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[Indianapolis Colts]

Late Colts owner Jim Irsay left a lasting legacy that will be remembered long after he’s gone

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Rest in peace, and thank you, Jim!

Like many of you, longtime Indianapolis Colts team owner Jim Irsay, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 65-years-old, was the only owner I’ve ever really known for my favorite team—having assumed ownership of the franchise back in 1997.

As such, I wanted to take a bit of time to reflect on his saddening passing before writing.

Jim Irsay had his fair share of personal demons, especially having battled addiction earlier in this life, but by all accounts, he was a kind, generous, and quirky soul, who preferred to be regarded as more of a ‘steward’ of the Colts franchise than some sort of snooty owner.

He came with his own eccentricities, especially as it related to collecting rare musical artifacts or even more recently, starting his own band, ‘The Jim Irsay Band,’ that made him a bit of a ‘rock star’ compared to some of his fellow team owner colleagues. His goal was to help share these historic musical pieces and his band’s music, featuring legendary rock ‘n roll icons, with the general public through traveling showings and concerts.

(As a random aside, I was interning with the Indiana Sports Corp during Super Bowl XLVI and volunteered as an ‘usher’ for the Jim Irsay rock ‘n roll collection at the Indiana State Museum, I held a door open for Jim Irsay, and he said thank you!)

When you hear all of the heartfelt stories since his passing about his giving—and giving when he wasn’t even obligated to, and it’s easy to understand that what Irsay gave to the Indianapolis community and state of Indiana was far more than just a pro football team.

Former Colts All-Pro punter, turned mainstream ESPN personality Pat McAfee estimated it was around $100 million, but given that Irsay preferred to remain anonymous from paying for hospital stays to paying for funerals to assisting with education tuitions, and who really knows what that total charitable number is for sure. I’m guessing potentially a lot more.

Not to mention, his franchise’s ‘Kicking the Stigma’ initiative has raised funding and awareness for mental health, which has saved lives for an issue that’s far too often overlooked.

I’ll say this much, I didn’t know him personally, but I’ll still miss him greatly.

He wasn’t perfect, and admittedly made his fair share of mistakes as Colts owner (the ‘Star Wars numbers’ post-Peyton Manning comments; sticking with former general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano arguably too long out of a sense of loyalty, trying to be the furthest thing from his father, who previously made brash, impulse fires; and most recently, hiring former All-Pro center Jeff Saturday as an interim head coach).

However, he was incredibly passionate about this franchise and its fans—and wanted to win.

There’s some NFL owners who operate their squads more like a revenue generating business than a football franchise trying to consistently win Super Bowls.

I never got that sense from Jim Irsay.

Ordinarily, he would let his football guys run the show whether it was Bill Tobin or Hall of Famer Bill Polian, and it was only recently, when those football guys weren’t getting the winning results that he so desperately wanted, that Irsay began intervening a bit more.

I don’t know of any other NFL owner who has weekly Twitter cash and ticket giveaways in-season, a one million dollar annual regular season schedule predicting contest, and tried his damned near best to endear himself to the ‘every-fan.’ I didn’t even get to his musical lyrics!

With billionaire colleagues like Bob Kraft, Arthur Blank, and Jerry Jones, etc., he was one of the OGs of the modernized NFL owners. He was incredibly well known and respected league-wide. He was also the first NFL owner to publicly admonish former Washington Commanders embattled team owner Dan Snyder to concede ownership of his team—which took some obvious courage.

He kept the Colts in Indianapolis, even when there was national speculation that the franchise could move to Los Angeles before the Rams and Chargers eventually moved many years later—if Indianapolis could not agree to build a new NFL stadium to transition from the RCA Dome.

That insistence on keeping the Colts home in Indianapolis led to the eventual building of world-class Lucas Oil Stadium, which has hosted a Super Bowl, NCAA Final Fours, U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, and musical stars such as Taylor Swift and Billy Joel. Raising hundreds of millions of revenue for the city long-term. That doesn’t happen without him.

It’s not that Jim Irsay didn’t know football either. He grew up around the game because his father owned the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts. He served as a locker room attendant and worked his way up the latter, so that he could understand every level of the organization.

He brought in Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian in 1998.

He insisted on drafting future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning that same year, despite the arguably flashier top QB prospect regarding Ryan Leaf at the time.

