance to take one that we think can really make a difference, we will do it. I do know this, though, you can’t chase. When you end up chasing a need, that’s when you make mistakes. So, we’ll let the board play out the way the board should play out. Of course, in the first round, you can already see how we have it stacked versus how the outside world has it stacked, I promise you is not the same. It’s not. They don’t have anything on the line. Like, I always laugh when everybody says, ‘Well, you reached or took him too high.’ Well, by whose standard? Whose standard is that criticism coming from? So, we line it up and we draft them as we think is best for our team.”

It’s almost as if Chris Ballard was playing both sides in his answer, reassuring the staff’s belief in the current tight end room while also addressing the trickiness that comes with drafting a player at a non-premium position high in the draft.

While both things can be true, his next answered question regarding tight ends might lead you to believe that the Colts like some of the middle-round prospects more than the consensus. When asked to generally characterize the tight end class as a whole, Ballard responded with enthusiasm about its depth:

“It’s good. It’s a really good class, I think, at every level. It’s a good class. If you look at some of the better tight ends in this league. Man, they come from everywhere. [Travis] Kelce was a 3. [Mark] Andrews was a 3. [George] Kittle was a 5. [Brock] Bowers was a 1 last year. They come from everywhere. We think there’s some good depth in this class.”

While Ballard and Co. are high on the tight end class as a whole, the Colts’ tight end room really only has room for one archetype: a reliable passcatcher. Obviously, the main goal is to come away from the draft with a do-it-all type of player that takes the starting job and remains the guy for the foreseeable future, but as it stands, the Colts have a handful of guys who excel at one thing and one that none of them possess is reliability as receivers.

When it comes to what exactly they’re looking for, as in what traits they’re seeking, Ballard spoke directly and even used former Colt Jack Doyle to exemplify what it is they’re looking for:

“Look, you’d like to have a guy that can do [everything]. They have to be able to play on all three downs, but one that can affect the middle of the field. One of the most underappreciated players to ever come through this program is Jack Doyle. The guy was great. I don’t think everybody recognized that, but all he did was block the edge consistently, do all the dirty work, and catch every ball thrown to him. That’s all he did. He gave us a real threat in the middle of the field. Was he a dynamic 15-16 yards per catch? No, but he was a damn good player.”

This recollection of Jack Doyle was twofold: a reminder of a player who was far too underappreciated and also a precursor to Ballard’s eventual answer on the topic at hand. He essentially reads a scouting report of Doyle for his answer on what kind of tight end they’re looking for:

“I want somebody who can be consistent and actually be a guy that the defense has to account for. The three down part is big because — and look, all of them have to be functional enough to block. That’s, to me, the hard one to find. The second you don’t have a guy that can block is the second the coaching staff is griping and saying, ‘We’ve gotta have a guy that can block.’ But to be able to play on all three downs, to be able to be functional in the run game to where you don’t necessarily know it’s a pass when he’s in the game, and then to be able to finish and make plays at critical times and give the quarterback an option in the middle of the field.”

The Colts’ potential tight end of the future won’t be revealed for at least 72 hours, give or take, when the NFL Draft officially kicks off, and while we don’t know who will be selected, a few more puzzle pieces can be placed for now. They’ve nearly forced themselves into this position, but the Colts will be drafting a tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. The only remaining question is when during the draft will they be doing so?

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...llard-talks-tight-ends-ahead-of-the-nfl-draft

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts fans need to prepare themselves that Tyler Warren won’t be available at 14

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

This guy is good. Maybe too good.

Tyler Warren has been linked to the Indianapolis Colts leading up to the NFL draft. So much so, that it is an open secret that the Colts would love to nab him with the fourteenth overall selection. Everyone can see this is an area the team desperately needs to improve, and a pick like Warren would do wonders. He is the sort of player that could elevate this entire offense. The problem is, everyone can see that. With so many teams picking before them, there is an extremely high chance Warren is off the board well before the Colts get a crack at him. That is a scenario fans need to be prepared for.

Tight ends aren’t normally top five picks, but this year could be an exception as the Jacksonville Jaguars have been linked to the stud out of Penn State. That is an area of the draft the Colts have no business sniffing, so a trade up that far would be out of the question entirely. Seeing him go that high would be slightly surprising, but that doesn’t mean he gets past the New York Jets at seven. Once again, if that is the target range, count the Colts out. If Warren makes it past the seventh spot, things could get interesting but not any easier.

There are still plenty of teams picking before the Colts that could entertain selecting Warren such as the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. There are so many pitfalls that the odds are against Warren falling far, but if he does, a path starts to emerge. IndyStar writer, Nate Atkins, comes in with a proposed trade with the Chicago Bears at the tenth pick.

