Source: Robin Alam/ISI Photos / Getty
INDIANAPOLIS – It’s happening in every NFL building this week.
Weighing all the draft possibilities that could occur for their team.
Let’s examine potential Colts draft scenarios in 2025:
1. Scenario A
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Scenario A
-No. 14: TE-Colston Loveland (Michigan)
-No. 45: DE-Landon Jackson (Arkansas)
-No. 80: G-Dylan Fairchild (Georgia)
Our first scenario probably checks the most “pressing positions of need” angle on Day 1 and Day 2.
Loveland would offer the Colts a receiving component at tight end that has been lacking in recent years.
Coming back in Round 2, the Colts would add a lengthy pass rusher, with the notion that Laiatu Latu is the only defensive end on the roster under contract after this season.
Fairchild is one of the more impressive strength linemen in this year’s class and would be thrown into the mix to compete for that open starting job at right guard.
No trade backs, no trade ups, just a focus on improving the trenches and the team’s biggest overall need (tight end).
2. Scenario B
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Scenario B
-No. 14: DE-Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)
-No. 45: RB-TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
-No. 80: TE-Gunnar Helm (Texas)
Before we get to the headliner in Round 2, how about a defensive end in the middle of Round 1 for a second straight year? Any takers? We know Chris Ballard loves his trenches.
Henderson is the big one when it comes to this scenario. Is Round 2 way too rich to take a running back? Some would say “YES.” Jonathan Taylor by no means looks “out of his prime” but he is nearing an age + carry number where some start to question how long that player can maintain such an impressive pace. Could you imagine a backfield of Taylor and Henderson, with a run threat at quarterback of Anthony Richardson. Are the Colts in a position for such a luxury pick?
The tight end need waits until Round 3, but there is strong depth within this group in the 2025 draft class.
3. Scenario C (trade up)
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Scenario C (trade up)
-No. 7: TE-Tyler Warren (Penn State)
-No. 80: LB-Smeal Mondon Jr. (Georgia)
To be clear, this would be the most unlike Chris Ballard move in his draft history. Trading up 7 spots in the top half of Round 1 for a non-premium position.
But if you fear Warren as a ‘must-have’ player at a big position of need, perhaps it is worth it in trying to help a struggling quarterback position. Of course, do we think the Colts view Warren that much differently than Colston Loveland? I’m skeptical.
In doing this trade, the Colts would give up their 2nd round pick and have just one pick in the first 2.5 rounds. I went linebacker in Round 3 (an uber athletic one), which is definitely a need.
But a Chris Ballard draft with no trench players until Round 4? That has happened twice in his eight drafts.
4. Scenario D (trade down)
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Scenario D (trade down)
-No. 17 (from Cincinnati): LB-Jihad Campbell
-No. 45: TE-Elijah Arroyo (Miami)
-No. 80: DT-Darius Alexander (Toledo)
-No. 81 (from Cincinnati): OL-Marcus Mbow (Purdue)
When Chris Ballard trades, he’s likely moving back. That’s what happens here with the Bengals coming up for a pass rusher (hello Trey Hendrickson?).
This trade back gives the Colts 4 picks in the first 2.5 rounds, which is something you know Ballard is a fan of.
And we are crossing off needs with starting jobs/playing time very open at linebacker, tight end and along the offensive line.
Remember, when Ballard had his season-ending press conference back in January, he didn’t express many regrets on how he’s handled drafts (compared to free agency or the draft). If that’s the case, then should we expect a normal Ballard-type draft approach? This scenario is most like that.
