What are Indianapolis Colts' biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Last Modified Apr 25, 2025 12:05 GMT
Indianapolis Colts' biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft
Chris Ballard. Source: Getty Images

The Indianapolis Colts had become a retirement home for quarterbacks after Andrew Luck announced his abrupt retirement after the 2018 season. However, in 2023, the franchise decided to tear off the bandage and selected Anthony Richardson at No.4 overall to pair him up with than new head coach, Shane Steichen.

However, nothing went the Colts' way as Richardson suffered a season-ending injury 4 games into his rookie year and was unable to build on his rookie season in 2024. The 2023 first-round pick has more interceptions than passing touchdowns. Chris Ballard brought former Giants castoff QB Daniel Jones into the building to provide competition to Anthony Richardson.

Indianapolis Colts’ biggest needs in the 2025 NFL Draft

The Colts' roster overall is pretty solid, as their primary needs are only at two spots: Tight end and Offensive guard. While they saw two starters on the offensive line walk out the door in free agency in center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, Indy already has an in-house replacement available in Tanor Bortolini at center, who started 5 games and showed promise in his rookie season in 2024. Ballard also spent big in free agency, shoring up the secondary. Let’s look at the positions the two-time Super Bowl champions need to address in Green Bay.

#4 Edge

They took one in the previous year (Laiatu Latu), but as the saying goes, you can never have enough defensive ends on the team. While it’s not a pressing need, the Colts can opt for an edge in a deep and strong defensive line class, as you can never have enough defensive ends on the team.

#3 Linebacker

Linebacker remains one of the biggest needs for Indy entering the 2025 NFL draft, with the free agent LBs EJ Speed and Grant Stuard signing with the Houston Texans and Detroit Lions, respectively. Ballard needs to find a partner for Zaire Franklin to patrol the middle of the field.

#2 Offensive Line

While Ryan Kelly’s replacement, Tanor Bortolini, was already taken one year ahead, the same thought process might push Indy to draft at least one tackle, with both of their tackles hitting free agency next year. However, the most prominent need at present for Chris Ballard is to fill the gigantic hole left by Will Fries, who left for Minnesota.

#1 Tight End

Chris Ballard can’t come out of this draft without solving the pressing need at tight end, which has been a major issue for this team over the past few seasons. While the Colts had three wide receivers eclipse the 800-yard mark in the passing game, there was not a single tight end in their arsenal who could even reach the 200-yard mark in the receiving game over a full season. Either Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren falling to 14 will serve as a dream scenario for Indianapolis.

Other NFL Team Needs in 2025 Draft -

FAQs on Indianapolis Colts Team Needs

A. The Indianapolis Colts have won two Super Bowls as of 2025. 

A. The Indianapolis Colts last won a Super Bowl in the 2006-07 season. 

A. Indianapolis Colts are picking 14th overall in the 1st round of the 2025 NFL draft. 

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