Indianapolis Colts 2025 Draft Class: Rookie Stat Projections & Role Breakdown

With Anthony Richardson's future as the Colts' potential franchise QB up in the air, the Indianapolis Colts entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission: build around their 22-year-old QB to be able to truly evaluate him while adding plug-and-play talent throughout the roster.

During the draft, General Manager Chris Ballard stayed true to his identity—prioritizing physicality, versatility, and long-term roster balance. From a tight end built to thrive in Shane Steichen’s play-action-heavy scheme to developmental pieces on both lines, this class was about prioritizing high floor players that could have an impact on Day 1 at the expense of true top end potential.

Below, we break down each rookie’s projected role in Year 1, why they're a fit for the team, and realistic stat lines for Colts fans to expect from them this fall.

Round 1, Pick 14: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Role: Immediate starter at tight end.
Why He Fits: At 6’6” and 260 lbs, Warren brings Gronk-like physicality as a blocker and red-zone weapon. He’ll replace Mo Alie-Cox as a Y-TE due to his in-line abilities and his receiving skill set; whilst also having the option to be paired with Woods/Ogletree in 12 personnel. Shane Steichen’s offense ranked 5th in play-action usage in 2024, and Warren’s ability to seal edges for Jonathan Taylor and exploit linebackers makes him a perfect fit.

2025 Projection: 44 receptions, 410 yards, 5 Total TDs (3 receiving/2 rushing)

This stat line might be perceived as underwhelming for some Colts fans, as Warren has garnered a substantial amount of buzz, and he was selected 14th overall. However, considering that he will be the 3rd or 4th receiving threat in an offense with limited passing upside, 400+ yards and 5 total touchdowns is reasonable.

Round 2, Pick 45: J.T. Tuimoloau, DT, Ohio State

Role: Rotational EDGE.
Why He Fits: Tuimoloau’s explosiveness (22 TFLs, 12.5 sacks in 2024) gives Lou Anarumo a rotational EDGE rusher who has interior versatility as a 3i.

2025 Projection: 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 9 QB hits (45% snap share)

Considering the depth that the Colts currently have at EDGE, JTT will most likely not be a starter, but a rotational piece garnering 40-60% of snaps. Taking into account his ability to produce with both power and explosiveness off the LOS, along with a high motor, 3-5 sacks in his rookie season seems very plausible. I doubt JTT will ever become a consistent 10+ sacks a season player as he lacks a true elite ceiling, but he has all the tools to sustain a long career averaging 5-8 sacks a season along with being an asset against the run.

Round 3, Pick 80: Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota

Role: Nickel/dime package CB and Special Teams contributor.
Why He Fits: Walley’s tenacity (27 PDs in college) and toughness aligns with Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme. Walley could garner playing time in dime packages, and with Kenny Moore II entering free agency after 2026, Walley could audition for a larger role as a starter down the line.

2025 Projection: 18 tackles, 1 INT, 3 PDs

People who have been following me for a while know that I wasn't a fan of this pick. I have retroactively watched his film and understand why Ballard and Co. decided to draft him 80th overall; however, projecting him as a starter (even in dime packages) remains difficult. Most likely, barring any injury, he will be a rotational piece as I cannot see him playing over Brents/Womack/Jones. Nonetheless, he could carve himself a starting role in a few years, along with adding a component of toughness to the locker room.

Round 4, Pick 127: Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State

Role: Swing tackle behind Blake Freeland.
Why He Fits: Travis’ 6’7” frame and 0 sacks allowed in 2024 at Iowa State make him insurance for Smith (missed 19 games since 2021). Unlikely to see serious playing time in 2025, but has incredibly high ceiling.

2025 Projection: 0 starts, Special Teams contributor

Travis has a similar profile to previous Ballard players such as Freeland and Zach Banner (6'8'' & 335lbs). However, Travis has only 1 year of Power 5 film at Iowa State and still has some aspects of his game that need to be refined. His insane physique positions him well as a potential starter down the line, but it's all contingent on his development. Furthermore, considering Freeland and Goncalves both have swing tackle versatility, I highly doubt Travis sees the field during his rookie campaign outside of Special Teams.

Round 5, Pick 151: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

Role: RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor.
Why He Fits: Giddens’ 4.48 speed and 1,343 rushing yards in 2024 will lighten JT's load as Colts' primary RB. His size and natural catching ability make Giddens a reliable player in pass protection and a receiving threat.

2025 Projection: 85 carries, 374 yards, 1 TDs (4.4YPC). 18 receptions, 132 yards, 1 TD.

Giddens path to the field is going to be contingent on 3 things: high YPC, ability to blocking on passing downs, ability to catch out of the backfield. For the last few years, the Colts have not been able to consolidate all of those skills into one single RB. Taylor is one of the best rushers in the NFL (4.9 YPC), but he has struggled as a receiver and a blocker. Goodson has a good receiving profile, but his smaller stature makes him a major liability in pass pro. Sermon, on the contrary, has phenomenal pass protection skills, but his 2.8 YPC were atrocious. If Giddens can fuse all those skills together, he will not only earn himself 5-6 carries a game, but he could also position himself as Taylor's successor down the line.

Round 6, Pick 189: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame

Role: QB3 behind Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
Why He Fits: Leonard’s mobility (2,130 career rushing yards) mirrors Richardson’s skill set, making him a practice-squad developmental project.

2025 Projection: 0 regular-season snaps.

Everyone that has interacted with Leonard is infatuated with his intangibles. However, his physical skill set leaves a lot to be desired, specially from an arm talent standpoint. Leonard will spend the offseason competing with Jason Bean for the 3rd QB spot in the depth chart, with the loser being relegated to the practice squad.

Round 6, Pick 190: Tim Smith, DT, Alabama

Role: Depth nose tackle behind Grover Stewart.
Why He Fits: Smith’s 330-pound frame and two-gap ability provide rotational relief. He’ll eat blocks in early-down packages.

2025 Projection: 19 tackles, 0.5 sacks (25% defensive snap share)

The Colts' struggle to add a run-blocking 1-tech behind Stewart are well documented. Smith is the latest of many attempts to try and remedy the situation. Expect him to primarily play on early-downs or obvious running situations. Beyond that, his chances of staying on the roster will be contingent on his ability to perform on Special Teams.

Round 7, Pick 232: Hunter Wohler, LB, Wisconsin

Role: Special teams ace and backup WILL linebacker.
Why He Fits: Wohler’s 71 tackles in 2024 at Wisconsin scream high-floor tackler. He’ll compete with some bottom-of-the-roster personnel for Special Teams snaps, along with being a depth piece as LB/S.

2025 Projection: 17 tackles, 1 TFL

Wohler will be a S/LB hybrid who won't see a plethora of playing time outside of Special Teams. His best hopes for seeing the field will be to shine during the preseason by displaying excellent tackling and coverage ability versus other teams 2s and 3s.