When Indianapolis needed to get defensive, he made a ‘big boy’ hire by bringing in yet another future Hall of Famer, former Tampa Bay Bucs ‘Cover 2’ maestro Tony Dungy, which all three men were instrumental in bringing the Colts to a 2006 Super Bowl Championship.

Honestly, one of my most saddening thoughts (although much less than the void his family members and close friends will assuredly feel) is that Jim Irsay wasn’t able to win another Lombardi Trophy before passing away peacefully earlier in his sleep last week.

He wanted to win so bad again.

Although he was noticeably diminished in his physical appearance, having battled a number of recent lingering health issues, it still feels like Irsay was taken away as Colts team owner too soon. His passing wasn’t by any means shocking, but it hits just the same.

That being said, he lived more than a lifetime in those 65 years on this Earth, and his lasting legacy will still be felt for Colts fans long after he’s gone. Rest in peace and thank you, Jim.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...y-that-will-be-remembered-long-after-hes-gone

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

NFL.com predicts that new Colts’ QB addition Daniel Jones will have worse numbers in 2025

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

That could potentially be a good thing for the Colts...

According to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, Indianapolis Colts’ new veteran quarterback Daniel Jones will have worse numbers in 2025 with his new squad:

Daniel Jones

Year 7 · Age: 28

Indianapolis Colts

With Giants in 2024: 10 games (all starts) | 63.3 pct | 2,070 pass yds | 6.1 ypa | 8 pass TD | 7 INT | 265 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 4 fumbles

2025 numbers will be: WORSE

Jones was brought in to light a fire under Anthony Richardson. It would not be a stunner if Jones won the QB1 gig over the talented but erratic Richardson. But neither is exactly reliable.

Jones’ time in New York wasn’t pretty, and his scatter-shot passing doesn’t promise better results than Richardson, but at least he can say he’s won a playoff game in his career. Jones did have brief moments when protected well, showing he could hit targets in stride, and his dual-threat ability was a problem for defenses. Outside of 2022, however, there isn’t much to write home about, with a 70:47 career touchdown-to-interception ratio and 50 career fumbles.

When a team brings in a veteran to push a young player, it’s usually an indicator that they’re ready to move on. However, the Colts are heavily invested in Richardson. The youngster will likely get every opportunity to prove he’s grown from last year’s disaster. I think that desperation gives Richardson one more shot to open the season. If he stumbles, Jones at least gives Shane Steichen a veteran who can run the offense.

For some Colts fans, that’s not exactly what they were hoping to hear, as Indianapolis surprisingly signed the former New York Giants franchise quarterback hopeful to a one-year, $14 million contract to serve as the top competition for incumbent Anthony Richardson.

Although depending on who you’re asking, many Colts fans are hoping that Jones doesn’t play at all because unless there was a Jones’ injury, that likely would mean Richardson has won the offseason starting quarterback job outright on the merits.

That could explain any potential diminished 2025 numbers as well.

Last year, Jones completed 216 of 341 pass attempts (63.3%) for 2,070 passing yards, 8 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions during 10 starts before being benched, later waived, and then signing with the Minnesota Vikings in-season to backup starter Sam Darnold.

Like Richardson, he’s also struggled with inconsistency, turnovers, and injuries but offers at least a somewhat similar skill-set with his dual-threat mobility, meaning head coach Shane Steichen wouldn’t have to significantly alter his playbook and scheme for either starter.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...-daniel-jones-will-have-worse-numbers-in-2025

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

AFC South projected to be NFL’s worst division for 2025 campaign

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Will the AFC South be the gift that keeps on giving for the Colts, or will they fail to take advantage of it yet again?

According to PFF, the AFC South is projected to be the NFL’s worst division ahead of the 2025 campaign:

8. AFC SOUTH: TEXANS, JAGUARS, COLTS, TITANS

Cumulative over/under win total: 30

The Texans captured their second straight AFC South title in 2024 behind rising star C.J. Stroud, but their offensive line remains a concern. Outside of Laremy Tunsil — who’s no longer with the team — no lineman earned a grade above 70.5 last season. That said, Houston’s defense should continue to fly around and keep them atop the division as the team to beat.

The Jaguars are firmly in the mix, as well. Their success may hinge on how quickly new offensive coordinator Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence can establish chemistry. Much will also depend on how they utilize two-way talent Travis Hunter, whose impact could be felt on both sides of the ball.

