The Colts should draft a RT in Round 1

While there has been a consensus online for a while on who the Colts should take in Round 1, there is an underrated need that isn’t getting talked about enough.

Ask anyone online what the Colts should do in the 1st Round of the 2025 NFL draft, and you will likely get one of two answers:

• The Colts have to draft Tyler Warren, Tight End is a major hole.
• The Colts have to draft Malachi Starks, a top tier Safety is essential for Anarumo’s scheme.

And those answers are not without merit. Warren is the consensus top TE of the 2025 class, has a massive frame for potential blocking upside longterm and a strong Yards After the Catch profile with very reliable hands. Starks is a versatile defender who is scheme transcendent, has immense range, very reliable tackling, high IQ, can play nearly anywhere on the backend of a defense, and has coverage skills for all depths of the defense. They are great prospects at positions of need for the Colts, and if they are there at 14th overall the Colts would be hard pressed not to take one of them.

That being said…

The Colts should take a Tackle in Round 1 according to Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com.

Jeremiah, a long time analyst for NFL.com has said his mock drafts are less about his own personal analysis of players, and more about what he has heard around the league about where prospects’ stock is and what areas teams are interested in addressing. This makes his mocks generally more predictive in nature thanks to his connections.

The Colts taking Armand Membou, a Right Tackle out of Mizzou, is certainly a shock.

But should it be?

As the Colts Offensive Line suffered injuries to starters Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Braden Smith at various parts in the season, the depth of the line was tested. Rookies Matt Goncalves, Tanor Bortolini and Dalton Tucker got a lot playtime, and while the drafted ones (Goncalves and Bortolini) has their flashes, they were overall closer to average amongst their positions as rookies.

Both Goncalves and Bortolini could very well develop into good starters, but the Colts can not afford to leave the position unaddressed and not have depth in case of injury or competition for a Plan B. Goncalves showed impressive versatility and good run blocking, but his pass protection was lacking with a 57.1 Pass Pro Grade. Perhaps he can develop a better base or he improves as a pass protector as he gets more distance from an injury that ended his 2023 season at UCLA. Perhaps he is best as a 6th lineman swing tackle to give the Colts valuable depth in case of injury.

If the Colts want to protect their investment in Anthony Richardson, protecting him should be top priority, as like all QBs, his level of play is less efficient and effective when under pressure. Adding a potential upgrade at Right Tackle could be huge for the offense going forward, as there is no guarantee what Braden Smith’s NFL future is with his personal reasons forcing him to miss the end of the season.

Membou is a strong option as a 20 year old, multiple year starter with high end athleticism, power, and potential to slide to either spot on the right side of the line. As a starting RT he allowed just 9 pressures in 2024 while playing in the SEC without allowing a single sack, and was crucial for Kaleb Johnson’s rushing season (making the right side of the line the far more efficient side in yards before contact for Kaleb).

In this class the pick doesn’t have to be Membou, as the 2025 OL class boasts quite a few strong Offensive Linemen options: Will Campbell, Josh Simmons, Kelvin Banks Jr., Grey Zabel, Josh Conerly Jr. all could be taken in Round 1. Perhaps we shouldn’t dismiss a Colts Offensive Line pick early in 2025, especially with such uncertainty at multiple positions up front.