It is no secret that the Indianapolis Colts have a big offseason ahead of them. After a mediocre campaign that ended with an 8-9 record and another missed playoff appearance, the pressure continues to mount on general manager Chris Ballard and this front office to get this scheme back on track.
The current situation effectively adds increased attention to what could await the Colts during the upcoming draft season. Indianapolis holds the 14th pick in the first roundas well as the rest of their selections on the board from rounds two to seven.
And with the Colts’ season winding down, predictions have already started to come in about what Indianapolis should do in the first round alongside their later selections.
The latest projections come from Athletics and Dane Brugler running a two-round simulationpinning Indianapolis with two attractive prospects.
Brugler kicked things off for the Colts in the first round by picking a very popular selection: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
“This pairing is going to be popular throughout – and it’s easy to see why,” Brugler wrote. “Warren will have the testing numbers that general manager Chris Ballard covets, and he’s NFL-ready and quarterback-friendly, exactly the combo the Colts should target to help Anthony Richardson develop. Let’s be real: this scheme must recruit players who help win matches immediately.
Warren would be an immediate boost to the Colts passing game and would especially help add some much-needed optimism to an Indianapolis tight end room that has been lacking in recent seasons.
Warren finished his 2024 campaign with the Nittany Lions appearing in 16 games recording 104 receptions, 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. At 6-foot-6 and the ability to be a dangerous vertical threat, his presence in this Colts offense would be an extremely valuable addition for Anthony Richardsonand can hopefully give this passing attack a boost in much-needed versatility.
Later in the second round, Brugler calls for the Colts to prioritize the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. With their 45th pick, Indianapolis landed cornerback Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State.
Thomas would help alleviate some of the concerns the Colts saw in their cornerback room throughout last season. He started for the Seminoles in each of their 12 games last season, recording 52 tackles, four PBUs and one interception. At 6-2 and 198 pounds, he possesses ideal NFL size and could emerge fairly quickly with a significant role in the Indianapolis defense.
The Colts ranked 26th in the NFL in opposing passing yards in 2024. A change in Gus Bradley at defensive coordinator could help see improvements on that side of the defense, but a second-day prospect in the secondary could be a major help. Also.
It’s hard to hate this potential outcome for the Colts. Providing help on both sides of the ball at two needed positions could be exactly the type of approach Ballard and Indianapolis need to have in April’s draft. Only time will tell if this comes to fruition.
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