In this scenario, Warren makes it to the No. 10 pick, where the Bears could draft him but could also be incentivized to trade down in the first year of the Ben Johnson regime. Here, they become willing to drop four spots back in order to pick up the Colts’ third-round pick at No. 80 overall.

The Colts drafting Tyler Warren is starting to feel like a Week 18 game in which your favorite team is on the outside of the playoffs looking in, and all they need is four other teams to lose and one tie. That gets them into the postseason. It is technically possible, but it feels like an uphill battle. Colts fans have seen a lot about Warren recently, but that doesn’t mean he is the only good player in the draft. Teams will have their eyes on plenty of other prospects and have varying areas of need. If they prioritize those before tight end, we could see Warren slip slightly. Making it all the way to the Colts at fourteen though, seems like quite the stretch.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...ves-that-tyler-warren-wont-be-available-at-14

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. on Tyler Warren: ‘That Penn State tight end is pretty good’

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Michael Pittman Jr. was short but sweet as it relates to Tyler Warren’s prospects headed to the next level on Thursday.

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren earned a little bit of high praise from Indianapolis Colts wideout Michael Pittman Jr., who said ‘he’s pretty good’ (via The Indy Star’s Nate Atkins):

Michael Pittman Jr., big draft guy:

"That Penn State tight end is pretty good. I've personally seen what he can do to my USC Trojans."

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 22, 2025​

It’s no secret that the Colts are looking to add a receiving tight end. After all, their head coach Shane Steichen indicated as much during his recent pre-draft media availability.

Along with Michigan’s Colston Loveland, Warren is regarded as one of the top tight end prospects in this year’s class—the latter arguably being the vast majority’s favorite.

Pittman Jr., who did not require offseason back surgery, and the rest of the Colts’ offense could use a playmaker over the middle of the field.

Quite frankly, Warren is a physical beast.

A tight end who’s very much in the Dallas Clark and Jeremy Shockey (both when in Pro Bowl NFL primes) molds at the next level. He’d be an immediate mismatch for opposing defenses, being too fast for linebackers in space and too big for safeties to handle—also featuring a huge catch radius and the ability to box out the opposition.

The 6.5.5,” 256 pound senior tight end caught 104 receptions for 1,233 receiving yards (11.9 ypr. avg.) and 8 touchdown receptions for the Nittany Lions in 16 starts during 2024—earning the John Mackey Award, as well as First-Team All-American, Big Ten Tight of the Year, and First-Team All-Big Ten honors respectively

The Colts are looking for someone to be their next ‘Jack Doyle,’ who was a 2x Pro Bowler for Indianapolis and an incredibly selfless, ‘jack-knife’ of a tight end who could do all of the little things and dirty work that help an offense win football games, with valuable versatility.

While Warren projects to make more of a receiving impact than Doyle did in the pros, who while sure-handed wasn’t as much of a big play threat, the point remains the same: he can catch, he can block, and he’s been well regarded for his leadership and competitive spirit.

Warren is one of the most complete tight ends to come out in recent memory, and from that standpoint, Pittman Jr. is right.

He is indeed pretty good and would be a big addition in Horseshoe Blue.

It’s a fair question though of whether he’ll actually be available with the Colts’ 14th overall pick come Thursday night when their draft clock officially begins.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...rren-that-penn-state-tight-end-is-pretty-good

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft - Denton-Singh 1.0

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2025 NFL offseason is well underway now and the NFL Draft is right around the corner. The NFL Draft begins with day one on Thursday, April 24th, and carries on for two more days, ending on April 27th. Day one sees the first round of the draft, day two sees the second and third rounds and, finally, day three sees rounds four through seven. The Colts, as in previous years under General Manager Chris Ballard, are seemingly very well prepared. The Colts have some roster needs but not as many as they had before free agency. During the free agency period, the Colts added two veteran players on multi year deals with the additions of Cornerback Charvarius Ward on a 3 year deal and Cameron Bynum on a 4 year deal. The Colts also signed a couple of veteran free agents to 1-year deals at positions of need whilst also managing to re-sign some of their own free agents too. While the team was busier than normal in signing free agents, the focus now switches to the NFL Draft. The Colts own seven draft picks remaining, one first-round pick, one second-round pick, one fourth, one fifth, one sixth and one seventh round pick.

Using the Mock Draft Simulator over at Pro Football Network I completed a Colts seven round mock draft. Let’s go!

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Round 1 - Trade with Denver Broncos (14th overall pick for 20th overall and pick 51). Pick 20 - DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

The consensus conclusion is that the Colts are going to select a tight end in round 1 whether it be Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Warren is looking less and less likely to be available by pick 14 and Loveland isn’t worthy of a top 15 overall pick. So I decided to trade down with Denver, picking up a second round pick to drop 6 spots.

