Grading every Colts 2025 draft pick (with 1 bold prediction for each)

With the 2025 NFL Draft officially over, it's time to grade how the Indianapolis Colts did. Overall, it seems the Colts were slightly better than average, with some decent picks, and one truly outstanding one.

Round 1: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Grade: A+

There is no doubting that the Colts nailed this pick. The Colts were in desperate need of a tight end who could make an immediate difference in Week 1, and Warren provides exactly that. He can do it all, both block and pass, works well in numerous schemes, and his size, toughness, and agility will strike fear into the hearts of many a defender. Make no mistake about it: there are high hopes already riding on this pick. While it's not a sure thing that Anthony Richardson will end up the starter, it's assumed that he will, and Richardson's ability to both run and make explosive plays make him a great match with Warren.

Bold prediction: Warren and quarterback Anthony Richardson will become one of the best QB-TE duos in the league.

Round 2: JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

Grade: A

Tuimoloau is a disruptive player who can absolutely destroy the pocket, and is also great against the run. He will likely work well with Laiatu Latu, and can step in as a successor to DeForest Buckner in the future.

There also aren't many concerns about his ability to remain healthy; he was able to play in all 54 games through his four years at Ohio State, including their College Football Playoff Championship win over Notre Dame.

Bold prediction: Tuimoloau will be a DROY finalist.

Round 3: Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota

Grade: B-

Walley is a decent pick, considering his talent and potential. The need for a cornerback isn't as great as that at linebacker and offensive line, though, making this pick a little bit surprising. Considering the signings of Charvarius Ward and Corey Ballentine, Walley's signing adds more depth, but he probably won't get much time as a starter in 2025. However, if Juju Brents continues to struggle with remaining healthy, Walley might get his chance.

Bold Prediction: Walley will spend most of 2025 on the bench.

Round 4: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State

Grade: B+

The Colts needed to build up their offensive line, and Travis is a good way to do that. The biggest hole they currently have is at right guard, however, and that is not the position Travis has typically played. It's still a good pick, though; Travis is a beast, at 6-foot-8 and 339 pounds, and is an incredible athlete, too.

Bold prediction: Travis will fill in at swing tackle, freeing up Matt Goncalves for right guard.

Round 5: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

Grade: B+

Giddens will undoubtedly help out the Colts in their running back room. Yes, they have Jonathan Taylor, who is an absolute superstar, but last season, he was pretty much all they had. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson barely did anything at all, and Taylor can't do it all on their own. The Colts signed Khalil Herbert in free agency, but they needed another strong playmaker, and Giddens has a lot of promise and potential.

Bold prediction: Giddens will surpass Herbert to become Taylor's RB2.

Round 6: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame

Grade: B

Quarterback is the biggest need of all for Indianapolis, depending on how you look at it. Yes, the Colts have both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones competing for QB1, and with any luck, one of them will step in to become the future of the franchise. But the Colts haven't had a real leader at QB since Andrew Luck retired, and if Richardson and Jones both flame out, Leonard could have the opportunity to step up and have a real impact.

Bold prediction: Leonard will earn a spot as QB2 by the end of 2025.

Round 6: Tim Smith, DT, Alabama

Grade: C

The issue here isn't that the Colts don't need a defensive tackle; they do. But is Smith the best option? After losing Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis - neither of whom were particularly spectacular to begin with - there is a real need for depth behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The best case scenario for Smith is that he is able to learn and develop a lot in his rookie season behind at least one future Hall of Famer.

Bold prediction: Smith will see limited snaps and mostly serve as a rotational player.

Round 7: Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin

Grade: B

Though Wohler played at strong safety in college, it appears that he could be used as a linebacker in Indianapolis, which is a serious position of need after losing E.J. Speed and Grant Stuard. Wohler did well covering tight ends specifically as a safety, and even though it's not as dire as linebacker, safety is a position needing depth in Indianapolis, too.

Bold prediction: Wohler will be an instant contributor as a safety, but mainly on special teams.

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