Showing posts with label Indianapolis Colts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indianapolis Colts. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Way-too-early 2026 Fantasy Football Rankings

With the 2025 NFL regular season now in the rearview mirror, it's exciting to look ahead to not only the playoffs but also to the 2026 fantasy football season.

It's obvious that NFL free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft will alter these fantasy football rankings ... significantly, in many cases.

For now, I've included only one NFL Draft prospect (Notre Dame's Jeremiah Love) in these rankings. Love is destined to be high draft pick in both fantasy and real life.

Before the NFL Draft (but after all early declarations are official), I'll expand these rankings to include other members of the 2026 rookie class.

For now, our rankings include the top 100 overall players as well as a total of 150 players ranked by position.

Note: These rankings are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: 2026 NFL Strength of Schedule

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MORE: Continue reading our full 2026 fantasy football rankings

Friday, August 29, 2025

The Daily Blitz: EDSFootball.com Updates for August 29, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football rankings, projections for multiple teams and posted a new fantasy football mock draft on EDSFootball.com.

As we head into Labor Day weekend and the busiest part of fantasy football draft season, I have updated my positional rankings and overall top 200 fantasy football cheat sheet.

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More rankings: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Top 150

2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Putting aside the debate over who should have won the NFL MVP award last season, it's clear that both Allen and Lamar Jackson had MVP-caliber seasons, especially as voters split their votes for MVP and the 2024 AP NFL All-Pro first team. Going into fantasy drafts this summer, Allen vs. Jackson will be the difficult (or easy) choice facing fantasy managers — and to be clear, the "easy" part is that you can't go wrong with either.

Allen posted five-year lows in several passing categories — attempts (483), yards (3,731) and touchdowns (28) — but his dual-threat skill set is what makes him so dangerous. Allen now has (at least) 12 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons and 500-plus rushing yards in four consecutive seasons. He has finished as a top-two fantasy quarterback for five consecutive seasons.

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

What a year it was Jackson, who posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while leading the NFL in TD% (8.6%), yards per attempt (8.8) and passer rating (119.6)! It was the second time in his career that he has finished as fantasy's QB1. He posted a 9% TD% in his other overall QB1 season (2019), and then followed that up with a 6.9% rate in 2020. His career average is 6.4%. Long story short, he was absolutely phenomenal in 2024, but last year's ratios would be unsustainable for any quarterback including Jackson (even though he could repeat as fantasy's QB1). Although he has a max of five rushing touchdowns over the past four seasons, Jackson is the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, averaging a whopping 1,019 yards per 17 games over his career.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings

1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Robinson (not Saquon Barkley) should be the RB1 in 2025 fantasy football drafts, especially considering Barkley's historic 2024 volume (most combined regular-season and playoff touches in a decade). The 23-year-old running back racked up 1,887 scrimmage yards and scored 15 total touchdowns on 365 touches including 61 receptions. From Week 6 on, Robinson averaged more fantasy points per game (21.1) than all other running backs. During that 12-game span, he averaged 19.8/97.6 rushing, 3.6/23.3 receiving and scored 14 total touchdowns.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Gibbs set or tied career highs across the board in rushing (250/1,412/16, 5.6 YPC) and receiving (52/517/4, 9.9 Y/R) in his second season. Gibbs was also top five among running backs with a minimum of 17 targets in yards per route run (1.67) and YAC per reception (11.5), per PFF. Gibbs was especially good when David Montgomery missed the final three regular-season games (RB1 overall), but he was also the RB3 (RB4 on a PPG basis) from Weeks 1 to 15 when Montgomery was also active.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football WR Rankings

1. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Posting career highs in his age-24 season, Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17) in 2024 to become the fifth triple crown winner since the league merger. Chase had at least five catches and/or 50 yards in all but one game in 2024, but he also had several monster games. There were nine 35-point wide receiver performances league-wide in 2024, and Chase had three (one-third) of them. From Week 5 on, Chase had a 31.46% target share with a weekly minimum of 24.32%. He's the easy choice to select first overall in fantasy drafts this summer.

2. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

Lamb played several weeks dealing with a shoulder injury before shutting it down with a couple of games to go. While his (and Dak Prescott's) injuries factor in, his numbers were down considerably from 2023. Lamb set career lows in yards per reception (11.8) and target (7.9) and his per game averages dropped from 7.9/102.9/0.7 (2023) to 6.7/79.6/0.4 (2024). When everything's clicking, however, Lamb is as productive as any receiver in the league.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football WR Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football TE Rankings

1. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

Bowers led all tight ends in receptions (112), targets (153) and receiving yards (1,194) despite being a rookie with sub-par quarterback play. Only George Kittle scored more fantasy points on a per-game basis, and Bowers led the position in overall points. While it may be difficult to outproduce his rookie numbers, few, if any, tight ends are the focal point of their passing offense the way Bowers is. Even though the Raiders will run the ball more often in 2025, Ashton Jeanty's presence will benefit the pass catchers indirectly by helping to sustain longer drives and Geno Smith will make the passing attack more efficient.

2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

The good news is that McBride smashed previous career highs in targets (147), receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,146). Among all players (wide receivers included), he finished eighth, fourth, and 11th, respectively, in those categories. The bad news is that he had only two touchdowns and has a total of six through three NFL seasons. If there's a glimmer of hope, McBride finished top three in TE targets from inside the 20 (21, T-2nd), 15 (16, T-2nd), 10 (12, 1st) and 5 (seven, T-1st).

Yes, Brock Bowers deserves to be TE1 in fantasy drafts, but it's a 1A/1B (or 1A/1A) situation with Bowers and McBride. Even though I have Bowers ranked ahead of McBride, the former Colorado State tight end may offer a little more value nearly a round later.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football TE Rankings


Top 200 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

> Continue reading our Top 200 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet


Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Cleveland Browns.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Joe Flacco266.4164.51891.411.326.3924.756.81.01119.9
Dillon Gabriel177.6112.81198.86.224.4422.595.60.6877.59
Shedeur Sanders14894.71006.45.334.0720.275.80.7165.28
QB Totals5923724096.622.8714.967.4228.22.4262.77

Joe Flacco: While Flacco will open the season as the starter, it's also very likely that the rookies will both make starts in 2025. In his first stint with the Browns (2023), Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. In five starts (four wins), Flacco threw for 1,616 yards (323.2 per game), 13 touchdowns (6.4%) and eight interceptions (3.9%). The more games Flacco starts, the more ideal it will be for the team's top pass catchers as well.

Dillon Gabriel: The current quarterback depth chart is 1) Flacco, 2) Gabriel, and 3) Shedeur Sanders. While Gabriel may be the first rookie to draw starts, it's likely that Sanders will get a chance as well.

Shedeur Sanders: With two first-round picks (and low expectations for 2025), Cleveland will likely be in prime position to draft one near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft and it would make sense for them to get as many evaluation data points for both Gabriel and Sanders as possible before then.

MORE: Continue reading our Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Baker Mayfield538.3364.73956.528.5313.1961.3239.11.96281.67
Teddy Bridgewater34.422.8249.41.340.794.6170.1416.3
QB Totals572.7387.54205.929.8713.9865.9256.12.1297.97

Baker Mayfield: Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41), although he also led the NFL in interceptions (16). That said, he finished as fantasy's QB4 in 2024 after finishing as the QB10 in his first season with the Bucs. Only Lamar Jackson (16) had more QB1 finishes last season than Mayfield (13). While he'll have his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, new OC Josh Grizzard was the passing game coordinator for Liam Coen, who's now Jacksonville's head coach. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka should make a significant and immediate impact, but regression and injuries/rehabs for left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan to start the season could lead to a disappointing season compared to his fantasy ADP.

MORE: Continue reading our Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Indianapolis Colts.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Daniel Jones439.12812985.914.4910.169.6365.42.61209.4
Anthony Richardson109.856757.63.733.8434.8198.43.1376.16
QB Totals548.93373743.518.2213.94104.4563.85.74285.56

Daniel Jones: Jones has been named "the starting quarterback for the season." While there may not be a "short leash," it's certainly possible that both Jones and Anthony Richardson make starts in 2025. Jones is an underrated rusher and he shouldn't tank the passing attack the way Richardson may have.

