Colts Land Elite WR Prospect in 'Dream Offseason Trade Scenario'
The Indianapolis Colts are officially in the era of head coach Shane Steichen and dynamic quarterback Anthony Richardson.
After a surprising 2023 season that featured a winning finish (9-8), Indianapolis showed promise despite injuries and one of the NFL's youngest rosters. Regardless of the positivity, it was apparent that more explosiveness was needed, particularly from the wide receiver position.
In a recent Dream Offseason Trade Scenario for Every NFL Team article from Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, the Colts make a big move to grab one of the top-tier pass-catchers from the draft to pair with Michael Pittman Jr.
Knox breaks down the scenario:
Aiding Richardson with a strong supporting cast should now be Indy's top priority, and re-signing Michael Pittman Jr., who had 1,152 yards in 2023, should be part of the equation. Pairing him with an elite receiving prospect would further boost the skill group around the signal-caller.
While Josh Downs showed consistency in the slot with quick-win abilities, he isn't a big-play offensive weapon just yet. On the outside, Alec Pierce is yet to break out and is more of a vertical threat, not a volume receiver with No.1 prowess like Pittman.
Knox continues by mentioning Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Malik Nabers (LSU), and Rome Odunze (Washington):
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department ranked three wide receivers—Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze—among its top 10 2024 draft prospects. Landing one of them would be huge.
However, the Colts would likely have to trade up to make it happen. They currently hold the 15th overall pick, and a few teams that should be in the receiver market, like the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, are ahead of them.
Indy will have to make a sizeable trade for Harrison, Nabers, or Odunze, but for good reason. Each player is projected to go in the top 10 of the NFL Draft, or sooner if a team feels they'll make a difference long-term. Teams mentioned like the New Orleans Saints (14th overall) and New York Jets (10th overall) have picks ahead of Indianapolis and are also in the mix for a new offensive tool.
Knox has some thoughts on what a deal like this could cost the Colts:
Trading from No. 15 into the top 10 could cost a Day 2 selection and more, but it would give Indy a receiver with top-10 positional potential. It would also give the Colts a quarterback and a top receiver on rookie deals for the next few years, which would give Indy a competitive advantage financially.
It could be 100% worth the trouble if it means getting Richardson a true playmaker for years ahead in Indianapolis.
The pressing needs outside of receiver for the Colts are cornerback, edge rusher, and offensive line depth. However, these needs can still technically be addressed even if Indy loses a day-two draft selection or more. The ambiguity is with who they would pick up and which positions would be tended to first.
The biggest question is, "Will Indianapolis do what is needed to land Harrison, Nabers, or Odunze?"
Historically, Chris Ballard isn't the type of general manager to trade up if it means surrendering a load of assets. Could this be the time for him to change his tone?
Richardson does need a better variety of receivers to utilize if this team wants to take the offense to the next level in a competitive AFC conference. If there was a time to make that happen and land a top prospect, the 2024 NFL draft could be the window of opportunity.
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