The Indianapolis Colts’ offense is in need of a dynamic addition to support quarterback Anthony Richardson. With several key free-agent signings already enhancing the depth chart, it seems that Chris Ballard remains open to any moves in the upcoming NFL draft.
In a unique mock draft by Fox Sports, Ralph Vacchiano previews each team’s potential picks, with one twist: every selection involves a trade.
For Indianapolis, trading back is a classic Ballard strategy. In this scenario, the Colts move back from the 14th to the 18th spot in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, who use their new pick to select offensive tackle Kelvin Banks from Texas. The Colts, however, still land their tight end of the future in Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
Colston Loveland cooking a defender and showing the catch radius off. pic.twitter.com/Ii0EAzLw2p
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 23, 2025
Vacchiano points out that the Colts’ four tight ends combined for just 39 receptions last season, highlighting the need for an upgrade, regardless of who’s at quarterback. With a young quarterback like Anthony Richardson (assuming he wins the starting job), adding a reliable tight end is crucial.
While Loveland may not carry the same hype as Tyler Warren, he has shown promise with 101 receptions, 1,231 yards, and 9 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Vacchiano emphasizes the importance of having a dependable tight end for a quarterback like Richardson, particularly as a safety valve in short-range situations and the red zone. Even if the Colts can’t move up for Warren, they could still secure Loveland, who is a 6’6″, 248-pound target with plenty of potential.
While not known for elite blocking, Loveland is more of a receiving tight end, which fits the Colts’ needs. Currently, the Colts’ depth chart includes Drew Ogletree, Will Mallory, and Jelani Woods, none of whom pose a significant threat in the passing game. Ogletree isn’t a notable receiving option, Mallory has uncertainty surrounding him, and Woods hasn’t played in two years, with his last catch coming in 2022 during a season with Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, and Nick Foles at quarterback.
The Colts absolutely need to draft a tight end. Whether it’s Warren, Loveland, or another Day 2 option like LSU’s Mason Taylor, it’s a necessity. Whoever they choose will likely become the top tight end on the roster right away.
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