Free agents the Colts should target in 2016
By Evan Reller
Right Guard
The Colts might opt not to go with my plan of “right tackle first, then the rest of the line falls in place” (like, 70 percent chance they won’t, maybe) and could look to find a guard in free agency. This might be the play if there isn’t an available right tackle either.
Which guard should the Colts look at?
Brandon Brooks, RG, Houston Texans
This move would strengthen the Colts while weakening the Texans. His PFF numbers don’t look great, just a 66.7, but it was a down year for Brooks and he was much better in 2013 and 2014. Brooks would be an ideal fit for the Colts as he excels in pass protection even if he struggled as a run blocker last year.
It remains to be seen what kind of offense the Colts want. They brought in Todd Herremans last year to bolster the line, but he was never a particularly talented pass protector and the move didn’t make much sense (other than Grigson’s obsession with former Eagles). The should be focusing more on linemen who grade well in pass blocking if they want to keep Luck healthy this year.
Alex Boone would be the grand prize as he’s one of the best pass protection guards in the league. That means he’ll be highly coveted and probably too expensive. But if he’s even a possibility, the Colts should jump on the opportunity.
Next: Cornerback