After finishing with a losing season in 2024, the Indianapolis Colts landed in the top 18 for the 2025 NFL Draft. More specifically, they have the 14th pick, and fans are hoping for some decent picks that could serve as a reset, and a chance to address some of the many issues they have with their roster.
One of the strongest needs for the Colts to address is at tight end, which is why Tyler Warren has been such a popular suggestion from numerous analysts. At this point, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the Penn State star will be wearing an Indianapolis jersey. The Colts need someone who can not only be a good blocker, but can actually catch the ball, too (unlike some of their current tight ends). Warren can provide all of these things for the Colts, which is why so many are recommending he gets drafted by Indianapolis.
Jordan Plocher and Josh Liskiewitz at Pro Football Focus are the exception. Instead, their recommendation is someone to fill gaps in the defense: Malaki Starks.
Malaki Starks isn't just a safety, he's a coverage eraser. He should legitimately be considered as a Top 5 pick pic.twitter.com/H6ivFBhKRJ
— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) December 16, 2024
The two argued that the Colts' troubles on defense are their most pressing, and Starks could address many of those issues.
"The Colts need help everywhere on defense, as evidenced by six starters missing at least 15 tackles in 2024. Malaki Starks lined up all over Georgia‘s defense, allowing just 53 completed balls on 90 throws into his coverage the past two seasons with four picks and 12 forced incompletions. His play against the run is even more impressive, as he totaled 22 stops while missing just three tackles since the start of 2023."
Starks is not just a good blocker, but he's fast and known for making explosive plays - something head coach Shane Steichen values very highly. He's also a tough, aggressive player, two adjectives one doesn't often hear associated with the Colts defense.
The question here is not whether or not Starks will be an asset for Indianapolis; there's no doubting that he would. But who should be their first priority, a tight end or a safety? Which needs more work, the offense or the defense?
That's the million-dollar question, and one the Colts need to answer, fast.