Colts' Eight Picks: A Complete Look at Their 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft is underway, and the Indianapolis Colts have made their picks. Here's a complete look at their eight selections:

Round 1 (pick No. 14): Penn State TE Tyler WarrenWarren was the 2024 John Mackey Award winner, given to college football’s top tight end. He had 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last year at Penn State, leading the Big Ten in receptions.“It was a team I really enjoyed the staff in my meeting with them and enjoyed being there for my 30 visit, but I’m just really excited and it’s a great place to go play football and I’m excited to work with that program and that organization,” Warren said.Colts general manager Chris Ballard was confident in the pick.“Last time I felt that good about pulling a pick, and I’ve felt good about all of them, was Quenton (Nelson),” Ballard said. “It was easy. There wasn’t a lot of discussion.”Round 2 (pick No. 45): Ohio State EDGE JT TuimoloauTuimoloau led the Big Ten in sacks in 2024 with 12.5. He also had 61 total tackles and 22 tackles for loss in the 2024 season.He was first-team All-Big Ten in three straight seasons (2022-24).Tuimoloau spent all four years of his collegiate career at Ohio State. He played in 55 games, including 42 straight starts.Tuimoloau said he talked with the Colts at the combine, but didn’t have much contact with them afterwards.“It was just a great conversation that we had at the combine, was a very lasting impact,” Tuimoloau said.“He’s got some unique qualities,” Ballard said. “He’s a big guy. He’s a really good athlete. He can bend, he knows how to rush. He’s got good length. I mean, we’re excited to get him.”Round 3 (pick No. 80): Minnesota CB Justin WalleyWalley had 42 tackles and two interceptions in the 2024 season, and returned one for a pick six. He also had 10 passes defended.He was All-Big Ten second-team in 2024.Walley shared what his emotions were like when he got the call from the Colts.“It was surreal, man,” Walley said. “It’s something you always, growing up as a kid, you see on T.V., and you always think about that feeling, but when it actually happens, it’s a whole different level. Probably the best experience of my life.”Ballard shared what impresses him about Walley.“Speed, toughness, instincts – he’s got good ball skills,” Ballard said. “I think he’s a really good football player.”Walley said that the Colts see him as someone that can play both outside and inside at the cornerback position.Round 4 (pick No. 127): Iowa State OT Jalen TravisTravis was honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2024. He allowed just one sack in 2024.Travis is 6-foot-7 and 340 pounds.He played four seasons at Princeton before transferring to Iowa State, where he was at for just one season.Travis said it was a super surreal moment being drafted. He added the Colts have been big believers in him from the jump, which started with Colts offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr.Round 5 (pick No. 151): Kansas State running back DJ GiddensGiddens had over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his last two seasons. In 2024, he rushed for 1,343 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry.In his last two years at Kansas State, Giddens caught 50 passes for 581 yards and four touchdowns.Giddens was second-team All-Big 12 in 2024.Round 6 (pick No. 189): Notre Dame quarterback Riley LeonardLeonard threw for 2,861 yards, 21 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 2024 for the Fighting Irish. He played one season with Notre Dame, leading them to the National Championship Game.He also rushed for 906 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024.Prior to Notre Dame, Leonard played at Duke.Leonard said Daniel Jones called him and Anthony Richardson texted him after he was drafted.“The only place I wanted to be was Indianapolis,” Leonard said.Round 6 (pick No. 190): Alabama defensive tackle Tim SmithSmith was a five-year player for the Crimson Tide. In 2024, he had 35 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks.Smith said his best qualities are his ability to push the pocket, he’s big, strong, and physical up front, and he loves and lives for the double teams.Round 7 (pick No. 232): Wisconsin safety Hunter WohlerWohler had 71 tackles and six pass breakups in 2024.Wohler was honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2024 and was All-Big Ten second team in 2023.He is 6-foot-2 and 218 pounds.Wohler played safety at Wisconsin, but was listed as a linebacker on the Colts draft post. When he was asked, Wohler said he’s ready to play whatever position he’s told. He said he loves being near the box and near the ball.He also noted that he’s ready to play special teams with the Colts, saying that’s how you find your way onto a roster.