Draft season is on the horizon.
For Colts general manager Chris Ballard, building his team through the draft has been his bread and butter, primarily finding talent to develop while blending in bargain free-agent signings to supplement the roster.
After a 2024 draft in which Ballard’s theme was adding competitive talent to already deep positions on the Colts’ depth chart, 2025 forecasts to be much more consequential.
Indy is still in the postseason mix with four games to go in the regular season, but it still hasn't made a playoff appearance since 2020. Ballard needs to hit this year’s draft out of the park to help elevate the Colts back to the level of a playoff contender.
Based on his tendencies and preferences in previous years, I took a way too early look at what the 2025 draft could look like for Indianapolis.
Round 1, Pick 15- Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Ballard and the Colts tried vehemently to trade up in last year’s draft for a tight end, but were unsuccessful and missed out on a generational talent in Brock Bowers. They won’t make the same mistake this year.
Colston Loveland is a complete tight end prospect whose potential may not be on Bowers’ level, but he is ready to make an impact right from the jump. A competitive and willing blocker, Loveland can line up in-line or flexed out wide as a receiver.
At 6-5, 245 lbs, Loveland’s massive frame and strong hands make him a reliable option in the passing game, who also has the speed and physicality to make plays after the catch.
With Indy’s tight ends being virtually nonexistent in their passing attack, Loveland can change the dynamic of the offense and surround Anthony Richardson with even more talent.
There will be a debate in the months leading up to the draft between Loveland and Penn State’s Tyler Warren on who the better tight end prospect is, but Loveland’s higher floor makes him a more sure thing of a pick.
Round 2, Pick 47- Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Colts' secondary has been slightly better than expected this season, but could still use a bit of a boost. Enter Xavier Watts, a versatile safety who plays with aggression and speed. Not only does he have intriguing physical tools, something Ballard covets, he’s been productive in college as well.
In four years at Notre Dame, Watts has recorded 156 total tackles, 15 passes defended, 12 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks, proving he can do a little bit of everything.
Indy’s defense could use the extra juice, especially with Julian Blackmon being a free agent at the end of the season. Whether he’s retained or not, Watts can provide depth to the safety rotation initially before likely taking over as a full-time starter in the years to come.
Round 3, Pick 79- Jordan Burch, DL, Oregon
It’s not a Ballard draft without adding talent in the trenches.
The Colts’ front four is the strength of the defense. Despite having a load of talented players, injuries have been a problem for Indy this season. Adding Jordan Burch would both deepen the rotation and provide injury insurance.
Burch is the type of defensive lineman who fits Ballard’s mold almost perfectly: Explosive get-off, the flexibility to line up on the edge or inside, solid run defense and a pass rush arsenal to develop.
With Dayo Odeyingbo set to be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, Burch may be a cheaper alternative to re-signing the former second-round pick, or simply giving the defensive staff more freedom with their packages up front.
Round 4, Pick 116- Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
The 2024 season has proven that the Colts need to find Jonathan Taylor a partner in crime at the running back position.
Looking around the league, some of the best offenses have two running backs who complement each other. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, and Rachaad White and Bucky Irving are great examples of this.
The Colts had their 1B to Taylor’s 1A in Zack Moss last season, but weren’t able to compete in free agency due to the market he demanded after a solid year. Penn State's Nick Singleton once drew comparisons to Taylor at the start of his college career.
Singleton hasn’t achieved the level of production Taylor did at Wisconsin, but he does have a similar skill set. He has the same explosive play ability which he pairs with impressive vision at the line of scrimmage.
Taylor would be a great mentor to Singleton based on the similarities in their skills. Together, they could be a dominant, dynamic two-headed monster in the Colts’ rushing attack.
Round 5, Pick 152- Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
Jonah Monheim is an experienced offensive lineman who’s played in 52 games in his five seasons at USC. He shows the flexibility to potentially line up at all five spots on the offensive line, most recently moving to center for the 2024 season.
Colts veteran center Ryan Kelly’s contract is up at the end of the year, and no discussions have opened for an extension for him. Rookie Tanor Bortolini has shown some promise during Kelly’s absences this season, but shouldn’t be relied on to be the replacement just yet.
Bringing in Monheim would create a competition for the starting center job between him and Bortolini, assuming Kelly is allowed to walk in free agency, making the offensive line younger without sacrificing experience.
Round 6, Pick 191- Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
Staying in the state of Indiana, the Colts grab a high-floor quarterback to back up Anthony Richardson, shifting away from grizzled veterans at their No. 2.
Rourke, who arrived on the NFL radar thanks to the role he’s played in the Hoosiers’ historic season in college football, is an incredibly advanced passer for a prospect. He throws his receivers open with anticipation, gets through his reads quickly, and has the mobility to use his legs when necessary.
Joe Flacco will likely leave Indy once his one-year deal expires, and Sam Ehlinger is also out of contract at the end of the season.
The Colts are unlikely to retain both, giving Rourke the opportunity to come in and compete for the backup job right away.
Round 7, Pick 231- Aaron Smith, LB, South Carolina State
The Colts could use an upgrade in their linebacker depth. Rookie Jaylon Carlies looked good before an ankle injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, but there’s nothing wrong with adding more competition.
Aaron Smith plays with tenacity and high energy, as shown in his ability to securely tackle, create turnovers, and make plays in pass coverage.
It’s also no secret that Ballard loves his small school prospects.
There’s no better example than when he spent a second-round pick on another South Carolina State linebacker in Shaq Leonard, who quickly became the heartbeat of the Colts' defense before injuries derailed his career.
While Smith may never reach the same level as Leonard, it’s worth taking a risk in the seventh round to see if he can become a contributor at the next level. Low risk, high reward.
The main themes here are adding more defensive depth and surrounding Anthony Richardson with as much talent as necessary. Loveland and Singleton both have the potential to be perfect fits with the 22-year-old quarterback, while the defenders added will elevate the level of competition in training camp for the players currently rostered.
While a lot of change will happen between now and April, this is the type of draft Ballard must put together to break the Colts out of the cycle of mediocrity they’re currently stuck in.
HN's NFL Power Rankings: Week 14
