Could the Indianapolis Colts trade back in the 2025 NFL Draft? It’s certainly a possibility. Paul Bretl of Colts Wire wrote about the team making a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers. In the deal, Indianapolis would move back from 14th overall to pick 22, and also add pick 55:
“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. 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. 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. At pick 45, I went with Carson Schwesinger, the linebacker from UCLA. Then, to round out this two-round mock, with pick 55, the Colts added offensive lineman Aireontae Ersery.”
Colts general manager Chris Ballard is not shy about trading picks. In six of his eight drafts, he has made more than one selection in the second, third, or fourth round. With that said, trading back this year wouldn’t be shocking at all.
An Analyst Has the Indianapolis Colts Trading Back in the 2025 NFL Draft
Do Bretl’s Selections Make Sense?
Yes, all of Bretl’s selections (Colston Loveland, Carson Schwesinger, and Aireontae Ersery) would be ideal pickups. All three would fill a need for the Colts.
Last season, Indy’s tight end room was made up of Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, Mo Alie-Cox, and Will Mallory. The unit wasn’t very productive. Therefore, Loveland, who’s one of the draft’s top tight-end prospects, would be a great addition. He could make life a lot easier for whatever quarterback (Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones) wins the starting job in training camp.
The Colts lost linebackers E.J. Speed (Houston Texans) and Grant Staurd (Detroit Lions) in free agency this year. Schwesinger could compete with Jaylon Carlies for the starting job next to Zaire Franklin. At pick 45, Schwesinger might ultimately win the job and become a second-round steal.
Indianapolis also lost Will Fries in free agency. The guard signed with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this offseason. Ersery, the First-Team All-Big Ten selection out of Minnesota, would provide offensive line depth. He could battle Matt Goncalves for playing time at right guard.
Should the Colts Trade Back?
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren could be the perfect draft pick for the Colts. In 2024, the John Mackey Award winner caught 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. However, it’s unlikely he’ll be around at pick 14. After witnessing Brock Bowers’ success as a rookie last year, a team might take Warren early in the draft.
If Warren is unavailable, trading back makes sense for the Colts. Having three picks within the first two rounds of the draft would be intriguing. The team could still get an outstanding tight end in Loveland and also pick up a talented linebacker, and offensive lineman. That’s not bad at all.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
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