The Indianapolis Colts hold the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to several mock drafts, the Colts are projected to pick a tight end. Many fans want to see the Colts pick a tight end as that position has been a void this last decade. That said, they also need to fill a big void in the secondary. This draft is full of tight end and defensive back talent. Therefore, the Colts should be able to find their diamond in the rough in the first round. Here is a look at several potential playmakers who can make a big impact on the Colts and fill a big void.
The Dark Horse First-Round Picks for the Colts
Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren has been projected to be selected by the Colts in many mock drafts. This comes as no surprise considering that Warren is the best tight end in the draft and the Colts need a tight end. Therefore, the fit is practically perfect. According to NFL Draft Buzz, Warren ranks first amongst tight ends and eighteenth overall. The 6-6, 249-pound playmaker dominated the NCAA in 2024. He led the Big Ten in receptions and was second in the NCAA in the same category. He finished with 1,233 receiving yards which ranks second in the Big Ten and eight touchdowns which ranks eighth.
To add to his impressive resume, he also received the John Mackey Award in 2024. This award is given annually to the most outstanding college tight end. Some notable winners who have been successful in the NFL are Brock Bowers, T.J. Hockenson, Mark Andrews, Hunter Henry, and Tyler Eifert. The award does not always constitute a successful NFL career, but it does speak to the fact that the talent is immeasurable. This kind of talent is exactly what the Colts need in a tight end in the NFL Draft.
Colston Loveland
With Tyler Warren being considered a sure thing at tight end, there is a chance that he might be selected before 14. Therefore, that leaves the second-best standout tight end in Colston Loveland. According to NFL Draft Buzz, he ranks second amongst tight ends and ranks 23rd overall. Loveland is similar in size to Warren, but his production is far and away different. He played in six fewer games than Warren but still did not match his incredible production. Loveland averaged 58 yards per game, 10 yards per reception, and five touchdowns. Again, he is not anywhere close to the level of talent that Warren possesses, but Loveland has talent that will translate well to the NFL. Therefore, he would be a big asset to the Colts offense and should be considered in the first round of the draft.
Malaki Starks
Aside from tight end being the biggest need for the Colts, the safety position is another need and one that they can find in this year’s draft. Malaki Starks has appeared in some mock drafts as the Colts’ first-round pick. He ranks second amongst safeties, sixth amongst defensive backs, and 26th overall. Coming from a prime Georgia Bulldog defense, Starks ranked sixth in the SEC in solo tackles with 52 in 2024. He was a Consensus All-American in 2023 and had a quiet 2024 season with considerable production. Chris Ballard has done a fairly good job of selecting defensive backs who can translate well to the NFL. A pick like Starks would be no exception to that.
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