Colts Taking Note- Areas of Need in the Latest NFL Mock Draft

While the 2024 regular season may be far from over, it's never too soon to check out the draft class for the upcoming 2025 offseason.

The incoming group of prospects for the 2025 draft has received mixed reviews, with no clear-cut number-one player dominating the board, and less "elite" level talent compared to the early portion of last year’s class. However, while the outlook may not be as flashy as the previous offseason, the Colts still have a worthwhile opportunity to land an impact playmaker on either side of the ball.

Although the draft is still several months away, some media outlets have already begun projecting how the first round might play out when April rolls around. The latest mock draft from PFF has the Colts selecting 15th overall—coincidentally, the same spot they were in during the 2023 draft, where they selected edge rusher Laiatu Latu. This time, however, PFF predicts the Colts will prioritize offense, choosing Penn State tight end Tyler Warren to add another weapon for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Betting odds surrounding the Colts’ performance reflect the team’s outlook for the season. Currently, sportsbooks have set the Colts’ odds of making the playoffs in 2025 at +200, indicating a favorable but cautious view of their chances given the development of their roster. With promising odds, many football fans are already researching the best NFL bets today so that they can either place a wager on the current season or be prepared for the next season. Fans can place playoff prediction bets, as well as prop bets and parlay picks. 

Even with promising odds, it's no secret that the Colts are in desperate need of a reliable tight end. Their top tight end this season, Mo Alie-Cox, has struggled to make an impact with just 11 receptions for 132 yards even though he’s played nearly 100 games with the Colts. With the Colts' offense needing a boost, Warren’s addition could help provide that spark. Warren had a standout senior campaign with Penn State, posting 81 receptions for 978 yards and six touchdowns.

Adding Warren to an already promising receiving corps of Josh Downs, AD Mitchell, and Alec Pierce would give Richardson another vertical threat, aiding his development both in the short and long term. The Colts have struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm, and a strong, reliable tight end could make a significant difference. Warren’s ability to block and create mismatches in the passing game would open up opportunities for the entire offense, helping to elevate both the running game and the receiving corps. This would certainly help fill a glaring void at tight end, and the Colts would be wise to secure this much-needed asset.

Further down the board, PFF predicts that the Colts will address another major area of need in the secondary. At pick 47 in the second round, they foresee the Colts selecting USC safety Kamari Ramsey, with Kansas cornerback Mello Dodson slated for the 79th overall pick in the third round. Given that the Colts currently rank 29th in the NFL for passing yards allowed, adding reinforcements at defensive back would seem like a smart move to bolster their defense. With the league becoming more pass-heavy, it’s crucial for the Colts to solidify their secondary to prevent big plays and compete at a higher level. A strong defense is key to their long-term success, and these picks would give the Colts much-needed depth in their defensive backfield. Ramsey and Dodson, both skilled in coverage and ball skills, could help change the dynamic of the defense, bringing stability to an area that has been a weak point for the team. By addressing these gaps, the Colts could become more competitive against high-powered offenses in the league.

Strengthening their secondary would also allow the team’s pass rushers, such as the recently drafted edge rusher Laiatu Latu, to capitalize on opportunities by creating more pressure and forcing opposing quarterbacks into mistakes. A fortified defensive backfield can work in tandem with the pass rush, leading to more turnovers and better defensive consistency. The Colts need to ensure they are capable of shutting down top receivers and limiting explosive plays, which are essential for remaining competitive in the AFC South and beyond.

As the draft approaches, the Colts’ ability to address these critical areas will determine their future success. These picks would not only improve their defense but also build a stronger foundation for the team as a whole, positioning them to compete for the playoffs in the seasons to come.

Of course, it's extremely early in the scouting process for the 2025 draft, and the board is likely to shift significantly in the months leading up to April. As all football fans know, teams can quickly rise and fall with each season being unpredictable. 

That being said, with the Colts holding a middle-of-the-pack pick at 15th overall, their opportunities are still wide open. In the meantime, fans and bettors can keep an eye on shifting betting lines that reflect the evolving landscape of the 2025 NFL Draft, including which positions the Colts are most likely to target based on team needs and current draft projections.

Given what we know now, it’s hard to argue with the direction the Colts might be heading in, and this outcome could prove favorable for the team if it plays out as predicted. However, with several months until the draft, the betting odds are bound to change as teams adjust their strategies and new prospects rise to the forefront.