How The Colts Can Perfectly Fill Their Positions of Need
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Number 3: Running Back
The Colts don’t have much in their current stable of running backs, certainly no one that provides a great deal of confidence as a starting caliber running back. It’s clear that Trent Richardson has been a disappointment and his days as a member of the team are likely numbered; however, beyond him, there’s no one else that really looks the part either.
Free agent veteran running back Ahmad Bradshaw is productive when healthy, but he can’t seem to stay on the field for a whole season, and that’s a big problem for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. Former 3rd-string running back Dan “Boom” Herron played well when given the opportunity, but he’d be better utilized as part of a platoon than a team’s feature running back if the Colts are actually serous about improving their ground game. Vick Ballard could be a surprise candidate, but coming off two consecutive season-ending injuries, and the Colts would be foolish to enter the season depending on him for serious reps. Anything they get out of him is probably more of a bonus at this stage.
Perfect Scenario: The team signs San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore to a 1-2 year deal worth roughly $3-4 million per year. Gore gives the the Colts a short-term answer at the starting running back position and a presence in between the tackles with his physical running style. We’ve noted earlier that on a short-term contract and at a reasonable price that Gore makes quite a bit of sense for the team.
However, knowing that Gore likely doesn’t have much time left, the team invests a 2nd or 3rd round pick in a rookie running back such as Miami’s Duke Johnson, Boise State’s Jay Ajayi, or Northern Iowa’s David Johnson. This would help to not only lighten up Gore’s workload, but it would allow the Colts to simultaneously develop their running back of the future behind him, while providing insurance in case Gore starts to slip.