It's been a tumultuous start to the career of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, and that's an understatement.
The Colts thought they had their franchise quarterback when they originally drafted Richardson early in the first round back in 2023. But, a major injury, a polarizing in-game decision and a benching later, Richardson's future in Indianapolis is very much up in the air.
Now, Richardson has Daniel Jones to compete with for the starting job -- a job he's no longer guaranteed. So, how do the Colts right the ship?
Beyond Richardson simply improving, the Colts can still do whatever they possibly can to help him succeed, and the next step to do so is via the 2025 NFL Draft.
When looking at the Colts' draft position, though, they're in an interesting spot when it comes to their biggest positions of need. Some ideal prospects might either be a reach. On the other hand, these same players could potentially be drafted before Indy has the chance to get them.
In any event, a few key prospects are well-worth trading up for.
The Colts must prioritize specific draft prospects for Anthony Richardson's sake
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
One of the weakest points on this roster lies at the right guard position. Should the Colts have an opportunity to draft Tyler Booker, that problem immediately becomes resolved. However, in order to select the draft's best guard, the Colts would have to hope he's still there at pick no. 48 in the second round.
Either that, or Indy trades up on Day 2. But, Booker would give the Colts that sure thing at right guard; a spot that still needs to be solidified, especially in front of a quarterback like Richardson who is often in line to get hit on designed runs.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The longstanding problem at tight end is not going away. If the Colts have a chance to snag Tyler Warren, they need to do it. That should also mean trading up a few picks to do so, because it's rare that a talent like Warren comes along.
He is far and away the draft's best tight end and is a legitimate weapon on offense. That type of weapon would help open things up further for Richardson. Warren is a mismatch. He's a nightmare to cover as well as after the catch. That type of threat would allow at least one less defender for Richardson to have to deal with on a regular basis.
Right now, the tight end position is not even remotely a threat. With Warren, that changes drastically.
Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona
If the Colts can't get their hands on an early guard, meaning Rounds 1-2, then they could look toward a prospect such as Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea. The 6-foot-4 Arizona product is arguably a top-four guard in this class and offers plenty of experience. He played both tackle and guard in college and comes in sporting quick feet as a lineman who moves really well for a man his size (324 pounds).
As ESPN's 49th-ranked prospect, Indianapolis might have to make a trade back into the second round if they want him after picking at 48.
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
If, for some reason, the Colts aren't able to land their ideal first-round target in Warren, then they should be doing everything possible to get Colston Loveland. He's the draft's second-best tight end and, actually, a better blocker than Warren.
Loveland offers the Colts the best of both worlds at the position. He's still a threat in the passing game but will be able to get in the dirt and aggressively protect Richardson while being an asset in the run game as well.
Potentially going in the first round, Loveland would also require a trade back up on Day 1.