Walter Nolen is a twitchy, explosive defensive tackle who can help create pressure from inside the defensive line. Nolen needs refinement but what he already offers is so much more than any other defensive tackle not named DeForest Buckner and that’s winning inside on pass rushing reps.

Round 2 - Pick 45 - LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA

The Colts are in dire need of a linebacker after EJ Speed and Grant Stuard left in free agency. Add in the fact that Zaire Franklin looked terrible last year and this is one of the Colts biggest needs. Schwesinger is the perfect modern day linebacker, he can run, tackle and cover all over the field. Add in his great character off the field and you’ve got yourself a potential team captain in the making,

Round 2 - Pick 51 - OG Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

Arguably the biggest need on the entire Colts roster is the right guard position. The Colts flat out have such limited options, it would currently be Dalton Tucker or moving Matt Goncalves a third time on the offensive line. Savaiinaea has great size, length and is an elite athlete for his position. Add in his position flexibility and you’ve got a Chris Ballard offensive line pick. Savaiinaea can slide straight into the starting line up at right guard which keeps Goncalves at the swing tackle position.

Round 3 - Pick 80 - TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon

Finally a tight end! This draft class is one of the deepest tight end groups of the past couple of years so it felt right to wait slightly. However the wait is over and the pick is Ferguson. Ferguson is a do it all tight end and arguably one of the most rounded ones in the draft class. He has everything you want from your tight end; size, athleticism, good hands and can block. Ferguson will be a steal for the Colts and could become their TE1 very quickly.

Round 4 - Pick 117 - EDGE Sai’vion Jones, LSU

Laiatu Latu, that’s it, the only Colts edge rusher under contract in 2026. The Colts edge group is an under the radar need after also losing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency. Sai’vion Jones is a big, long athlete off the edge. At 6’5, 280lbs with over 33” arms and a RAS score of 9.2 he’s exactly the type of developmental edge rusher the Colts could look to add in the draft. Jones does need to develop his pass rushing arsenal but his relentless motor and length give him a great foundation to build off of already.

Round 5 - Pick 151 - CB Zach Frazier, UTSA

The Colts have preached adding completion all offseason so let’s add some to the cornerback room. Frazier is one of my draft sleepers in this years draft but he really shouldn’t be as he is a great prospect. He’s tall, lengthy, a great tackler and super physical. Yes he only had one year of starting experience at FBS level but he proved in that year he belongs in the NFL.

Round 6 - Pick 189 - OT Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma State

Continuing with the adding competition trend, let’s add some at the offensive tackle spot. Raimann and Smith are your starters with Goncalves at swing tackle but behind that the depth is hideous, as Blake Freeland is looking like a draft miss. Dalton Cooper is an experienced and versatile offensive lineman who logged over 3000 snaps in his collegiate career. He needs some technique refinement but he’s strong in both pass protection and run blocking and would add solid depth at the tackle spots.

Round 7 - Pick 232 - SAF Glendon Miller, Maryland

Glendon Miller offers versatility to line up in multiple alignments, great length and athleticism at safety. Miller immediately offers depth at the safety position and can be a special teams contributor from day 1. Miller can play nickel, split safety and in he box.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4/23/24352222/indianapolis-colts-mock-draft-denton-singh-1-0

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

What time will Colts draft on Thursday? Averaging the last 5 draft times for No. 14 overall

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

When will the Colts kick off their draft clock?

The Indianapolis Colts are set to kickoff their draft weekend with the 14th overall pick, but what time will that roughly be for those managing their late Thursday night?

The NFL Draft officially begins this Thursday, April 24th, at 8 PM EST, and the Colts could find themselves drafting at around 9:45 PM EST or quarter ‘til 10 PM EST.

However, since we’re proponents of modern day science, we’ll take a look at the 5-year average of the last 14th overall picks in the NFL Drafts from 2024-2020.

• New Orleans Saints- OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State - 9:48 PM EST
• Pittsburgh Steelers- OT Broderick Jones, Georgia - 9:50 PM EST
• Baltimore Ravens- S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame- 9:46 PM EST
• New York Jets- OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC- 10:11 PM EST
• San Francisco 49ers- DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina- 10:01 PM EST

Average Time: 9:55 PM EST (But this doesn’t rule out a potential trade up/down)

It may be a veteran move to have the draft feed on and snacks or beverage ready, somewhere around 9:45 - 9:55 PM EST. If you need to take a bathroom break, I’d recommend going either before or twenty minutes after that timeframe (to be safe).

