The running back position may not be among the biggest needs that the Indianapolis Colts have, but it should be on their radar and with the depth of this year’s draft class, there will be plenty of opportunities to add to it.
The general consensus among draft analysts is that running back–along with the defensive line–are two of the deepest position groups in the 2025 NFL draft.
Jim Nagy, head of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, acknowledged that there are potentially 30 running backs with draftable grades. An absurd amount.
In addition to the number of quality backs in the draft, as NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah noted, there is a variety of different skill sets at the running position as well. So the Colts, and every other team, can get really specific in regards to the type of back they potentially want to add to their roster.
There’s a few reasons why the Colts should be in the running back market this offseason.
For one, while Jonathan Taylor has shown that he can handle a hefty workload, having a back who can shoulder some regular carries each week could be beneficial for Taylor over the course of a 17 game season.
Between Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson in 2024, the backup duo combined for only 88 carries, most of which came when Taylor was sidelined with an ankle injury.
In addition that, as I highlighted recently, a passing game presence at the running back position would also add a different element to Shane Steichen’s offense and would be another dimension that defenses now have to account for.
Lastly, the draft is about planning ahead. As we look ahead to 2026, that is the final year of Taylor’s current deal. And while at this time, there’s no reason for the Colts to move on from him at that point, there is a hefty amount of cap savings–$13 million, according to Over the Cap–if the Colts were to do so.
The Colts will enter the 2025 NFL draft with seven selections–one in each round. Tight end, cornerback, and safety are some of the more pressing needs for Indianapolis.