Anthony Richardson: While he's been terrible as a passer — 50.6% completion rate through 15 starts with more interceptions (13) thrown than touchdowns (11), Richardson will have enormous rushing upside if/when he starts. In fact, he has scored nearly as many rushing touchdowns (10) as he's thrown. As much as Jones has been named the starter "for the season," it's definitely possible that Richardson draws starts this season.

MORE: Continue reading our Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (7th Pick)

The best way to become good at something is to practice. So, what should you do if you want to draft a better fantasy football team?

Practice, of course!

Leading up to the start of the 2025 NFL season, we will use the fantasy football mock draft simulator to complete fantasy football mock drafts. And we will do so using a variety of scoring formats — point per reception (PPR), half-PPR, standard scoring and even 2-QB leagues — and league sizes. The goal is to provide you with a good representation of the team that you may be able to draft given your league settings while also providing the rationale of why we made the picks we did.

> Our 2025 mocks will be centralized here: Fantasy Football Mock Drafts.

That said, nothing beats practicing yourself so (check out the simulator) and complete a mock in a matter of minutes.

Half-PPR Mock Draft: 12 Teams, 7th Pick

Starting positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST; Bench spots: 6

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1.07 - Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants

Maybe Jaxson Dart will develop into a franchise quarterback, but New York's 2025 quarterback situation (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Dart) is an upgrade over what they had last year no matter who is starting. Despite missing a couple of games and the state of the team's quarterback play, Nabers finished his rookie campaign as fantasy's WR7. With a league-high 10 games with double-digit targets and more targets than all receivers not named Ja'Marr Chase, Nabers never finished with fewer than four catches, seven targets or 41 yards in any game in 2024.

2.06 - Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Like with Derrick Henry, a concern with Taylor is the lack of receiving volume. That said, he should get more targets (and fewer rushing touchdowns vultured) from Daniel Jones than Anthony Richardson. Taylor, who missed Weeks 5-7, had only 12/59/1 receiving on 21 targets over the final 10 games of the season. But his rushing numbers over that span were elite — 231 carries for 1,082 yards, both of which were second to only Saquon Barkley, and seven touchdowns.

3.07 - Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

While he would be a WR1 elsewhere, Higgins will continue to benefit from being the 1B to Ja'Marr Chase. While he has missed exactly five games in back-to-back seasons, Higgins finished second (behind Chase) among all wide receivers in fantasy points per game in 2024.

4.06 - Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Adams, who was traded midseason from the Raiders to the Jets, still managed to extend his streak of 1,000-yard, eight-TD seasons to five. Even though he turns 33 on Christmas Eve and won't dominate targets the way he had at previous stops, he should have (or come close to having) another 1,000/8 season with good health from Matthew Stafford (back).

MORE: 2025 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Football Projections

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (7th Pick)

Monday, August 25, 2025

EDSFootball.com Updates for August 25, 2025

Earlier today, we updated posted a list of 15 late-round fantasy football sleepers and updated our fantasy football projections for the Indianapolis Colts on EDSFootball.com.

2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: 15 Late-Round Values in Fantasy Drafts

Ask 100 people and you're likely to get 100 different answers.

Not only does no universal definition of a fantasy football sleeper exist, many would argue that there is no such thing as a sleeper in today's age of year-round fantasy football content.

While that may be true, our definition of the term for this post will be a player that we are targeting in the double-digit rounds of 12-team leagues. Of course, our fantasy football rankings will list the players we prefer in sequence, but the goal of this post is to highlight later-round players that you should know for your upcoming drafts.

So, in other words, the fantasy football sleepers referenced in this article have an average draft position (ADP) greater than 108 (nine rounds multiplied by 12 picks).

Some players that just missed the cut based on our self-imposed ADP requirement include Emeka Egbuka (ADP: 88), Tucker Kraft (ADP: 104), Justin Fields (ADP: 105), among others.

Note: All ADP referenced below is from FantasyPros consensus ADP (half-PPR).

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Fantasy Football QB Sleepers

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: 136)

With one of the league's best offensive instructures in place, McCarthy should hit the ground running (maybe literally, too) in his debut season after missing 2024 with a torn meniscus. Kevin O'Connell had Sam Darnold playing at an MVP-caliber level for much of the year, and the team has a good offensive line with a talented group of weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, etc.). Given his plus athleticism and environment, there is plenty of upside for a season similar to Bo Nix's rookie campaign (ADP of QB20+ with a top-10 finish).

