Stampede Blue
Could be better, could be worse...
According to ESPN longtime NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts earned a ‘B’ grade from their 2025 draft class—which was highlighted by first round pick and one of this year’s top tight ends Tyler Warren:
Indianapolis Colts: B
Top needs entering the draft: Tight end, guard, center and linebacker
The Colts have to figure out if Anthony Richardson (or even Daniel Jones) is their true franchise quarterback this season. But it’s really hard to do that if the quarterback’s supporting cast isn’t up to snuff.
Step 1 is getting playmakers. Tight end Tyler Warren will move all over this offense and dominate no matter where offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter puts him. Penn State used him as a traditional in-line tight end, an H-back, a fullback, out of the slot and lined up out wide. The Colts’ tight end room, led by Kylen Granson, managed 39 catches (last) for 467 yards (second last) and two TDs (tied for second last) in 2024. But drafting Warren should change everything there. He had 700 receiving yards after the catch last season.
Suddenly, Richardson has a reliable outlet who can haul in anything and stretch the seams, and Indy didn’t have to move up to get my No. 7 prospect. It was really the best-case scenario for GM Chris Ballard on Thursday.
Step 2 is addressing the protection. Remember, the Colts lost Will Fries and Ryan Kelly in free agency. They were 25th in pass block win rate last season (56.4%), and Richardson was one of the worst QBs in the NFL when pressured (20.2 QBR, 24th in the league). I think they fell a little short here. They waited until Day 3 and reached a bit even at that point in the draft, taking offensive tackle Jalen Travis at No. 127. I would have loved guard Marcus Mbow in that spot.
Two more picks to call out. JT Tuimoloau had 12 sacks last season, and the Colts ranked 31st in the NFL with a 26.2% pressure rate in 2024. He has a lot of upside as a second-rounder. And running back DJ Giddens will be a good backup to Jonathan Taylor. Giddens broke 1,200 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons.
For what it’s worth, when asked by a close friend what I ranked the Colts’ recent draft class, I gave a slightly better ‘B+’. After having Warren fall into their laps in Round 1, the Colts could’ve drafted all kickers from there on out, and I might’ve still been happy.
Ok, maybe not, but it was going to be hard to ruin that early momentum.
Still, I really liked the selections of Warren, versatile defensive end JT Tuimoloau, running back D.J. Giddens, and special teams ace LB Hunter Wohler, and we’ll see about the rest.
Kiper Jr. is right though that the Colts didn’t address their...
