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The NFL Draft is three weeks away so IndyStar went to three sources for mock drafts: Co-Pilot's artificial intelligence and Super Simulator, a draft simulator. Which do you like best?
CO-PILOT MOCK DRAFT
Warren is largely considered the best tight end in the draft (or at least the most complete at the highest level). The Colts have needed a big-time tight end for a few years now and struck out trying to get Brock Bowers last year. Warren to the Colts is one of the most-mocked pairings on the entire internet for a reason: it just makes sense.
Ersery is one of the more physically gifted offensive linemen in this draft, standing at 6-6, 331 pounds, with arms over 33 inches long and terrific pre-draft athletic scores. He's a three-year starter at left tackle and is scheme-versatile with the ability to maul in a phone booth or get out and block on the second level.
Martinez is a determined, balanced runner between the tackles, who can also catch and pass protect. The Colts attempted to get a legitimate RB2 last offseason by trying to bring Zack Moss back and checking into then-free agent A.J. Dillon, but their efforts fell flat.
Porter is a cornerback with boundary and slot experience, valuable in Lou Anarumo's defense. He totaled six interceptions and eight pass breakups over three seasons.
Nolen is a defensive tackle who can help bolster the Colts' defensive line. He is a massive human at 6-7 and moves better at his size than one would think.
Taylor is another tight end option for the Colts, providing depth and versatility at the position.
Cooper is a tackle who moves well for his size and can provide depth on the offensive line
INDYSTAR ANALYSIS
No one's going to argue with Tyler Warren, a potential star at a position of need. Don't love the next two picks as the Colts seem comfortable with Braden Smith returning at right tackle, making the position less of a need, and while they need another running back and Martinez is a good one, spending a third-rounder on a backup running back doesn't seem like the best use of available resources.
Porter and Nolen fill depth needs at cornerback and defensive tackle and I like doubling up at tight end. Another tackle isn't needed but it's also a seventh-round pick.
Biggest mistake with this list is the Colts need a linebacker and Co-Pilot didn't address that need. Taking two tackles instead of a guard is also not maximizing the value from the draft.
Colts news: Colts defensive line was a disappointment last year. They've lost key players. What's the plan?
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NETWORK 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT SIMULATOR
(Player writeups from College Football Network)
Trade with Pittsburgh: Pick 14 for 21, 2026 2nd, 2026 3rd
Jihaad Campbell has the skillset to be a disruptive defender at linebacker and can impact the game in both phases. He has excellent size and length and is an outstanding athlete overall. He is an explosive mover who flashes very good short-area quickness and straight-line speed. Campbell is a highly versatile player who is best as an off-ball backer that is also asked to rush the passer as a blitzer, utilizing his explosiveness, power, and length. Campbell will occasionally get lost working through junk and can get covered up coming down vertically. Additionally, Campbell is a reactionary player rather than an instinctive defender.
Isaiah Bond is an impressive athlete with tremendous speed. Those who turn on the tape will find themselves impressed with how easily Bond moves in space. His deep speed is top-notch, maximizing it with a quick first few steps off the line of scrimmage. Some wide receivers who are fast in a straight line can’t change directions all that well. That archetype certainly doesn’t apply to Bond, as he’s a dynamic runner with the ball in his hands who maintains his momentum and speed very well when changing direction. Concerns surrounding Bond include his average collegiate production, as he never really put up great numbers at either Alabama or Texas. He’s also a smaller receiver who’s skinny and lacks in the play strength department.
Jared Wilson projects as a high-upside starter in the NFL. While he is still raw as just a one-year starting center, the three-star Bulldogs recruit has the athleticism and natural leverage understanding to be one of the first pure center prospects off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-3, 310-pound starter starting center has a strong base and impressive hand usage while also possessing the fluid mobility to work in space.
Jackson Slater could be the next iteration of the small-school stud offensive lineman to become a starter in the NFL. An immediate contributor at Sacramento State out of high school, he started 44 games in his career, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors three times. He was a standout at the Senior Bowl and an elite athletic tester at the NFL Combine, with 5.01 speed, a 1.78 10-yard split, and 31 bench reps at 6-3, 311 pounds, with 32" arms.
Danny Stutsman boasts impressive density and length on his frame and an impressive feel for finding creases to make plays around the line of scrimmage. We’ve seen a million athletically gifted linebackers fail at the NFL level because a 4.5 athlete is slower than a 4.8 one if it takes them a half-second to process the picture in front of them. That’s why the Josey Jewells of the world have prospered while top-five picks bounce around proactive squads. Stutsman likely won’t ever be a game-changing player in coverage, but he has enough juice to survive carrying runners out of the backfield and matching tight ends trying to find holes in zone coverage.
