Colts Still Have Positional Needs to Address as Draft Approaches

The Indianapolis Colts have been making deals happen during free agency, but they still have areas to shore up on both sides of the ball.

The Indianapolis Colts are approaching the NFL Draft with quarterback likely on their minds. However, general manager Chris Ballard has been more active than usual in free agency following a brutal finish to 2022.

But, per Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema, there are still needs to take care of on the depth chart. He details the three positions for Indianapolis that should be secured in his “Biggest Needs for all 32 NFL Teams After Free Agency” piece.

With that being said, let’s get started with the most important, the aforementioned QB.

Need #1: Quarterback

Sikkema states that “Despite signing Gardner Minshew in free agency, the Colts’ biggest need is to find a young franchise quarterback.” This one is quite simple; the Colts are likely snagging themselves this need in the first round of the NFL draft.

Five names have been floating around rumor mills that Ballard could choose for the Colts’ future. Alabama’s Bryce Young, Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, Kentucky’s Will Levis, and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker.

Whoever is at the top of the draft chart for Indianapolis isn’t what’s important. What matters is that one of those five is likely wearing a horseshoe come September.

Next isn’t a specific position but a horrific group for the first half of 2022; the offensive line.

Need #2: Offensive Line

Sikkema mentions the second need for the Colts: “Their offensive line was also incredibly disappointing last year and could get some new looks.” This tells more of a story than the small sentence indicates.

Left tackle and right guard were the positions of worry in 2022 after Matt Pryor (LT) and Danny Pinter (RG) were trusted without much competition to perform. This wasn’t a good decision, as both were the worst-rated blockers on the line, per PFF.

However, things stabilized after Bernhard Raimann (LT) and Will Fries (RG) took over. This shouldn’t warrant a repeat decision of last year. For the sake of making sure, the Colts may dip into the later parts of the draft or free agency to push both young players and see if they’re ready to truly start.

Lastly, a position that needs depth. The cornerback room.

Need #3: Cornerback

This quote from the piece sums it all up nicely. “Following their trade of Stephon Gilmore, they’ll surely be doing their due diligence on the strong 2023 cornerback class.” Heavy on the reference to the collegiate corner group.

The Colts traded Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a compensatory fifth-round pick. This eventually became the 176th of the draft and the third pick for the Colts in the fifth round alone. This is likely due to the money they’d need to pay Gilmore and his age (he will turn 33 during the regular season).

While it is incredibly helpful that Kenny Moore II stays in town, the Colts still need to add pieces. Currently, Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Dallis Flowers follow on the depth chart behind Moore. However, names like Kansas State’s Julius Brents and Georgia’s Kelee Ringo have been paired with the Colts in the upcoming draft.

There’s also been wind of safety Julian Blackmon making a change to cornerback, given that he played the position to wrap up 2022 for the injured Moore.

Outlook

The Colts still have a lot of work to do for their depth chart. The initial process started with Ballard making multiple signings to help needy spots on the squad. However, time won’t slow down as draft day approaches. The Colts must get the boxes checked to avoid another crash like last year.

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