At any rate, we shall know soon enough who will be the Colts’ 14th overall selection, when Indianapolis officially begins its draft clock late Thursday night.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...ging-the-last-5-draft-times-for-no-14-overall

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts GM Chris Ballard on drafting Tyler Warren: ‘The last time I felt that good about a pick was Quenton Nelson’

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Colts clearly got their guy with the 14th overall pick—who surprisingly slid, and the rest will be history!

Longtime Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard indicated that after having prized Penn State Tyler Warren surprisingly fall into their laps with the 14th overall pick, that it’s the best he’s felt about calling in a card since selecting 5x NFL All-Pro Quenton Nelson back with the 6th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft:

“I’ll tell you this, the last time I felt that good about pulling a pick, and I’ve felt good about all of them, but (it) was Quenton [Nelson],” said Ballard in his post-Day 1 of the NFL Draft press conference, when meeting with members of the media.

“It was just an (easy pick). It was easy. It was easy. There wasn’t a lot of discussion.”

Despite the potential uncertainty that Warren would slide to the Colts near midway through the first round, the thought of trading up never actually crossed Ballard’s mind:

“Nope, nope, nope,” said Colts general manager Chris Ballard on whether he looked to get closer to within the Top 10 to safely land Warren. “Had a good feeling.”

“We work really hard at this to kind of figure out team needs. Our pro scouts do an unbelievable job of ‘Alright, here’s what they need.’ No, felt good about it.”

On Warren himself, Ballard offered some initial high praise for one of the top tight end prospects in this year’s class—and one of the most complete players at his position to come out in recent draft memory:

“He can do a lot,” added Ballard after Day 1. “He can play multiple spots. He’s got the quarterback background. He can play in the backfield. He’s a great 50-50 ball catcher. And after the catch, he’s violent after the catch. I mean he brings an element of toughness that I think we needed to add offensively.”

“. . . You can do a lot with him. He’s excellent inside the 10 and 5 (yard line) because of the things you can do with him. Not only throwing him the football, but running the football. That’s going to be an added advantage for our offense to think what Shane (Steichen) can do with him.”

In addition to his obvious fundamental football skill-set, Ballard was really impressed with his football IQ which was showcased as part of his positional versatility last year—with the ability to line up all over the field for the Nittany Lions last year:

“Look, none of them are finished products entering our league. They all have to learn. He’s still got some growth to do. One, it tells you about his football IQ. To be able to go into the slot, lineup at tight end, line up at wide (receiver), lineup at quarterback, line up at fullback. I mean they put a lot on that kid’s plate, and he handled it mentally, so that tells you he’s going to be able to handle a high volume on Sunday of whatever we ask him to do.”

The Colts clearly got their guy, as Ballard didn’t waste any time calling in the pick donning a big grin on his face. For good reason too, as Warren could be the next great tight end in Colts franchise history for an Indy offense that’s desperately needed one as of late.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...st-time-felt-that-good-about-pick-was-quenton

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Best available players for the Colts in Round 2

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Which players fell out of Round 1 that could potentially end up available at pick 45 for the Colts to snag?

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Mike Green, Edge, Marshall​

On tape, Green looks like Edge 2 in this class behind only Abdul Carter. However his off the field concerns with 2 separate sexuall assault allegations in High School and college at Virginia (the latter of which led to a suspension and transfer to Marshall) likely contributed to his draft day fall. The Colts are unlikely to consider him due to these concerns off the field.

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Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan​

Johnson on tape is one of the top Corners in the class, and would have a case for top 10 players in the class. Combining his size (6’2 and 194 lbs.), his fluidity and body control, along with being a high level athlete who can dominate in the press man or reading plays in zone. He is a strong run stopper as well, giving him such a well rounded profile on tape that the concerns feel nitpicky when he is on the field.

Michigan Star CB Will Johnson has officially fallen out of the 1st Round.

He finished his Michigan career with more Pick 6’s than TDs allowed & was the Defensive player of the game in the 2024 National Title. pic.twitter.com/mnVtIquLGc

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) April 25, 2025​

Why is Johnson still available?

Injuries. He suffered a knee injury that cost him nearly a month of play in 2023, and dealt with turf toe and hamstring injuries in October of 2024 and have prevented him from participating in the pre-draft process in all star games, Combine, and pro day. His knee might still be a concern based off of medical re-checks as well.

The Colts could roll the dice on Johnson, who if/when healthy would provide them with a sensational shutdown Cornerback duo with newly signed 2023 All-Pro Charvarius Mooney Ward. They do have depth with 2024 starters Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack III able to start at outside Corner in the meantime, as well as another high upside but concerning injury history corner in former 2023 2nd Round pick JuJu Brents.

