In a recent 2025 NFL mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts bypass tight end, safety, and cornerback in the first round to select an offensive lineman.
Joel Klatt of FOX Sports put together his first mock draft of the year and at pick No. 14, he had the Colts selecting Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou.
In three seasons at Missouri, Membou played nearly 2,100 offensive snaps, most of which came at right tackle, but as Klatt notes, he could be a guard at the NFL level.
Over his career, Membou surrendered only three sacks. Over the last two years, Membou gave up just 23 total pressures in 849 pass-blocking snaps.
In this most recent season, Membou ranked 11th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric among all offensive tackles and he ranked fourth in run-blocking grade as well.
“The Colts need to reinforce the offensive line to support Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor.,” wrote Klatt. “I think they can have a Ravens-like style of team where their quarterback and running back can hurt opponents on the ground. Adding talent to the offensive line would help the Colts be able to play that way.”
Success for the Colts on offense begins and ends with the offensive line. Anthony Richardson needs time and Indianapolis must have a run game to lean on.
However, while true, should the Colts be spending a first round pick on this position group?
The answer to that all depends on whether or not Will Fries returns in free agency.
If Fries is back, then the Colts starting offensive line is likely already on the roster. And while they need to bolster the depth of that unit, with all the needs the Colts have elsewhere on the roster, I don’t that they have the luxury this year to address the offensive line in the first round if things play out as just described.
But on the flip side of all that, if Fries were to end up signing elsewhere, then the offensive line becomes a top priority for the Colts. The only viable right guard option currently on the roster is Dalton Tucker, who was benched late last season.
It’s not often that we’ve seen an offensive lineman mocked to the Colts in Round 1, but you can understand why some might see that as a pressing need. However, we won’t truly know if that’s the case until free agency passes.