Urgent! Indianapolis Colts Need To Address This Position In The 2025 NFL Draft To Avoid Being Left Out Of The Line…
The Indianapolis Colts are building a promising foundation under head coach Shane Steichen and young quarterback Anthony Richardson. While their 2024 season has shown glimpses of what the future may hold, several areas still require attention to turn the Colts into legitimate contenders. As they approach the 2025 NFL Draft, one position stands out as a critical need: cornerback.
The Current State of the Colts’ Cornerback Room
The Colts’ secondary has struggled to maintain consistency in recent seasons, and their cornerback unit remains a point of concern. After trading Stephon Gilmore in 2023, the team shifted its focus to developing younger players like Dallis Flowers and Julius Brents.
While Brents, a second-round pick in 2023, has shown flashes of potential, injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact. Flowers, primarily a special teams contributor, has yet to prove himself as a reliable starting option.
Isaiah Rodgers Sr.’s suspension in 2023 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy further weakened the position, and his departure left a significant void.
Veteran Kenny Moore II remains a dependable slot corner, but his contract situation and advancing age (he’ll be 30 by the 2025 season) may make his future in Indianapolis uncertain.
The lack of depth and proven talent on the outside has led to significant defensive lapses, particularly against high-powered passing offenses. In a division with rising stars like Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Houston’s C.J. Stroud, having a strong secondary is paramount.
The Colts’ current roster lacks the elite cornerback talent necessary to compete with top-tier receivers, making this position a top priority in the 2025 draft.
Why Cornerback Should Be the Top Priority
1. Shutting Down Elite Receivers
The AFC is loaded with dynamic wide receivers such as Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and Stefon Diggs. Teams that cannot match up with these playmakers are often exposed in critical moments.
The Colts’ inability to contain such talent has been evident in key games, where big plays have shifted momentum. Adding a lockdown cornerback would provide a significant boost to the defense, allowing them to neutralize top threats and improve overall performance.
2. Complementing the Pass Rush
The Colts boast a formidable defensive line led by DeForest Buckner, Kwity Paye, and Grover Stewart.
However, even the best pass rushers can be neutralized if the secondary cannot hold coverage long enough for the pressure to reach the quarterback. Drafting a high-caliber cornerback would give the Colts’ pass rush more time to disrupt opposing offenses, creating more turnovers and opportunities.
3. Building Around Anthony Richardson
While Richardson’s development is the franchise’s top priority, bolstering the defense is equally important to his success. A strong secondary can create short fields for the offense through takeaways, reducing the burden on a young quarterback to sustain long drives. Investing in a top-tier cornerback would help ensure that Richardson isn’t constantly playing catch-up due to defensive lapses.
Prospects to Watch in the 2025 Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft class is expected to feature several elite cornerback prospects who could transform the Colts’ secondary. Here are a few names to monitor:
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
McKinstry is a consensus top prospect with exceptional coverage skills, physicality, and ball-hawking ability. His ability to play in both man and zone schemes makes him a perfect fit for Gus Bradley’s defense.
McKinstry has consistently performed against elite SEC competition, proving he can handle NFL-caliber receivers.
2. Denzel Burke, Ohio State
Burke is another versatile cornerback who has thrived in a variety of coverage schemes.
Known for his quickness, instincts, and ability to read quarterbacks, Burke could immediately step into a starting role for the Colts. His experience in Ohio State’s high-pressure defense has prepared him for the challenges of the NFL.
3. Cooper DeJean, Iowa
While primarily a cornerback, DeJean offers additional value as a special teams contributor and a defensive playmaker. He possesses excellent football IQ, great tackling ability, and a knack for creating turnovers. DeJean’s physical style would fit well with the Colts’ defensive identity.
Other Draft Options
While cornerback should be the Colts’ top focus, they may also consider addressing other positions depending on how the rest of their roster develops. Depth at wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker could be secondary concerns, but none are as pressing as the need for an elite cornerback.
The Path Forward
The Colts have laid a strong foundation with a young core of talent, but filling the gap at cornerback is crucial for their long-term success.
The 2025 NFL Draft represents an opportunity to acquire a game-changing defensive back who can elevate the team to the next level.
With Anthony Richardson leading the offense and a defensive unit bolstered by a lockdown cornerback, the Colts could emerge as contenders in the AFC South and beyond.
Investing in the secondary will not only address a glaring weakness but also help the Colts capitalize on their potential as one of the NFL’s most promising young teams.
