The brunt of free agency is complete, and we are onto NFL Draft talk for the Indianapolis Colts. Free agency this year saw a drastic change in strategy for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. For once, we saw Chris Ballard be aggressive and very forward with the team’s needs. There are still some needs at key positions, however, and it’s apparent that these will be the focus going forward, particularly in the draft.
This mock draft will be just the current picks on the board. I fully expect Ballard to move these picks around to acquire more as he always does. With that said, let’s dive into our first 7 round mock draft using some of the names from our compiled in season prospect list.
Round 1: Pick 14
Colston Loveland/TE-Michigan
I know, I know. Everyone wants Penn State Tight End Tyler Warren. He is a terrific player, but Loveland might be the best fit for this offense. Let’s also mention that Warren may not be available for Indianapolis at 14, either, as he is coveted by many teams.
I think both Warren and Loveland would be great in this offense but, for me, the deep ball element that Loveland can bring is what speaks to this pick. Loveland can separate both horizontally and vertically to help make an impact with Anthony Richardson. This part of the roster has been the most underwhelming, and needs some new infusion of talent. He can block at a high level as well, and can be a much-needed safety blanket in the passing game.
Round 2: Pick 45
Jihaad Campbell/LB- Alabama
A first-round talent might just fall into the lap of the Indianapolis Colts this year. Campbell revealed that he suffered a torn labrum and had surgery to repair it shortly after the combine. Whether he injured it at the season finale ReliaQuest Bowl or sometime in draft prep is unknown. There was talk that Campbell could have been the Colts top choice at 14 this year.
Go back to 2021, when Chris Ballard drafted Dayo Odeyingbo after suffering an Achilles injury, which caused him to drop on draft board. This could be the same scenario for the Colts. The need at linebacker is a pressing one. The Colts lost special teams ace and depth with the departure of Grant Stuard to Detroit. Current free agent EJ Speed is still just that: a free agent, and his return seems unlikely. Being able to get a first-round talent from an NFL factory will be too much to pass up for Ballard.
Round 3: Pick 80
Quinn Ewers/QB- Texas
I originally stated that I liked Kurtis Rourke as the prospect that the Colts could be drafting. This was because he is a change from what Richardson is. However, with the addition of Daniel Jones, the view has changed. While Rourke could still work as a development piece down the road, they might look for someone that is ready to go right away as a 3rd QB.
The Colts are showing interest in Quinn Ewers with a combine interview, and it has been reported they will bring him in for a Top 30 prospect visit as well. Ewers is far from a perfect prospect, but he comes from an NFL system and NFL coaching staff at Texas. Ewers had some injury concerns, and might be leaving Texas early to allow Arch Manning to take the reins. He still needs some polish with throwing under pressure, but those things that can be coached out of him. If this quarterback plan of 2025 completely implodes on them, they must have some security for 2026 to fall back on.
Round 4: Pick 117
Malachi Moore/S- Alabama
Even with the addition of Cam Bynum, the secondary need is still there. Julian Blackmon is not expected to return, and the inconsistencies of Rodney Thomas continue to hinder the secondary. Daniel Scott has been unable to stay healthy. It appears that Indianapolis will go in with Bynum and Nick Cross as the starting safeties, but defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo has shown times where he wants three safeties on the field.
Malachi Moore brings the inevitable competition to the room, and he is ready to get rolling quickly. He is one of Nick Sabans’ favorite players at Alabama, and played a significant role on the team - so significant that he started as a true freshman on the team that won a CFP National Championship in 2020. To bring in an essentially 4-year starter from a winning program can help to bring some stability to this secondary.
Round 5: Pick 151
Ollie Gordon II/RB- Oklahoma State
I could see the Colts going either side of the line or even an edge rusher here but the need for depth at running back is still there, even with the signing of Khalil Herbert, as the depth is uncertain with Tyler Goodson and Salvon Ahmed.
The Colts did talk to Ollie Gordon II at the combine, and he appears to be in their crosshairs. Gordon did have some off-the-field issues with a DUI, and that is typically a deal breaker for the Colts front office. The fact that they still have him on the draft board shows their true interest in him.
Round 6: Pick 189
Jack Kiser/LB- Notre Dame
I predicted that the franchise would select this prospect earlier in prior content, and I am going to stick with the prediction. Even if the Colts grab Jihaad Campbell in the second round, they still need the help at this position. Kiser was the defensive leader of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last season. He has the experience to help where he is needed, and would be a great addition to special teams as the loss of Grant Stuard will need replacing.
Round 7: Pick 232
Tyler Batty/DE- BYU
There are still plenty of directions that this team could go for their final pick. More line depth on either side of the ball is very possible, but I think we are better on the offensive line than most believe. Where the biggest need by the final is depth on the edge of the defensive line. Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam are both in contract years. Let's be honest; they both have been underwhelming as well.
Grabbing a guy like Batty (in the 7th round) is far from solving the problems of the Colts pass rush. The roster just needs bodies right now that have some upside here and can grow. He's not a sack demon that most people want to see, but he was well coached, and can learn a lot from Lou Anarumo.