The Colts face uncertainty at quarterback, but their defense provides a solid foundation. They earned a 74.5 team defensive grade in 2024 and could take another step forward this year.

As for the Titans, the rebuild is still in full swing. Even with Cam Ward under center, they enter 2025 as a team likely headed for another top-five draft pick. After finishing as PFF’s lowest-ranked team last season, expectations remain low while they work to reshape the roster.

It’s not all that surprising when you consider that two of the teams just had Top 5 picks in the recent NFL Draft regarding both the Tennessee Titans (3-14) and Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13), while Indianapolis also didn’t have a winning record (8-9) last year.

It’s been a division that no one’s really convincingly taken a hold of the past two seasons—as the Houston Texans (10-7) have become back-to-back divisional champions by default.

It speaks to the Colts’ routine inability to take advantage of a lowly AFC South as of late, as this isn’t a division that’s been recently ruled by Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson, etc. It’s been ripe for the taking, but Indianapolis has continuously fallen asleep on the job, crashing late.

Besides the bottom feeders’ recent early draft picks, no one’s really otherwise made any splashes in free agency or through trades to significantly improve, although you could argue the Colts at least have with the key signings of Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward to shore up their secondary under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Now, whether the AFC South will be the gift that keeps on giving, is whether the Colts can finally take advantage of it. Indianapolis has not won the division since 2014, with each of their AFC South rivals having won it at least twice during that lengthy drought.

A lot of it will come down to whether the Colts can get consistently solid production from the league’s most important position, starting quarterback, between incumbent Anthony Richardson and his top competition, veteran addition Daniel Jones.

However, the Colts can’t talk about having serious Super Bowl aspirations until they reclaim the division again, which is something that they simply haven’t done in recent memory.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...d-to-be-nfls-worst-division-for-2025-campaign

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Lookin ‘back’ five years after the Colts traded up for star workhorse Jonathan Taylor

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Five years in, Jonathan Taylor has already cemented himself as one of the best running backs in Colts franchise history.

The Indianapolis Colts selected star workhorse Jonathan Taylor with the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, which was acquired from the Cleveland Browns in a ‘Day 2’ trade.

In that slight trade up, the Colts traded the 44th pick and the 160th pick to the Browns in order to ensure they secured Taylor over the rumored to be interested divisional rival Jacksonville Jaguars, who ended up taking wide receiver Laviska Shenault.

Picks 44 and 160 didn’t turn into much for the Browns.

After late team owner Jim Irsay gave the team’s top brass the ‘nudge’ to trade up and get the potential franchise back they clearly coveted, Indianapolis presumably has no regrets.

Featuring a unique speed-power combination and a workhorse mentality, Taylor has transformed into one of the best backs in all of football with the Colts, becoming a First-Team All-Pro, 2x NFL Pro Bowler, NFL rushing yards leader, and NFL touchdowns leader.

In the past 5 years, he has run for 6,013 total rushing yards on 1,228 carries to go along with his 51 rushing touchdowns during 67 games (61 starts). Those 6,013 total rushing yards trail only former Tennessee Titan, now Baltimore Raven running back (and future First-Ballot Hall of Famer) Derrick Henry (7,590) during that same 5-year span.

While there was the rather contentious 2023 offseason holdout, after Taylor and the Colts were in a contract standoff, with the former even requesting a trade, the two sides were able to reconcile—after Indianapolis inked Taylor to a 3-year, $42 million contract extension.

Fully healthy again this season, Taylor rebounded with another highly productive Pro Bowl campaign, rushing for 1,431 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries (4.7 ypc. avg.).

He remains one of the NFL’s elite backs and has quickly joined Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, and Edgerrin James among the greatest running backs in Colts franchise history.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...-traded-up-for-star-workhorse-jonathan-taylor

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Tyler Warren could be a huge weapon for the Colts this year

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The rookie can come in and make a difference right away.

Some rookies come in and pay their dues. They are buried on the depth chart behind a number of veterans and have to put in their time or wait for an injury to ascend to the starting lineup. That doesn’t seem to be the trajectory for newly drafted tight end, Tyler Warren, though. Deemed a perfect fit for the Indianapolis Colts, Warren is slated to come in and start right away, and if he doesn’t, it will be a crime. After what fans witnessed out of the tight end group last year, not inserting Warren right away would be incredibly disappointing as it would show a lack of understanding of the playbook and the professional game. The better bet is that Warren comes in and shines.

