Building Shane Steichen's Colts Offense: Round 2 Fits

It's going to take more than a quarterback to build Shane Steichen's Indianapolis Colts offense. Here are four more options for Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft.

For the first time since 2018, the Indianapolis Colts will enter this season under a new head coach, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.

When hiring an offensive-minded head coach, you also bring their system and identity on board. Steichen’s success with the Eagles over the past two years is important to note, as well as his time with the Los Angeles Chargers as their OC from 2019-20.

So, after studying each offense that Steichen had a large hand in creating, it is fair to make assumptions and predictions of what he could bring to the Colts. One area which seems highly likely is that Steichen’s experience of attacking defenses vertically will come with him to Indianapolis.

Multiple elements on the roster need tuning if that is to come to fruition. With the 2023 NFL Draft around the corner, there are multiple fits throughout the draft that fit Steichen’s offense. In this three-part series, we will look at prospects in Rounds 2 and 3 as well as Day 3 that fit the Colts’ new offense.

To begin, we will take a look at possible offensive fits that could be found in the second round.

SECOND-ROUND FITS

WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest mysteries remaining is how the wide receivers will come off the board in this year's draft. I’d say only one is a lock to go in the first round, and then a handful of the other top receivers could hear their names as high as the top 20 in Round 1 or could very well fall into the early-mid range of Round 2.

Zay Flowers is one of the names that I believe the Colts should monitor because of his fit in Steichen's offense. When you watch Flowers’ tape, his explosiveness in and out of his cuts pops off the screen. He also may have the most polished route tree out of the slot position in this entire class.

At 5’9", he's smaller than the normal wide receiver prospect the Colts have drafted, but when looking at receivers that will check Steichen's “attacking defenses vertically” box, Flowers best fits it in this class. As well as using his speed to take the top off the defense, Flowers has shown the ability to turn a 12-yard crossing route into a home run play for an offense in a blink of an eye.

The options for how Steichen could employ Flowers in his offense would be endless. Pairing him with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce would be a deadly trio for years to come in Indianapolis.

OL Cody Mauch, North Dakota State

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

You may have noticed above that I listed Cody Mauch’s position as an offensive lineman, because he can quite literally play any of the five spots on the line at the next level. That type of versatility is always a plus when NFL teams are evaluating O-line prospects.

Pair Mauch’s versatility with his impressive athleticism and there is a lot to like about the North Dakota State product. With a rookie quarterback on the way, getting a player of that mold is very enticing to the Colts. And Mauch is a name I’ve been told directly that the team has ranked highly throughout this draft cycle.

The offensive line was a major contributor to making the Eagles’ offense among the best in the league last year. With their own line struggles last year, the Colts would be wise to employ the “best five on the field” strategy in camp this year. Especially if they want to attempt to replicate the success Steichen got out of his O-line a season ago in Philadelphia. Mauch’s ability to go into camp and compete at tackle, guard, and center would offer a level of flexibility that would be fantastic for the Colts.

WR Tyler Scott, Cincinnati

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Scott is the literal definition of an athlete. He has track speed that should help him translate to the next level easier than most rookie wide receivers. He also fits the vertical style offense that Steichen will be implementing coming off a year where Scott had eight catches of 30-plus yards. His speed and ability to change direction would be a perfect complement to Pittman and Pierce at the wide receiver spot.

Scott doesn't have the size the Colts have normally drafted, coming in just under 5’10", but with the change in offensive identity, I believe a shift in drafting strategy must come as well. Scott also has a past relationship with new Colts special teams coach Brian Mason when he was at Cincinnati in 2021. This could work in Scott's favor to have special teams ability and comfortability in the coach's system as he played multiple roles for Mason during their time together. This could help Scott have a role in year one even if the rookie growing pains occur at the receiver spot, which happens more often than people think.

G Steve Avila, TCU

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

If the Colts wanted to go a more clear-cut guard route, there may not be a better option in Round 2 than Steve Avila out of TCU. He projects as a day-one starter and has a solid balance of size and movement that would fit well in Steichen's offense at the guard position.

Avilla is a powerful blocker that would excel in the run game immediately. And while he needs some work as a pass blocker, he moves well for his size and, with the right coaching, should develop into a nice all-around guard at the NFL level.

With the Colts starting job at right guard wide open heading into training camp, selecting Avila would fill a needed spot in Steichen's offense. It would also be wise to grab a young starter on the offensive line with a rookie QB incoming to be able to grow the line with the rookie QB and be a staple during his early years.

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