The College Football Playoffs kickoff on Friday night with Indiana at Notre Dame. So, looking ahead to the Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 NFL Draft, here are some prospects to watch in this matchup.
Of course, a lot will change between now and when the draft takes place in late April. Positional needs for the Colts could be altered depending on how free agency unfolds, not to mention that prospects will move up and down big boards during the pre-draft process.
However, given where we sit right now, some positions of need that the Colts have include cornerback, safety, linebacker, tight end, running back, and defensive tackle. The Colts currently have seven draft picks–one in each round.
The 2025 NFL draft may be several months away, but Pro Football Focus has already put together an early big board, and included on that list are multiple players from Indiana and Notre Dame to keep your eyes on.
CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame: Morrison has been a popular name mocked to the Colts in the early going. Morrison suffered a season-ending hip injury, but was called “one of the best corner prospects” in this year’s draft by ESPN’s Jordan Reid.
S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame: Watts has played all over the defensive backfield for Notre Dame, with 226 snaps in the box, 127 from the slot, and 340 as the free safety. He’s recorded six pressures, made 52 of his 63 tackle attempts, and allowed a completion rate of 54% at 10.4 yards per catch with five interception and three interceptions.
LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame: As a blitzer, Kiser has logged 13 pressures and been an extremely reliable tackler, making 74 of his 77 attempts. Kiser is one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders this season. In coverage he has one pass breakup and allowed 10.1 yards per catch.
ED Mikail Kamara, Indiana: Kamara has been one of the most productive pass rushers in college football, totaling 61 pressures and 10 sacks this season. For what it’s worth, he’s also graded out well as a run defender.
Other names to know:
QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
IDL Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
IDL CJ West, Indiana
TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
LB Jailin Walker, Indiana
IDL Howard Cross III, Notre Dame
WR Beaux Collins, Notre Dame