Trading down may not be the sexiest way to use the third overall pick in the NFL Draft, but it may be the right move for the Colts.
The Colts are in a unique position heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. Normally when a team goes 4-12 they are looking to find their future franchise quarterback with a high draft pick.
Fortunately, Indianapolis is pretty set at quarterback.
The Colts expect Andrew Luck to recover from his shoulder injury and make a healthy return next season. Even if disaster strikes and Luck is unable to play, Jacoby Brissett has at least shown that he’s capable of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.
This gives the Colts leverage.
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There are plenty of teams that are set to pick after the Colts on draft night who would love to trade spots with Indianapolis to select a quarterback.
The Browns, Broncos, Jets, Dolphins, Redskins, and Cardinals could all be selecting a quarterback in the first round, and they may want to offer the Colts a great trade package to make sure they get the prospect they want.
The answer to this question obviously depends on what Indianapolis would receive in a trade. It also depends on the prospect that would be available with the third overall pick.
Bradley Chubb, Maurice Hurst and Saquon Barkley are all prospects who have been linked to the Colts in various mock drafts. I’m not sure any of those players are worthy of being taken third overall.
If I were Chris Ballard, I’d be looking to add another first round pick, two mid-round picks, and a late-round pick in a trade. If another NFL team is willing to give that to the Colts in exchange for moving up, I’d pull the trigger on a trade.
Next: Would the Colts Have Made the Playoffs With Andrew Luck?