Colts Biggest Weakness According to PFF

What is the biggest weakness for the Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2023 season?

Author:
HH Staff
Publish date:
May 11, 2023 9:05 AM EDT

In this story:

Perceived strengths like the offensive line turned into liabilities in a down year for the Indianapolis Colts last season.

But it's a clean slate this year with a new coaching staff and a new quarterback. Taking a look at the roster what group needs to step up the most?

Pro Football Focus (PFF) thinks the biggest weakness on the Colts right now is the options at receiver including tight ends.

Outside of Michael Pittman Jr., there’s a lot to be desired regarding pass catchers in this Colts offense. Neither Alec Pierce nor Jelani Woods made big impacts as rookies, though there is plenty of room for development and a reasonable expectation of improved performance in 2023. -- Dalton Wasserman and Jim Wyman, PFF

Biggest weakness could be a relative term, because PFF ranks the overall strength of the Colts' roster as 29th in the NFL.

PFF may be selling Pierce short. While they claim he didn't have a big impact as a rookie, only five-rookie receivers had more than his 593 yards last season. 11 wide receivers were taken ahead of him in the draft.

The revolving door at quarterback last season didn't help any of the receivers get on track, but the Colts addressed their lack of weapons in the draft.

Indianapolis took wide receiver Josh Downs in the third round and tight end Will Mallory in the fifth round. Downs ran a 4.48 at the NFL Combine, and Mallory's 4.54 was the fastest among tight ends.

The Colts passing game with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson may take some time to shape, but Pittman, free agent Isaiah McKenzie, Pierce, Woods, Downs and Mallory give Indianapolis plenty of options.

Like much of the Colts roster, most of that talent is young. Early success will depend on how quickly new coach Shane Steichen can develop his rookies and second-year players.

Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft picks