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Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College​

One of my favorite pass rushers in this class, Ezeiruaku would help improve the Colts pass rush in the short and long term. His insane level of bend with a quick first step makes him so difficult for Tackles to get their hands on him, and he uses his 34” arms to keep them off of him with his arsenal of spins, swims, chops, and speed to power. He used all these tools and technical refinement to great affect, earning 16.5 sacks in 2024 and having a strong pass rush win rate and pressure rate.

Donovan Ezeiruaku (#6) vs. North Carolina in 2024 pic.twitter.com/zg3inrRUaU

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 4, 2025​

He might not be the ideal player at setting the edge at 6’2 and 248 lbs, but he does provide value in the run game in pursuit and evading blockers to knife through for a Tackle for loss (21.5 in 2024). He has suggested that he is comfortable bulking up to the 250s to help alleviate these concerns somewhat and provide more power to his game.

The Colts only have 2024 1st Round pick Laiatu Latu as a notable pass rusher under contract after 2025, so adding Ezeiruaku gives them a potential devastating pass rushing duo off the edge for a long time.

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Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M​

College football fans in Indiana are likely very familiar with Nic Scourton. The former Purdue Edge rusher broke out in 2023 with 10 sacks and 42 pressures as a Boilermaker, then transferred to Texas A&M. The Aggies had him bulk up from playing in the 257-260 lb. range to playing in the 280s to try to increase his power as a run defender, despite him already setting a hard edge in 2023 (15 TFL and 32 Run Stops). This made him play with less burst and speed off the edge, hurting his pass rush production in 2024.

The prospect I’m most surprised fell to the 2nd round is actually #Aggies DE Nic Scourton

Big, twitchy, explosive
Heavy, efficient hands
Plays tough vs the run
Freaky change of direction
10 sacks, 15 TFLs just a year ago

No recency bias, he reminds me of Jared Verse pic.twitter.com/jF8BJ0X57O

— The Draft Room (@TheDraftRoomNFL) April 25, 2025​

He brought his weight down to 257 lb. for the Combine, showing he was able to shed the Aggie weight quickly after the season and could re-emerge as the force he was in 2023. He didn’t test however, so we don’t have an indication of what level of speed and fluidity he got back. He is still the 2nd youngest player in the entire draft per Dane Brugler of the Athletic’s THE BEAST Draft Guide, so there is significant upside that he hasn’t hit his peak yet as a pass rusher even with that highly productive 2023 season under his belt.

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Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Shavon Revel, CB, Eastern Carolina​

One of my favorite watches during summer scouting last year, Revel entered 2024 looking to cement his spot as a top half of round 1 Corner. He brings the same size as Will Johnson, but with more juice in his speed. Big, Physical, Long, and very smart Cornerback, he can thrive in multiple different coverage schemes and blankets his receivers with active hands and good mirroring.

CB Shavon Revel Jr. also ranked higher by league sources than public evaluators.
"Boundary bully" (h/t @dpbrugler) brings good size/speed, toughness.
Concerns exist - coming off ACL tear, will be a 24-year-old rookie - but had 1st round buzz pre-injury.pic.twitter.com/hui5PdO1pv

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 21, 2025​

However he suffered an ACL injury after only playing in 3 games last year, and wasn’t tested by the best WRs in his schedule. Missing the entire pre-draft process hurt, as him showing out in an All Star game would have really cemented his stock similar to what happened to Quinyon Mitchell last year at the Senior Bowl.

If he can recover from that ACL tear well, he provides another strong starting outside corner to make new Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo a very happy man.

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Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA​

Schwesinger might have been a late bloomer in college after being a walk-on in 2021, and only played 101 Defensive snaps prior to last season, primarily having a Special Teams role for 2022-2023. But when he got his shot in 2024 he made the most of it, becoming an All-American with his relentless speed and energy flying downhill as well as impressive coverage instincts and IQ.

you won't see many LBs run as much as Carson Schwesinger (#49) did at UCLA. A real highlight of his game is watching him as the pole runner on UCLA's cover 2 looks. pic.twitter.com/wEV7uzuNhb

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) March 31, 2025​

He racked up 136 tackles (90 solo), 9 Tackles For Loss (50 Stops), 4 sacks, and 2 INTs in 2024, using his speed, instincts, body control, quick hips, and reliable tackling to devastating results. The former Bruin projects very favorably as a WILL LB, which the Colts do have a need at with EJ Speed departing in Free Agency and only 2024 rookie and former Safety convert Jaylon Carlies (who showed flashes in a handful of games but dealt with 2 simultaneous injuries as a rookie) as an incumbent.

Carson Schwesinger is a LB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.86 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 46 out of 3204 LB from 1987 to 2025.

