Top 10 Indianapolis Colts Players Going Into the 2025-26 Season

The Colts, I feel like, are a long way away from being truly competitive in the top-heavy AFC. On paper, this team is very middle of the road. They have some talent but a lot of inconsistencies as well.

The one benefit is playing in a weak division. They are realistically the only team that could challenge Houston.

I have to say that the quarterback situation is less than ideal. Neither Anthony Richardson nor Daniel Jones is anything remotely good. Either way, they're kind of stuck in the same mediocrity loop they've been in for years.

The Top Ten

  1. Jonathan Taylor

    It's safe to say Jonathan Taylor is the centerpiece of the entire offense. He is by far the most consistent and reliable offensive weapon the Colts have.

    JT is coming off his best season since 2021. He finished the season with 1,431 yards, finishing 4th overall in the league, and 11 touchdowns, finishing just outside the top 10 amongst running backs. He did make a Pro Bowl in 2024 for his efforts.

    My one knock against him is injury concerns, but if he can stay healthy, he's proven himself as a reliable, true workhorse running back.

  2. DeForest Buckner

    DeForest Buckner has been excellent in the NFL. He's not quite Aaron Donald level or Chris Jones level, but he's still one of the best defensive tackles in the league.

    He has consistently been productive as a pass rusher. He's really emerged as a true leader on the Colts defensive line. Buckner received an 81.9 grade overall in 2024 by PFF, ranking 8th in the league at his position. He finished the season with 6.5 sacks, 61 tackles, 24 solo tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits. That was with him missing a third of the season.

    Nothing more needs to be said here. His resume speaks for itself.

  3. Quenton Nelson

    Nelson has been steady and consistent throughout his career. PFF gave him an 81.3 overall grade in 2024, ranking 8th amongst all guards in the league.

    He's great at both run blocking and pass protection. At the very least, he's been Pro Bowl caliber his entire career so far and has made multiple All-Pro teams.

    Even if some say he's declined over time, he is still very good and one of the best guards in the league.

  4. Josh Downs

    Josh Downs is a solid wide receiver who arguably has become the top receiver for the Colts. He finished 2024 with 803 yards and 5 touchdowns.

    Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play, Downs has proven he can still be reliable and effective. He's a good route runner and has potential to develop further.

    Hopefully, the quarterback situation improves so he can unlock his true potential.

  5. Tyler Warren

    I think just about everybody thought Tyler Warren would be drafted by the Colts. It was almost a certainty. Almost everyone considers Tyler Warren the top tight end prospect in this draft class.

    The Colts haven't had a true standout tight end since Evan Engram. Warren is coming off an outstanding season with Penn State, being named First Team All-American and winning the Mackey Award, given to the top TE in the nation.

    My only question is, who's throwing the ball to him? Neither quarterback is really a great option to pick. Regardless, I think he could be the next Brock Bowers.

  6. Michael Pittman Jr.

    Michael Pittman isn't necessarily the biggest name or the flashiest wide receiver, but you can't deny that he's a reliable target. He's been the most consistent Colts pass catcher for years since T.Y. Hilton.

    Despite not being a top-tier wide receiver in the league, he's generally durable and has good hands.

    The question is, who's throwing him the ball? Neither option is really that great.

  7. Daniel Jones

    I originally put Anthony Richardson here, but given his recent shoulder injury news, who knows how that will affect his game? Daniel Jones has more NFL experience for what it's worth.

    To be fair, the Giants never really built a good team around him besides one year, and Saquon carried that team. Danny Dimes at least has some flashes of talent.

    Overall, I feel both quarterbacks are pretty interchangeable. I see Danny Dimes as a low-end starter at best. He's probably the favorite to be the starter as of now.

  8. Laiatu Latu

    Laiatu was a very promising rookie prospect last season, and he was overall okay. His pass rushing abilities are pretty solid overall.

    He should continue to improve as he gets stronger and gains more experience. I feel like it typically takes a year to develop in the NFL for most guys at his position.

  9. Zaire Franklin

    Zaire is a starting-quality linebacker who excels at stopping the run but struggles in pass coverage and doesn't generate a ton of sacks.

    While he's not super flashy, he's generally pretty consistent and one of the better players on that defense, which is overall a below-average unit. He does generate a lot of tackles for what it's worth.

  10. Kenny Moore

    Kenny Moore is a decent enough starting cornerback. He's very consistent and has become a true veteran presence for the Colts secondary.

    PFF has him listed as the 30th best cornerback among all eligible corners in the league. He's got great tackling abilities and good hands. Last year, he finished with 3 interceptions, 78 combined tackles, 51 solo tackles, and 4 tackles for loss.

    Should be a mainstay for the Colts defense for years to come.

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