Shane Steichen hasn’t had a tight end of Warren’s ability during his tenure as head coach. Last year, the Colts were so devoid of talent it was easy to forget one was on the field. The inability of the tight ends to get open and make plays put a strain on the rest of the offense. That pressure should ease with the 6’5”+, 256 pound rookie with an impressive catch radius roaming the middle of the field. He can serve as a safety valve for Anthony Richardson, and if he proves valuable and builds trust, he could become a favorite target. The point of emphasis for Richardson this year has to be short to intermediate throws. Someone like Warren who has elite hands could become the answers to his prayers.

Don’t expect Warren to only be roaming the flat, however. He can be a vertical threat and work the seam. Do all of that and Warren will get plenty of looks in the red zone as well. He will create mismatches, and his big frame will serve as a perfect target for Richardson when looking to the end zone. While it may be difficult to pass the numbers of Brock Bowers from last year, it truly seems like Warren has a chance to get close. We have seen tight ends dominate and thrive while serving as the place a quarterback is looking when things get tight.

Warren may not end up as the offensive rookie of the year. He may not even lead the Colts in catches or touchdowns. That’s ok though. He will be playing in the NFL for the first time in his life. Expecting him to come out of the gate on fire is unrealistic. With that said, expectations should be high. Warren is coming into a unit that was nonexistent last year. The floor was the level for fan’s expectations. If he can put together even modest numbers his rookie year, fans may start to compare him to Dallas Clark. Put it all together and fans will thank their lucky stars they got another star in the making.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...ould-be-a-huge-weapon-for-the-colts-this-year

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Report: Colts to have joint practices with Ravens, Packers ahead of preseason games

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The Colts are set for their preseason joint work.

According to Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, the Indianapolis Colts will kick off preseason festivities by first participating in a joint practice with their previous home in Baltimore ahead of the first (preseason) game of the season.

The Colts will follow that week up by hosting a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers, head coach Shane Steichen confirmed to local media after wrapping up the first day of OTAs practice.

Indianapolis is now set to practice and scrimmage against the Ravens and Packers in back-to-back weeks: traveling to Baltimore for their Preseason Week 1 matchup on Thursday, August 7th, at 7 PM EST and then coming back home to host the Packers ahead of their Preseason Week 2 matchup on Saturday, August 16th, 1 PM EST, at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts traveled to Lambeau Field last year for their Week 2 matchup against the Packers, losing in a gritty 16-10 effort that saw the Jordan Love-less cheeseheads rush all over the boys in blue to the tune of 261 rushing yards.

The last time the Colts and Ravens met was back in 2023 when the Gardner Minshew-led Colts walked out of M&T Bank Stadium with a win after then-kicker Matt Gay led the way with 5/5 made field goals, setting a record with 4+ made 50+ yard field goals with one of those being the eventual game-winner in overtime.

Last offseason, the Colts held joint practices with the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals. Although it’s unlikely that the Colts opt to add a third week of joint practice to fill their preseason slate completely, running it back with the Bengals would be an intriguing option given the addition of longtime Bengals defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...-with-ravens-packers-ahead-of-preseason-games

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts injury update to kickoff OTAs and quick glimpse of the beginning starting QB battle

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The Colts kicked off OTAs on Wednesday with some updates.

The Indianapolis Colts began their voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) on Wednesday (Phase III), which will run through Friday of this late work week.

Both starting All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin (ankle, with a boot) and fellow projected starter Jaylon Carlies (shoulder) are still recovering from offseason procedures, so their absences were realistically expected this early in the offseason for what’s voluntary.

That being said, wide receiver Josh Downs and tight end Drew Ogletree reportedly missed Wednesday’s OTAs with ‘soft tissue issues.’

Meanwhile, star running back Jonathan Taylor is working out on his own for the time being in Florida (but reportedly had been in the building last week), but the Colts’ hope is that he’ll return back to the team’s complex soon.

Newly signed cornerback Charvarius Ward is still ‘transitioning’ (but was also in the Colts’ building last week). JuJu Brents reportedly filled in for Ward with Jaylon Jones outside.

If there was an encouraging injury update, both backup safety Daniel Scott and tight end Jelani Woods, who haven’t played in at least the last two seasons because of consecutive season-ending injuries (three in Woods’ case) are both reportedly participating in OTAs.

