“Following another incomplete season from quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts have a chance to provide him with more support during the 2025 NFL offseason. With several roster needs, the team faces a crucial offseason, including key free-agent acquisitions.
However, once free agency wraps up, focus shifts to the 2025 NFL Draft—an event fans are already eagerly anticipating. While NFL teams are preparing as well, fans can get an early look at potential draft scenarios using the PFN Mock Draft Simulator. This tool allows teams to make simulated selections, with trades occurring when deemed appropriate by the system. In this particular simulation, multiple trades took place.”
Colts 2025 NFL Draft position needs: TE, S, CB, OC, OG
“Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Colts have pressing needs in several key positions.
One of their most significant weaknesses—potentially contributing to Anthony Richardson’s early struggles—was the lack of production from the tight end position.
Among the four tight ends on the roster (excluding Jelani Woods, who spent the season on IR), they combined for just 39 receptions, 467 yards, and two touchdowns. That level of production would be average for a single tight end, making it particularly concerning when spread across four players.
Fortunately for the Colts, the 2025 draft class is deep at tight end, giving them a prime opportunity to address the issue.
Beyond tight end, Indianapolis’ most urgent needs include safety, cornerback, center, and guard.”
So, with the Colts’ needs in mind, how did the PFN Mock Draft Simulator attack the first round?
The PFN Mock Draft Simulator (with trades) is a tool for fans to put themselves in the seat of a general manager for an NFL franchise during the NFL Draft. This tool compiles data from PFN’s NFL Draft big board and user-submitted mock drafts to give fans an idea of where prospects could land in the actual draft. A computer simulation made these picks and trades
TRADE! Colts No. 13 pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Trade details: IND sends pick No. 14 and 80 for No. 13 from MIA
“In a first round filled with action—including seven trades—one of the biggest moves saw the New York Jets trade up to No. 4 to draft Cam Ward. Meanwhile, the Colts secured their tight end of the future, selecting Tyler Warren.
Physically, Warren has a build that might remind some of Rob Gronkowski, but any direct comparison would be premature. Gronk is a Hall of Famer, while Warren, despite being a five-year starter, didn’t surpass 500 receiving yards until his final season.
While it’s impossible to rule out Warren reaching elite status one day, making such an assumption before he’s even tested at the NFL Scouting Combine would be bold.
That said, Warren remains one of the top offensive prospects in this draft, excelling in both the passing and rushing game. In 2024, he posted 104 receptions, 1,451 all-purpose yards, and 12 total touchdowns. Given the Colts’ lack of standout talent at tight end, his arrival could be a major boost for both Anthony Richardson and the offense.
His blocking ability also makes him a valuable asset in the run game, especially alongside Jonathan Taylor. Warren proved his reliability as a blocker, earning a strong 81.5 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024—a number that aligns with what the film shows.”
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And as a team frequently mentioned as a good landing spot for Warren, the Penn State tight end could make a great career for himself in Indianapolis.
The PFN Mock Draft Simulator agreed so much that they had the Colts trade up one spot to get him.
TRADE! Colts No. 63 pick: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Trade details: IND sends pick No. 45 for No. 63 and 76 from KC
“After making a strong first-round selection, the Colts had to wait for their next pick due to their second-round trade.
Finally, with the second-to-last pick in the second round, the PFN Mock Draft Simulator selected Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter for Indianapolis.
Despite sharing a last name with Joey Porter Jr., there’s no relation between the two, though their similar size might suggest otherwise. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 201 pounds, Porter’s frame makes sense given his transition from wide receiver to cornerback.
As a prospect, there are a few key things to note about him.
First, he turned 24 in January, making him older than Colts receiver Josh Downs. Typically, NFL players are working toward their second contract at that age, so entering the league this late has likely caused him to slide down draft boards. That said, while his age impacts his draft stock, it doesn’t mean he lacks potential.
A former high school track star, Porter set an Iowa Class 4A state record in the 400 meters, clocking in at 46.99 seconds—so his speed is undeniable, and it translates well to his game.
However, he has limited in-game experience, logging just 639 total defensive snaps across six college seasons—an average of roughly 105 per year. Despite this, he put together his best collegiate season in 2024, earning a 90.0 PFF coverage grade and an 82.6 overall defensive grade.
Porter’s combination of length and speed makes him an intriguing prospect, as his frame forces quarterbacks to approach him differently than smaller corners. However, he does have some stiffness in his movements, particularly in his hip fluidity, which is one of the biggest concerns about his game.
Considering the Colts’ secondary allowed over 225 passing yards per game last season, adding an experienced player like Porter could be beneficial. While he isn’t the most polished prospect, his raw tools and potential make him a compelling developmental player who could thrive with the right coaching.
With that selection, the PFN Mock Draft Simulator addressed another key Colts need—with one more pick still to go.”
