Finding the range for the Indianapolis Colts to trade up for Jordan Love

At what point in the first round would the Indianapolis Colts trade up for Jordan Love?

Throughout the 2020 NFL Draft process, the Indianapolis Colts have oft been linked to Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. In mock drafts before the trade with San Francisco, Love was a popular pick at 13 overall.

After the trade for DeForest Buckner, the Colts were left with two second round picks. Even with Philip Rivers signing a one year deal, Indianapolis still needs a quarterback for the future, as none are signed past the 2020 season.

While the (near consensus) top three quarterbacks are all slated to go in the top 10, it’s difficult to know where Love will fall in the draft. There have been late rumors surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders, but at this point in the process, it’s hard to believe. That leaves a couple teams in the early 20s: the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots. The issue there is the Saints may want to build around Drew Brees as much as possible for one last run, and the Patriots are always trade back candidates. Plus, Love doesn’t seem like their type of player.

All that means is the Colts still have a shot at landing the talented passer in the 2020 NFL Draft. The thing is, a trade up will likely need to happen to get it done. There will be teams in round two who could look to trade up as well, most notably the Los Angeles Chargers, should they opt to address a different position in the first.

In some mock drafts, the Colts trade up with the Patriots to get in front of the Saints to select Love. The problem with that is it may cost a third round pick this year, and with just seven picks in the draft, it might be too much for Chris Ballard. It’s going to be about finding the range where a trade makes the most sense. Other teams will have leverage against the Colts, especially if other teams are in the mix.

Looking at the NFL Draft trade value chart (which is a great resource), moving up to the 23rd pick would have to include pick 75. But, as we get down to the end of the first round, it may take only a fourth round pick to move up and select Love. There are three candidates in this trade down scenario.

First is the Seattle Seahawks, who are always candidates to move back. It shouldn’t cost more than a fourth, but throwing in a 2021 fourth could be added on if there’s competition. The Green Bay Packers also make a ton of sense, and like Seattle, they like trading back into round two. Last up are the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers don’t have much else in draft capital besides 13 and 31, so picking up a second and a fourth makes sense for them to add more talent.

So, if the Colts do move up for Love, moving into the 27-31 range is the sweet spot. Ballard can get his guy and not give up more than he’d like to make it happen.