Colts mock draft analysis: Does TE still make the most sense in Round1? A QB on Day 3?

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Dane Brugler must be immune to sleep because in addition to just releasing “The Beast,” The Athletic’s lead NFL Draft analyst also just published his final seven-round mock draft. Brugler didn’t include any trades, which is understandable considering he made all 257 picks, but he did take a stab at addressing each team’s needs. As a reminder, the Indianapolis Colts own one pick in each round of the 2025 draft, starting with the No. 14 selection. Knowing GM Chris Ballard’s affinity for trading back, that number will likely increase, though for now, let’s take a look at Brugler’s picks.

Note: We’ve included each player’s RAS (relative athletic score) as Ballard has a history of drafting elite athletes. In layman’s terms, RAS is an evaluation formula that uses a prospect’s height, weight and pre-draft testing metrics to calculate how athletic they are at their position. RAS is graded on a 10-point scale with 10 being the highest

Round 1, No. 14: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan | 6-foot-5, 248 pounds

After Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was selected 10th by the Chicago Bears, Brugler had the Colts selecting Loveland at No. 14 over Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. It’s hard for me to see the Colts standing pat in real life. I’d expect Ballard to trade back and potentially select Campbell or Johnson later, while targeting another tight end in the second round in what is a deep class at the position.

As for the pick itself, a sound argument can be made that Loveland would be a great fit for the Colts. The 21-year-old addresses a glaring need for a tight end room that hasn’t had a consistent contributor since the days of Jack Doyle. When I spoke to Brugler at the combine about Loveland, he cautiously compared him to Las Vegas Raiders star Brock Bowers. Of course, Brugler emphasized that replicating Bowers’ historic rookie campaign is nearly impossible, but he does think Loveland can make an instant impact in the NFL after starring at Michigan.

Brugler’s breakdown via “The Beast”: “Loveland doesn’t have the skillset for full-time inline responsibilities, but his dynamic movements, natural hands and football awareness should make him one of the primary targets in an NFL offense. His tools and upside are reminiscent of Zach Ertz.”

Round 2, No. 45: Jonah Savaiinaea, OT/G, Arizona | 6-foot-4, 324 pounds

The Colts lost their starting right guard, Will Fries, to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, and his absence has left a significant hole in the offensive line. Brugler believes Savaiinaea can fill it. The 21-year-old spent his final season at Arizona starting at left and right tackle, but he started 15 games at right guard from 2022 to 2023.

Savaiinaea has vastly improved his hand placement through the years, which helps him stonewall defenders, per Brugler, while also remaining extremely disciplined with just one penalty during the 2024 campaign. He isn’t the quickest lineman when it comes to lateral movement, so that will be an area the Colts will need to develop. But overall, Savaiinaea is someone who could still elevate the Colts’ offensive line right away, especially if the team doesn’t want to move 2024 third-round pick Matt Goncalves from tackle to guard.

Brugler’s breakdown: “Savaiinaea has the length and functional movements to stay at tackle, but his square play style projects best inside at guard, where he can use his bear claws to control the man in front of him. He should compete for starting reps as early as his rookie season.”

Round 3, No. 80: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia | 6-foot-2, 224 pounds

Indianapolis’ linebackers were picked on relentlessly in pass coverage last year, which made it obvious the team would move on from E.J. Speed, who was an unrestricted free agent and signed with the rival Houston Texans. Brugler chose Mondon as Speed’s replacement to pair with second-team All-Pro middle linebacker Zaire Franklin, who also struggled in pass coverage.

Mondon is a rangy defender with the length, speed and athleticism to hold his own in space while mirroring tight ends or running backs, per Brugler, which should sound like music to the ears of Indy’s front office and coaching staff. The 22-year-old has an extensive injury history, which may give some teams pause, but if the Colts feel comfortable after reviewing his medical records, Brugler believes there is plenty of good football ahead of him.

Brugler’s breakdown: “Mondon needs to see things a half-beat faster to reach his full potential, but his athletic range and toughness give him upside as a four-down NFL linebacker. His health could be the main concern that keeps him from becoming an NFL starter.”

Round 4, No. 117: CJ West, DT, Indiana | 6-foot-1, 316 pounds

DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart have been one of the better defensive tackle tandems in the NFL for years, but they’re both 31 years old. West would provide depth behind Indy’s defensive stalwarts while also aligning himself to potentially succeed them in the future. West spent the first four years of his career at Kent State before transferring to Indiana and helping the Hoosiers reach College Football Playoff. The 22-year-old finished the 2024 season with 7.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. West lacks ideal height and length for the NFL, according to Brugler, but he’s bully at the line of scrimmage thanks to his powerful legs and violent hands.

Brugler’s breakdown: “West doesn’t have the size measurements to fit every scheme, and he needs to continue connecting the dots as a pass rusher, but his natural leverage, play violence and ascending instincts are of NFL quality. Similar in ways to Poona Ford, he has the goods to become a valuable part of a defensive line rotation.”

Round 5: No. 151: Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame | 6-foot-3, 216 pounds

The Colts made national headlines when they announced an open QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, and they’d make some more by selecting Leonard in the fifth round. I understand why Indianapolis may want to take a swing on another quarterback, and Leonard offers enticing upside with his dual-threat capabilities that helped Notre Dame reach the national championship. However, even though this seems like a low-risk pick with a potentially high reward, I’d argue that with so much riding on the 2025 season, Ballard needs to spend all of his picks helping his team succeed sooner rather than later. If Indianapolis doesn’t turn things around this upcoming season, ideally with Richardson at the helm, who’s to say Ballard and Co. will even be around next year to continue developing Leonard?

Brugler’s breakdown: “Leonard has an interesting upside because of his athletic passing tools and elite makeup, but it will take time for him to develop NFL-caliber field vision and pocket rhythm. He projects as a backup in a scheme that leverages his mobility.”

Round 6, No. 189: Jo’quavious “Woody” Marks, RB, USC | 5-foot-10, 213 pounds

This RAS alone makes Marks a bit of a red flag for me. Ballard is known for leaning heavily toward athletic traits in the later rounds of the draft, and if Marks isn’t blowing anyone with his elusiveness or speed (4.54-second 40-yard dash), it’s difficult to envision Indianapolis taking a swing on him. For what it’s worth, Marks is a bruising runner with the ability to make plays in the passing game as well (261 receptions in college). But he’s an inconsistent pass blocker, per Brugler, which is a trait I’d prioritize more in a backup running back, even if he doesn’t offer what Marks does as a ball-carrier.

Brugler’s breakdown: “Marks has only average explosiveness and speed, but his low-to-the-ground run style and sharp run angles make him tough to get on the ground. His pass-catching skills and impact on third downs will ensure him a role in an NFL backfield.”

Round 7, No. 232: Elijah Ponder, Edge, Cal Poly 6-foot-2, 251 pounds

Now this feels like a Ballard pick through and through when noting Ponder’s RAS. In addition to his freakish athleticism, the 22-year-old also was really productive over his final two season at Cal Poly, totaling a combined 25.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. Obviously, the NFL will feature stiffer competition than the Big Sky, and he’ll need to improve as a run stopper to consistently earn playing time as a pro.

Brugler’s breakdown: N/A

(Photo of Colston Loveland: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)

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