4 Prospects Indianapolis Colts Should Avoid at a critical crossroads entering the 2025 NFL Draft. While the team has showcased flashes of promise, inconsistency and uncertainty, especially at quarterback, have plagued their progress.
Although offseason free agency moves were intended to plug some gaps, questions still loom large as draft day approaches. This year, sitting at the No. 14 pick, the Colts must tread carefully. A misstep in the first round could set the franchise back, especially in a class loaded with potential pitfalls.
With all that in mind, here are four prospects the Indianapolis Colts should avoid with the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Draft Strategy in a Transitional Year
Heading into the 2025 draft, the Indianapolis Colts are a team in transition. They’re not rebuilding entirely, yet they aren’t exactly contenders either. The 2024 season proved that mediocrity is no sweet spot in the NFL.
With a record that fell short of the playoffs but far from the league’s basement, the Colts landed at 14th overall, not quite ideal.
To be fair, free agency brought a few intriguing additions. Veteran quarterback Daniel Jones was signed to push the underperforming Anthony Richardson.
Furthermore, small but strategic efforts were made to reinforce weak areas. However, it’s the draft where the real opportunity lies to change this franchise’s direction.
Unfortunately, not all high-profile names on the board are worth the risk. Let’s explore four of them.
QB J.J. McCarthy Too Much Hype, Not Enough Fit
There’s no denying that J.J. McCarthy had a decorated college career, especially as a game manager for Michigan’s run-heavy offense. But for the Indianapolis Colts, he may not be the answer.
Why He’s a Risk
Despite a National Championship under his belt, McCarthy’s skillset remains limited. His downfield accuracy is inconsistent, and his processing speed under pressure leaves a lot to be desired.
Given how Anthony Richardson has already been a developmental project, adding another raw prospect could compound the quarterback problem rather than solve it.
Moreover, McCarthy benefited greatly from a dominant O-line and elite run game in college. The Colts, in contrast, still have issues on the interior line and lack an overwhelming rushing attack. McCarthy, without those crutches, may struggle.
Better Alternatives Exist
If quarterback is a must, the Colts could explore trade-down options or even wait for a veteran market shakeup. Using the 14th pick on McCarthy could feel like a reach, especially for a team with deeper roster needs.
TE Brock Bowers – Great Talent, Wrong Timing
It’s hard to deny Brock Bowers’ explosive ability at the tight end position. He’s athletic, agile, and brings mismatch potential that any offensive coordinator would love. However, he may not be the right fit for the Indianapolis Colts at this time.
Positional Value Dilemma
Historically, tight ends take time to develop in the NFL, and Bowers is no exception. While he’s likely to become a productive pro, the Colts need instant-impact players, particularly on the offensive line or defense. Drafting a tight end this high doesn’t align with the team’s most pressing needs.
Additionally, the Colts already have some young talent at tight end. Spending a premium pick on a luxury position could end up being a waste of capital.
A Matter of Priorities
Yes, Bowers could eventually shine. But the Colts simply can’t afford to wait for development, especially when players like interior linemen or defensive standouts could provide day-one value. Drafting Bowers would be flashy, yet short-sighted.
EDGE Laiatu Latu Injury Concerns and System Fit
Laiatu Latu is a polarizing prospect. On paper, he looks like a first-rounder with an elite pass-rushing toolbox. But when you dive deeper, there are reasons for hesitation, especially for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Medical Red Flag
Latu’s early retirement from football due to a neck injury is well-documented. Although he returned and performed well at UCLA, his medical history cannot be ignored. For a team that can’t afford another risky investment, Latu’s profile raises red flags.
Additionally, Latu’s play style may not seamlessly translate into Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme. He’s more of a stand-up rusher than a true hand-in-the-dirt DE, which could limit his effectiveness in Indy’s system.
High Risk, Minimal Reward?
Injuries have derailed many careers before they’ve even started. The Colts simply can’t roll the dice at pick No. 14, especially not on a player who may never fully meet his potential or worse, find himself back on the injured list.
WR Xavier Worthy Speed Isn’t Everything
Xavier Worthy broke records at the NFL Combine with his blazing 40-yard dash. Yet, despite that highlight, he is not an ideal selection for the Indianapolis Colts.
Physical Limitations
At just 165 pounds, Worthy’s size raises major durability concerns. While he’s undeniably fast, that doesn’t always translate into sustained NFL success. Smaller receivers often struggle with physical cornerbacks and can get washed out in the red zone.
Worthy also had inconsistent hands at Texas, sometimes disappearing in critical games. The Colts already have young pass-catchers like Josh Downs and Alec Pierce developing. Adding another undersized receiver may only create redundancy.
Not a Scheme Fit
The Colts’ offense isn’t exactly built for a one-dimensional deep threat. Shane Steichen’s system favors versatile receivers who can run a diverse route tree and make plays across the field, not just sprint down the sideline. Worthy’s skillset may ultimately be too niche to justify a top-15 pick.
What the Colts Should Prioritize Instead
Now that we’ve discussed the 4 Prospects Indianapolis Colts Should Avoid With No. 14 Pick In 2025 NFL Draft, let’s shift the lens to what the team should focus on.
Offensive Line Help
The interior of the Colts’ O-line is still a weakness. Protecting whoever wins the QB battle between Richardson and Jones is essential. Drafting a guard or center early such as Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson or Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran would bring immediate stability.
Defensive Backbone
Linebacker and interior defensive line also remain areas of concern. Players like ILB Junior Colson or DT Leonard Taylor could step in and make a difference from day one. Addressing these holes would provide much-needed help for a defense that couldn’t get off the field in 2024.
Versatile Playmakers
Rather than reaching for niche players, the Colts should target well-rounded athletes who fit their scheme and timeline. Getting the best football player, not just the flashiest name, is the formula for sustainable success.
The Quarterback Conundrum
Let’s circle back to the elephant in the room, quarterback. It’s fair to say that Anthony Richardson didn’t meet expectations in 2024.
Whether it was due to inexperience or a poor fit, the results were mixed at best. Bringing in Daniel Jones suggests that the front office isn’t fully convinced Richardson is the future.
However, this year’s draft doesn’t offer many surefire QB solutions at pick 14. Instead of forcing a pick, the smarter route may be to give Richardson another shot behind an improved O-line and with a more complete roster.
If that fails, the Colts can explore the 2026 draft or veteran trades next offseason.
Lessons from Past Draft Mistakes
It’s important to remember that not all high picks yield big returns. The Colts themselves know this all too well, from misses on players like Bjoern Werner or Phillip Dorsett to underwhelming returns on others.
Thus, it’s not just about who you pick, it’s about who you don’t pick. Avoiding busts is just as critical as finding stars. That’s why knowing which prospects to steer clear of is half the battle.
Expert Editorial Comment
Navigating the 2025 NFL Draft will be a defining moment for the Indianapolis Colts. With the No. 14 pick, the team has a golden opportunity to reshape its trajectory.
However, that opportunity comes with great risk. Falling for hype, ignoring scheme fit, or gambling on injury-prone players could prove costly.
By avoiding prospects like J.J. McCarthy, Brock Bowers, Laiatu Latu, and Xavier Worthy, the Colts can sidestep potential landmines and focus on what matters: building a balanced, tough, and cohesive football team.
The right draft strategy isn’t always the most exciting. Sometimes, it’s about discipline, foresight, and resisting the urge to make a splash. If the Colts stick to that philosophy, the 2025 season could be the beginning of something special.