1 week Ago By Colts Wire
Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic put together a three-round 2025 NFL mock draft recently. So who did the Indianapolis Colts end up selecting with their three picks?Let's break down each of the selections with our instant takeaways.Colts pick at 14: Colston Loveland, TE, MichiganThere is no question that Loveland would provide the Colts' passing game with a boost.
His ability to attack all levels of the field and do so with a variety of routes makes him a matchup problem. This not only creates production opportunities for himself, but for others in the offense as well.With that said, how the Colts view Loveland as a blocker--an important element to playing tight end in Shane Steichen's offense--may determine whether or not they would select him at pick No.
14. Loveland has improved over his career in that phase of the game and the Colts will want to see that there is more room growth."There are days when I think Loveland might be right there with Warren as a legit top-10 prospect," Baumgardner wrote.
"An outstanding receiver who terrorized linebackers and has the ability to beat safeties (and some corners), Loveland is also a better blocker than people realize and one of the most dependable talents on the board. He’d be a perfect fit in Indianapolis."Colts pick at 45: Demetrius Knight Jr.
, LB, South CarolinaThe starting spot next to Zaire Franklin is available with EJ Speed in Houston. Maybe Jaylon Carlies can fill that role, but GM Chris Ballard--who wants to infuse the roster with competition this offseason--shouldn't assume that either. That is the line of thinking that hurt the Colts last season.
The bulk of Knight's 1,461 career snaps came over the last two seasons. The 2024 season was his first at South Carolina. We saw Knight generate 12 pressures as a blitzer and he was one of PFF's top run defenders at the linebacker position as well.
In coverage, he held opponents to a completion rate of under 70% and just 6.8 yards per catch.Ideally, what the Colts are looking for at linebacker is versatility, an important element in Lou Anarumo's scheme at the second and third levels, along with added coverage ability to pair with Franklin.
Colts pick at 80: Marcus Mbow, OL, PurdueI really like this mock draft for the Colts. They address their three biggest needs right away and do so with players who can contribute or compete for playing time immediately. Similar to Carlies at linebacker, maybe the answer at right guard for the Colts is on the roster already in Matt Goncalves.
But assuming that position change will be seamless comes with risks, and that's not something the Colts can afford to be wrong on. Regardless of who is at quarterback for them, strong play from the offensive line is a must, or not much else matters.Mbow spent the last two seasons at right tackle, but has nearly 700 career snaps at right guard, and could line up there at the NFL level.
For what it's worth, he graded out well in the run game, ranking 31st among all tackles, while in pass-pro, he surrendered 25 pressures and three sacks. During his 2022 season at right guard, Mbow gave up no sacks and 14 pressures.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Colts tackle biggest needs in The Athletic's mock.
