The NFL Draft is three weeks away so IndyStar went to three sources for mock drafts: Co-Pilot's artificial intelligence and Super Simulator, a draft simulator. Which do you like best?
CO-PILOT MOCK DRAFT
Round 1, pick 14: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Warren is largely considered the best tight end in the draft (or at least the most complete at the highest level). The Colts have needed a big-time tight end for a few years now and struck out trying to get Brock Bowers last year. Warren to the Colts is one of the most-mocked pairings on the entire internet for a reason: it just makes sense.
Round 2, pick 45: OT Aireontae Ersey, Minnesota
Ersery is one of the more physically gifted offensive linemen in this draft, standing at 6-6, 331 pounds, with arms over 33 inches long and terrific pre-draft athletic scores. He's a three-year starter at left tackle and is scheme-versatile with the ability to maul in a phone booth or get out and block on the second level.
Round 3, pick 80: RB Damien Martinez, Miami
Martinez is a determined, balanced runner between the tackles, who can also catch and pass protect. The Colts attempted to get a legitimate RB2 last offseason by trying to bring Zack Moss back and checking into then-free agent A.J. Dillon, but their efforts fell flat.
Round 4, pick 112: CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
Porter is a cornerback with boundary and slot experience, valuable in Lou Anarumo's defense. He totaled six interceptions and eight pass breakups over three seasons.
Round 5, pick 145: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Nolen is a defensive tackle who can help bolster the Colts' defensive line. He is a massive human at 6-7 and moves better at his size than one would think.
Round 6, pick 178: TE Mason Taylor, LSU
Taylor is another tight end option for the Colts, providing depth and versatility at the position.
Round 7, pick 210: OT Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma State
Cooper is a tackle who moves well for his size and can provide depth on the offensive line
INDYSTAR ANALYSIS
No one's going to argue with Tyler Warren, a potential star at a position of need. Don't love the next two picks as the Colts seem comfortable with Braden Smith returning at right tackle, making the position less of a need, and while they need another running back and Martinez is a good one, spending a third-rounder on a backup running back doesn't seem like the best use of available resources.
Porter and Nolen fill depth needs at cornerback and defensive tackle and I like doubling up at tight end. Another tackle isn't needed but it's also a seventh-round pick.
Biggest mistake with this list is the Colts need a linebacker and Co-Pilot didn't address that need. Taking two tackles instead of a guard is also not maximizing the value from the draft.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NETWORK 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT SIMULATOR
(Player writeups from College Football Network)
