The latest version of Lance Zierlein’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft (4.0) has arrived — and it’s bringing some serious heat. With aggressive trades, high-upside picks, and a few curveballs, Zierlein projects a first round filled with movement and ambition. Let’s break down the two biggest headline-grabbers: the Colts’ move for a dynamic tight end, and the Saints’ gamble on a polarizing QB.
🐎 Colts Trade Up for Colston Loveland — Shane Steichen Gets His Kelce-Type Weapon
In a bold move, Zierlein has the Indianapolis Colts trading up into the top 12 to grab Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, arguably the top TE prospect in the 2025 class.
Loveland has been compared to Travis Kelce for his smooth route running, elite ball tracking, and ability to create separation against linebackers and safeties alike. For a Colts offense that’s building around Anthony Richardson, this pick could be a franchise-shifting weapon.
💬 Zierlein writes: “Colston Loveland is a perfect fit for Shane Steichen’s offense — think Dallas Goedert 2.0 with even more upside. Indy knows they have a window, and they’re not waiting around.”
With Jonathan Taylor in the backfield and Josh Downs flashing as a slot threat, adding Loveland could elevate the Colts into a top-tier offensive unit in the AFC.
⚜️ Saints Go All-In on Jaxson Dart — The QB Rebuild Begins Lance Zierlein’s.
In one of the most talked-about projections, the New Orleans Saints select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart in the mid-first round, setting off a new chapter at quarterback.
Dart is a polarizing prospect — a gunslinger with both thrilling highs and head-scratching lows. But Zierlein believes the Saints are ready to reboot after another season of middling QB play and an aging offensive identity.
🔥 Zierlein notes: “Dart has the arm, the mobility, and the ‘alpha’ mentality. He’s raw, but the Saints need to roll the dice on upside — and Dart offers plenty of it.”
It’s a swing-for-the-fences pick. With weapons like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed already in place, New Orleans could give Dart the support he needs to thrive early.
📈 Other Mock Draft Highlights Worth Watching
- Panthers snag CB Will Johnson — locking in a future lockdown corner.
- Giants surprise with WR Tetairoa McMillan, opting for a long-term WR1 over another developmental QB.
- Jets bolster the trenches, selecting OL JC Latham to protect Aaron Rodgers (or his successor).
🎯 Final Word: Zierlein Delivers a Mock Full of Boldness & Belief
This latest mock draft from Lance Zierlein shows teams throwing safe strategy out the window and chasing fit, firepower, and future potential. The Colts’ move for Loveland signals confidence in Richardson’s development. Meanwhile, the Saints’ selection of Jaxson Dart could be the start of a new era in New Orleans.
Get ready, football fans — if reality is anything like this mock, the 2025 NFL Draft will be full of drama, ambition, and unforgettable moments.
