The Indianapolis Colts finished with an 8-9 record in 2024 and could’ve made more of a push for a playoff spot if they had more consistent quarterback play.
In what was another disappointing season for former top 5 pick Anthony Richardson, the Colts brought in veteran quarterback Daniel Jones who will challenge the third-year quarterback for the starting role. Other than QB, the Colts entered the offseason needing more weapons on offense and more impact players on defense. How did they address those needs in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Indianapolis Colts address top needs:
With tight end as a top need, the Colts benefitted from the Chicago Bears selecting Colston Loveland in the top 10. That enabled Tyler Warren to slip to No. 14. His playmaking ability should benefit whoever is under center for the Colts in 2025. The Colts also added a pass rusher in J.T. Tuimoloau and added depth at running back, the secondary and along the defensive and offensive line. Which rookies will stand out and make an impact right away?
Here are 3 rookies to watch for the Indianapolis Colts:
Round 1, Pick No. 14 – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State: The No.14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Warren has already been making his presence known in OTAs. The Penn State product dazzled in his final season in college and will make an impact in his rookie season with the Colts. A dynamic playmaker from the tight end position, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner should be a big target for whoever is under center for the Colts.
With his athleticism and pass-catching skills, the writing is on the wall for Warren to follow the same footsteps of Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers as a rookie tight end who will not only contend for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year but become a big factor in his team’s offensive attack.
Round 3, Pick No. 80 – Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota: A surprise pick by the Colts, Minnesota product Justin Walley not only gives the Colts depth at cornerback, but he could also challenge for snaps as a starting corner. With Kenny Moore II, Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones locking down the top 3 corner spots, Walley’s experience and size will put him in position to get on the field more for Colts as a rookie, especially with his ability to challenge bigger targets in pass coverage.
In all, Walley will at the very least give the Colts depth at the position. If there is injury, he is a player with the athleticism and experience at corner to step in and play a bigger role if needed.
Round 5, Pick No. 151– DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State: The Colts found a backup for two-time Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor by selecting DJ Giddens in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As the lead back for Kansas State the past two seasons, Giddens is a workhorse who will not only learn from Taylor but could have the veteran looking over his back.
In rushing for 1,343 yards during his final season at Kansas State, Giddens proved to be a productive running back with the ability to break off explosive plays whenever he touches the ball. His elusiveness and power will remind Colts fans of Taylor. His patience and vision will make him an effective power back Year 1 with the Colts and one of the more impactful rookie running backs in all the NFL.