Jake Majors is a five-year player at Texas who has started four seasons and has improved in each of those. While he is a very experienced player with over 3,700 career snaps, he only has experience with lining up at center but has played against the top competition in the country. Major has an average frame and length, plays low to the ground, and has excellent leverage as a pass blocker. He is a fluid athlete who can fire off the ball and moves well in space allowing him to climb to the second level of a defense and win consistently. Majors is a smart offensive lineman who has consistently shown the ability to pick up stunts and twists.
Jacob Gideon brings extensive experience and versatility to the table. A consistent four-year starter, he has seamlessly adapted to both guard and center roles, playing over 2,300 snaps. Known for his strength and ability to create running lanes, Gideon is a reliable force in the ground game. As a team captain, his leadership and experience have been pivotal in Western Michigan's offensive success. To improve his draft prospects, Gideon needs to work on his athleticism for more dynamic offenses and refine his hand placement techniques to handle defensive counters more effectively. His experience and leadership make him a solid candidate.
INDYSTAR ANALYSIS
What a wild draft. Shedeur Sanders falls and the Colts take advantage, trading the 14th pick to Pittsburgh for the 21st pick and the Steelers' second- and third-round picks in 2026. Love this deal as it allows them to grab Campbell, a playmaking linebacker who would be a massive upgrade over E.J. Speed. Even if you're not sure you'll be the GM next season, you have to make that trade.
I've got no idea what's happening after that. The Colts have three very good receivers and took Adonai Mitchell in the second round last year. Yes, he was disappointing but Indianapolis has the pieces in place to give him another year to develop and have much bigger needs.
The Colts then become, perhaps, the first team in NFL history to take three centers in one draft. That is despite have two centers -- Tanor Bortolini and Danny Pinter -- ready to compete for the starting job already. Slater is an interesting pick as the Colts try to sort out left guard. Stutsman appears to be a fine depth piece who could eventually replace Zaire Franklin.
But there's no tight end, no running back, no help in the secondary. The trade, however, almost makes this draft worth it.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts mock draft: Is a mock draft simulator or AI better at making picks
Continue reading...
CO-PILOT MOCK DRAFT
Round 1, pick 14: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
Warren is largely considered the best tight end in the draft (or at least the most complete at the highest level). The Colts have needed a big-time tight end for a few years now and struck out trying to get Brock Bowers last year. Warren to the Colts is one of the most-mocked pairings on the entire internet for a reason: it just makes sense.
Round 2, pick 45: OT Aireontae Ersey, Minnesota
Ersery is one of the more physically gifted offensive linemen in this draft, standing at 6-6, 331 pounds, with arms over 33 inches long and terrific pre-draft athletic scores. He's a three-year starter at left tackle and is scheme-versatile with the ability to maul in a phone booth or get out and block on the second level.
Round 3, pick 80: RB Damien Martinez, Miami
Martinez is a determined, balanced runner between the tackles, who can also catch and pass protect. The Colts attempted to get a legitimate RB2 last offseason by trying to bring Zack Moss back and checking into then-free agent A.J. Dillon, but their efforts fell flat.
Round 4, pick 112: CB Darien Porter, Iowa State
Porter is a cornerback with boundary and slot experience, valuable in Lou Anarumo's defense. He totaled six interceptions and eight pass breakups over three seasons.
Round 5, pick 145: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Nolen is a defensive tackle who can help bolster the Colts' defensive line. He is a massive human at 6-7 and moves better at his size than one would think.
Round 6, pick 178: TE Mason Taylor, LSU
Taylor is another tight end option for the Colts, providing depth and versatility at the position.
Round 7, pick 210: OT Dalton Cooper, Oklahoma State
Cooper is a tackle who moves well for his size and can provide depth on the offensive line
INDYSTAR ANALYSIS
No one's going to argue with Tyler Warren, a potential star at a position of need. Don't love the next two picks as the Colts seem comfortable with Braden Smith returning at right tackle, making the position less of a need, and while they need another running back and Martinez is a good one, spending a third-rounder on a backup running back doesn't seem like the best use of available resources.
Porter and Nolen fill depth needs at cornerback and defensive tackle and I like doubling up at tight end. Another tackle isn't needed but it's also a seventh-round pick.
Biggest mistake with this list is the Colts need a linebacker and Co-Pilot didn't address that need. Taking two tackles instead of a guard is also not maximizing the value from the draft.
Colts news: Colts defensive line was a disappointment last year. They've lost key players. What's the plan?
