5 best Indianapolis Colts draft picks of all time

As the 2024 season begins to wind down, Colts fans are looking ahead to the 2025 draft in hopes of reviving the struggling Indianapolis team. While there is no shortage of talented players to have graced the Colts roster, some draft picks stand out in particular.

Even Chris Ballard - who is currently much-loathed by Colts fans - has made some good draft picks (Jonathan Taylor in particular comes to mind). Some draft picks in Colts' history, though, stand out as being particularly legendary.

Andrew Luck

He may not have played with the Colts for as long as fans had hoped, but he made an incredible impression nonetheless. Luck was the first overall pick of the 2012 draft, and immediately excelled - despite having an offensive line that did absolutely nothing to protect him.

As a rookie, Luck immediately excelled. He had the most passing yards, most pass attempts, most 300-yard passing games, and the most game-winning drives in NFL history. He led the Colts to the playoffs in his first season, and by his third season, took to the Colts to the AFC championship. His career was cut short with a shoulder injury, and then when he returned in 2018, played so well that he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He was selected for the Pro Bowl four times.

What could have happened if he hadn't chosen to shock the NFL and retire in 2019.? There's no telling, but what is known is that Luck was a generational talent who would have had a long and illustrious career had he continued playing. And yet as short as his career was, he still broke countless records and made a lasting impact on Indianapolis.

TY Hilton

Hilton was selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2012 draft, and quickly became a star in the post-Manning era for Indianapolis. During his time with the Colts, he was one of the best receivers in the NFL.

He caught for over 1,000 yards in four straight seasons, and was selected for four straight Pro Bowls. In 2016, his best season, he caught 91 passes for 1,448 yards, the most in the NFL that year. He played for the Colts for 10 years, appearing in 143 games, catching 631 passes for 9,691 yards and 53 touchdowns.

Hilton also made history with the Colts by becoming the first player to score touchdowns via reception and punt return in the same game, after an incredible 75-yard punt return against the Buffalo Bills.

Edgerrin James

Chosen in the first round of the 1999 draft from the University of Miami, James quickly established himself as one of the best running backs of all time. He's been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and not many people could ever say he wasn't deserving.

James immediately proved he was a good pick in his rookie season, leading the NFL with 1,553 yards and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He's led Indianapolis as its all-time leading rusher with 9,226 yards and for touchdowns, and was so prolific that after he left and the Colts won the Super Bowl the next year, owner Jim Irsay sent him a Super Bowl ring.

Over his 11 seasons in the NFL, he was selected to four Pro Bowls, had 80 rushing touchdowns, and ran for 12,246 yards.

Marvin Harrison

It's hard to choose between two of the Colts' most fabled receivers - Harrison or Reggie Wayne - but ultimately, Harrison wins out between the two. Selected in the first round of the 1996 draft, he is a Super Bowl champion, an 8-time Pro Bowler, and 3-time first team All Pro member.

Harrison spent his entire career with Indianapolis, and has set numerous records, both with the franchise and the NFL. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016; he was the first ever player to have over 1,000 receiving yards and 10+ touchdowns in eight straight seasons. He's second only to Jerry Rice in career receptions, most consecutive games with a reception, and most career 100-yards games.

Peyton Manning

Is there anyone else who could be #1 than Peyton Manning? Chosen in the first round in 1998, Manning's rookie season was far from stellar, but he more than made up for it. He's not only arguably the best player in franchise history, but one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL.

During his 14 seasons in Indianapolis, Manning led the team to 11 playoff appearances, eight division titles, three AFC Championship Games, two Super Bowl appearances, and one Super Bowl win. He's behind just Tom Brady and Drew Brees for all-time passing leaders, and holds numerous NFL records.

He has the most MVP awards, quarterback first-team All-Pro selections, 4,000-yard passing seasons, single-season passing yards, and single-season passing touchdowns. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021, and though he didn't finish his career in Indianapolis, he will likely be the best Colts player of all time.