Colts have Nowhere to go but Up in PFF Power Rankings

The Indianapolis Colts have been quiet this offseason, and their ranking in PFF's Power Rankings reflect that.

When ESPN's Indianapolis Colts beat writer Stephen Holder says the top "under the radar" move in free agency has been signing a kicker, you know it's been quiet in Indianapolis.

When you're the second-lowest-scoring team in the NFL (17.0 points per game last season), points are precious. Considering the Colts haven't done much yet to upgrade their offense and will possibly have a rookie quarterback in 2023, anything that puts points on the board should be considered a win. -- Stephen Holder, ESPN

So it's not a total surprise to see a team that lost 10 of its last 11 games bringing up the year in early NFL Power Rankings.

That's where Pro Football Focus (PFF) placed the Colts in their Pre-NFL Draft Power Rankings... dead last. 

By PFF's metrics, cornerback Stephon Gilmore was not just the biggest loss for the Colts in free agency, but the fourth-most valuable player in the NFL to change teams so far. 

The Colts free agency moves were a bit disappointing: They signed a kicker to the largest free-agent contract for a kicker in NFL history when they have much more pressing issues. They lost key players on defense — cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker Bobby Okereke — but added edge Samson Ebukam. Ebukam was on a talented 49ers defense and will produce for the Colts. 

With the Colts' stating quarterback job up for grabs between Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger — or maybe someone from the 2023 draft class — it’s not a promising look for the season. - Amelia Probst, PFF

The Colts hired Shane Steichen from the Philadelphia Eagles in large part because of his work with quarterbacks. The Colts are almost guaranteed to have a new starter in 2023 unless somehow Foles or Ehlinger win the job.

A trade for Lamar Jackson would make a lot of sense for the Colts, and it would dramatically improve the outlook of the 2023 season. But a move like that is complicated and expensive.

Do the Colts have the 32nd roster in the NFL even sans quarterback?

No.

Indianapolis might start at No. 32 for PFF, but it's a good bet they won't finish there.

Nowhere to go but up.