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NETWORK 2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT SIMULATOR
(Player writeups from College Football Network)
Round 1, pick 21: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Trade with Pittsburgh: Pick 14 for 21, 2026 2nd, 2026 3rd
Jihaad Campbell has the skillset to be a disruptive defender at linebacker and can impact the game in both phases. He has excellent size and length and is an outstanding athlete overall. He is an explosive mover who flashes very good short-area quickness and straight-line speed. Campbell is a highly versatile player who is best as an off-ball backer that is also asked to rush the passer as a blitzer, utilizing his explosiveness, power, and length. Campbell will occasionally get lost working through junk and can get covered up coming down vertically. Additionally, Campbell is a reactionary player rather than an instinctive defender.
Round 2, pick 45: WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
Isaiah Bond is an impressive athlete with tremendous speed. Those who turn on the tape will find themselves impressed with how easily Bond moves in space. His deep speed is top-notch, maximizing it with a quick first few steps off the line of scrimmage. Some wide receivers who are fast in a straight line can’t change directions all that well. That archetype certainly doesn’t apply to Bond, as he’s a dynamic runner with the ball in his hands who maintains his momentum and speed very well when changing direction. Concerns surrounding Bond include his average collegiate production, as he never really put up great numbers at either Alabama or Texas. He’s also a smaller receiver who’s skinny and lacks in the play strength department.
Round 3, pick 80: C Jared Wilson, Georgia
Jared Wilson projects as a high-upside starter in the NFL. While he is still raw as just a one-year starting center, the three-star Bulldogs recruit has the athleticism and natural leverage understanding to be one of the first pure center prospects off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-3, 310-pound starter starting center has a strong base and impressive hand usage while also possessing the fluid mobility to work in space.
Round 4, pick 117: OG Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
Jackson Slater could be the next iteration of the small-school stud offensive lineman to become a starter in the NFL. An immediate contributor at Sacramento State out of high school, he started 44 games in his career, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors three times. He was a standout at the Senior Bowl and an elite athletic tester at the NFL Combine, with 5.01 speed, a 1.78 10-yard split, and 31 bench reps at 6-3, 311 pounds, with 32" arms.
Round 5, pick 151: LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Danny Stutsman boasts impressive density and length on his frame and an impressive feel for finding creases to make plays around the line of scrimmage. We’ve seen a million athletically gifted linebackers fail at the NFL level because a 4.5 athlete is slower than a 4.8 one if it takes them a half-second to process the picture in front of them. That’s why the Josey Jewells of the world have prospered while top-five picks bounce around proactive squads. Stutsman likely won’t ever be a game-changing player in coverage, but he has enough juice to survive carrying runners out of the backfield and matching tight ends trying to find holes in zone coverage.
Round 6, pick 189: C Jake Majors, Texas
Jake Majors is a five-year player at Texas who has started four seasons and has improved in each of those. While he is a very experienced player with over 3,700 career snaps, he only has experience with lining up at center but has played against the top competition in the country. Major has an average frame and length, plays low to the ground, and has excellent leverage as a pass blocker. He is a fluid athlete who can fire off the ball and moves well in space allowing him to climb to the second level of a defense and win consistently. Majors is a smart offensive lineman who has consistently shown the ability to pick up stunts and twists.
Round 7, pick 232: C Jacob Gideon, Western Michigan
Jacob Gideon brings extensive experience and versatility to the table. A consistent four-year starter, he has seamlessly adapted to both guard and center roles, playing over 2,300 snaps. Known for his strength and ability to create running lanes, Gideon is a reliable force in the ground game. As a team captain, his leadership and experience have been pivotal in Western Michigan's offensive success. To improve his draft prospects, Gideon needs to work on his athleticism for more dynamic offenses and refine his hand placement techniques to handle defensive counters more effectively. His experience and leadership make him a solid candidate.
INDYSTAR ANALYSIS
What a wild draft. Shedeur Sanders falls and the Colts take advantage, trading the 14th pick to Pittsburgh for the 21st pick and the Steelers' second- and third-round picks in 2026. Love this deal as it allows them to grab Campbell, a playmaking linebacker who would be a massive upgrade over E.J. Speed. Even if you're not sure you'll be the GM next season, you have to make that trade.
I've got no idea what's happening after that. The Colts have three very good receivers and took Adonai Mitchell in the second round last year. Yes, he was disappointing but Indianapolis has the pieces in place to give him another year to develop and have much bigger needs.
The Colts then become, perhaps, the first team in NFL history to take three centers in one draft. That is despite have two centers -- Tanor Bortolini and Danny Pinter -- ready to compete for the starting job already. Slater is an interesting pick as the Colts try to sort out left guard. Stutsman appears to be a fine depth piece who could eventually replace Zaire Franklin.
But there's no tight end, no running back, no help in the secondary. The trade, however, almost makes this draft worth it.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts mock draft: Is a mock draft simulator or AI better at making picks
Continue reading...
