For the fourth consecutive year, the Indianapolis Colts will watch the NFL playoffs from home, extending their longest postseason drought since Jim Irsay assumed day-to-day operations. The lackluster season, finishing with an 8-9 record, has raised significant questions about the direction of the franchise and the future of general manager Chris Ballard.
Ballard, who concludes his eighth season with a 62-69-1 record, faces mounting scrutiny regarding the team’s culture and late-season accountability issues. Irsay’s decision on Ballard’s job security will play a pivotal role in shaping the Colts’ offseason approach.
Regardless of leadership, the upcoming NFL Draft will be central to Indianapolis’s efforts to return to contention. The Colts hold the No. 14 overall pick in the first round, along with selections in every subsequent round, giving them opportunities to address key needs.
2025 NFL Draft Overview
With the draft order now set for non-playoff teams, the Colts find themselves in the middle of the first round:
- First-Round Pick: No. 14 overall
- Remaining Picks: One in each of Rounds 2-7
2025 Draft Order (Top 18 Picks):
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Cleveland Browns (3-14)
- New York Giants (3-14)
- New England Patriots (4-13)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
- Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)
- New York Jets (5-12)
- Carolina Panthers (5-12)
- New Orleans Saints (5-12)
- Chicago Bears (5-12)
- San Francisco 49ers (6-11)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-10)
- Miami Dolphins (8-9)
- Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
- Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
- Arizona Cardinals (8-9)
- Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
- Seattle Seahawks (10-7)
The Colts face a critical offseason, with decisions about management, draft strategy, and culture changes looming large. Whether Irsay retains Ballard or opts for a fresh start, the moves made in the coming months will determine whether Indianapolis can finally break its playoff drought.
