The Indianapolis Colts have a clear objective this offseason—bolstering their tight end position. As General Manager Chris Ballard pointed out after the season, they need a stronger pass-catching presence at the position, and there’s no better place to scout talent than the 2025 NFL Combine.
With the tight ends taking center stage for on-field drills on Friday, NFL scouts, analysts, and fans alike got a chance to see who stood out. This year’s draft class is deep, and that’s great news for the Colts. According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, as many as five to six tight ends in this draft could have starting potential in the NFL. That means Indianapolis has plenty of options to evaluate before making their move.
A Deep Class with Potential Star Power
The Colts aren’t the only team eyeing tight ends this year, but they might be one of the most desperate for a difference-maker at the position. Their offense, led by head coach Shane Steichen, thrives on versatility and unpredictability. Adding a tight end who can contribute both as a receiver and a blocker would bring a new dynamic to the unit.
But who exactly made an impression at the Combine?
Notable Absences at the Combine
Before diving into the standouts, it's worth noting that three of the top tight end prospects—Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland, and Elijah Arroyo—did not participate in the on-field drills. Their absence left the door open for other prospects to grab the spotlight and elevate their draft stock.
Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) Breakdown
For those unfamiliar with the process, Kent Lee Platte’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is a metric used to measure a prospect’s athletic ability based on various testing results. It’s an excellent tool for evaluating players in terms of explosiveness, speed, and agility. Platte has been tracking the numbers and providing a deeper look into how each tight end measures up physically.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the top tight end performers from the 2025 NFL Combine.
Standout Performers at the Tight End Position
Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)
One of the biggest names to shine at the Combine was Terrance Ferguson from Oregon. Standing tall at 6’5” and weighing in around 250 pounds, Ferguson impressed with his combination of size, speed, and hands. His route-running looked crisp, and he displayed strong hands in the catching drills.
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Speed & Agility: Ferguson ran an impressive 40-yard dash, proving he has the burst needed to stretch the field.
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Route Running: His smooth transitions and ability to create separation were noticeable.
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Hands & Catch Radius: Caught everything thrown his way, showing a natural ability to reel in passes in tight coverage.
Ferguson’s performance likely solidified him as a top-tier tight end in this class. His blend of size and athleticism makes him a potential difference-maker at the next level.
Other Notable Tight Ends to Watch
While Ferguson stood out, several other tight ends had strong showings at the Combine and could be on the Colts’ radar.
Jahleel Billingsley (Texas)
Billingsley had one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among tight ends, showing off his ability to be a downfield threat. His route-running needs some refinement, but his raw speed and playmaking ability make him an intriguing prospect.
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Strengths: Speed, athleticism, and versatility.
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Areas for Improvement: Blocking and route consistency.
Ben Sinnott (Kansas State)
Sinnott turned heads with his agility drills, posting one of the top shuttle times for his position. He’s a natural pass-catcher who can contribute immediately as a move tight end in the right system. His ability to create separation with quick cuts makes him an enticing option.
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Strengths: Quickness, hands, and footwork.
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Areas for Improvement: Needs to add strength for blocking assignments.
Jaheim Bell (Florida State)
Bell showcased elite explosiveness, ranking among the best in vertical and broad jumps. His ability to high-point the football and make contested catches is a trait that NFL teams love. He’s a bit undersized for a traditional tight end role, but his playmaking skills are undeniable.
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Strengths: Athleticism, contested catches, and playmaking ability.
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Areas for Improvement: Route tree expansion and inline blocking.
What This Means for the Colts
With such a deep and talented tight end class, the Colts have an excellent opportunity to upgrade the position. Ferguson looks like a prime target, but other names, such as Billingsley, Sinnott, and Bell, could also fit depending on their draft strategy.
The biggest takeaway from the 2025 NFL Combine? The Colts won’t be short on options. If they can land a well-rounded tight end who complements their offense, it could add a crucial new element to their attack. Whether they opt for a speedster like Billingsley, a technical route-runner like Sinnott, or an all-around athlete like Ferguson, the future at tight end in Indianapolis looks promising.
As the draft approaches, expect plenty of buzz around these prospects. Colts fans should keep an eye on these names, as one of them could very well be suiting up in blue and white next season.
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