The Indianapolis Colts had a strange 2024 season, hanging around the playoff picture until a bad Week 17 loss to the New York Giants. The Colts brought in Danile Jones to push incumbent quarterback Anthony Richardson, but will need help to reclaim command of the AFC South.
The Colts have seven picks in the 2025 NFL Draft (one in each round), and PFSN’s Ian Cummings’ latest seven-round mock draft has the Colts adding an offensive weapon early before adding depth on both sides of the trenches.
14) Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
“On one hand, the Indianapolis Colts have a deep WR room and an engine for a run-first offense in Jonathan Taylor,” Cummings wrote, “On the other hand, the lack of an X-factor at TE — a player who can impact the offense in both phases at a high level — may be hamstringing the unit.”
Loveland won’t enjoy the quality of QB play he desires after leaving Michigan, but he is indeed an X-factor for the Colts with his elite athleticism, route running variability, and smooth catch-point skills. And at 6’6″, 248 pounds, he has high upside as a blocker.
45) Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Cummings said, “A fringe first-round prospect on my board, Carson Schwesinger is a tremendous add at this stage, with high-level gap instincts, range, and fluidity as a coverage linebacker.”
Schwesinger is a higher-energy player who is constantly around the football. He is an instinctive and athletic defender who will shine in today’s modern NFL defenses. While the lack of experience and take-on ability are fair concerns, the upside with this player is exciting.
80) CJ West, DT, Indiana
Cummings wrote, “A diverse one-gapping 1-tech with 3-tech flexibility, CJ West makes the Colts’ defensive line sturdier on Day 1, and he can inhabit several different fronts while disrupting.”
West played four years at Kent State before transferring to Indiana, where he totaled 40 tackles and two sacks in 2024. His length could limit West in the NFL, but he’s quick to diagnose blocks and has a better pass rush repertoire than expected.
117) Jackson Slater, OL, Sacramento State
Slater’s size and length (6’3″, 311, 32″ arm) will cap his NFL ceiling, but his toughness and strength will make him a quality depth piece. The fourth round could be early for a swing interior offensive lineman, but Slater should be at his best blocking for Jonathan Taylor.
151) Elijah Ponder, EDGE, Cal Poly
Ponder is a pass rush first player who totaled 41 tackles and seven sacks in his final year at Cal Poly. His pass rush arsenal is more developed than most small school prospects, and he gets off the ball with a quick first step. Ponder will have to continue developing his pass rush ability to make it in the NFL, but is worth a swing in the fifth round.
189) Dalton Cooper, OT, Oklahoma State
A five-year starter, Cooper played three seasons at Texas State before joining the Cowboys in 2023. This is an experience, big offensive tackle who will compete for a swing role in the NFL. His run blocking will need work, but Cooper can hang his hat on his pass protection. If he improves his flexibility, he’ll have a chance to be more than a career backup.
232) Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Leonard is a tall, athletic quarterback whose creativity with his legs makes him an intriguing prospect. He’s made some pretty throws over his three years as a collegiate starter, but he puts himself in bad spots with inconsistent processing and accuracy. Leonard projects as a toolsy backup and could fit in well with Richardson and Jones.