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP: 154)

Lawrence missed seven games last season, but there are reasons for optimism heading into his age-26 season. Despite Shane Waldron's role as passing game coordinator, I trust Liam Coen to get the most of Lawrence. Brian Thomas Jr. is one of the league's best young receivers and Travis Hunter is a significant upgrade opposite him. Lawrence's overall ADP is about two rounds later than we have him ranked, and he's currently the 20th quarterback off the board (vs. our ranking of QB14).

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (ADP: 172)

Young was benched after a terrible start through the first two weeks last season (only 225 passing yards, 4.01 Y/A, no touchdowns and three interceptions). He didn't start again until Week 8, but he played much better, especially over the final three games (64.8%, 7.0 Y/A, seven touchdowns and no interceptions). After Carolina's Week 11 bye, Young was the QB8 in fantasy PPG (21.2) through the end of the season.

MORE: Bryce Young 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: 15 Late-Round Values in Fantasy Drafts


2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Indianapolis Colts.

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QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Daniel Jones447286.13039.614.7510.28683572.55211.02
Anthony Richardson111.757770.73.83.9134193.83.0675.95
QB Totals558.7343.13810.318.5514.19102550.85.61286.97

Daniel Jones: Jones has been named "the starting quarterback for the season." While there may not be a "short leash," it's certainly possible that both Jones and Anthony Richardson make starts in 2025. Jones is an underrated rusher and he shouldn't tank the passing attack the way Richardson may have.

Anthony Richardson: While he's been terrible as a passer — 50.6% completion rate through 15 starts with more interceptions (13) thrown than touchdowns (11), Richardson will have enormous rushing upside if/when he starts. In fact, he has scored nearly as many rushing touchdowns (10) as he's thrown. As much as Jones has been named the starter "for the season," it's definitely possible that Richardson draws starts this season.

MORE: Continue reading our Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Friday, May 17, 2024

Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Indianapolis Colts in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Most improved: Defensive line

The first thing to know is the Colts' roster is mostly unchanged, unless you count the return of QB Anthony Richardson from a season-ending shoulder injury. After retaining a long list of internal free agents, one of Indianapolis' few major changes was drafting DE Laiatu Latu with the 15th pick. He has the potential to become an elite edge rusher with his unique traits and repertoire of moves. Also of note is the signing of free agent DT Raekwon Davis, who adds quality interior depth. -- Stephen Holder

NFL.com -- Rank: 22

I thought the Colts would go with a playmaker or corner in Round 1. Instead, it was pass rusher Laiatu Latu, who was Chris Ballard's second-biggest first-round gamble. (No. 1 is Anthony Richardson in 2023.) And I gotta say, I like this side of Ballard. Even second-rounder Adonai Mitchell carries risk -- or does he? Ballard went on a heater when the subject of Mitchell, a top-40 talent who slid a bit, and so-called "character concerns" came up. In short, Ballard vociferously defended Mitchell's character, which had to sound good if you're a Colts backer -- or if you're Mitchell. I wasn't the biggest Matt Goncalves fan, but Lance Zierlein gave him a solid grade, and Lance has forgotten more about OL play than I'll ever know. Everything else the Colts did in the draft made sense, even if waiting to take a corner was tough. Indy added a little juice this weekend.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They will have a healthy Anthony Richardson back, which is the best thing going into the season. He flashed as a rookie and will be another year into the offense.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

Getting DE Laiatu Latu 15th overall in the draft and WR Adonai Mitchell at No. 52 were very likely two of this draft's biggest value picks. Add them to the mix of a nine-win team that had limited snaps from QB Anthony Richardson and RB Jonathan Taylor in 2023, and Indy is shaping up as one of next season's breakout candidates.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

The Colts landed two of the draft's most talented players with their first two picks, which is impressive considering those picks came at 15 and 52. They did have to take on some risk to do it, though. UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu medically retired from football at one point in his college career, and Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell raised some concerns about non-football issues in the scouting community. (Don't tell GM Chris Ballard about that second part, though. He doesn't want to hear it.)

Fox Sports -- Rank: 21

Sorry for stating the obvious, but everything in Indy hinges on Anthony Richardson. The Colts brought back their key free agents and had a nice enough draft, but I don't think they're a better team than last year's unless Richardson can continue his upward trajectory — while staying healthy this time.

