Stampede Blue
The Colts managed to address a variety of different position groups during free agency and the NFL Draft to revamp the roster ahead of the 2025 season.
In four weeks at the start of training camp, the Indianapolis Colts 2025 draft class will take their first stroll through the blue trail at Grand Park in Westfield before stepping foot on the practice fields in front of a stampede of football fans. The Colts managed to address a variety of different position groups during free agency and the NFL Draft to revamp the roster ahead of the 2025 season.
First round draft pick Tyler Warren already made an instant impression in veteran minicamp and began to develop a connection with the quarterback who took all the first-team reps, Daniel Jones. The First-Team All-American is a natural pass catcher in open space and will be an additional chess piece for head coach Shane Steichen to motion around the field and build play packages for. Warren has an opportunity to claim his role as the Week 1 starter at tight end during training camp once he gets to showcase more of his skills when the pads come on in late July.
Second round edge rusher JT Tuimoloau adds depth to a unit that has just one projected starter, Laiatu Latu, under contract past the 2025 season. One intriguing note to take during training camp will be how the Colts rotate the backup edge rushers on specific downs. At 6-foot-4, 269-pounds, Tuimoloau could potentially battle with Tyquan Lewis and Samson Ebukam to hear his name called as the next man up. Snaps will have to be earned on the edge more than any other position for the Colts after the departure of Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency. The returning veterans Ebukam and Lewis have a combined 98 NFL starts compared to Tuimoloau’s zero, so it may be a tough hill to climb for the 22-year-old with limited opportunities.
Third round draft pick Justin Walley is a versatile cornerback who could move inside to play nickel in defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defensive schemes. Walley made his first impression with the Colts by showcasing his competitiveness and running a 4.40, 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine despite wearing a cast on his hand. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound cornerback has elite speed to keep up with receivers in man coverage, plus the instincts to cut in front of routes for pass deflections or gamble for picks to the house. Anarumo mentioned there was “a very teachable moment” with Walley during minicamp, so the rookie is getting those opportunities to make those rookie mistakes and refine his skills among NFL veterans. With the second starting cornerback job opposite Charvarius Ward potentially up for grabs, Walley could make the most of every opportunity to move up the depth chart and earn a start at some point during his rookie season.
The Colts were thrilled to select Jalen Travis, a massive, 6-foot-7, 339-pound tackle...
