1. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: Pick No. 14: TE-Colston Loveland (Michigan)

Kiper’s Analysis: The Colts had arguably the NFL’s worst tight end production last season, with their group combining for 39 catches, 467 yards and two TDs. They also lost Kylen Granson (Eagles) and Mo Alie-Cox (unsigned) and haven’t addressed the position. In an enormous make-or-break year for Anthony Richardson (and/or possibly Daniel Jones), Indy has to get more playmakers in its offense. Loveland has the seam-stretching ability to make plays down the field, and he has the 6-foot-6 size to post up in the red zone. Receiver is the other position that stands out, but I went with Loveland as the better value (No. 11 on my board). Here’s an interesting note from ESPN Research off that decision: This would be the first time since 2006 that multiple running backs and multiple tight ends were selected before a second wide receiver went off the board.

2. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: Pick No. 14: TE-Tyler Warren (Penn State)

Zierlien’s Analysis: I would love to go in a different direction with a roster that feels in need of a truly bold shakeup (drafting Shedeur Sanders?!), but the Colts could use a big target at tight end with the mindset to fit in as a run blocker. Warren is a safe pick, but he’s not a lock here.

3. CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson: Pick No. 14: TE-Tyler Warren (Penn State)

Wilson’s Analysis: Warren accounted for roughly 75% of Penn State’s offense (it was closer to 50% but it sure felt like a lot more), as a receiver, passer and runner. No player has done more for his draft stock than Warren, who was a late Day 2/Day 3 pick over the summer.

4. Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron: Pick No. 14: S-Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)

Cameron’s Analysis: It’s no surprise that Colts general manager Chris Ballard values high-level athletes with elite traits. Does any prospect better fit that build than Emmanwori? While Indianapolis’ defense already houses a solid option at safety in Nick Cross, Emmanwori’s 86.8 PFF coverage grade, if he can reproduce it in the NFL, would be a significant improvement and a better pairing with new signee Camryn Bynum.

5. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgarner Pick No. 14: TE-Colston Loveland (Michigan)

Baumgarner’s Analysis: There are days when I think Loveland might be right there with Warren as a legit top-10 prospect. An outstanding receiver who terrorized linebackers and has the ability to beat safeties (and some corners), Loveland is also a better blocker than people realize and one of the most dependable talents on the board. He’d be a perfect fit in Indianapolis.

6. Bowen’s Analysis

Mock Draft Totals:  

TE-Tyler Warren (11)

TE-Colston Loveland (6)

CB-Jahdae Barron (2)

CB-Will Johnson (2)

S-Nick Emmanwori (1)

S-Malaki Starks (1)

OL-Tyler Booker (1)

OG-Armond Membou (1)

Bowen’s Analysis: As we are nearing a week out from the draft, the heavy consensus continues to be a tight end for the Colts at No. 14 overall. Although, we did a see a non tight end hypothetical thrown in this mock draft look, which is not something we should be ruling out under Chris Ballard. Let’s focus on tight end, where the debate revolves Tyler Warren vs. Colston Loveland. As the draft season has played out, it seems more and more Loveland believers think he is the wise pick at tight end. They like his pure receiving ability and think a shoulder injury hindered his blocking film. Some are also questioning if Warren’s big-time numbers from 2024 were inflated by being used all over the offense/often as a Wildcat option, which isn’t as realistic in the NFL. For the Colts, getting a versatile tight end like Warren would certainly be used in a significant manner under Shane Steichen. And Loveland’s strength as a receiver definitely would help the Colts biggest issue at tight end. At safety, Emmanwori is a freak, so that’s obviously going to grab the Colts attention. Plus, the Colts depth chart at safety is lacking some. Cam Bynum is going to be a mainstay, but Nick Cross is in a contract year. And the names behind those two are anyone’s guess.