What is the dream draft haul for the Indianapolis Colts in the first two rounds of this year's NFL draft?
Chad Reuter of NFL.com recently went through this exercise for all 32 teams, identifying what the "ideal" top two picks for each team would look like.
So who do the Colts end up with?
At pick No. 14, the Colts land Jihaad Campbell, the top-rated linebacker in this year's class from Alabama.
"Campbell's ability to defend the run, move in coverage and rush the passer bolsters the team's linebacker corps after the departure of E.J. Speed," wrote Reuter.
The Colts have a need at the linebacker position, specifically, they need to find a new starter to line up next to Zaire Franklin with EJ Speed now in Houston. GM Chris Ballard mentioned recently that the team likes second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies, but competition should be a key component when it comes to earning that playing time.
Campbell brings a do-it-all presence to the linebacker position, a skill set that would fit well in Lou Anarumo's scheme, where there is a premium on versatility and the ability to adapt.
As a blitzer this past season, Campbell tallied 20 pressures and eight sacks in 2024, according to PFF. He was also a very reliable tackler, one of PFF's higher-graded linebackers against the run, and he held pass-catchers to just 7.1 yards per catch with one interception and two pass breakups.
Then, at pick 45, Reuter likes Oregon edge defender Jordan Burch's fit with the Colts.
With Dayo Odeyingbo heading to Chicago in free agency, bolstering the depth at defensive end is a need for the Colts, not to mention that the draft is about planning ahead, and as we look to the 2026 offseason, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis are all free agents.
Burch has had steady production the last three seasons, averaging 33 pressures per year during that span, along with grading out well as a run defender by PFF's metrics. And like Odeyingbo, Burch can move around the defensive line, filling different gaps.
"These selections would give Indy two players who could help make the Colts defense the “all-time unit” leading tackler Zaire Franklin desires," Reuter wrote. "Look for the team to get value in the third or fourth round at two dire positions of need: tight end and interior offensive line."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Colts 'dream draft haul' emphasizes defense