We also got a quick glimpse of the starting quarterback competition kicking off between incumbent Anthony Richardson and top challenger veteran Daniel Jones—although let’s hopefully just chalk up some of this beginning to rust from both men (via The Athletic’s James Boyd):

#Colts’ Anthony Richardson was the first QB up in 7-on-7. Ripped one across the middle to Tyler Warren for a 15-yard gain and then layered in a deep post to Will Mallory, who made an acrobatic catch near the sideline. AR was hyped after both plays.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 28, 2025​

#Colts QB Anthony Richardson was picked off in 7-on-7 by Liam Anderson, who undercut the route. I believe the pass was intended for TE Will Mallory.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 28, 2025​

#Colts QB Daniel Jones was nearly picked off by CB Sam Womack III in 7-on-7. Womack jumped a route/pass intended for TE Will Mallory.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 28, 2025​

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...k-glimpse-of-the-beginning-starting-qb-battle

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Laiatu Latu is primed for a breakout season out with the Colts

Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

No longer a rookie, Latu should be ready to turn last season’s lessons into this year’s results.

When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Laiatu Latu in the first round out of UCLA in the 2024 NFL draft, there were some who bemoaned the pick as a mistake. A player who was encouraged to medically retire just a few years prior from a neck injury made fans and analysts alike nervous. Latu put up solid numbers since the injury, but the feeling that the injury could impact him down the line lingered. Latu put those fears to rest by appearing in all seventeen games for the Colts and showing flashes of what he can do. He was inconsistent and has room to grow, but the same can be said for any rookie. The experience Latu gained last year needs to be put to full use in 2025 as he has an incredible opportunity to make a giant leap in year two.

In his first year, Latu tallied four sacks, three forced fumbles, and twelve quarterback hits. That was done through one start and limited snaps. Expect those numbers to rise in 2025 as the Colts will look to utilize his ability more frequently. Samson Ebukam will be back, but he is now 30. Kwity Paye hasn’t shown much during his Colts tenure to be excited about, and Dayo Odeyingbo has gone to the Bears. All of that points to more playing time for Latu. He will get his opportunities. He simply has to be ready.

Pass rushers can take a minute to adjust to the NFL. What worked in college to overpower or get around linemen doesn’t always translate to the professional game. Not only will Latu have a year under his belt, but a new defensive coordinator, Luo Anarumo, could work wonders. Anarumo helped turn Trey Hendrickson into an absolute stud during his time in Cincinnati. Yes, the lion’s share of credit falls to Hendrickson, but you have to believe Anarumo played a role in his development. Take that coaching and insert it into a more pressure focused scheme with non-traditional looks and rush points and Latu could thrive.

Chris Ballard has been hunting for a top-notch defensive end for nine years. The results haven’t been there, but just because Latu didn’t have a rookie season for the ages, it doesn’t mean he can’t get there. He has the raw ability and the tools. What he lacked last year, he now has; the experience. He has a year in the system and the league. That is invaluable. Pair that with a new coordinator who will get the best out of him, and the sky’s the limit. Expect Latu’s sacks to potentially double and his hits to do the same. 2025 could be Latu’s year to breakout and make a name for himself in Indianapolis.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...imed-for-a-breakout-season-out-with-the-colts

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

How hot is Shane Steichen’s seat with the Colts heading into 2025?

Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It is year three. Time for Steichen to put it all together.

Being an NFL coach comes with a lot of responsibility. Your every moved is critiqued, and you are judged on the results you deliver. That isn’t a completely negative thing, but the level at which you are scrutinized is not felt or shared by many others. Being an NFL head coach comes with responsibility, but it is ultimately a privilege. There are only 32 in the entire league, and the line forming behind the head honcho is long. Shane Steichen has had good moments with the Indianapolis Colts, and he has had some bad ones as well. Heading into year three, results are more important than ever. Because of that, how hot is Steichen’s seat?

This question is difficult to wrangle. On one hand you have the data; the stone-cold analytics. Steichen is 17-17 in his first two seasons. He was dealt a difficult hand when Anthony Richardson went down his rookie year as a coach, but he made enough adjustments to take the Colts to the brink of a playoff berth. One more completed pass and who knows what could have been. The storyline heading into 2024 was if Steichen could do that with Gardner Minshew then just think what magic he could work with Richardson and his talents. Unfortunately, that didn’t pan out as the Colts had a worse record in year two, Richardson had a historically bad completion percentage, and the Colts lost one of the most embarrassing games in franchise history against the Giants. Call it a sophomore slump if you want, but it wasn’t the step forward most were hoping to witness.

