The Indianapolis Colts selected Hunter Wohler in the seventh round (232nd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Players picked that low don’t often amount to much. Yet, the former Wisconsin star could become a steal for the Colts.
Wohler measured in at 6’2″ and weighs 213 pounds. He recorded a RAS (Relative Athletic Score) of 9.55. That included a 4.57-second 40, a 37-inch vertical, and a 6.72-second 3-cone.
Wohler played four seasons at Wisconsin. During his time with the Badgers, he recorded 229 tackles, (12 tackles for loss), two sacks, three interceptions, and 13 passes defended. He also returned eight punts for 55 yards. In addition, Wohler was named second-team All-Big Ten in 2023. He was an impact player in college. But can he do the same in the NFL?
Colts’ Draft Pick Hunter Wohler Could Be a Steal
Is He the Next Daniel Sorensen?
During an interview with ESPN Madison, Colts general manager Chris Ballard compared Wohler to Daniel Sorensen. Ballard acquired Sorensen when he was an executive with the Kansas City Chiefs. The safety out of BYU went undrafted in 2014. Yet, he later became a starter in Kansas City. Lorin Cox of Sports Illustrated wrote about the Sorensen comparison:
“The physical similarities are all there. Wohler measured in at 6-foot-2, 213 pounds at the NFL combine, where he ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash. Sorensen was 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, and ran a 4.67-second 40. Both have unimpressive speed but a good size for the position. Sorensen played 10 years in the NFL, and he was a starter in the Chiefs’ 2019 Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. That would be a great career for Wohler and exceed expectations for any seventh-round pick. Credit to Ballard for spotting the comparison and identifying the NFL talent coming out of his alma mater.”
Wohler could become the next Daniel Sorensen. The potential is certainly there.
What Does He Bring to the Table?
Hunter Wohler
Sep 14, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Hunter Wohler played safety in college. But he was announced as a linebacker when the Colts drafted him. He was listed as a safety on the rookie minicamp depth chart as well. So it’s unclear what position he’ll play in the NFL.
Perhaps Wohler will spend time at both safety and linebacker. The Colts could use depth behind starting safeties Camryn Bynum and Nick Cross. Plus, he’s needed in the linebacker room, which includes Zaire Franklin, Jaylon Carlies, and Joe Bachie. Wohler could also be a special teams contributor.
The Colts hired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this offseason. In his scheme, Wohler can serve as a dime linebacker during obvious passing situations. And as a safety, he can provide coverage to the second level.
Over the years, Chris Ballard has had success with seventh-round picks. He drafted Zaire Franklin back in 2018. Leading the NFL in tackles, the linebacker made his first Pro Bowl last season.
Ballard also drafted offensive lineman Will Fries in 2021. He later developed into a starter and signed an $88 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. In addition, Ballard selected cornerback Jaylon Jones in 2023. He has started 27 of his 35 games. Hunter Wohler could turn out to be the Colts’ next seventh-round draft steal.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports