ESPN Identifies Top NFL Draft Needs for Colts

Could the Indianapolis Colts throw a changeup on NFL Draft Night? ESPN likes the idea.

It seems all of the talk surrounding the Indianapolis Colts and the offseason have centered on the quarterback position and the No. 4 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

But the Colts have five top-150 picks and the chance to improve their roster many times after the first round.

ESPN broke down every team in the NFL and listed their top needs heading into the draft later this month. Jordan Reid and Matt Miller focus on another big area of need for the Colts and suggest another trade possibility on draft night.

General manager Chris Ballard enters what's potentially the most important draft of his tenure. The Colts could target their next franchise quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick or trade up one spot with the Cardinals to ensure their preferred selection.

Cornerback is another area of big need, as they allowed a 68% completion percentage, ranked 31st in the NFL. The Colts could remain at No. 35 overall in Round 2 and take the best player available at the position, but a small trade up into the back end of the first round also could be an option. Kelee Ringo (Georgia) and Julius Brents (Kansas State) are two prospects who fit the team's scheme. -- Jordan Reid, ESPN+

Pro Football Focus considered the loss of Stephon Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys one of the biggest moves in the free agency window.

With nine-total picks in the draft, a trade up to secure one of the top cornerback prospects makes sense. 

They'll need to address the cornerback position with one of their premium picks. General manager Chris Ballard made an off-hand comment about trading back in the draft during Shane Steichen's introductory press conference.

It was said with humor, and it seems unlikely that the Colts won't have their quarterback of the future by the end of the first round on April 27th whether they select a quarterback or use that pick in a trade.

Though a solution at quarterback is needed for the long term, a cornerback could actually have a bigger immediate impact. A rookie quarterback is going to take some time to settle into Shane Steichen's offense and get up to speed in the NFL... especially if it's a project like Anthony Richardson.

A cornerback should be able to hit the ground running a bit faster and help the Colts right away.

All the talk is about quarterback this offseason, but the Colts shouldn't sleep on cornerback.