Indianapolis Colts: Rebuilding Through the Draft in 2025

The Indianapolis Colts are navigating an exciting, yet challenging, phase as they continue to reshape their roster with an eye on both short- and long-term success. With a promising future ahead, the 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Colts to not only add depth but also replace some of their key contributors lost to free agency. In particular, one position that could be in the spotlight is replacing a free agent starter. The Colts have the chance to address their roster needs with carefully selected prospects who can contribute immediately and build toward sustainable success.

In this analysis, we’ll explore the current state of the Indianapolis Colts roster, their recent free-agent decisions, and how they might use the draft to replace a departing starter. By looking at the specific position that may require a new face, we’ll break down potential prospects, the Colts’ draft strategy, and what the team might do to elevate their competitive edge.

The Colts’ Roster: A Glimpse Into 2025

Before we dive into the mock draft scenario, let’s first take a look at where the Indianapolis Colts stand in terms of roster composition. The Colts have made significant strides in recent seasons, improving their depth and talent across various positions. They still have some work to do in areas that have been inconsistent, including the offensive line, defensive line, and certain positions on defense.

The most immediate need, however, may arise from departures due to free agency. These losses create opportunities for the team to fill voids and elevate their roster with young, promising talent.

Free-Agent Losses and Potential Replacements

Every NFL offseason sees a wave of players leaving their teams for bigger contracts or a change of scenery. The Colts are no different, and in this case, the team is facing the potential loss of a key starter—whether on the offensive line, defense, or skill positions. Replacing a free agent starter can be one of the most critical moves for a team, and this is where the Colts could make a significant impact with the 2025 NFL Draft.

For the sake of this analysis, let’s assume that one key free agent starter the Colts are likely to lose is on the offensive line—a position that has been in flux in recent years. The Colts’ offensive line has historically been one of the team’s strengths, but they’ve had their fair share of injuries and inconsistencies. With a free-agent loss at left tackle or center, the team would need to look at the draft for a replacement that can come in and make an immediate impact.

The offensive line is crucial for any team that aims to control the ball and protect their quarterback. Whether the Colts decide to keep Anthony Richardson as their starting quarterback or look for other options in the near future, a rebuilt offensive line will be vital for success.

Draft Strategy: Replacing a Key Offensive Line Starter

Given that offensive line talent is often considered a key foundation of success in the NFL, the Colts will likely look to use their early draft picks to target a lineman who can step in immediately. The 2025 draft class features several offensive line prospects who are expected to be high-impact players in the NFL. The Colts need to find a player who can either start at left tackle or center, depending on where the team experiences the most vulnerability.

The Colts have the flexibility in their draft to either trade up or stay put at their position and still land an impactful player. Let’s take a look at some of the best options that could be available for the Colts in this mock draft scenario.

Potential Draft Picks to Replace a Free Agent Starter

1. Joe Fitzgerald – Offensive Tackle One of the top names that may be available for the Colts at pick 12 is Joe Fitzgerald, an offensive tackle out of University of Alabama. Fitzgerald is considered one of the most complete tackles in the 2025 draft class. His combination of size, strength, and technique could make him an immediate starter for the Colts at left tackle or even right tackle, depending on where they need him.Fitzgerald stands at 6’5″ and weighs 320 pounds, offering both size and power to dominate on the edge. His skill set is polished, with elite pass protection abilities and a strong run-blocking presence. Fitzgerald has been a consistent performer in college football, often praised for his football IQ and leadership on the field. He would provide stability to the Colts’ offensive line for the foreseeable future, helping protect their quarterback and establish a strong run game.
2. Corey Thompson – Center If the Colts decide that they need to replace their center, Corey Thompson out of University of Ohio State could be a perfect fit. At 6’3″ and 310 pounds, Thompson is widely regarded as one of the most NFL-ready centers in the draft. He is highly regarded for his ability to anchor the offensive line, as well as his communication skills with the quarterback and guards.Thompson’s athleticism and strength make him an excellent pass protector, and he also displays excellent footwork and agility on the move. His experience in a high-level program like Ohio State would make him an excellent candidate to step in immediately and become a leader on the Colts’ line.
3. Tanner Sanders – Offensive Tackle Another intriguing option for the Colts is Tanner Sanders, an offensive tackle from University of Georgia. Sanders brings a more traditional, hard-nosed approach to the tackle position. At 6’6″ and 330 pounds, he has the size to battle in the trenches and the power to dominate in the running game. Sanders has a tremendous work ethic, often praised for his ability to go up against some of the best defensive players in college football. His style of play would fit well with the Colts’ physical brand of football.While Sanders may take a bit more time to adjust to the NFL game compared to Fitzgerald, his upside is immense. If the Colts are willing to invest a bit of time into his development, he could become an elite tackle in the league.
4. Zachary Grant – Offensive Guard The Colts might also look at improving the interior of their offensive line. Zachary Grant, an offensive guard from University of Michigan, is another name to watch. Grant’s physicality, toughness, and ability to block in both the running and passing games could be exactly what the Colts need to bolster their offensive line. Though he may not be as highly touted as some of the tackles in this draft class, Grant’s consistent performances in college make him an intriguing option in the mid-to-late first round.

Rebuilding the Offensive Line: A Strategic Approach

When analyzing the Colts’ draft, their need to bolster the offensive line cannot be overstated. If the team loses a key offensive line starter in free agency, they will need to prioritize this area in the draft. The Colts have the luxury of selecting a high-end prospect who can make an immediate difference in keeping their quarterback upright and creating running lanes for the offense. A high pick like Joe Fitzgerald or Corey Thompson could be a game-changer, but a strong offensive line class means the Colts could also find a value pick in the mid-to-late first round or even early second round.

With this strategy, the Colts would be setting themselves up for sustained success in the trenches, ensuring both the offensive line and the quarterback have the protection needed to execute the game plan effectively.

The Long-Term Vision: Colts’ Draft Strategy Beyond the First Round

While replacing a free agent starter is a top priority in this scenario, the Colts will also need to look beyond their first-round pick to fill other needs. The team’s roster still has areas that could use improvement, such as at wide receiver, cornerback, and perhaps even linebacker. After selecting their new offensive lineman, the Colts will need to balance their draft board by selecting players who offer both immediate impact and long-term potential.