NFL: SEP 15 Colts at Packers
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INDIANAPOLIS – These are the Colts you really don’t want to see get hurt in 2025.
It goes without saying that no one is rooting for injuries. Duh.
But some players, simply, matter more to the roster when weighing their own individual play and the positional value, plus the depth at that position.
Who are the 5 most indispensable Colts for the 2025 season?
1. Bernhard Raimann
NFL: SEP 10 Jaguars at Colts Source:Getty
Bernhard Raimann: Going back to the days of Anthony Castonzo, a quality left tackle is always going to rank very high on such a list. Raimann is my No. 1 in 2025 because he checks all the boxes. He’s good. He plays a vitally important position. And the depth behind him is a major question. While Raimann isn’t protecting some prized franchise quarterback like other NFL teams might currently have, a leaky blindside would only add to the question marks surrounding the most important position in sports. This one was pretty obvious.
2. Zaire Franklin
NFL: DEC 16 Steelers at Colts Source:Getty
Zaire Franklin: The elite ball hawking of Darius Leonard was a major reason why he once appeared on this list. Franklin’s spot in 2025 isn’t because he’s some rare turnover machine. No, it’s because the Colts have hardly any notable depth at linebacker. When you are implementing a new defensive coordinator, the lead communicator takes on an even larger role, so that’s another reason I think Franklin is worthy of a nod here. To be fair, this entire list gets more smudged together after Raimann, as I could be talked into some of the next names sliding up, or even further back.
3. Cam Bynum
Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings Source:Getty
Cam Bynum: Some might have gone with the other big prized free agent in the secondary on such a list, but I’ll go with Bynum. Similar to Franklin at linebacker, the Colts safety depth is a major question mark. And if you look at Lou Anarumo’s best defenses in Cincinnati, a strong top-flight safety was a common theme.
4. DeForest Buckner
DeForest Buckner walks around the practice field during practice.
DeForest Buckner: A frequent name on this list, Buckner is still playing at a high enough level that he keeps his top-5 spot. Unlike in previous years though, the Colts actually are higher on their defensive tackle depth, mainly thanks to the free agent arrival of Neville Gallimore this offseason. Some could debate if Grover Stewart belongs on this list, more than Buckner, but I still love the pass rush presence of the former top-10 pick.
5. Jonathan Taylor
NFL: JUN 11 Indianapolis Colts OTA Source:Getty
Positional value is not why Jonathan Taylor cracks the top-5 this year. But he occupies our 5th and final spot due to him showing that he can tote it at a very high level. With expected quarterback play to level more around inconsistent, a steady and productive lead running back would go a long, long way to this offense maintaining an appropriate amount of scoring.
6. Others Considered
NFL: JUN 11 Indianapolis Colts OTA Source:Getty
Others Considered: I considered a handful of other Colts for this list: Charvarius Ward, Quenton Nelson, Grover Stewart, Braden Smith and Tyler Warren. The Colts hope Ward is the top outside corner they’ve longed for, but depth at that position is better on paper than in past years. Nelson is still great, but positional value keeps him from the top-5. I need more of a third-down role for Stewart if he’s going to push further up on this list. Similar to Raimann, Smith plays a position where you have depth questions in securing the edge of the pocket. It’s rare to even think about a rookie on this list, but I view Warren that much higher than the other tight ends.