Colts Winners And Losers From 2025 NFL Draft

1. Winners: Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones

Winners

Anthony Richardson/Daniel Jones: In drafting Tyler Warren, the Colts have attempted to improve one of the worst tight end groups in the NFL. Warren’s strength as a yards after catch guy is something this offense has sorely been missing in years. Plus, there’s this misconception that Richardson is the lone one to blame for the lack of tight end production. It’s not like the position was substantially better with Joe Flacco under center last year either. With Richardson especially, the Colts need to find easy better and that’s where Warren should help. Also, the Colts didn’t make a quarterback pick until the middle of Round 6, so no real pressure from a higher drafted QB, which some thought was possible.

2. Winner: Lou Anarumo

Lou Anarumo: I didn’t necessarily think the Colts would spend 2 of their first 3 picks on defense in 2025, but they did that. Lou Anarumo’s arrival this offseason hasn’t come without Chris Ballard giving his new DC some resources.

3. Winner: Matt Goncalves

Matt Goncalves: By not selecting an offensive guard in the 2025 Draft, it is another sign of what the Colts think of Matt Goncalves in projecting him into the starting lineup at right guard. An early pick at guard could have impacted things here, but it is great news for Goncalves.

4. Winner: Jaylon Carlies

Jaylon Carlies: Similair to Goncalves at guard, the Colts actions (or lackthereof) at linebacker continues to make quite the statement for Jaylon Carlies. Zaire Franklin is obvious at linebacker, but the remaining playing time was very much up in the air entering the draft. The only somewhat linebacker attention the Colts got in the draft was in Round 7 with Wisconsin safety/turned linebacker Hunter Wohler. That’s great for Carlies, who started 5 games as a rookie, battling two separate injuries, and will miss a chunk of the offseason due to shoulder surgery.

5. Winner: Spencer Shrader

Spencer Shrader: We did see a couple of kickers get drafted in 2025, but the Colts stayed away from such an investment. Spencer Shrader will get some competition via the undrafted class, but he is certainly the favorite to be the team’s kicker in 2025, despite just 5 made field goals in his NFL career.

6. Loser: Tight End Room

Losers

Tight End Room: This group was expected to be in the “loser” category with the Colts needing to add a major piece to the tight end room. And they did that with Tyler Warren, who is expected to be a 3-down player from Day 1. Sure, the Colts will rotate other tight ends in and out of the lineup, but the arrival of Warren means limited chances, particularly in the receiving game.

7. Loser: Kwity Paye

Kwity Paye: For a second straight draft, the Colts spent an early pick at defensive end. What does that mean for Kwity Paye playing out the final year of his rookie contract? More than Laiatu Laut, JT Tuimoloau has some Paye vibes, with more college production. It’ll be interesting to see what rookie impact the Ohio State product will give and if that impacts Paye’s second contract.

8. Loser: JuJu Brents

JuJu Brents: At this point, JuJu Brents first needs to prove he can stay health before he gets overly concerned about the depth chart. But it can’t be ignored that the Colts did spend a 3^rd round pick at corner and believe Justin Walley can play outside (and not just a future slot corner). Remember, Lou Anarumo was not part of drafts with 90 percent of this defense, so as the personnel starts to turn over, the “Gus Bradley guys” carry less weight.