The Colts need to improve their running game to help out Andrew Luck in 2018, and they may be looking to add another talented running back to get that done.
Frank Gore’s contract expired at the end of the 2017 season, and he’s not sure if he wants to come back to Indianapolis in 2018. While Marlon Mack definitely showed some promise in his rookie season, I’m not sure if he’s ready to carry the load as a lead back in his second year in the NFL.
Robert Turbin is a quality backup, but I don’t think Colts fans would be super excited about Turbin and Mack being the only capable running backs on the roster next season.
Having Frank Gore come back along with Mack and Turbin would be an acceptable solution, but what are the other options for the Colts front office?
Saquon Barkley is a tremendous talent and he may be available when the Colts are on the clock with the third overall pick. There is no question that he would be an immediate difference-maker in Indianapolis, but that would prevent the Colts from addressing their other needs with that pick.
This draft class has a ton of talent at running back, and there may be more than 10 prospects who have the potential of being high level starters.
Le’Veon Bell is clearly the top free agent running back, but it’d be surprising to see him leave Pittsburgh this offseason. Dion Lewis is another quality free agent, and Jerrick McKinnon had a great year and may be available.
If I were Chris Ballard, I’d see if one of those talented running backs falls to the fourth or fifth round in the draft (like Marlon Mack did last year), and try to scoop one up there.
Next: Who are the Most Promising Young Players on the Colts?
Here are the other positions of need for the Colts this offseason:
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