As we enter early April, we know draft day is approaching for the Indianapolis Colts. After making several free agent acquisitions, let’s look at the positions of greatest need for the team.
Today, we’ll focus on the offensive needs of the Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterback
It’s hard to place a lot of draft emphasis on the quarterback position when you have Andrew Luck.
That said, Luck’s offseason surgery casts some doubt as to his health entering OTAs, training camp, and eventually the 2017 season. Scott Tolzien didn’t play poorly while filling in for Luck against the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Stephen Morris is also a capable backup. Unless Luck has a setback, I foresee Tolzien as the backup with a possible undrafted free agent pushing Tolzien in training camp.
Running Back
While the Colts have Frank Gore, Josh Ferguson, and Robert Turbin headed into 2017, you have to think they’ll be looking for a young running back in the draft. Gore’s contract is up at the end of the 2017 season, and Tubin’s contract will end after 2018. While running back will be a focus, it appears the Colts will focus on adding to the group in the middle rounds – not the early rounds. At the League Meetings, Colts owner Jim Irsay said:
"“We would love to be able to, in the end, come away, like we had Vick Ballard in 2012—that type of impact from a later running back draft pick. We would love to get a young back that can come in and help us offensively.”"
The draft board will dictate when they choose a running back. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the Colts 4th round picks was a running back.
Wide Receiver
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While the Colts have depth at the position, it’s questionable whether it is “quality depth”. TY Hilton is a legitimate NFL star. Donte Moncrief held his own when he was healthy last year. Phillip Dorsett is a big question mark, while Chester Rogers remains unproven. Kamar Aiken was a nice addition to the roster and will push for playing time. Beyond 2017, only Hilton, Dorsett, and Rogers are under contract. The Colts could certainly use another wide receiver to push Dorsett and Rogers. Again, I see this as a mid-round pick.
Tight End
The Colts locked up Jack Doyle for 3 years – a nice offseason move. They also have Erik Swoope who could have a break-out 2017 after a solid 2016. He is a restricted free agent after this season. They also signed Brandon Williams to a 1 year contract, mainly to push Swoope and for possible special teams play. General Manager Chris Ballard likes the tight end draft class:
"“It’s a great tight end (draft) class. There’s guys who can really block, there’s mismatch tight ends who can really create some significant mismatches. After being a part of Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen those are tremendous weapons to have and add to your offense. They’re very hard to match up against. I don’t ever want to discount a playmaker at that position.”"
I wouldn’t be shocked if Ballard pulls a surprise by picking a tight end as early as the 3rd round. This could allow the Colts to forgo picking a wide receiver in the draft.
Offensive Line
Call me crazy, but I think the Colts have the makings of a very solid offensive line with the players currently under contract. Anthony Castonzo will not light the world on fire, but he is a capable left tackle. If Jack Mewhort can stay healthy, the left side of the line should be solid. Ryan Kelly will only get better at center. Joe Haeg held his own at right guard, and I liked what I saw from Le’Raven Clark late in the year. Brian Schwenke and Denzell Goode can play a number of positions along the line including center and tackle. With Mewhort and Schwenke becoming free agents after this season, the Colts will pick at least one, if not multiple offensive linemen. I just don’t buy the fact that they “need” to pick one in the first round – or even the second round for that matter.
Next: Kiper and McShay’s ‘Dueling’ Mock Draft Has Colts ‘Rolling’ with Alabama Stars
In summary, I see the Indianapolis Colts using 3 of their 7 picks on offensive players: running back (1), wide receiver or tight end (1), offensive line (1). We’ll look at the defense next.