With the All-Star circuit complete, the NFL Combine having passed and pro day workouts wrapped up, the 2025 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away.
As teams begin to have their final discussions and set their draft boards in stone, they’re also beginning to work through how they will approach the countless scenarios which could unfold on Apr. 24.
For Colts general manager Chris Ballard, his ninth draft is perhaps his most important. Indianapolis has failed to make the playoffs for four seasons under his leadership, and Ballard is under pressure to deliver them from mediocrity.
Combining Ballard’s previous draft tendencies and the Colts’ current positions of need, I will dive into how this year’s draft may unfold in Indianapolis.
Round 1, Pick 14 – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
All Colts fans will be clamoring for a tight end here, either Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. While either player would be a home run selection, Indy also had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season.
In order to transform the unit, new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo needs the right players to fit his scheme, and Jihaad Campbell is a near perfect player for him.
Anarumo’s defense requires versatility, and Campbell offers exactly that. He has the explosiveness and speed to be disruptive in both run and pass defense. With time, his instincts should develop, helping Campbell become a long-term starter at linebacker in Indianapolis.
The Colts lost EJ Speed to their divisional rival Houston Texans, and while they seem content to lean on second-year player Jaylon Carlies to take a step forward, Campbell makes the entire defense better right away.
Round 2, Pick 45 – Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Waiting a round proves fruitful for the Colts in this scenario. Mason Taylor is an all-around complete tight end who will immediately upgrade Indy’s current group.
The son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor has the potential to be an impact tight end with time. He’s an excellent receiver with reliable hands and dangerous ability after the catch to move the chains and create big plays.
At LSU, Taylor averaged just over 10 yards per reception, a sign of his reliability in picking up first downs.
While he still has room to add strength and improve as a blocker, the Colts did bring back veteran run-blocking tight end Mo Alie-Cox, who can help mentor Taylor in his rookie year and prepare him for increased blocking responsibilities.
He may not be the instant upgrade that Warren or Loveland could be, but in a couple of seasons’ time, Taylor could be equally or more impactful for the Colts’ offense.
Round 3, Pick 80 – TJ Sanders, DT, South Carolina
Defensive tackle is a bit of an underrated need for Indy. They do have two starters locked in for 2025 in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, but the depth behind them could use a boost.
Neville Gallimore did sign a one-year contract with the Colts, but he’s more of a pass rusher. After Taven Bryan departed in free agency, Anarumo must find a one-technique defensive tackle to assist in run defense.
TJ Sanders is a dynamic and powerful player who can be disruptive on the interior. With the juice to penetrate the backfield from the one-tech, Sanders also has the skill set to make contributions as a pass rusher.
Ballard prioritizes the trenches every year and has always remained bullish on the value of a deep defensive line. Selecting Sanders in the third round wouldn’t feel any bit surprising to those who have followed his career with the Colts closely.
Round 4, Pick 117 – Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State
Every draft class seems to have a small-school offensive line prospect who grabs everybody’s attention. This year’s guy is Sacramento State’s Jackson Slater.
The Colts brought back Wesley French and Danny Pinter on the defensive line to provide depth, but neither should be trusted to take over starting responsibilities at right guard from Will Fries, who’s now in Minnesota.
Slater, an incredibly athletic, mobile and strong lineman, was a standout performer in the Senior Bowl and further impressed scouts at the NFL Combine.
In Indianapolis, he would have the opportunity to compete with Matt Goncalves for the starting guard guard job, and at the very least provide excellent depth up front.
Round 5, Pick 151 – Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Head coach Shane Steichen wants to have one of the best rushing offenses in the league. Jonathan Taylor at running back is a great start (alongside whoever wins the quarterback battle), but the Colts need reinforcements behind him.
Ballard failed to properly address running back depth last offseason, and it showed in games Taylor was not available. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson simply aren’t capable starters.
Brashard Smith is a dynamic athlete who can do a little bit of everything — find gaps in between the tackles, catch passes out of the back field and even make plays on special teams.
Having a reliable No. 2 back not only takes the pressure off of Taylor, but adds another layer of complexity for defenses to game plan against.
Round 6, Pick 189 – Dalton Cooper, OL, Oklahoma State
More offensive line depth never hurt anybody.
Dalton Cooper is another uber-athletic blocker who provides inside-outside versatility, meaning he can play tackle or guard.
The Colts have done their due diligence on Cooper and have brought him in for a Top 30 visit, an indication of elevated interest in him.
Cooper was an All-Big 12 honorable mention in 2023. He followed up that campaign with a 2024 season that saw him allow just six pressures and no sacks. While his future NFL position is far from decided, the Colts will find a home for him somewhere on their depth chart to create more competition on the offensive line.
Round 7, Pick 124 – Elijah Williams, DE, Morgan State
Ballard loves his small-school prospects, especially those who were highly productive at their level of play.
Elijah Williams is a potential late-round gem. He ended his Morgan State career as their all-time leader in sacks (31) and tackles for loss (52). On top of it, his athleticism and relentless effort help him complete one of the most intriguing prospect profiles in this year's class.
The Colts need to add bodies on the edge. Only last year’s first-round pick Laiatu Latu is under contract beyond 2025, so grabbing a late-round flyer like Williams adds depth for both today and the future.
There are a number of directions the Colts could take this year’s draft. Perhaps they want to continue adding secondary talent alongside free agent newcomers Charvarius Ward, Cam Bynum and Corey Ballentine.
Maybe a second pick spent at tight end or running back is a priority to give their quarterbacks the best supporting cast possible.
No matter how you slice it, Ballard is less than two weeks away from the biggest weekend of his career.
The NFL Draft will begin on April 24 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network and goes until April 26.
