Standout players at the 2025 Senior Bowl that the Colts should be highly interested in when the NFL Draft arrives

The Indianapolis Colts have been known to target players who participate at the Senior Bowl each year in the NFL Draft. So, it seems fair to assume that the Colts will do the same this year. This year's group in Mobile, Alabama, has a lot of talent, and luckily for the Colts, there are multiple solid […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team running back Damien Martinez of Miami (32) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts have been known to target players who participate at the Senior Bowl each year in the NFL Draft. 

So, it seems fair to assume that the Colts will do the same this year. This year's group in Mobile, Alabama, has a lot of talent, and luckily for the Colts, there are multiple solid options for them to consider at positions of need on their roster. 

Senior Bowl Standouts that the Colts should target in the 2025 NFL Draft

Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. of Georgia (32) lines up during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia 

Georiga linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. was impressive in all three practices at this year's Senior Bowl. After struggling with injuries throughout the 2024 college season, he finally looks healthy and seems ready to make an impact at the pro level. Mondon excelled in coverage and showed that he has been slept on to start this draft process. The Colts need to revamp their LB room with EJ Speed and Grant Stuard, who are both set to hit free agency. Mondon is a solid athlete, and I think his upside in coverage makes him a great fit for them to consider. 

Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

LSU tight end Mason Taylor shined throughout the Senior Bowl but had his biggest performance on day three. He showed off his excellent route running and ability to make catches through contact. Taylor's film at LSU also shows how smart of a football player he is when plays break down and he has to make a split-second decision to help out his quarterback. He is the exact style of TE that would be a massive help for Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. 

Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Another TE the Colts should consider is Elijah Arroyo, out of Miami. You could argue that Arroyo was the biggest star of the entire week. He made life difficult for whichever defensive back had the displeasure of lining up opposite of him. Arroyo's health caused him to not have a massive impact at Miami. He finally looks healthy and was able to make a big statement in Mobile. The Colts have an enormous need at TE, which would warrant using an early pick on either Arroyo or Taylor, but they honestly could look at drafting two to reshape the room completely. 

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Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

Another need for the Colts is adding to their running back room behind Jonathan Taylor. This past year, the Colts clearly didn't trust anyone but Taylor to handle the ball between the tackles, with Trey Sermon's main role being in pass coverage. Finding a player who can provide them with blocking ability but also be a threat running the ball would be a welcomed addition to their roster. The best fit from this year's Senior Bowl roster is Miami RB Damien Martinez. He had a strong week in practice, where he showed off his strength, speed, and pass-blocking ability. 

BJ Adams, CB, UCF

UCF corner BJ Adams had a big week, especially during one-on-ones. He put his press-man ability on full display, and that strength is something that the Colts' new defensive scheme will call for at a much higher rate than in years past. Adams also has elite size at the position at 6'3" and has nice speed on the outside. He finished this week as one of the best performers of any CB in attendance. The Colts will need to add multiple new outside corners as they look to optimize Lou Anarumo's defensive system. So Adams will be a name I'm watching closely as an option for the Colts to target on day two or potentially early day three. 

Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma 

Oklahoma safety Billy Bowman Jr. is an intriguing option for teams looking to add a ball hawk to their safety rooms. Bowman showed it off this week, making multiple great plays on the ball, and even came away with an interception against Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. With Julian Blackmon set to be a free agent this offseason, the Colts will need to find a starter, whether that is in free agency or in the draft. If they choose to look to the draft, Bowman could be one of the top options for the team to consider, either late day two or early day three. Even though he is smaller than the typical defensive back Chris Ballard usually targets, his fit in Anarumo's defense should help his case. 

Other notable Senior Bowl players the Colts should consider: 

  • Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo 
  • Shemar James, LB, Florida
  • Trevor Etienne, RB, Georiga 
  • Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
  • Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
  • Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky 
  • Justin Barron, S/LB, Syracuse
  • Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

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