Using Pro Football Focus’ mock draft simulator, an ideal trade-back scenario played out for the Indianapolis Colts.
With Tyler Warren not available when the Colts were picking at 14th overall, I do believe just about anything is in play for them with this selection, including trading down.
Ultimately, trading back was the prudent move because, beyond tight end, the Colts have several other pressing needs that have to be addressed.
Using Jimmy Johnson’s trade value chart as my guide, I made a deal with the LA Chargers and moved back from pick 14 to pick 22, while also gaining pick 55 as part of the deal. This then gave the Colts three picks in the first two rounds.
When the Colts were back on the clock at pick No. 22, tight end Colston Loveland was still on the board, so I made that selection. Loveland will provide some immediate juice to the passing game while showing that he’s an improving and capable blocker who can help out in the run game as well.
At pick 45, I went with Carson Schwesinger, the linebacker from UCLA. He can immediately compete with Jaylon Carlies for the starting linebacker role next to Zaire Franklin, and brings a well-rounded skill set to the position, which includes adding a needed coverage presence. And with that well-rounded skill set comes versatility, an important element of playing at the second and third levels in Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme.
Then, to round out this two-round mock, with pick 55, the Colts added offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery. With there being a need along the offensive line, Ersery can provide a boost in a few different ways. He can be the swing tackle off the bench, which provides the Colts with the flexibility to move Matt Goncalves to right guard, or Ersery could compete at right guard with Goncalves for that playing time.
The strength of this year’s draft class is in the late Day 1 to mid-Day 2 range, so trading back in Round 1, if you’re the Colts, feels like a move that should very much be in play for GM Chris Ballard, especially considering that there are several positions of need that have to be addressed with some impact help.
While it’s only a mock draft, things turned out very well in this scenario for the Colts, who also still have a third-round pick to utilize.
The big question, perhaps, is whether or not the Colts can find a trade partner. As Ian Rapoport posted recently, teams aren’t really looking to move up this year.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Colts trade back in mock, get immediate help