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Thursday, May 9, 2024

Way-too-early Indianapolis Colts 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Indianapolis Colts from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Colts:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

12. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Campbell (along with right tackle Emery Jones) played a critical but underrated role in Jayden Daniels' run to the Heisman Trophy. An immediate standout who earned second-team All-SEC honors from league coaches as a true freshman, Campbell ascended to first-team honors in 2023, showing off the size, agility and strength to warrant an early first-round pick.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

14. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

I like what Indianapolis has done with the defense, including landing edge rusher Laiatu Latu in Round 1 last week, but free safety could now use a true playmaker. The savviness and instincts of Starks pop on tape, as he had six pass breakups and two interceptions during his 2023 sophomore campaign. At 6-1 and 205 pounds, he's a sure tackler, finishing last season with a 95% tackle percentage (second best among all DBs in the FBS).

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

10. Deone Walker, IDL, Kentucky

GM Chris Ballard favors freaky physical traits, and it doesn't get much freakier than Walker. You're not going to find many offensive linemen who can match his stature (6-6, 348) or that can block him one-on-one. As a run-stuffer, he swallows double-teams hole, as you would expect, but he's also far from a slouch as a pass rusher. Walker's 51 pressures last season as a sophomore led all interior D-linemen in college football. He can overpower almost anyone, but he also wins with top-tier agility and finesse for his size.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

12. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

When studying Kamari Lassiter, Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith, you couldn't help but notice Starks at safety — he was the best of the group in 2023. He doesn't miss tackles working downhill and has the range to overlap and make plays in coverage.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

13. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The Colts entered the 2024 NFL Draft with their biggest need being a secondary player and didn't select a defensive back until the fifth round. Starks would be a major step in the right direction for the team. He is an outstanding run defender, tackler and coverage player who also boasts elite athleticism for the position. Starks ranked in the top 10 among Power Five safeties in both forced incompletions (tied for sixth) and run-defense grade (seventh) in 2023.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

14. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

This is another loaded wide receiver class, and Tetairoa McMillan is one of the most productive players in the class. During his junior season, McMillian caught 90 passes for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has incredible size at 6-foot-5 and should only be more productive in 2025.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

14. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

The SEC stage has never proven too big for Starks, a standout performer both in coverage and against the run since early in his freshman season. A young Colts secondary experienced its share of turbulence last season, and it could use a steadying figure like Starks as C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence reign over the AFC South.

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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Indianapolis Colts 2024 NFL Draft Grades Roundup

The 2024 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, and we have compiled a consensus ranking using NFL draft grades from a variety of sites.

What draft grades have the media given to the Indianapolis Colts? What are they saying about the Colts' 2024 draft haul?

NFL.com - Grade: B+

Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: B
Day 3 grade: A-

Analysis: Latu was the most consistent pass rusher in the draft class and will be productive if the neck injury he suffered while at Washington is not an issue moving forward. The team found a potential steal in Mitchell, provided his game matures, while trading down for two Day 3 picks. Trading up for Gonclaves seemed unnecessary, though he should be at least a solid swing tackle; he's been recovering from a foot injury but said after the draft that he feels 100%.

Bortolini looks like Ryan Kelly's heir apparent; he also has the experience, strength and athleticism to play guard until needed in the middle. Gould brings real value as a returner, especially with the new kickoff rules. Carlies moves from safety to linebacker for the Colts. Simpson could man corner or safety; the athletic defender played both spots in college. Abraham is the son of former NFL player Donnie Abraham and a tough-minded corner in his own right, but the team is still looking for depth at edge.

ESPN - Grade: B

Top needs entering the draft: Cornerback, wide receiver, safety, edge defender

The Colts were one of the teams coming into Round 1 with a clearly defined biggest need. They really had to get a cornerback who could step in and start as a rookie for a defense that struggled to stop No. 1 wide receivers last season. While I thought they might also target a pass-catcher to give second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson more help, corner was the biggest hole for GM Chris Ballard & Co. So color me surprised when not only did Ballard pass on a corner in Round 1 -- when he had his choice of the entire class -- but he didn't take one until Round 6.