I don't usually add unofficial stuff this late, but it got us a score we need.https://t.co/vb9uW4Fva5 pic.twitter.com/kEXyfaBiP4

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 17, 2025​

The biggest question for Schwesinger on tape was his ability to fight through blocks, especially as he was listed at 210-225 lbs in college. However at the Combine and the UCLA Pro Day he weighed in at 242 lbs and still looked just as fluid, fast, and explosive as he did on tape, showing that he could add some weight to deal with power but not compromise what made him such a force in college.

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Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Nick Emmanwori, SS/Nickel CB/WLB, South Carolina​

Ballard loves his freak athletes, and there is perhaps no one freakier than Emmanwori in the class. He scored a perfect 10 RAS for Safeties, LB, and Corner, showing generational combination of speed, explosiveness, strength, and acceleration in a 6’3 and 220 lb. frame.

Nick Emmanwori is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1235 SS from 1987 to 2025.

Had something neat come up, wanted to throw it out there into the world!https://t.co/yHeVMADBkp pic.twitter.com/1eUkk2oYxu

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 21, 2025​

Emmanwori works best closer to the line of scrimmage, so Strong Safety in the box, a big Nickel Corner vs TEs or larger WRs, and being a Weakside Linebacker are his best spots. That hybrid ability is highly valuable for a creative Defensive play-caller. He flies downhill really well, with great range and pursuit.

Small sample size due to injuries.

Emmanwori? Less injury history than both. 88 Coverage Grade last year, 7.2% Miss Tackle Rate (that’s low), 4 INTs & 0 TDs allowed, 37.1 passer rating

He got production to boot. https://t.co/qU2k8uGoVr

— Jay Robins mark (@RobinsLucas) March 1, 2025​

He doesn’t have a very fluid backpedal and can play upright, which can hurt him as a deep safety and as a nickel especially, but he has great recovery speed. His instincts are solid but he needs to play with more urgency at times. Still he has the athletic gifts from some deity, versatility, and production to be an impact player with a sky high ceiling.

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Photo by Keith Gillett/IconSportswire

Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State​

Sticking with the freak athlete theme, Darien Porter is up there with the best athletes in the class. A near perfect 9.99 RAS his athletic profile is quite similar to JuJu Brents’ coming out, Porter is a 6’3 and 195 lb. corner with long 33” arms and ran a blistering 4.3 40 yard dash.

Darien Porter is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.99 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 5 out of 2752 CB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/1fGY0XW9w5 pic.twitter.com/liTOyXZT2p

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 3, 2025​

He has a lot of zone coverage reps, but with that size he has upside in a man heavy scheme too. He needs to show growth in press, stronger in run support vs blocks, and improve as a tackler, but the coverage ability with smooth hips and fluidity at his size is incredibly enticing. He even had use as a gunner on special teams and had 4 blocked punts.

Iowa State - CB - Darien Porter#BuildingTheBoard #NFLDraft

Tall, long CB (33.125" arms) with impressive athletic gifts (9.99 RAS)
Plays physically downfield and makes his presence felt
Didn't start until 6th year at Iowa State and still only played in rotation pic.twitter.com/fs0hFdakEC

— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) March 23, 2025​

Alongside his development needed, Porter has a small sample size of total, only starting/rotating in on Defense this past year. As a 6th year senior, that is certainly a bit concerning, especially since he wasn’t a full time starter for the whole year.

Still the upside is tantalizing and he is a very Ballard-coded player.

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Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo​

We finish off the list with Darius Alexander, a Fort Wayne, Indiana native who played his entire 5 year career at Toledo. Over the past 2 years, Alexander has broken out as a disruptive 3 Technique DT who can penetrate through gaps very well and brings an excellent blend of speed, power, length, and crafty technique that makes him a 3 down threat.

DL, a few I love:

Toledo DT Darius Alexander. Age is working against him, but his reps vs. P4 teams are really high end. Probably ends up being an earlier Day 2 guy, but he has a good shot to start right away in the trenches.

BC DE Donovan Ezeiruaku. Top 15 guy for me. Easy.… pic.twitter.com/0jWCnK6UA9

— Brendan Sonnone (@BSonnone) April 24, 2025​

He is one of the older prospects in the draft at age 25 and can sometimes get displaced with higher pad level, but he showed out in the Senior Bowl and emerged as a big riser in this pre-draft process like his fellow Rocket Quinyon Mitchell last year. He would be an excellent player to provide depth in the rotation behind DeForest Buckner, and could be the successor to him in the middle of the Colts front.

