The Indianapolis Colts were officially eliminated from postseason contention in Week 17 after embarrassingly losing 45-33 to the lowly New York Giants. Significant changes could be coming to the Colts this offseason. They've never won the AFC South throughout Chris Ballard's eight-year tenure as general manager.
Regardless of potential front-office shake-ups, quarterback Anthony Richardson should return for a do-or-die third season in 2025. Richardson hasn't shown enough in the ability, health, or leadership departments, but he remains a raw talent with sky's-the-limit upside. The Colts won't have any good options to replace him this offseason, so investing in his continued development represents a better offseason plan.
We've achieved just that through this seven-round mock draft.
Round 1 (No. 12 overall): Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
One area that Richardson desperately needs improvement in is his willingness to take what the defense gives him underneath the coverage. Perhaps drafting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland would encourage the developing quarterback to do that more frequently in 2025. Loveland was held back by the Wolverines' anemic passing attack this season, but he's an elite prospect with rare athleticism to create yards-after-catch opportunities for himself.
Round 2 (No. 46 overall): Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Gus Bradley's defense is allowing a 26th-ranked 230.8 passing yards per contest. Drew Lock just lit this secondary up for 45 points, 309 yards, and four touchdowns. If head coach Shane Steichen survives, replacing Bradley should be taken into consideration. Whoever the defensive coordinator is will require better depth at corner. Azareye'h Thomas is a press-man specialist with outstanding size and a profile that's been coveted by the Colts in recent drafts.
Round 3 (No. 77 overall): Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
The aging Ryan Kelly is playing on an expiring contract and may seriously consider retirement this offseason. This isn't a terrific center class, but Georgia's Jared Wilson is the consensus top-ranked player at the position. He possesses a third-round grade, and that's where the Colts grab him in this mock. Wilson is a terrific athlete with a technically advanced skill set. He's plug-and-play.
Round 4 (No. 113 overall): Lander Barton, LB, Utah
Linebacker has been a sore spot for the Colts all campaign long and E.J. Speed is slated for a raise in free agency. Lander Barton is a sideline-to-sideline replacement who projects as a potential like-for-like replacement. If Ballard remains at GM, Barton is the type of linebacker prospect who checks his boxes.
Round 5 (No. 150 overall): Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Texas
Safety is another requirement in the secondary. Nick Cross has taken steps forward this season, but Julian Blackmon may not return in 2025. If the Colts need an immediate contributor, Andrew Mukuba is an experienced prospect who's appeared in nearly 50 career college football contests. Mukuba is a versatile chess piece with instincts.
Round 6 (No. 188 overall): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The Colts aren't ready to replace Richardson, but they may be open to drafting a developmental quarterback on Day 3. Jaxson Dart possesses the necessary physical tools to potentially offer a franchise terrific value in the latter rounds. The dual-threat Dart accounted for more than 4,000 yards of offense and 28 touchdowns throughout 2024.
Round 7 (No. 228 overall): Ethan Downs, EDGE, Oklahoma
Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu will be the starters at EDGE next season. Dayo Odeyingbo's likely departure via free agency will create competition for depth spots in the rotation. Oklahoma's Ethan Downs has an NFL-ready frame and a red-hot motor, producing 12.5 sacks in four seasons with the Sooners.
