Who did The Athletic have the Indianapolis Colts selecting in a seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft?
James Boyd, who covers the Colts for The Athletic, recently put together his first mock draft and went through all seven rounds. It’s not often this time of the year that we get a full mock draft, so when we do, we’ve got to break it down.
With seven picks in this year’s draft, here is who Boyd had the Colts landing:
Pick 14: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
A natural fit for Indianapolis. The Colts are in major need of adding a pass-catching presence at the tight end position, and Warren was one of the most productive pass-catching tight ends in college football.
But in addition that, he would also bring versatility and a well-rounded skill set to Shane Steichen’s offense. When an offense has those abilities at the tight end position, coupled with the pass game presence, there is a layer of unpredictability that can now be leveraged and is an element the Colts haven’t had.
Now having said that, and I know I’ve brought this up before, while Warren is a popular pick in mock drafts for the Colts for the reasons mentioned, a lot of teams could benefit from having him. And of note, one of the best in the draft business, Daniel Jeremiah, had Warren as a top 10 pick in his first mock draft. In mid-February I’m not saying with any certainty that Warren won’t be available when the Colts are picking, but it is a real possibility.
Pick 45: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
Cornerback is another major need for the Colts, who ranked in the bottom third in several key pass defense categories in 2024.
Over the last two seasons, Thomas has allowed a completion rate of just 50% on 74 targets with one interception and 11 pass breakups. In 2024 specifically, he allowed just 8.3 yards per catch. Thomas has been a fairly sound tackler as well, by PFF’s metrics.
Pick 80: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Boyd acknowledges that Round 3 may be a bit early to take a running back. However, it is a need the Colts have to tackle this offseason. For one, improved depth behind Jonathan Taylor can lessen his workload over the course of a 17 game season.
But in addition that, as I wrote about after the 2024 season, a true pass-catching threat out of the backfield would add a different dimension to the Colts offense that defenses would have to account for.
This past season, Henderson averaged a whopping 7.0 yards per carry and eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark. As a pass-catching option, Henderson had 53 targets the last two seasons and averaged over 11 yards per reception.
Pick 116: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
GM Chris Ballard said there will be competition for Anthony Richardson this season. Now, in what capacity–whether it’s through free agency or in the draft–remains to be seen.
This would be a big swing, especially with safety still not addressed–unless, of course, the Colts did that in free agency. Also, once at this point in the draft, there’s a lot of unknown around what level of competition a quarterback can provide.
Leading Ohio State to a National Championship in 2024, Howard had a career year, completing 73% of his passes for 4,0003 yards with 35 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions.
Pick 152: Lander Barton, LB, Utah
Depth and improved play in coverage is needed at the linebacker position for the Colts. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can provide that coverage element, but he shouldn’t be handed that starting job either next to Zaire Franklin. EJ Speed and Grant Stuard are both free agents as well.
Barton was one of PFF’s higher-graded linebackers in run defense this past season. His play in coverage was a bit mixed, however, allowing a completion rate of 79% over his career at 11.0 yards per catch with four interceptions and four pass breakups.
Pick 191: Joshua Gray, IOL, Oregon State
The degree to which the offensive line has to be addressed is all dependent on if Will Fries returns. However, even if he does, with Ryan Kelly, Mark Glowinski, and Danny Pinter all free agents as well, interior offensive line depth is a must.
Gray is a very experienced player with over 3,800 career snaps, most of which came at left tackle, but he started at left guard in 2024. At guard, Gray allowed just one sack, 12 pressures, and graded out well as a run-blocker.
Pick 234: Jah Joyner, Edge, Minnesota
This is a position that Ballard has invested into fairly heavily but is a need depending on how free agency plays out. Dayo Odeyingbo could play elsewhere as a free agent and Samson Ebukam is a cut candidate.
Joyner has had steady production for three seasons, totaling 99 pressures and 15 sacks during that span. He’s also defended the run well by PFF’s metrics.