In past drafts, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard has often targeted elite athletes with high-end physical traits. It's hard to predict how prospects will perform at the NFL level, so Ballard prefers to bet on raw athleticism.
A player’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) evaluates their overall athletic ability. The metric aggregates combine measurements — including size, explosiveness, speed, and agility — into a single score relative to their position.
Cross-referencing the RAS results of the 2025 draft class with the Colts’ areas of need could offer some insight into which players are on Ballard’s short list. Let’s take a look at five top athletes who may be a perfect fit in Indianapolis.
1. Nick Emmanwori, Safety (RAS: 10.00)
Three-year South Carolina starter Nick Emmanwori boasts an impressive combination of NFL traits. His combine results in the 40-yard dash (4.38 seconds), vertical jump (43 inches), and broad jump (11-and-a-half feet) were all records for a safety. At 6-foot-3 with a long wingspan, Emmanwori can be an impact player all over the field, whether in pass coverage or run defense.
Emmanwori’s elite blend of size and athleticism earned him a perfect RAS, ranking first out of 1,235 strong safeties since 1987. If the Colts decide to add another safety, after signing Cam Bynum in free agency, Emmanwori would be a premium option in the first or second round.
2. Shemar Stewart, Edge (RAS: 10.00)
Standing at 6-foot-5, Shemar Stewart is a rare physical specimen who has the potential to be a disruptive force in the NFL. Like Emmanwori, Stewart also received a 10.00 RAS due to his extraordinary speed and explosiveness.
Stewart’s limited production at Texas A&M is a concern, and it’s clear that he’ll have to improve his technique in the big leagues. However, his raw athleticism and sky-high upside are undeniable. Indianapolis lacks a high-end edge rusher and just lost starting defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, so Stewart may be worth the gamble.
3. Darien Porter, Cornerback (RAS: 9.99)
Darien Porter has a unique background, playing six seasons at Iowa State, including the first three as a wide receiver and only one as a starting cornerback. While Porter might lack experience, his long arms and 4.30-second 40-yard dash time make him an enticing Day 2 prospect.
The Colts signed a new No. 1 corner this offseason in Charvarius Ward, but the rest of the cornerback unit is full of question marks. Porter is an exceptional athlete who has the physical tools to thrive in Indianapolis. However, in the short term, Porter will be a developmental project.
4. Tate Ratledge, Offensive Guard (RAS: 9.96)
Two-time national champion Tate Ratledge turned heads at the NFL combine, following an impressive collegiate career at Georgia. Ratledge ranked in the 95th percentile or better across all speed, agility, and leaping tests. Overall, he had the eighth-best RAS among all guards measured since 1987.
After standout right guard Will Fries signed a big contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Ballard may opt to fill the hole in the Colts’ interior offensive line with a rookie. If he chooses that route, Ratledge should be available in the second or third round.
5. Jihaad Campbell, Linebacker (RAS: 9.88)
Indianapolis has been frequently linked to All-SEC Alabama linebacker and projected first-rounder Jihaad Campbell. Campbell has all the prototypical tools an NFL team wants: size, range, speed, and physicality. Campbell’s elite athleticism allows him to play off the ball or on the edge and excel against the run, in coverage, or when rushing the passer.
With the departures of E.J. Speed and Odeyingbo in free agency, the Colts have needs at both inside linebacker and edge rusher. Adding a versatile defensive talent like Campbell would be an instant boost to the team.