INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts made eight picks, starting with the No. 14 selection of the first round on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1: No. 14 overall: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
My take: This was a dream scenario for the Colts, who had targeted Warren for months and had him pegged as one of the players on their board they most coveted. There was widespread belief he would be picked before getting to Indianapolis, but the Bears' decision to opt for Michigan TE Colston Loveland left Warren available to the Colts. Warren will be a multi-dimensional tight end for Indy, which has been seeking a player at the position who can play in all situations. With Warren being an accomplished receiver and blocker, look for him to rarely leave the field.
Key stat: Warren's 104 catches last season for the Nittany Lions was an astounding breakout for him, more than tripling his production from the year before in 2023 (34 catches). That tells you something about the extent to which Penn State leaned on Warren, who accounted for a significant chunk of their offense with 1,451 scrimmage yards for the season. Warren had 12 total touchdowns, four of them coming as a runner as he demonstrated his ability to contribute as a fullback or H-back.
Will he start as a rookie: Warren joins a team that was in dire need of a tight end and figures to be a mainstay in the offense in Year 1. The Colts were last in the NFL in tight end receptions last season, and they did nothing to bolster the position in free agency. That means Warren has a direct path to extensive playing time and prime opportunity to work the middle of the field where coach Shane Steichen will look to find him favorable matchups.
What's next: The Colts are almost certain to take a long look at addressing both their offensive and defensive lines. They lost two offensive-line starters to free agency and will look to address the depth there as well. On the defensive line, the Colts have three key pieces headed for free agency after the season and a pair of 31-year old tackles. Also in play is weak-side linebacker after the departure of starter E.J. Speed in free agency.
Round 2: No. 45 overall: JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
My take: The Colts were destined to address their defensive line -- and edge specifically -- at some point in this draft. With three veteran defensive ends entering a contract year, GM Chris Ballard needed to act. Here, he gets a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection who plays with the toughness and versatility the Colts covet from edge players. His stout play against the run was undoubtedly a draw for Indy.
Will he start as a rookie: Tuimoloau is more than likely to be a rotational player in 2025, but he has a chance to get significant playing time right away. With the departure of Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency and with Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis entering the final years of their respective contracts, this is a bit of a longer-term pick with a chance to become more than that based on his play.
Round 3: No. 80 overall: Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota
My take: This was a surprising pick for Indy for a couple of reasons. First, the Colts didn't figure to be in the market for a cornerback early on in the draft. And, when they did select one, it wasn't expected to be one that was outside of their usual profile. The Colts typically prefer long athletes at cornerback, but here they opt for a 5-10, 190-pound prospect. Walley said he played in the slot a great deal last season and is seeking to see more playing time there.
Is this pick for depth or fill a hole? The Colts have one of the best slot defenders in the game in Kenny Moore II and most of their starting spots in the defensive backfield are spoken for. But depth has been an issue in recent seasons on the back end, meaning Walley could find his way onto the field if he positions himself with a strong training camp and preseason.
Round 4, No. 127: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State
My take: It was only a matter of time before the Colts addressed their offensive line. Here, they get a massive 6-foot-8, 339-pound prospect who allowed no sacks in 2024 while playing left tackle. The Princeton transfer yielded only four pressures last season. His immediate future will likely consist of competing for a role as a swing backup tackle, with a possible long-term future at right tackle, depending on what happens after this season with RT Braden Smith.
Round 5, No. 151: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
My take: The Colts' depth at running back behind Jonathan Taylor was problematic the past two seasons and was long overdue to be improved. Here, the Colts get a productive runner who was second-team All-Big 12 and a Doak Walker Award semifinalist. Giddens' 6.6 yards per carry last season was fifth among power conference running backs, and he had a combined 50 receptions the past two seasons. Giddens produced 1,343 rushing yards last season.
Round 6, No. 189: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
My take: The Colts have been contemplating adding a quarterback during this draft. The main question was how aggressive they'd be in pursuing one. Here, they wait until the later rounds to get a quarterback whose best traits might be his mobility and toughness. The likely path for Leonard at the outset will be to compete as the No. 3 quarterback.
Round 6, No. 190: Tim Smith, DL, Alabama
My take: The Colts needed to beef up the depth on the interior of their defensive line and did that with a stout defensive tackle who had notable production (35 tackles) despite often playing over the center. The Colts have two 31-year old defensive tackles in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, so this is a pick that takes into account the future of the position.
Round 7, No. 232: Hunter Wohler, LB, Wisconsin
My take: The Colts have had some success in converting safeties to linebacker and appear ready to try it again. Wohler, the Badgers' leading tackler last season (71 stops) as a safety, joins the Colts and is expected to be shifted to linebacker. Indianapolis has a void at weak-side linebacker after the departure of E.J. Speed in free agency. Wohler might not yet factor into the mix for the starting job, but he offers some potential depth and said he is well-prepared to contribute on special teams because of his extensive experience in the kicking game.