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Round 3 Targets:​

• Jordan Burch, EDGE, Oregon
• Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
• Josiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
• David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
• Ashton Guillotte, EDGE, Louisville
• Que Robinson, EDGE, Alabama
• Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
• CJ West, DT, Indiana
• Omar Norman Lott, DT, Tennessee,
• Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas
• Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
• TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina
• Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
• Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
• Aireontae Ersery, T, Minnesota
• Jonah Saiivanaea, OL, Arizona
• Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
• Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia
• Miles Frazier, G, LSU
• Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
• Ozzy Trapillo, T, Boston College
• Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
• Kevin Winston Jr, S, Penn State
• Demetrius Knight II, LB, South Carolina
• Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4/25/24416344/best-available-players-for-the-colts-round-2

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

What roles will JT Tuimoloau & Justin Walley have on the Colts Defense?

Photo by CFP/Getty Images

The Colts selected a pair of defenders in defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and corner Justin Walley to add to new Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo’s unit. What roles could each of them fill in the short and long term of this defense?

When a new Defensive Coordinator comes to a franchise, they often want to revamp the defensive personnel to have “their guys” on the team. Colts GM Chris Ballard seems to have focused his attention this offseason in giving new DC Lou Anarumo plenty of resources to get his Defense up and running. Considering the Colts Defense under former DC Gus Bradley gave up the 3rd most points in the NFL in from 2022-2024 (28th, 28th, and 24th in Points Allowed each season), a rehaul is justified.

Prior to the draft, this revamp was already underway. Big money Free Agent additions in 2023 All Pro Corner Charvarius Ward and Safety Camryn Bynum were big splash additions to the secondary to add to the starting lineup. Defensive Tackle Neville Gallimore and Corner Corey Ballentine were added as depth pieces. Gone are starters like Weakside Linebacker EJ Speed and Safety Julian Blackmon, as well as rotational Defensive Tackle Raekwon Davis.

Gus Bradley after seeing the Colts finally making a splash on defense pic.twitter.com/d64lnnU3BD

— Nate (@IndyNate88) March 11, 2025​

Now on Day 2 of the NFL draft, the Colts double dipped on adding to the Defense with Ohio State Defensive End J.T. Tuimoloau and Minnesota Corner Justin Walley. What roles are in store for them in Lou Anarumo’s scheme?

Lou Anarumo in Cincinnati had players that look and play very similarly to J.T. Tuimoloau and Justin Walley. For J.T. Tuimoloau, the comparison is Sam Hubbard. Hubbard and Tuimoloau are both high energy, high effort, strength based power rushers who crash pockets and set hard edges.

.@Colts @OhioStateFB @JT_Tuimoloau is a big and strong and solid 4-3 DE that has everything it takes to be as good as he wants. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/IeqFoB6hVv

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 26, 2025​

They are bigger ends, but not very bendy, and needed work on their pass rush plans coming out. Both of these former Buckeyes can move around the front, going from 6 and 5 techniques to sliding inside to play some DT in pass downs at time, similarly to former Colt Dayo Odeyingbo. J.T. was battle tested against some of the best OTs that have come out over the last few years while playing for Ohio State.

JT Tuimoloau has the makings of a player who will have a long NFL career pic.twitter.com/guPI480c0V

— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 17, 2025​

J.T. will be added to the rotation early, likely behind Kwity Paye for that hard edge setting and run stuffing role. He could get more work in short yardage situations, especially in the goal line where he thrived at stopping the run. With Paye (as well as Tyquan Lewis and Samson Ebukam) on the last year of his deal, Tuimoloau will be in prime position to secure the starting DE spot opposite of 2024’s Round 1 pick Laiatu Latu in 2026 (and could compete for it in 2025) to balance out the speed and finesse of the former Bruin.

Justin Walley was more of a surprise for Colts fans, as evaluation grades on him ranged from being close to the top 100 players in the class (Daniel Jeremiah, Carter Donnick), to being a Round 6 grade (Dane Brugler, CBS Consensus Board). The Colts were clearly closer to the former than the latter on Walley. He also is a departure from the height/weight/speed high Relative Athletic Score (RAS) players fans are used to seeing from the Colts in the draft. Still, he ran a 4.4 despite wearing a cast on his wrist, showing that he isn’t unathletic by any means, just closer to an average NFL athlete testing wise than an elite one with his 5.97 RAS.

Chris Ballard mentioned how Justin Walley basically closed out the USC game by himself. Here are all 3 of Walley's PBUs on USC final drive vs. Minnesota this past season pic.twitter.com/b529MLJtso

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) April 26, 2025​

Walley compares favorably to Cam Taylor-Britt, a 2022 Bengals 2nd round pick who started each of the last 3 seasons as an outside Corner. Both corners were 5’10 190-196 lb. players with blazing fast speed, strong instincts and IQs, and a very physical style of play.

