The Indianapolis Colts were one of the biggest disappointments of the 2024 season. With a chaotic offense and porous defense at best, they missed the playoffs again. Currently, GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are under further scrutiny, so they will have to enter the 2025 offseason and fill in the big holes on either side of the ball. The question is which is the most important. We ranked their four biggest needs.
1. Cornerback
The Colts cornerback room was often injured and really sunk the Colts' defenses. CB Juju Brents was considered a breakout star in the group, but the inability to stay healthy forced everyone to play a bigger role outside. Nickelback Kenny Moore II is one of the veterinarians and leaders of this team, but requires external forces to truly help the new DC Lou Analmo begin defense.
Best fit: Travis Hunter, Colorado, Soap Level JR, East Carolina, Quincy Riley, Louisville
2. Tight end
When targeting tight ends, the Colts had the worst EPA per target across the league. Despite what director Shane Steichen did at Dallas Gaedart in Philadelphia, its production has not actually crossed the Midwest along with him. The Colts need someone in the middle of the field where they can create a simple offense for QB Anthony Richardson in the passing game, and they are also a plus-level blocker to promote the run game.
Best fit: Tyler Warren, Pennsylvania, Mason Taylor, LSUElijah Konayers of Texas Institute of Technology
3. safety
Everything I said for the cornerback room applies safely. Julian Blackmon is a free agent, but even else, safety play in Analmo's defense will be paramount to the Colts' success (see drop-off from Jesse Bates and Von Bell to Jordan Battle ). The type of coverage Anarumo throws, with strong safety play, increases the defense that requires different backend manufacturers.
Best fit: Malaki Starks, Georgia, Kevin Winston JR, Pennsylvania, Sebastian Castro, Iowa
4. Attack line
The Colts' offensive line is now a little more fluid. Outside left guard Quen Tunnelson, the IndyPass protection unit was much worse than expected. RT Braden Smith eventually became a victim of Cap, and RG Fries, like Cryan Kelly, is a free agent. I think the interior of their offensive line can use much more help than the edge, so I'm choosing the perfect fit for the interior.
Best fit: Campbell, LSU, Emery Jones JR, LSU, Clay Webb, Jacksonville
