How strong is the 2025 NFL draft class at some of the big positions of need that the Indianapolis Colts have?
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus recently went through each position group in this year's draft class and assigned overall grades to each unit.
What every team desires in the NFL draft is the flexibility to let the board come to them. However, to varying degrees, there are almost always going to be limitations with that because there are only so many holes that can be filled in free agency.
The trickle-down effect of having a pressing need but at a position group that isn't very deep is that it can force a team to prioritize drafting that position early, which can limit the aforementioned flexibility they have, and hopefully doesn't lead to reaching. Conversely, even if a need is fairly big, if it's at a position group with depth, the team may have the luxury to hold off on addressing that need, knowing there is talent later on in the draft.
As we know, there are a lot of variables in play when it comes to how the draft unfolds, but team needs and positional depth are two of the larger ones that can carry a lot of weight. Let's see how this year's class stacks up where the Colts need the most help.
Tight end
PFF's grade: B
This, of course, is a top need for the Colts. Not only do they need depth, but as GM Chris Ballard said after the season, a greater pass-catching presence is needed at tight end as well. This was a unit last season where the four players on the 53-man roster combined for just 467 receiving yards.
Naturally, much of the attention will be on bolstering the passing game through this position, but the tight end's ability to be a reliable blocker is a must within Shane Steichen's offense as well.
Offensive line
PFF's grade for IOL: C
PFF's grade for OT: B-
The Colts' starting five up front could very well be on the roster already. However, with Ryan Kelly and Will Fries now elsewhere, the depth along the interior has to be bolstered with Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves presumably stepping into starting roles. It also wouldn't be a bad idea for Goncalves, who was a tackle in college and during his first NFL season, to have some competition at right guard.
In addition to that, if Goncalves is potentially starting at right guard, that means the Colts need to find a new swing tackle off the bench--or at least create competition for that role. Right now, the primary option for that role would be Blake Freeland.
Defensive line
PFF's grade for IDL: A-
PFF's grade for DE: A+
The strength of this year's draft class lies within the defensive trenches.
At defensive end, the Colts could look to add to their depth with Dayo Odeyingbo now in Chicago. That's also a lot of production that now has to be replaced after Odeyingbo led the team in pressures last season.
We also have to keep in mind that the draft is about planning ahead, and as we look ahead to 2026, Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis are all free agents.
Then, at the defensive tackle spot, the play behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart has to improve. It was not good enough last year with Raekwon Davis and Taven Bryan, and it shouldn't be assumed that Neville Gallimore and Adetomiwa Adebawore are going to provide the ...