Indianapolis instead went with edge rusher Laiatu Latu (15), who will help this team as a rookie. I love the player but don't quite understand what Ballard sees in his defensive back room that I don't. He could have gone with Cooper DeJean, Terrion Arnold or Quinyon Mitchell and upgraded at corner.

Outside of that move? I like the majority of Ballard's class. Wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (52) could be a steal if he lives up to his potential. He was uncoverable at times at both Georgia and Texas. Matt Goncalves is a good offensive tackle with interesting tools. Tanor Bortolini (117) is a solid sixth offensive lineman option. Safety Jaylin Simpson (164) is a safety/nickel hybrid who tested extremely well at the combine. As ESPN's Matt Miller said on the broadcast Saturday, Jonah Laulu (234) got rave reviews at his pro day and is a Round 7 flier worth taking.

I like the players in Ballard's class, but I'm still curious about why he didn't take a corner earlier. That's a miss ... unless there's some sort of trade for a veteran coming down in the weeks after the draft.

The Ringer - Grade: B+

THE COLTS MADE ONE OF MY FAVORITE PICKS IN THIS DRAFT IN UCLA PASS-RUSHER LAIATU LATU, who was my top-ranked defender in this class. Latu gives the team a tenacious hand-fighter on the edge and the potential to produce double-digit sacks if he can stay healthy. The selection of Adonai Mitchell in the second round is one of the most interesting picks from this weekend; the former Texas star is a boom-or-bust playmaker who brings top-tier upside if he can harness all his physical tools. Mitchell never produced big-time numbers in college, but he gives second-year QB Anthony Richardson a big-time ball-winner and red zone weapon. Colts GM Chris Ballard also added depth to the offensive line and bolstered the team's safety position later in the draft—but those first two picks, if they hit, could become foundational pieces for this roster.

USA Today - Grade: A-

They might have gotten the draft's best defender, UCLA pass rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15 before getting a Round 1-caliber wideout in Adonai Mitchell at No. 52 — and he arrives carrying an ax to grind with the rest of the league. Mid-round O-line upgrades (Pitt's Matt Goncalves and Wisconsin's Tanor Bortolini) are rarely a bad idea, though a corner in one of those spots might have made more sense.

Fox Sports - Grade: C+

Four of the Colts' first five picks addressed the offense. They've done everything they can to make quarterback Anthony Richardson, returning this season after an abbreviated rookie year, as comfortable as possible — and you can't blame them. Receiver Adonai Mitchell represented great value late in the second round. With that being said, Indianapolis could have used a cornerback high. The team has some uncertainty at the spot, which is especially important in the receiver-loaded AFC South. That represents a gamble for Indy. —Arthur

CBS Sports - Grade: B+

Best Pick: I love the pick of receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second. He is a tall, fast receiver who will give them a nice addition to Michael Pittman and Josh Downs.

Worst Pick: I like third-round offensive lineman Matt Goncalves from Pittsburgh, but he went a round or two too high. He will be a backup early in his career and might end up being a guard.

The Skinny: I liked the Colts' first four picks, but I would have taken Dallas Turner at No. 15 rather than Laiatu Latu, the pass rusher the Colts took. Latu does fill a need. Mitchell might end up being a steal. He is big and can run. The Colts had a good, solid haul.

Sporting News - Grade: B-

Analysis: Latu and Mitchell were absolute coups to start the draft for GM Chris Ballard. Indy reached a little for offensive line and secondary help, but that extra depth was needed for the defense. Gould brings one more versatile weapon for second-year QB Anthony Richardson, too.

SI - Grade: B+

Analysis: This is a quality class for GM Chris Ballard. The Colts snagged Latu to bolster their pass rush before getting a steal in Mitchell, who many believed was a top-25 pick. If those two picks hit, this is already a good haul, not to mention the bevy of high-upside selections in the third round and beyond. Ballard built up his skill-position talent and lines, giving Anthony Richardson the best chance to succeed.

Touchdown Wire - Grade: A

General manager Chris Ballard's NSFW rant against anonymous scouts after the second day of the draft wound down should be placed in the Louvre. Put your name on it, or shut the bleep up.

Anyway, the Colts didn't have much else to complain about here. They got the best pass-rusher in this class in Laiatu Latu, who probably would have been a Top 10 pick without the medical concerns. And Adonai Mitchell — the prospect Ballard was defending — can be the X receiver the Colts need if he can keep his head in the game when he's not the target. That's me saying that, and it's based on tape study.

