In a pre-NFL combine 2025 mock draft from Pro Football Focus, the Indianapolis Colts address the cornerback position at pick No. 14.
Before combine results shake up big boards, Dalton Wasserman put out his latest mock draft where he had the Colts taking Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.
In recent weeks, this is a selection for the Colts that we’ve seen a little bit more of.
Barron has played over 2,600 career college snaps in his three seasons at Texas. Of note, the majority of his playing time in 2022 and 2023 came from the nickel, but Barron was mostly a boundary cornerback in 2024, which is where the Colts would need him to play.
In coverage this past season, Barron allowed a completion rate of only 54% and just 7.8 yards per catch. He also had excellent ball production as well, with five interceptions and nine pass breakups.
“He would be a perfect fit in Anarumo’s complex zone coverage schemes,” wrote Wasserman.
Cornerback is an obvious need for a Colts’ pass defense that ranked bottom 10 in passer rating, completion rate, yards per pass allowed, and pass deflections.
However, their opportunity to address the position in the first round of the draft could be limited. Based on Daniel Jeremiah’s big board, if things play out similarly, the Colts are either taking Barron or hoping Will Johnson falls to pick No. 14.
I also wouldn’t rule out the Colts really trying to address this need more so in free agency. With Lou Anarumo relying heavily on versatility and the ability to disguise coverages, having an experienced presence in the secondary could be at a premium.