Building Shane Steichen's Colts Offense: Round 3 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 3 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. If you missed it check out Round 2’s piece HERE; today, we move on to the 3rd Round.

THIRD-ROUND FITS

WR Marvin Mims Jr., Oklahoma

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Marvin Mims Jr. out of Oklahoma is a big play waiting to happen type WR. Like many in this class, he is smaller than the typical WR the Ballard-led Colts have drafted, but with the change in the offensive system, Mims's fit is incredible. It is also helpful that Mims plays much bigger than his size would insinuate, as his film is full of tough catches in traffic and the occasional acrobatic one-hand grab.

Mims would be able to walk in and compete with Isaiah McKenzie to be the teams' starting slot on day one and would fit Steichen's style of attacking defenses vertically. He also has multiple examples on film of being a RAC machine which would open up his underneath ability at the next level. To put it simply, Mims can turn singles into home runs. Adding Mims next to Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce would give their incoming rookie QB a very explosive trio for years to come.

OT/OG Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse

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Matthew Bergeron, out of Syracuse, offers solid versatility on the line as he projects as both a tackle and guard at the next level. In Indianapolis, Bergeron would most likely be a guard and could be the day-one starter at right guard. Bergeron plays with a level of aggressiveness and intensity that the Colts missed this past year tremendously. Pairing him with Quenton Nelson at the guard spots would be one of the most aggressive guard duos in the entire league.

Bergeron’s aggressiveness can get the best of him at times, where he will oversell to a direction and get beat. He also could end up being highly-flagged early on in his career while he becomes more polished at the pro level. His combination of athleticism and strength at the position, though, is an excellent fit for the direction the Colts are likely to go on the offensive line as they attempt to replicate the Eagles' model from a year ago.

OT/OG Nick Saldiveri, Old Dominion

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Nick Saldiveri, out of Old Dominion, is one of the better athletes in this class on the offensive line, according to Ras.football. While Saldiveri was a 3-year starter at RT, many around the league are curious if he will be a better guard at the next level instead. While he is a raw prospect at guard, his great athleticism and lateral movement raises his floor at the next level.

He’s already a strong pass blocker and won't fold easily because of his effort in the run game. He would compete for the starting RG job for the Colts in training camp. With the likely focus being to get the best five offensive linemen on the field, Saldiveri would offer the Colts flexibility to work him at RT as well with the option of moving Braden Smith to RG. A pick of Saldiveri is all about what he will be instead of what he is right now, so the team and fans would need to have some patience, but his ceiling is through the roof.

WR Jonathan Mingo, Ole Miss

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In a draft full of prospects that won't fit the Colts' typical WR size requirements, Jonathan Mingo checks that box. A name many keep bringing up when watching Mingo’s film is that of fellow former Ole Miss WR and current Eagle A.J. Brown. Getting a player that has any flashes of that type of player in round 3 should be a no-brainer for any team in the NFL. Mingo, at just under 6’2" and 220lbs while also running a 4.46 40-yard dash, will be a combination that many teams will be intrigued by.

Mingo is a great run blocker, which the unit missed this past year after losing Zach Pascal to the Eagles. He also has reliable hands and creates a ton of separation at the line of scrimmage when teams attempt to throw press coverage his way, which some of the smaller options in the slot available may struggle against early on. He also would be one of the better fits in this class to fill the “big-slot” role if the Colts wish to go that route for next season.

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