The Indianapolis Colts, at least for one week, have become the biggest laughing stock in the NFL. Losing to a 2-13 New York Giants team is one thing, but losing while giving up 45 points is a sign of just of how far Shane Steichen's team has fallen, and how much work they have in front of them.
While they will need Anthony Richardson to finally start putting things together in his third season, this defense has shown to be so bad that even Drew Lock can look like Peyton Manning against it. The offense needs one more playmaker alongside Richardson after some of the receivers have started to flatline.
Chris Ballard may not get many more chances to build a roster if he keeps losing like that. The best way to help Indianapolis compete in a wide-open AFC South is to follow this 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, and address all of Indy's biggest positions of need in one fell swoop.
Indianapolis Colts 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 12: Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
The Colts' secondary needs some huge upgrades, both at cornerback and the Julian Blackmon-led safety room. Both Colorado's Travis Hunter and Michigan's Will Johnson will likely be off the board, which makes Starks the best defensive back available. The Georgia product is one of the safer prospects in this class, and he should start right away in Indianapolis.
Starks may not have great speed, but he does just about everything else at a high level. The ball skills are there, the football smarts are present, and he is the best run-defense and open-field tackling safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton. Starks could end up playing in Indy for a decade in a perfect world.
Round 2, Pick 46: Harold Fannin Jr, TE, Bowling Green
Fannin had the best statistical receiving season by a tight end in college history. With 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns, Fannin has shown off uncommonly excellent receiving skills for a tight end. These include vice grip hands, amazing route-running when split out wide, and blazing speed for the position.
Fannin is extremely small for a tight end (6-4, 230 pounds), so much so that many are wondering if he is actually a wide receiver. His blocking is not only bad, it's bordering on non-existent. However, you don't buy a Maserati to get the groceries and pick the kids up from soccer practice. Fannin can be a game-changing pass-catching threat.
Round 3, Pick 77: Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
Drafting Gillotte would go against Chris Ballard's MO when picking defensive linemen, as the former Cardinals end is a tweener with a somewhat limited pass rush upside due to iffy athletic ability. With the defensive line both getting older and lacking in depth, Gillotte's versatility might be his meal ticket.
The power and strength are there, and his ability to beat guards consistently with some solid pass rush moves suggests that he could be a lethal weapon if deployed in the right scheme.