Worst case scenario for Colts at tight end plays out in Daniel Jeremiah's mock draft

A less-than-ideal scenario played out for the Indianapolis Colts in Daniel Jeremiah's final 2025 NFL mock draft: both Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland--the top two tight ends in this year's class--were gone before the Colts were on the clock.

Jeremiah had Warren going 10th overall to the Chicago Bears, and Loveland went at pick 13 to the Denver Broncos, who traded up.

For the tight end-needy Colts, this is the worst-case scenario when it comes to addressing this specific position group.

Now, a positive is that this year's tight end class is considered fairly deep overall, but if we were putting the tight ends into tiers, Warren and Loveland are in their own. So, at a position of major need for the Colts, they are unable to land one of the top options.

What could amplify things and make this scenario even worse is if LSU's Mason Taylor, who many have as TE3 in this class, is off the board before the Colts pick at 45th overall in the second round. And this is an outcome that may not be too far-fetched, as it is one that Jeremiah sees as a possibility.

ESPN's Dan Graziano recently floated the idea of the Colts trading for one of the available veteran tight ends on the trade market if the draft doesn't play out as hoped.

So with the top tight ends off the board, who did the Colts take in Jeremiah's mock? They went with Texas A&M defensive end Shemart Stewart, who the Colts also reportedly had in for a pre-draft visit.

The knock on Stewart is his lack of production for a first-round pick, with him totaling only 4.5 sacks over 37 games. But in terms of potential and his ceiling, he checks all the boxes. Stewart is an excellent athlete, has size, is versatile, and can be on the field for all three downs.

The Colts have a strong foundation at defensive end on the roster, but depth is a need with Dayo Odeyingbo in Chicago, and looking ahead to 2026, Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis are all free agents.

Last season, the Colts ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks, although the pass rush having to frequently contend with the quick passing game, didn't put them in a position to be successful either. Lou Anarumo's more aggressive scheme should benefit the defensive front when it comes to pressure and sack production.