2025 NFL Yearbook: Indianapolis Colts

A season preview of the Indianapolis Colts.

All Access Football NFL Yearbook Series Counts you down to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game with an in-depth look at 32 organizations in 32 days. Presented by the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS || NO.30 — PANTHERS || NO.29 — TITANS || NO.28 — BEARS || NO.27—RAIDERS || NO.26 — SEAHAWKS || NO.25—JAGUARS || NO.24—COWBOYS || NO.23—JETS || NO.22—GIANTS

2025 NFL YEARBOOK: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

AFC SOUTH || 2024 RECORD: 8-9 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 21

TEAM BRASS

Owner: Carlie Irsay-Gordon || General Manager: Chris Ballard || Head Coach: Shane Steichen || Offensive Coordinator: Jim Bob Cooter || Defensive Coordinator: Lou Anarumo || Special Teams: Brian Mason

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (19 of 32)

Treatment of Families: B- (16th) || Food / Dining Area: C (25th) || Nutritionist / Dietician: B+ (18th) || Locker Room: B (14th) || Training Room: B (13th) || Training Staff: B (15th) || Weight Room: B- (23rd) || Strength Coaches: A- (14th) || Team Travel: D+ (27th) || Head Coach: A (11th) || Ownership: B (20th)

The Colts ranked 19th overall in the league, improving over the previous season when they ranked 22nd. While the arrival of coach Shane Steichen received strong support for helping install a positive culture, the addition of Mike Minnis helped improve the strength program from a C to an A-, which was one of their biggest improvements. Other areas players recommended be improved were their food program and the travel program.

OVERVIEW

With quarterback questions abound within the division, none are more bigger than the dilemma that Indianapolis has on their hands. The Colts rolled the dice on Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in 2023 and thus far, he has yet to deliver on the potential. Hence, veteran Daniel Jones was signed as an insurance policy. Both options could be code for ‘doom.’ Thankfully, the selection of tight end Tyler Warren will provide a valuable security blanket and a weapon over the middle. Most notable was the boost in the trenches, as Indy added some bodies on both the offensive and defensive line. The sneaky selection of DJ Giddens gives them an added bonus of another dangerous runner who possesses size, speed, power and elusiveness. (photo: Indianapolis Colts)

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 334.8 (13th) || Passing: 197.7 (25th) || Rushing: 137.1 (8th) || Points: 22.2 (17th) || Sacked: 32 (9th) || 3rd Down: 37.9% (9th AFC)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 361.2 (29th) || Passing: 229.4 (26th) || Rushing: 131.8 (24th) || Points Allowed: 25.1 (24th) || Sacks: 36 (25th) || Turnover Differential: - 4 (19th)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Quentin Nelson, Offensive Guard

2. Jonathan Taylor, Running Back

3. Zaire Franklin, Linebacker

4. DeForest Buckner, Defensive Tackle

5. Tyler Warren, Tight End

6. Ryan Kelly, Center

7. Bernhard Raimann, Offensive Tackle

8. Michael Pittman, Wide Receiver

9. Alec Pierce, Wide Receiver

10. Camryn Bynum, Safety

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Tyler Warren, Tight End (23)

2. Laiatu Latu, Defensive End (24)

3. Josh Downs, Wide Receiver (23)

4. Jaylon Jones, Cornerback (23)

5. Matt Goncalves, Offensive Guard (24)

6. Nick Cross, Safety (23)

7. Anthony Richardson Sr., Quarterback (23)

8. Adonai Mitchell, Wide Receiver (22)

9. JT Tuimoloau, Defensive End (22)

10. Jalen Travis, Offensive Tackle (23)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

When Indianapolis made Anthony Richardson the fourth overall pick, they envisioned him to be much further along in his development entering year three. With more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (11), it was only right for the Colts to bring in competition. It might be the match needed to light the fire beneath Richardson, who has drawn criticism for his lack of preparation. The organization has provided all the pieces necessary to succeed … Regardless of the quarterback, slot scatterbug Josh Downs is expected to be zig-zagging his way through opposing defenses once again. Downs has been largely praised for his notorious work ethic and gritty toughness, as someone who battles through injuries. He could be in store for a career type year … The learning curve of Laiatu Latu (photo: Indianapolis Colts) is a work in progress but early indications have generated positive reviews. While the numbers don’t jump off the stat-sheet, Latu was a constant presence in the backfield with 38 pressures a year ago. He would finish with just four and a half sacks but is being counted on to have a double-digit type impact this year, as he develops into a finisher on the edge.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.14. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State — What a great weapon for the Colts offense, regardless of who wins the quarterback job, Warren will be the safety valve underneath that the team needs. Plus, he can help boost the run game with his blocking.