Another receiver to watch out for is Oregon State's Anthony Gould, who projects as a speed slot receiver who can win in the NFL right away. Combine star Tanor Bortolini is a highly athletic center, and maybe head coach Shane Steichen had Jason Kelce flashbacks from his days as the Eagles' offensive coordinator. Not to compare Bortolini to Kelce at his Hall of Fame best, but in 2011, Kelce was a sixth-round afterthought. You just never know.

Selecting two safeties picked on the third day when the Colts already have Julian Blackmon and have been known for single-high looks may presage more two-deep stuff from Gus Bradley. If that's the case, I especially like Auburn's Jaylin Simpson in that role.

More: 2024 NFL Draft Grade Roundups

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Indianapolis Colts Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the Indianapolis Colts in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 21

Non-QB MVP: DT DeForest Buckner

You can portray Buckner's impact with numbers -- 5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles -- but that doesn't really reflect the true value of his presence. A better representation is the reality that Buckner easily commands more attention from offenses than any player on the Colts' defense. He is among the most frequently double-teamed players in the NFL this season in run and passing situations. And his ability to collapse the quarterback pocket as a pass-rusher has fueled the production of players around him like Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam. -- Stephen Holder

NFL.com -- Rank: 19

Sunday's win over the Panthers was a big performance for the defense, regardless of the opponent. A week after the Saints -- the Saints! -- shredded the Colts for 511 yards and 38 points, the defense cranked up the pass rush and turned in its first three-pick game of the season. Kenny Moore II's two house calls gave one of the league's more underrated players some shine, and they provided the difference in the victory. I didn't realize how much Indianapolis' offense struggled offensively until I rewatched the game. The line looked shaky, and the Colts finished with four straight punts, not crossing midfield in the second half until the final kneeldowns. Indy has winnable games on the slate, but that kind of offensive execution isn't going to cut it.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

The defense came up big in beating the Panthers on the road with two Kenny Moore pick-six touchdowns. Their schedule is favorable in the second half.

USA Today -- Rank: 17

CB Kenny Moore II became the first player in franchise history with two pick-sixes in one game at a most opportune time. No Indianapolis player has multiple TD catches in a game this season.

The Athletic -- Rank: 20

Report card: B

Kenny Moore became the first Colt to return two interceptions for a touchdown in a game Sunday. That helped an offense that gained only 198 yards and helped Indianapolis keep its streak of scoring at least 20 points in every game this season alive. Since returning from his holdout/injury, Jonathan Taylor is 17th in the league with 50.8 yards per game.

FOX -- Rank: 23

Kenny Moore almost outscored the Panthers on his own Sunday, which indicates how easily the Colts dispatched Carolina. Imagine how intriguing the Colts would be if they were watching Anthony Richardson develop as this season went along. It's a bummer.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 19

The Colts' next three games are against the Patriots in Germany, vs. the Buccaneers and at the Titans. The Colts aren't a sure thing to beat anyone, but all three of those games are winnable. If the Colts can get to 7-5, it gives them a chance to dream about a wild-card berth, as unlikely as that seemed before the season started.

PFT -- Rank: 20

They'll relish a chance to stick the fork deeper into the Patriots.

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Saturday, November 4, 2023

Indianapolis Colts Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Indianapolis Colts in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 21

Judging the Colts' quarterback situation is complicated given the season-ending shoulder injury sustained by fourth overall draft pick Anthony Richardson. But the rookie showed enough promise in his limited playing time to leave the organization convinced he can be their long-term solution at the position. But the confirmation of that will have to wait until he returns in 2024. In the meantime, backup Gardner Minshew's surprising production has been marred by nine turnovers in four starts -- a fact that will complicate his goal of proving he's worthy of being a team's starter after his current one-year contract expires. -- Stephen Holder

NFL.com -- Rank: 23

It's fun to see the potential of this offense, with Jonathan Taylor looking better each game and Zack Moss not slowing down. The seeds are mostly there for something really interesting down the road. Gardner Minshew was slinging it on Sunday until the wheels came off, and four different receivers had impact performances against the Saints. But everything was rendered null and void by the defense's inability to force more than one set of back-to-back stops, not counting the halftime kneeldown. Those consecutive stops came as the Colts were regaining momentum, but Minshew was picked, and then the D allowed two straight TDs. When Indy's front doesn't dominate, the shorthanded secondary struggles. It's a tough development for a defense that has done some decent things this season.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They compete in games with Gardner Minshew, but they can't overcome all the mistakes. They are falling into a big hole in the division.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

Only one team has scored at least 20 points in its first eight games this season. But bet you wouldn't have guessed it's Indy.