The wild card in all of this is the new owners for the Colts. Jim Irsay was incredibly loyal to his players and staff. He let them have just about as long a leash as any owner in the league. Now, his daughters own the team, and Carlie Irsay-Gordan runs the show. Will she demonstrate as much patience as her father? If the Colts don’t show improvement this season, we could have a three for one in which she decides to clean house at all levels: GM, coach, and quarterback. The loyalty and patience for Steichen to figure it all out may not extend as far as the late Jim Irsay. That is why Steichen’s seat may be even hotter than previously thought.

It is a results based league, and Shane Steichen hasn’t exactly delivered. It is my opinion that he deserves to finish this year unless something goes completely haywire. Three years should provide enough data to understand whether he is fully up for the challenge and is the right man for the job. Steichen’s seat shouldn’t be overly hot at this point but get off to a slow start as the Colts normally do and it might start to get uncomfortable. Winning cures a lot, however, so if Steichen wants to cool things down and earn an new contract in the future, it will be in his best interest to win early and often.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...eichens-seat-with-the-colts-heading-into-2025

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Three biggest remaining depth concerns facing 2025 Colts

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There’s still some names who could help the Colts that remain unsigned, but it takes two to tango.

We’re now in the last lingering tiers of free agency, and the NFL Draft has already concluded, yet the 2025 Indianapolis Colts still have three remaining depth concerns.

What are they?

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Offensive Line Depth ​

Having lost both veteran Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly and starting right guard Will Fries to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, the issue isn’t that the Colts don’t have potential capable starters to internally replace them with both Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves respectively—both of whom were mid-round picks last year and held their own as rookies.

The issue is that by elevating Goncalves, who was the team’s top swing-tackle as a rookie, into the starting right guard spot means that the Colts no longer have their best backup collectively—and a highly versatile one at that entering his second season.

The Colts did draft 4th round pick Jalen Travis, but at 6’8,” 339 pounds, and a lot of long limbs, there could be a bit of an initial learning curve for the big bodied, seemingly developmental offensive tackle.

Like we saw with 2023 4th round pick Blake Freeland, now an Indy backup offensive tackle (who was passed over for Goncalves last year), there’s no guarantee that a young offensive tackle is going to be able to come in and immediately contribute at a consistent level. Goncalves made the leap fairly well in his pro debut, but he was also regarded as pretty polished as an NFL offensive line prospect.

In particular, veteran starting right tackle Braden Smith has not routinely been available, so the Colts could be playing with fire for a bit without any veteran backup additions, and Goncalves no longer on standby to replace him from the bench.

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Linebacker Depth​

The Colts saw former starting linebacker E.J. Speed depart to the Houston Texans in free agency.

His ‘The Trenches Show’ podcast co-host Zaire Franklin was named an NFL 2nd-Team All-Pro last year, having led the league in combined total tackles.

That being said, he admittedly endured a very slow start to last season and now will be coming off an offseason ankle procedure.

Last year’s rookie 5th round pick, Jaylon Carlies, excelled as a subpackage linebacker in coverage during limited action, and appears to be at least serviceable as a potential starter, but he’s also coming off injury, having underwent an offseason shoulder surgery.

Under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Colts are expected to phase out the third linebacker in favor of an extra defensive back for added coverage purposes.

However, when looking at the Colts linebacker cupboard behind Franklin and Carlies—both of whom are coming off an offseason procedure/surgery, and it’s pretty barren.

The Colts can’t really afford to have a setback with either projected starting linebacker with the top backup name being Segun Olubi behind them—and otherwise, a lot of unknown.

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Backup Safety​

If there’s a position that I’m shocked the Colts didn’t address in the recent NFL Draft, and it’s at backup safety—where it’s typically an easier way to find a capable backup in ‘Day 3,’ especially compared to some of the league’s other tougher positions to scout and source.

Both key free agent signing Camryn Bynum and holdover Nick Cross project to be a solid starting duo on the backend of the Colts and Anarumo’s revamped defensive secondary.

However, there’s little trusted and proven depth behind them.

Rodney Thomas II hasn’t really been productive since his rookie season in 2022, which was over two years ago, while former 2023 5th round pick Daniel Scott has yet to appear in an NFL game for Indianapolis because of consecutive season-ending injuries.

