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Indianapolis Colts 2025 NFL Draft Grades
- Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) runs passed Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Donovan Hinish (41) in the first half in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The NFL Draft has come and gone. That being said, let’s give a grade on all the players the team picked, then give an overall grade for the whole draft. The Colts made sure they got the guys they wanted and knew would help get this team to the next level. The front office would also gain a pick in a day three trade, giving them a total of eight players they took in the NFL Draft. Let’s look and give each one a grade.

14. Tyler Warren- A-

The Colts got exactly who they wanted in the first round and didn’t even have to trade up to get him. Ballard and the Colts stated that the ideal mold for a tight end in their minds was a tight end like Jack Doyle, a former Colts tight end. Doyle was very successful here in Indy, and I see a lot of the same traits in Warren. This will make the tight end room a whole level higher in terms of talent on the roster. This was an awesome day one win for the blue and white.

45. JT Tuimoloau- B+

They picked up a great edge rusher from the National Title team of Ohio State. He will add much-needed pressure to opposing quarterbacks. He has an amazing power rush that he showed on full display in the College Football Playoff with 6.5 sacks. His game revolves around power and force, which he uses to shed blocks cleanly. This pick comes with great value, as some saw this guy as a first-round talent, a great pick for the Colts.

80. Justin Walley- B

Walley is an experienced corner, starting 42 of his 49 games while at Minnesota. He has great mirror and match footwork at the beginning of routes, but he stops trusting his technique the longer the route goes. He has speed, size, and ball production that he uses to his advantage. He will need to refine his technique and be able to be coached for a starting job in his future. Great addition to the roster.

127. Jalen Travis- B-

This tall tackle has proportional mass and length. Like most taller tackles, he is not a good knee bender. Meaning that he doesn’t drop his pad level, it’s hard for him to be an anchor blocker, and it’s also hard in tight quarters for him. All this is just coaching, and Tony Soprano Jr. is great at coaching. He also uses his length to his advantage, covering up some of those flaws taller tackles have. This pick will be a great depth piece on the roster.

151. DJ Giddens- A+

I absolutely love this pick in the fifth round at running back. Giddens will have a chance to come in and be the second back on the roster; he has that potential. He is a big back who follows his blockers and allows them to get to their blocks before cutting to the hole. He also has very strong hands, with only one fumble lost over the last two seasons. The last two seasons, he has only had one fumble. He doesn’t turn over the ball. He will fit great in the running back room in Indy.

189. Riley Leonard- B

I predicted in one of my mock articles that the Colts would draft a quarterback in the later rounds at some point. They took a QB that was under the radar for me in Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard. He is more of a runner than a passer, meaning he struggles when he has to progress past his primary reads. His controlled throws, on the other hand, are spot on. He is comfortable in the face of pressure and doesn’t make the wrong decision in the red area. The Colts will hope to develop this young quarterback into a starter one day.

190. Tim Smith- B+

This defensive tackle from Alabama is a great run plugger, much more than he is a playmaker. That is the reason the Colts drafted him is to be a run stopper behind Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. He has accurate hand strikes and anchors down to clog up running lanes. He will need more scheme to get home as a rusher, but he does have enough power to get into the pocket on occasion.

232. Hunter Wohler- B-

This safety-turned-linebacker will primarily be utilized as a hybrid in the Colts’ defense. He has a hustle-based playing style that helps create extra tackle production. He has the speed to cover tight ends, but he will not be able to keep up with slot receivers. The team will primarily use him on special teams, which they need help with.

Colts Final Grade- A

The final grade for the entire 2025 Colts draft class is an A. They found great value in all their picks and added players at positions they needed. Ballard worked his magic again this offseason and may very well be building the roster that could save his job as the Colts’ GM. Stay tuned for all the Colts news all year round on Total Apex Media.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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