Rd.2 No.45. JT Tuimoloau, ER, Ohio State — An experienced edge rusher with a high motor and savvy technique, Tuimoloau has a limited ceiling but can be a solid starter for a long time.

Rd.3 No.80. Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota — A four-year starter, Walley projects as a slot cover man. However, buyer beware, as opposing quarterbacks completed 42% of their attempts on him this past season.

Rd.4 No.127. Jalen Travis, OT, Iowa State — On the final day, general manager Chris Ballard found excellent value, starting with Travis who brings prototype size, smarts and experience. He stands a very good chance to win a starting job in training camp.

Rd.5 No.151. DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State — An explosive runner with a bit of an upright style, Giddens is a change of direction slasher with power who can spell Jonathan Taylor when needed.

Rd.6 No.189. Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame — If the shoe fits … with no clear cut starter, why not inject the heady Leonard into the mix, who is also a dual-threat quarterback like Richardson and Jones.

Rd.6 No.190. Tim Smith, DT, Alabama — A reliable run-stuffer who gets by on size, strength and technique, Smith projects as an early, two-down run-stuffer.

Rd.7 No.232. Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin — A college safety who flies to the football, the Colts plan on transitioning Wohler over to linebacker, where his size and instincts can be better utilized.

OVERALL IMPACT = 4 High Impact

ADDITIONS

• CB Corey Ballentine (15/1; UFA Packers; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $482,500 gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• S Cam Bynum (17/17; UFA Vikings; $60M/4 yrs, $26M fully gtd/$4M gtd injury only fully gtd 5th day 2026 LY/$7.01M 2025 cap)

• DL Neville Gallimore (14/4; UFA Rams; $1.27M/1 yr, $400K gtd/$100K SB/$1.13M 2025 cap)

• RB Khalil Herbert (14/1; UFA Bengals; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $482.5K gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• QB Daniel Jones (10/10; UFA Vikings; $14M/1 yr, $13.15M gtd/$6M SB/$13.65M 2025 cap)

• K Spencer Shrader (4/0; not tendered as ERFA by Chiefs; $2.51M/2 yrs, $750K gtd/$350K SB/$1.135M 2025 cap)

• CB Charvarius Ward (12/12; UFA 49ers; $54M/3 yrs, $27M fully gtd/$7.98M gtd injury only fully gtd 5th day 2026 LY/$20M SB/$9.03 2025 cap/$2M per year incentives.

RE-SIGNINGS

• TE Mo Alie-Cox (UFA; $2.2M/1 yr, $1.167.5M gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.422.5M 2025 cap)

• WR Ashton Dulin (potential UFA; $6.5M/2 yrs, $2.94M gtd/$1.34M SB/$2.72M 2025 cap/$1M per year incentives)

• C Wesley French (potential UFA; $1.05M/1 yr, $20K SB/$1.05M 2025 cap)

• CB David Long Jr. (UFA; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• C/G Danny Pinter (potential UFA; $1.668M/1 yr, $750K gtd/$167,500 SB/ $1.338M 2025 cap)

DEPARTURES

• DT Raekwon Davis (17/0; released non-football illness)

• QB Sam Ehlinger (0/0; UFA Broncos; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $467.5K gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.1197.5M 2025 cap)

• QB Joe Flacco (8/6; UFA Browns; reported $4M/1 yr, $9M incentives)

• G Will Fries (5/5; UFA Vikings; $87.72M/5 yrs, $34M fully gtd/$10M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2027 LY/$20M SB/$5.64M 2025 cap/$1.5M per year incentives)

• K Matt Gay (16/0; released)

• TE Kylen Granson (17/6; UFA Eagles; $1.75M/1 yr, $1M gtd/$500K SB/$1.35M 2025 cap/4 void years)

• C Ryan Kelly (10/10; UFA Vikings; $18M/2 yrs, $9.25M gtd/$6.635M SB/$5.62M 2025 cap/$500K Pro Bowl incentives)

• DE Dayo Odeyingbo (17/14; UFA Bears; $48M/3 yrs, $29.5M gully gtd/$2.5M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$13.5M SB/$8M 2025 cap)

• LB E.J. Speed (15/15; UFA Texans; $3.5M/1 yr, $3.25M gtd/$1.75M SB/$3.47M 2025 cap)

• LB Grant Stuard (17/5; UFA Lions; $1.7M gtd/1 yr, $350K SB/$1.7M 2025 cap)

DEPTH CHART (Courtesy of Ourlads)

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