Beyond them, it’s unknown names like Ladarius Tennison and Trey Washington.

For both special teams depth and as injury insurance, the Colts could withstand to upgrade.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...st-remaining-depth-concerns-facing-2025-colts

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

PFF names Colts’ Anthony Richardson as ‘X-Factor’ for 2025 campaign

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The Colts need Anthony Richardson to become an X-men next year as the team’s clear ‘x-factor’ with continued boom or bust potential.

According to PFF, incumbent Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Anthony Richardson is their pick for the team’s ‘X-factor’ ahead of the 2025 campaign yet again:

X-factor for 2025: QB Anthony Richardson

It’s truly now or never for Richardson in Indianapolis. He has a strong offensive line in front of him, a good running back in Jonathan Taylor and one of the better receiving corps in football. If he can’t become more accurate in Year 3, he could quickly be replaced by highly paid free-agent signing Daniel Jones.

It’s no secret that the NFL’s starting quarterback position is the most important, especially in today’s modernized passing league.

While Richardson isn’t in the mold of a traditional pocket passer, featuring elite dual-threat mobility and a booming arm, that along with it comes some accuracy and turnover concerns, there’s no question that his upcoming play (or Daniel Jones’ for that matter, should he falter) will likely be the Achilles heel of the Colts’ ultimate 2025 season success.

Richardson in particular can make plays, as an alien athletically at QB1, that realistically only less than a handful of his starting quarterback peers can make league-wide (i.e., the Lamar Jacksons, the Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allens of the world).

We’ve seen flashes of it, from Richardson’s ridiculous deep touchdown throw in the 2024 opener to his game-winning play late in games during the final stretch run last year.

However, the Colts just didn’t get enough consistently good starting quarterback play last year, and it ultimately led to the team falling short of the playoff sticks yet again.

With Richardson, it’s so far been a roller coaster ride with boom or bust potential. The ceilings are sky high, as good as any elite quarterback in the league, while the lows, are too often and reminiscent of a starting quarterback who only had 13 collegiate starts to his name and calling card may have been blowing up athletically at the NFL Combine.

For Richardson, we know that he can elevate his game, but he also has to maintain it for 17 games because the success of the 2025 Colts largely depends on him.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/5...hony-richardson-as-x-factor-for-2025-campaign

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Former Colts TE Dwayne Allen is surprisingly team’s highest graded rookie by PFF since 2006

Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Colts’ highest graded rookie by PFF for nearly 20 years isn’t who’d you necessarily expect...

In a surprise turn of events, former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen is the franchise’s highest graded rookie since 2006 by PFF:

Indianapolis Colts: TE Dwayne Allen, 2012 (85.9)

The Colts drafted quarterback Andrew Luck first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft and then doubled up on tight ends in Rounds 2 (Coby Fleener) and 3 (Allen). Allen was the more productive player as a rookie, finishing fourth on the team in targets (70), receptions (49) and yards (572) and third in touchdowns (three). His 84.4 PFF run-blocking grade ranked among the top 10 tight ends for the season, as well.

As the John Mackey Award recipient during his junior year at Clemson, Allen recorded 50 receptions for 598 total receiving yards and 8 touchdown receptions during 14 starts.

The Colts selected him in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft, even after picking former Stanford standout Coby Fleener just a round earlier.

Allen had a promising start to his pro career with the Colts, as he caught 45 receptions for 521 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions during all 16 starts in 2012—even earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors.

Between the two top tight end prospects, Allen proved to be the more complete of the pair, with his ability to both catch and block. Both Fleener and him proved to be a formidable two tight end set for young franchise quarterback Andrew Luck.

Due to the encouraging beginning to his Colts career, Allen signed a 4-year, $29.4 million contract extension back in March of 2016.

He caught 35 receptions for 406 receiving yards and 6 touchdown receptions in 14 starts during his final season in Indianapolis, but now came with a higher salary cap hit and future Pro Bowler Jack Doyle was beginning to breakout at the position for the Colts.

Allen was eventually traded to the New England Patriots in March of 2017 for a 2017 6th and 4th round pick. He played two seasons with the Patriots before being released. He was signed and waived by the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 offseason with an injury designation.

Injuries seemed to limit some of Allen’s explosiveness and physical flexibility with the Colts, but he proved to be a solid pro tight end when fully healthy.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2025/6...teams-highest-graded-rookie-by-pff-since-2006