The Indianapolis Colts have put themselves in a very precarious situation heading into the 2025 season. If Anthony Richardson continues to struggle and Shane Steichen doesn't take this team to the postseason, there's a very good chance both of them will not be back for another go-around in 2026.
On top of the fact that this secondary is so bad that any offensive improvements may struggle to make a difference in the win-loss column, the Colts also need to figure out the best way to turn Richardson into a star. Is that through some competition, or another pass-catcher to help him on his way?
Chris Ballard may not have many of his nine lives left after struggling in the last few years. He needs a strong draft to save himself, and he could end up buying himself some more time by following the battle plans laid out in this post-NFL Combine NFL Mock Draft.
Indianapolis Colts post-NFL Combine 3-round NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 14: Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
Viewed as virtually dead-even with Georgia's Malaki Starks for the title of top safety in this class, Emmanwori posting a perfect 10 RAS score should make him a first-round lock. With linebacker size and cornerback speed, Emmanwori could anchor Lou Anarumo's defense in Indianapolis for years to come.
Emmanwori hits hard, covers a ton of ground, and shows the versatility that many of the best safeties in the game possess. With his film backing up the idea that he could be an immediate playmaker in the right system, Ballard (who has famously leaned into taking high RAS prospects in the past) could find another gem.
Round 2, Pick 45: Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green
Fannin may not have had the fastest time in the world for a player who has concerns about his blocking, but it will take more than that to deter a team like Indianapolis from taking someone who just had the greatest statistical season a college tight end has ever produced.
Fannin, who tallied 117 catches and 1,555 yards during his final season, runs routes like a wide receiver and has the soft hands the rocket-armed Richardson will love to see. Indy has tried everything to find a long-term tight end, and Fannin could end that long streak of strikeouts at that position.
Round 3, Pick 80: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
The Colts have not shied away from the fact they plan to bring in some major competition for Richardson, and that new quarterback may come through the draft. Ewers is not everyone's cup of tea, but it's easy to see how he could be an effective passer in the pros should he go to the right situation.
Ewers has a noodle arm compared to Richardson, but he does have excellent accuracy when in rhythm and the ability to make plays out of structure. The former No. 1 recruit is a bit too up-and-down to go in the first two rounds, but the Colts could pivot to a more traditional pocket passer if Richardson starts to wear thin.