Jim Irsay Wants to Select a Running Back High in the 2018 NFL Draft
By Andrew Ites
The Colts will have the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and they have plenty of needs to fill on this roster. Owner Jim Irsay hinted that Indianapolis may take a look at taking a running back with their first pick.
The Colts’ formula for success during the 2000’s was built around an elite quarterback in Peyton Manning with a possible Hall of Fame running back in Edgerrin James.
With Saquon Barkley possibly on the board when the Colts are on the clock with the third overall pick, Irsay thinks they could find the next Edgerrin James to stand beside Andrew Luck in the backfield.
Jim Irsay hinting that the Colts might be thinking Saquon Barkley at No. 3? pic.twitter.com/MKHeuEBa1N
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 1, 2018
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There’s not much concrete information that should be gleaned from Irsay’s comments about what the Colts are going to do in the draft because that decision ultimately lies with general manager Chris Ballard. However, it’s fun to dream about Saquon Barkley (or another talented running back) alongside a healthy Andrew Luck in the Indianapolis backfield for years to come.
Obviously Andrew Luck needs to get healthy for that plan to be fulfilled, and that’s been a real struggle over the past few years. Luck’s “gut” is telling him that he won’t need another surgery after his rehab trip to the Netherlands, which is a huge step forward in his recovery.
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The Colts may be able to find an Edgerrin James-level talent later in the draft, or maybe Marlon Mack has the potential to develop into an elite running back. Jim Irsay’s comments don’t always make sense, but putting a productive running back next to a healthy Andrew Luck is a solid recipe for success in Indianapolis.