Even with issues at quarterback in 2023, Shane Steichen managed to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a record of 9-8 and a near playoff berth in his first season as head coach.
Now, with 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson returning to full health — and a new weapon in Adonai Mitchell at his disposal — expectations are high for the Horseshoe in 2024.
It won’t be easy to compete in the AFC South with Houston surging, much less the AFC as a whole with Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore, and Cincinnati — among others — lingering in the NFL playoff race. But the Colts appear as a team primed to enter the conversation.
All this being said, the Colts’ roster is still relatively young and underdeveloped in a few areas, and 2025 might truly be the year that Steichen’s group arrives. And the 2025 NFL Draft could be paramount in driving that momentum forward.
Who Could the Indianapolis Colts Draft in 2025?
1.12) Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
This was the player selection I made for the Colts in my previous 2025 NFL Mock Draft. It’s never ideal to be repetitive, but this player-team fit — both from a needs perspective and a value perspective — simply makes too much sense.
In Shane Steichen’s vertically oriented scheme, Colston Loveland’s athleticism and box-out ability would be right at home. Loveland also has elite size-adjusted flexibility and can bend to separate independently and make himself available for Anthony Richardson.
The Colts have a lot of names at tight end — Jelani Woods, Kylen Granson, Mo-Alie Cox, Will Mallory — but they don’t have a TE weapon at Loveland’s caliber. Loveland’s ability to separate and make tough catches would add a new dimension to Steichen’s offense.
2.44) Indianapolis Colts: Jeremiah Cooper, S, Iowa State
Safety has been an issue for the Colts for a few years now, and several proposed solutions haven’t worked out. Jeremiah Cooper isn’t perfect in support at just 185 pounds, but he has the spatial awareness, fluidity, range, and playmaking ability Gus Bradley will covet.
Nick Cross will get a chance to deliver on his upside in 2024. And chances are, he could be the centerfield safety that Bradley needs. But if Cross can string together good games, it might be time to reinvest and look at a player with Cooper’s coverage instincts.
3.76) Indianapolis Colts: Terrance Brooks, CB, Illinois
Terrance Brooks fits Indianapolis’ Cover-3 heavy scheme well with his length and gliding side-saddle athleticism at 6’0″, 200 pounds, and he’s a playmaker at the catch point.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full 7-Round NFL Mock Draft
Brooks won’t solve the Colts’ problems with too much youth and not enough experience at CB, but he’s a terrific scheme fit with an NFL-ready frame and actionable ball skills.
Rounds 4-7
4.109) Indianapolis Colts
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
5.141) Indianapolis Colts
Jestin Jacobs, LB, Oregon
6.173) Indianapolis Colts
Jah Joyner, EDGE, Minnesota
7.205) Indianapolis Colts
Chase Lundt, OT, UConn