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

Something scary (for them): The pass defense

Indianapolis gave up 354 passing yards to the Saints of Derek Carr and Taysom Hill. The Colts are the only team in the league to score 20 or more points in every game this season, but it's been wasted the last three weeks by the defense, which has allowed an average of 38 points in those three games. The Colts are 25th in the league in passing yards (247.3 per game) and yards per attempt (7.6) allowed this season.

FOX -- Rank: 25

They're not going to admit this, but maybe the Colts are executing this situation to perfection. Competitive more often than not, learning more about their young talent, but losing enough to improve their draft position. It might hurt right now, but it could pay dividends in 2024.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 23

The Colts' lack of talent at cornerback is going to be their downfall. They've overcome it in some weeks but couldn't Sunday as the Saints went up and down the field on them. Being unable to stop an opponents' receivers is a bad deficiency in 2023.

PFT -- Rank: 20

Gardner Minshew is getting his shot, but he hasn't done much with it lately.

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Friday, October 20, 2023

Indianapolis Colts Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Indianapolis Colts in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 22

Lesson learned: QB Anthony Richardson has a future.

From a distance, it's perhaps difficult to assess Richardson's performance given his rash of injuries (he's currently on injured reserve and it's unclear when he'll play again). But this year's No. 4 overall pick has acquitted himself well when he has played, rallying from a 23-0 deficit to force overtime against the Rams and averaging 5.4 yards per carry when he runs the ball. His right shoulder injury could be a legitimate setback in his development, particularly if he misses the remainder of the season. But the Colts can move forward with some confidence that they have finally found their future at quarterback after many years. -- Stephen Holder

NFL.com -- Rank: 21

In his first start following the news that Anthony Richardson will be out an extended period, Gardner Minshew turned the ball over four times in the loss to Jacksonville -- and it could have been even worse. This isn't what we expected from Minshew, given that he entered the game with zero turnovers on the season, but it's a reminder that in his two starts for the Eagles last season, Minshew threw three picks and fumbled four times (losing one). Owner Jim Irsay told ESPN on Monday that Richardson is "probably" done for the season, so it's likely to be Minshew from here on out. The Jonathan Taylor-Zack Moss duo probably will take a bigger share of the load, but the Colts really are entering a tricky stretch facing back-to-back strong defenses in the Browns and Saints.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

So much for all the Gardner Minshew hype. He was terrible against the Jaguars, which doesn't bode well since Anthony Richardson is likely done for the season.

USA Today -- Rank: 26

QB Anthony Richardson's shoulder injury will likely scuttle his rookie season, per owner Jim Irsay. Probably an unsurvivable setback ... unless RB Jonathan Taylor displays his 2021 form soon.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Let's be honest, the Colts' record isn't the most important thing this season. The development of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is, and now Richardson might miss the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury. If that's the case, Richardson would finish his fourth year of football (dating to three years at Florida) with only 477 total passing attempts. (For context, Patrick Mahomes had 648 last season.) That's not the path to development.

FOX -- Rank: 24

This is the way it goes for Gardner Minshew. He's one of the league's best backups in the sense that he is good enough to keep you competitive and even win some games. But over a large enough sample size, he's going to play a three-interception game like what we saw Sunday. With Anthony Richardson now "probably" out for the season, the Colts seem awfully uninteresting — which is arguably worse than being bad.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 20

The explanation for why the Colts passed nearly every down on Sunday, via center Ryan Kelly, was that the Jaguars were in their base defensive personnel and the Colts wanted to pass them out of it. That didn't happen. Then the game script got bad, and Gardner Minshew II threw it 55 times. The Colts better get used to teams loading up the box. They should be an elite running team, but opponents understand that too.

PFT -- Rank: 15

The quarterback curse continues for the Colts.

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