Justin Walley:

5’10”
190 pounds
30.75” arms
10” hands
4.4 forty time
1.52 10-yard

Cam Taylor-Britt:

5’10”
196 pounds
31.5” arms
10” hands
4.38 forty time
1.52 10-yard

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) April 26, 2025​

The Cornerback 1 job is Charvarius Mooney Ward’s but Walley could enter a 4 man competition for outside starting Cornerback in 2025 with 2024 starters Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack II, as well as 2024 Week 1 starter JuJu Brents. Jones and Womack II performed admirably for most of the year as starting corners in Gus Bradley’s scheme. Brents was the high upside athletic freak Corner that Ballard has coveted in the past, and has had good play when healthy, but sadly has dealt with a litany of injuries over the past 2 years to start his career.

All 3 of those incumbents haven’t been in Lou’s scheme before, with Bradley’s scheme being very simple with its lack of disguised coverages and coverage variety. Only Womack II has experience with another scheme outside of Gus Bradley’s in the pros. Walley’s collegiate scheme in Minnesota was filled with coverage variety, with plenty of reps on tape in man, press, cover 2, cover 3, cover 4 quarters, cover 0, and various other shells and concepts that give him experience over his 4 years starting in college.

Some Tape Takeaways about new Colts CB Justin Walley:

+ Fast recovery speed & quick closing burst on tape, strong foot speed in backpedal
+ Crashes downhill with aggression
+ can run routes with the receiver out of breaks
+ Lot of man & zone experience, can fit in a lot of… pic.twitter.com/i5KvbmEzgl

— Jay Robins mark (@RobinsLucas) April 26, 2025​

In the opening press conferences with Ballard and Walley they confirmed that the former Golden Gopher was drafted to play both outside and inside. This offers an interesting wrinkle to projecting his role. Walley despite his size played nearly exclusively as an outside Corner in college. Several evaluators expect him to slide inside full time as a pro, but the Colts and Lou Anarumo seem comfortable moving him around their defense at both spots. Veteran Kenny Moore II has long held down the starting nickel job, and has been one of the best in the league in that role. But behind him only Samuel Womack II has experience as a slot, and Womack II is on the last year of his deal.

Justin Walley Career Coverage Stats over 4 years (3.5 as a starter) for the Gophers:

• 104 Rec / 197 Targets Allowed = 52.8% Comp%
• 1,444 Yards Allowed
• 13.9 YPR
• 373 YAC Allowed
• 3.59 YAC/r
• 8 TDs Allowed
• 7 INTs
• 16 PBUs
• 25 Forced Incompletions
• 75.3 Passer… pic.twitter.com/ZpqEYPOX9P

— Jay Robins mark (@RobinsLucas) April 26, 2025​

Walley likely will get an opportunity to play as a dime corner inside early when they go to that personnel, and could be a long term successor to Kenny Moore II as the starting nickel. Kenny enters his age 30 season in 2025 and has 2 years left on his deal, but 2027 onward Walley could shift inside much more. Camp and preseason will determine if Walley gets an opportunity to play outside corner early.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...oloau-justin-walley-have-on-the-colts-defense

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts select Wisconsin, Linebacker, Hunter Wohler with 232nd pick in 2025 NFL Draft

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Indianapolis adds another piece to their defense

The Indianapolis Colts added to their draft haul in the seventh round on Saturday by adding Linebacker, Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin

Welcome to Indy, Hunter Wohler! pic.twitter.com/JdAFLqmRh8

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 26, 2025​

This is a very interesting pick for the Colts with their final selection of the 2025 NFL Draft. For the second year in a row the Colts have selected a college safety with the intent of converting him to linebacker. Here’s what Lance Zierlein had to say about Wohler before the draft:

Two-year starting safety whose activity level reaches beyond what his athletic capabilities can handle at times. Wohler spent much of his time as an add-on run defender who rushed in to be part of the action. He’s a run-and-hit tackler in space but a lack of burst and top-end speed causes him to lose pursuit angles and miss out on tackles. He can cover tight ends but doesn’t have the range to play over the top or the open-field athleticism to survive against NFL receivers in space. Special teams play could be the key to Wohler maintaining a roster spot as an NFL backup at strong safety.

When considering a position switch his relative athletic score is really good:

If all goes according to plan for Wohler and the Colts he will likely fill in on special teams while he learns the pro game before moving into a larger role in the future. I also feel like I need to point out that there is a very real chance this will be Chris Ballard’s last draft pick as the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts so it makes perfect sense he would want his last pick to be from his Alma Mater. A fitting dart throw, on a fitting player, from a fitting school.

And with that Colts fans, the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books for the Colts. Thank you for hanging with us for all seven rounds!

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/4...ck-in-2025-nfl-draft-chris-ballard-final-pick