Tyler Warren had 76 catches as a rookie. He didn’t top 45 receiving yards in any game after Thanksgiving

The Indianapolis Colts started 8-2 in 2025 and then lost seven consecutive games. The young roster showed potential but couldn’t sustain it. Tyler Warren, Jalen Travis, and Riley Leonard are entering their second seasons. Whether they develop will determine if 2025 was a collapse or a step in a rebuild.

Warren had 817 yards but faded after Thanksgiving

Tyler Warren finished his rookie season with 76 catches for 817 yards and five touchdowns. The production was promising. The distribution was the problem. After Thanksgiving, Warren didn’t have a single game with more than 45 receiving yards. The seven-game losing streak coincided with his disappearance from the offense. With Daniel Jones returning as the starter, Warren has a chance to build on the early-season success. Sustaining it through December is what separates good rookies from reliable weapons.

Travis allowed one sack in five starts

Jalen Travis was a fourth-round pick viewed as a developmental prospect. When Braden Smith got injured, Travis stepped in and earned a 72.1 PFF grade while allowing only one sack in five games. Smith is likely heading to free agency. Travis has an opportunity to take the right tackle job permanently. The offensive line’s ability to protect quarterbacks will matter more if Indianapolis is relying on Jones and a young backup. Travis proved he can play. Now he needs to prove he can start 17 games.

Leonard threw 3 touchdowns against Houston

Riley Leonard was a sixth-round pick who played after Anthony Richardson’s injury. His performances were inconsistent, but he completed 21 of 34 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns against the Texans. That game showed he can produce when needed. Leonard projects as a backup, but the Colts have had quarterback injuries in consecutive seasons. Having a capable backup matters. Leonard showed enough to fill that role.

The defense ranked 20th and needs younger players

Indianapolis allowed the 20th-most points per game in 2025. J.T. Tuimoloau had an underwhelming rookie season but has the physical tools to develop into a disruptive pass rusher. Cornerback Deantre Walley missed the season with an ACL injury and could return to help the secondary. The Colts need their young defensive players to take steps forward. The 8-2 start happened. The seven-game losing streak also happened. The defense improving would help ensure the next season looks more like the beginning of 2025 than the end.