4 Prospects the Colts Should Avoid at Pick No. 14 in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts find themselves stuck in that awkward middle ground heading into the 2025 NFL Draft not bad enough to get a top pick, but not good enough to make the playoffs either. They made a few solid moves in free agency, hoping to get over the hump this year. Still, there are some clear holes in the roster: help is needed on the offensive line, at tight end, and in the middle of the defense. The quarterback spot remains the biggest mystery though.
Anthony Richardson had a rough 2024 season, even losing his starting job for a while. To add some competition, the team signed Daniel Jones during the offseason. With that situation in mind, let’s look at four draft prospects the Colts would be better off avoiding at No. 14.
1. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Sure, the Colts don’t have a rock-solid quarterback situation right now, so they might be tempted to take a shot on Jaxson Dart. With bigger names like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders likely off the board by the time the Colts pick, Dart could look like a tempting option. But honestly, drafting a quarterback just to grab one isn’t the move. The smarter play would be to roll with Richardson and Jones this year, then reevaluate in 2026 when the QB class should be better.
2. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks keeps showing up in mock drafts for the Colts, and it’s a little confusing why. Nick Cross held his own last year, and the team also spent good money to bring in Camryn Bynum. Those two should be fine holding down the safety spots in 2025. While Starks is a tough, hard-hitting leader, his 2024 season wasn’t as strong as 2023. The Colts have way bigger needs than safety right now.
3. Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Yes the Colts need help in the middle of the defense. Jaylon Carlies is currently slotted to start at weakside linebacker, and that’s probably not going to cut it. Jalon Walker has the athletic traits and build to make an impact, but the problem is he’s a bit of a “tweener.” He doesn’t really fit as a true linebacker or a full-time edge rusher. The Colts should aim for a solid, true linebacker rather than a player stuck between positions especially one who might struggle in coverage.
4. Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart has some crazy athletic potential, but he’s still really raw. Across three college seasons, he only managed 4.5 sacks. Colts GM Chris Ballard might be tempted by Stewart’s impressive athletic testing and upside, but the team already gambled on a developmental pass rusher in last year’s draft. This time around, they should focus on someone more proven and polished to help immediately.
Not the Right Fit: 4 Players the Colts Must Avoid in the 2025 NFL Draft”
