Colts 7 round mock draft: Indy pulls off a trade and focuses heavily on offense by adding talent at TE, RB, OL and even QB

We are just under three weeks away from the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

As the dust settles on the first wave of NFL free agency, things are starting to look clearer regarding how the Colts may operate during the draft. So, without further ado, It’s time for my newest predictive Colts seven-round mock draft, which kicks off with a trade.

Colts 7-round mock draft

TRADE:
Colts send picks 14 and 151 (fifth) to the Seahawks for picks 18, 82 (third), and 137 (fourth)

The most popular targets for the Colts at pick 14 often mentioned are tight end Tyler Warren, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and even a few offensive linemen. The fact that so many around the league are down on the top end of this class seems like the perfect year for Chris Ballard to pull off the trade back that we all know he loves and still land a day-one starter at a position of need. The Seattle Seahawks have a lot of draft capital this year, and I think using it to trade up a few times may make more sense for them than rostering all their current picks.

1. 18: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) makes a catch against Oregon defensive back Kobe Savage (5) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. 

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

You don’t see Michigan’s Colston Loveland mocked to the Colts much due to Tyler Warren seeming to be a better fit. But Loveland is arguably the best route runner at TE in the class and is still only 20 years old with a lot of room to grow. Some question if he will ever be a good blocker, but playing for Harbaugh clearly made him a willing blocker. As he develops his body into a final product over the next few years, I think he will improve in that regard naturally. He would come in and be the best weapon the team has had at TE since at least Eric Ebron. And if the Colts can trade back and land that type of weapon for their offense, along with more draft capital, I think they would pull the trigger.

2. 45: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA

The Colts have lost a lot of meaningful snaps as a linebacker this offseason. Starter EJ Speed signed with the Texans, and key reserve Grant Stuard left to join the Lions. They need to add to the room and haven’t done so in free agency at this time, which seems to point towards the team using valuable draft capital on the position. One of the best fits in this class is UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger. His skill set is very impressive as he showed the ability to drop back in coverage efficiently, as well as making plays in the backfield. He would have the ability to develop into wearing the green dot for Lou Anarumo and would likely be a day-one starter.

3. 80: Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia

The Colts used the third and fourth rounds last year to find potential future starters on the offensive line in Matt Goncalves and Tanor Bortolini. I think they could use that plan again if they elect to pass on taking a guard in round one. Georgia’s Tate Ratledge stands out as someone the Colts could be high on. An elite athlete at the position who would offer the team the chance to have a legit competition for Goncalves in training camp to be the starting right guard.

3. 82: Oluwafemi Oladejo, Edge, UCLA

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive lineman Oluwafemi Oladejo (DL58) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Colts only have one edge rusher on their roster, who is currently under contract past the 2025 season, and that is Laiatu Latu. So you have to assume a pick in this class goes towards the position. UCLA’s Oluwafemi Oladejo could make a lot of sense. With the right coaching, he is an unreal athlete who many believe could take a massive jump as a pass rusher in the NFL. This is the second UCLA defender in this mock, with Oladejo reuniting with Swesinger. And though some may think they both played with Latu in 2023, this would be inaccurate. Oladejo transferred to UCLA this past season after beginning his career at Cal.

4. 117: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

The Colts need to find a more reliable backup for Jonathan Taylor at running back and this draft class offers them countless options to consider. One of my favorites is Miami’s Damien Martinez, who would be able to some of the rushing snaps off Taylor’s workload. Martinez is also one of the most proven pass blockers at RB in the class, and that’s an area that the Colts haven’t felt comfortable having Taylor do in recent years. Last year it even caused them to use Trey Sermon during two-minute drills, who didn’t offer much at all as a runner. Martinez would give the Colts both and also has the potential to develop into a three-down starter later in his career.

4. 137: Thor Griffith, DT, Louisville

Even in a stacked defensive tackle class, Thor Griffith isn’t talked about nearly enough. He made life on interior lineman hard anytime he was on the field. He made his presence known against both the pass and the run and could be a fit to play multiple different roles at DT at the pro level. At 320 pounds, he moves better than he should, which led to his impressive pass rush win rate numbers, and he constantly overpowered guards and centers on his way to bringing the running back to the turf.

6. 189: Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin

A Wisconsin offensive lineman who moves well for his massive 6-7 frame, this might as well be a dream day-three prospect for Chris Ballard Nelson projects as a tackle who will need to get stronger before he can play any meaningful snaps. But even as a rookie could be decent competition for Blake Freeland to be the team’s swing tackle long-term. And who knows, the Colts just saw their former seventh-round pick Will Fries become a full-time starter in Indianapolis before landing a massive contract with the Minnesota Vikings, so maybe they can find another diamond in the rough in Jack Nelson.

7. 232: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana

Dec 20, 2024; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) throws during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. 

Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The Colts lost Sam Ehlinger to the Denver Broncos this offseason and, even after signing Daniel Jones, are likely going to add another before training camp begins. The team will want to add competition for their emergency QB three job to battle with Jason Bean. One option I think they could look at as intriguing is Kurtis Rourke out of Indiana University. Rourke excelled in a heavy RPO offense and showed off elite patience in the pocket, which I think would entice Shane Steichen. His mobility last season is a concern, but knowing now, he played the entire year with a torn ACL explains why. I think he could develop into a better version of Gardner Minshew and be a long-term backup in a scheme similar to Steichen’s.


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