The Indianapolis Colts have put themselves in a position where they need to crush it in the 2025 NFL Draft, as a bad season could result in starting quarterback Anthony Richardson, head coach Shane Steichen, and GM Chris Ballard all losing their jobs.
The Colts need to spend draft capital on a tight end who can finally help them break the cycle of years of inadequate play at the position, but they also need to invest in a defense that needs a star linebacker next to Zaire Franklin as well as an offensive line hat lost two starters in free agency.
The heat is on for Ballard and Steichen, and they don't have any additional picks to work with at this point in time. The best course of action for this franchise is to focus on areas of need and follow the plan that has been laid out before them in this 7-round NFL Mock Draft.
Indianapolis Colts 7-round NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 14: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
With Penn State's Tyler Warren unlikely to last until this pick in the draft, the Colts need to take advantage of an extremely deep class of tight ends and land someone like Loveland, who could be a reliable starter for 10 years. Loveland appears to be healthy after an injury-riddled final collegiate season.
With extremely strong hands, better blocking than most tight ends in this class, and more potential with the ball in his hands than most tight ends his size, Loveland should make an easy transition to the pros. Richardson has struggled with accuracy and consistency, but having a safety valve like Loveland could be a game-changer.
Round 2, Pick 45: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Schwesinger was a one-year starter for the Bruins who isn't the biggest linebacker out there, which puts a good degree of risk on this pick. The big factor that could sell Ballard on him is athletic ability, as he flies around the field, tackles well, and plays exceptional zone coverage.
A 1-2 punch of Schwesinger and Franklin, all while being backed up by a promising Day 3 addition in Jaylon Carlies, could give new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo all he needs to construct his ideal defense. With Franklin's long-term future in town possibly up in the air, Schwesinger could keep the heart of the Indianapolis defense elite.
Round 3, Pick 80: Marcus Mbow, IOL, Purdue
With both Ryan Kelly and Will Fries having left in free agency, a local product like Mbow could kick inside to guard and play a big role in Richardson's offensive line. While he isn't the biggest or meanest lineman out there, Ballard likes to take risks on quality athletes with room to grow.
Round 4, Pick 117: Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
Oladejo could reunite with teammate Laiatu Latu in Indianapolis as a replacement for Dayo Odeyingbo. A high-end athlete with one of the best size-speed combinations in this class, Oladejo might slide a bit due to some teams having concerns about his recent conversion from inside linebacker.
Round 5, Pick 151: LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
The lack of speed in a 204-pound frame will likely prevent him from being picked too high, but Allen is one of the best receiving backs in this class while also showing a nose for the end zone. Jonathan Taylor will always be the top dog, but Allen could give him a high-end change-of-pace backup.
Round 6, Pick 189: O'Donnell Fortune, CB, South Carolina
Ballard has always loved to draft defensive backs who are long and can play zone coverage well, and Fortune fits that bill perfectly. His tackling will ultimately determine just how much of a role he can play in the NFL, as it may help him become a special teams contributor early in his pro career.
Round 7, Pick 232: Da'Quan Felton, WR, Virginia Tech
The seventh round is the time to take gambles on physical marvels who haven't put it altogether on the field just yet. With a 6-5 frame, a 4.5 40-yard dash, and the physicality needed to eventually blossom into a solid complementary target, Felton is perfect for the Colts.