Although the Indianapolis Colts didn’t have massive expectations in 2024, they ended the season 8-9, finishing second in the AFC South. With Anthony Richardson’s development in mind for the Colts’ 2025 NFL Draft plans, there’s an expectation that Chris Ballard will use picks on offensive weapons for their soon-to-be third-year quarterback. Through the first two seasons, Richardson has hit some bumps in the road, and as a quarterback who entered the NFL Draft as a project, Indianapolis hasn’t done a great job developing said talent.
In fact, they could’ve stunted his development when the Colts decided to bench Richardson for veteran Joe Flacco in 2024.
With free agency on the horizon for the Colts, there are a few players they could go out and get to ensure Richardson has more help on offense.
However, as a team that allowed an average of 361.2 points per game, they ended the 2024 season as one of the worst defensive units across the NFL.
So, although their 8-9 record might’ve indicated that this team is close to becoming a competitor in the AFC, it could take another year or so of building until they’re at that level.
Regardless, with the NFL Draft just around the corner, here’s how the PFF Mock Draft Simulator had the first three rounds going for the Colts.
The PFF Mock Draft Simulator is a tool for fans to put themselves in the seat of a general manager for an NFL franchise during the NFL Draft. This tool compiles data from PFF’s NFL Draft big board and user-submitted mock drafts to give fans an idea of where prospects could land in the actual draft. A computer simulation made these picks.
Colts No. 14 pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
As one of the best offensive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Warren was the heartbeat of the Nittany Lions’ offense in 2024.
Although he was with Penn State for five years, 2024 was his true breakout season, as the 21-year-old was awarded the 2024 John Mackey Award, which goes to the best tight end in college football.
In Warren’s final season with Penn State, he accumulated 104 receptions, 1,233 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns.
And as a 6-foot-6, 249-pound tight end, he’s a massive weapon in both the passing and running game.
Whether he’s asked to block or run a route, Warren showcased the ability to do both at an elite level in his final season with Penn State.
Considering the Colts’ lack of weapons on offense, adding Warren would be a huge get for Richardson.
While comparing him to someone like Rob Gronkowski is a bit bold, the two are built similarly.
Tyler Warren: 6-foot-6, 249 pounds
Rob Gronkowski: 6-foot-6, 265 pounds
And this isn’t comparing the two as prospects, rather, it’s showing how big of a person Warren is.
When Gronk had the ball in his hands during his NFL career, it looked like a linebacker running routes.
The same will be said about Warren.
And after seeing how quickly a high-level tight end can produce early in their career — thanks to Brock Bowers’ historic rookie season — the Colts would love if Warren came in and did the same.
Colts No. 49 pick: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
In their second selection by the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, the Colts sure up their secondary, adding safety Xavier Watts from Notre Dame.
Although the Colts have Nick Cross, he could be a cut candidate for Indianapolis in the 2025 offseason if they have eyes on Watts on their big board.
Cross had his best season with the Colts in 2024, ending the year with a 70.3 overall grade (51.0 pass-rush, 80.4 run defense, 64.3 coverage), per PFF.
While grades don’t mean everything when deciding a player’s talent, they’re a somewhat helpful tool.
Cross finished 2024 with 112 solo tackles, 43 receptions allowed, and three interceptions. So, it’s fair to say he played well in the Colts’ 2024 season.
But, Watts is a true ball hawk of a safety and one of the best safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he should be on the Colts’ radar.
With Notre Dame in 2024, Watts ended this season with six interceptions. The year before in 2023, Watts had seven interceptions, bringing his total to 13 picks over his last two seasons with the Fighting Irish.