NFL mock draft 2025: Who will the Indianapolis Colts pick in the first round?

Posted by Admin December 17, 2024 NFL

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The Indianapolis Colts haven’t been eliminated from AFC playoff contention, but their path is narrow.

The Colts (6-8) currently hold the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, though a lot can change in the final three weeks of the season.

Indianapolis is unlikely to look at quarterbacks early in this draft, with Anthony Richardson finishing his second season. Jonathan Taylor is set at running back and teams don’t pick special teamers in the first round. Beyond that, you could make a case that they can use help in every other position area.

Here are Colts first-round draft possibilities.

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Malaki Starks, safety, Georgia

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: “Indianapolis missed the run on cornerbacks so the best way for the Colts to address the secondary is to draft the best safety. Malaki Starks is an incredibly instinctual prospect who can potentially be the green dot for that defense.”

Joseph Acosta, SBNation: “Starks is another one of a very good crop of defenders. He has the versatility to play both in the box and on the roof of a defense, with the range to play in any scheme. The Colts need more from their secondary after a pretty dismal 2024 season, and safeties Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross are free agents in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Starks truly is the best player available, and going to the Colts would be an incredible fit.”

Nic Scourton, edge rusher, Texas A&M (formerly Purdue)

Keith Sanchez, NFL Draft Network: “While most of the attention has been on Anthony Richardson and the offense, the truth is that the Indianapolis defense needs to continue to build. Last year, they drafted Laiatu Latu in the first round, and with this year’s first-round pick, the Colts selected edge rusher Nic Scourton. Scourton is a good complementary piece, as Latu is more of a speed rusher, while Scourton is a power rusher. This combination could be a great one-two punch.”

Tez Johnson, wide receiver, Oregon

Brett Hoffman, Pro Football Network: “The Colts haven’t armed QB Anthony Richardson with enough blue-chip skill players. Josh Downs leads the team in receptions. Indianapolis struggled to sustain long drives through the air and needs a WR who can take the top off a defense. Johnson’s knack for creating separation makes him an easy target for his quarterback to locate and connect with.”

Tyler Warren, tight end, Penn State

Destin Adams, AtoZSports: “Some will say this is a reach, but the Colts aggressively tried to move up for Brock Bowers in 2024, and they desperately need a playmaker at TE. Penn State’s Tyler Warren seems to fit this role perfectly for Shane Steichen’s offense.”

Ian Valentino, 33rd Team: “Adding an explosive and versatile playmaker for Shane Steichen to unleash sounds fun and practical. Tyler Warren is the type of transitive presence who can upgrade a unit from good to great. The Colts wanted Brock Bowers in 2024 but do well to land Warren instead. He’s a top-five overall player on my board.”

Jalon Walker, linebacker, Georgia

Rob Rang, Fox Sports: “Like it or not, the Colts’ decision to draft Anthony Richardson is a statement about general manager Chris Ballard’s willingness to gamble on upside. While the Colts boast impressive production at linebacker, they lack difference-makers. Walker is one of the most intriguing defenders in this class, boasting the range and physicality to make plays all over the field.”