Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round

The NFL Draft’s final rounds are often where hidden gems emerge—players who may not have the first-round hype but possess the work ethic and talent to carve out meaningful NFL careers. For the Indianapolis Colts, that gem in the 2025 Draft came in the seventh round, when they selected safety Hunter Wohler out of the University of Wisconsin. While seventh-round picks are sometimes viewed as long shots, the Colts’ decision to take Wohler was rooted in careful scouting and a clear vision for how he can contribute to their defense. Wohler, a four-year starter for the Badgers, built a reputation as a hard-hitting, high-IQ safety who excels in both run support and pass coverage—a skill set that aligns perfectly with the Colts’ need to deepen their secondary. For a team looking to strengthen its defensive depth after a playoff run in 2024, this selection isn’t just a roster filler; it’s a strategic move to add a versatile player who can compete for playing time early. In the world of NFL drafting, Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round is a story of potential, fit, and the Colts’ ability to find value where others might overlook it.

Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round comes after a standout college career that showcased his ability to impact games in multiple ways. At Wisconsin, Wohler was a staple of the Badgers’ defense, starting 41 games over four seasons and compiling 312 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, and 18 pass breakups. What set him apart from other safety prospects was his versatility: he could line up in the box to stop the run, drop back into deep coverage to shut down wide receivers, or blitz off the edge to pressure quarterbacks. His senior season was particularly impressive: he recorded 95 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and helping Wisconsin finish in the top 20 nationally in total defense. Scouts praised his football IQ—he consistently read offensive formations correctly and made quick decisions—and his physicality, with a knack for delivering bone-rattling hits that forced fumbles. While he didn’t test as an elite athlete at the NFL Combine (his 4.58-second 40-yard dash was solid but not exceptional), his on-field production and consistency made him a target for teams looking for a reliable safety. The Colts, who had been tracking Wohler since his junior year, saw in him a player who could thrive in their defensive scheme.

A closer look at Wohler’s playing style reveals why he’s a good fit for the Colts’ defense, which under new coordinator Brian Flores emphasizes aggression and versatility. Flores’ system requires safeties to be adaptable—able to switch between single-high coverage, slot coverage, and run support based on the play call—and Wohler’s college experience has prepared him for that role. At Wisconsin, he often played “box safety,” lining up near the line of scrimmage to help stop the Badgers’ Big Ten rivals’ run-heavy offenses. That experience will translate well to the Colts’ defense, which faces run-centric teams like the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South. Wohler also showed growth in pass coverage during his senior year, improving his ability to track receivers and make plays on the ball. His 3 interceptions in 2024 included a game-sealing pick against Ohio State, where he read quarterback Kyle McCord’s eyes perfectly and stepped in front of a pass intended for a wide receiver. For the Colts, who struggled with depth at safety last season (relying heavily on veterans Julian Blackmon and Rodney Thomas II), Wohler’s ability to contribute in multiple areas gives them flexibility. He won’t be expected to start right away, but he can compete for snaps on special teams and as a backup safety—roles where his work ethic and football IQ will allow him to make an immediate impact.

A key reason behind Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round is the Colts’ focus on building depth in their secondary, a priority that emerged from their 2024 playoff loss. The Indianapolis Colts’ defense played well overall last season, but their secondary showed vulnerabilities when backups were forced into action. When Blackmon missed two games with a hamstring injury, the Colts’ pass defense allowed an average of 280 yards per game—20 yards more than their season average—and gave up four touchdown passes in those contests. By selecting Wohler, the Colts are adding a player who can step in and contribute if injuries strike, without a significant drop-off in performance. Wohler’s college experience as a full-time starter also means he won’t need as much development as some other seventh-round picks; he’s already used to the rigors of high-level football and understands the demands of playing safety in a complex defense. The Colts’ coaching staff has noted that Wohler’s film study habits—he was known at Wisconsin for spending extra hours reviewing game tape—will help him learn the playbook quickly. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, having reliable depth in the secondary isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity, and Wohler fills that need perfectly.

Another critical aspect of Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round is the intangibles Wohler brings to the locker room—traits that the Colts value as much as on-field talent. The Indianapolis Colts have built a culture of accountability and hard work under head coach Shane Steichen, and Wohler’s background aligns with that ethos. At Wisconsin, he was a team captain in his senior year, known for leading by example: he was the first player on the practice field and the last to leave, and he often mentored younger defensive backs. His work ethic was so respected that Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator called him “the heart and soul of our defense.” Those leadership qualities will make Wohler a valuable addition to the Colts’ secondary, where veterans like Blackmon can help him adjust to the NFL, while he brings a fresh energy and commitment to improvement. Additionally, Wohler’s toughness—he played through a minor shoulder injury in his junior year and didn’t miss a start—shows the resilience the Colts look for in players. In the NFL, where the season is long and physical, having players who can stay healthy and compete through adversity is crucial, and Wohler’s track record suggests he’s that type of player.

As Wohler prepares to join the Colts for rookie minicamp, the excitement around Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round continues to build—both for the player and the team. For Wohler, being selected by the Colts is a chance to prove that seventh-round picks can make a difference in the NFL, a goal he’s been working toward since he started playing football in high school. For the Indianapolis Colts, this selection is a testament to their scouting department’s ability to identify talent beyond the first few rounds, a skill that has helped them build a competitive roster in recent years. While Wohler’s path to playing time may not be as clear as a first-round pick’s, he has the tools, work ethic, and fit to carve out a role for himself. Whether it’s on special teams, as a backup safety, or eventually competing for a starting spot, Wohler has the potential to become a fan favorite in Indianapolis—known for his hard hits, smart plays, and commitment to the team. In the end, Hunter Wohler Selected by Indianapolis Colts in Seventh Round is more than just a draft pick announcement; it’s a reminder that in the NFL, talent can come from anywhere—and that the Colts are dedicated to finding it, one round at a time.