As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the upcoming draft, the speculation is rampant as to why they will choose in the first round. While they have plenty of needs on the offensive side of the ball, there are still roster holes in the defense needing to be addressed, despite having made numerous big signings in free agency.
The Colts are hosting numerous prospects this week, and three notable visits include defensive prospects that could make a huge impact immediately on Lou Anarumo's new defense.
Shemar Stewart
Ryan Fowler reported that Stewart will be meeting with multiple teams this week, including Indianapolis. A defensive end for Texas A&M, Stewart is, notoriously, an elite-level athlete whose skills are almost literally off the charts. At 6’5” and 267 pounds, he raised eyebrows with a 10.00 out of 10.00 RAS score. This measure combines scores from Combine and Pro Day testing numbers to give an idea of a candidate's overall athleticism.
Shemar Stewart is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 10.00 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 2012 DE from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/ACSFv0wnnK pic.twitter.com/g4DbViX3qJ
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 31, 2025
Yet Stewart is not a clear-cut prospect; he didn't perform particularly well in college. His low sack production is a particular point of contention, with just 4.5 sacks over three seasons. At the Reese's Bowl, however, he won the defensive lineman of the week award - the recipient of which is chosen by the opposing offensive linemen.
Some think the potential is there for him to become an elite pass rusher; will that include the Colts?
James Pearce, Jr.
Pearce will be meeting with the Colts, as per Ian Rapoport, along with the Cardinals, Bengals, Cowboys, and Falcons. While not quite as off-the-charts as Stewart in the athleticism index, he still is nothing to laugh at.
James Pearce Jr. is a DE prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 9.40 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 122 out of 2012 DE from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/MrXkmvCIjN pic.twitter.com/CPT28sUUoi
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 31, 2025
An edge rusher from Tennessee, Pearce would definitely check the box for a major need the Colts will be looking to address. He has been a consistent pass rusher, but 2024 was a particularly standout year for him. He is incredibly highly rated by PFF, and there's no denying that he will have a very bright future in the NFL.
The only question is whether or not the Colts will be able to get to him at all by the 14th pick.
Shemar Turner
Aaron Wilson announced that Turner would be visiting Indianapolis, with other visits scheduled with the Texans and the Cowboys. He did not have enough information to qualify for an RAS score, but there is still plenty of interest in the Texas A&M defensive tackle.
Shemar Turner is a DT prospect in the 2025 draft class. He does not qualify for a #RAS due to a lack of measurements.https://t.co/fRkNIHfAbA pic.twitter.com/O1OwpUMpIX
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 1, 2025
Turner is known to be a rough, aggressive player - so much so that there have been concerns over discipline issues, and has garnered a reputation as someone who plays dirty. The Colts already have to face that twice a season with the Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair, and while a more rough-and-tumble player would be a good addition to the Colts defense, this reputation could also dissuade many teams from wanting to sign him.
It's assumed that Turner will eventually get drafted, but likely in a later round.