The Colts finished 7-9 last year and vastly underperformed as a team. Looking at the roster now in comparison, it’s worlds better at almost every position group. One of the most important things to consider about the offseason is this: It’s not about how good each player is, it’s about how the group of players brought in as a whole are going to improve the team.
The Colts didn’t go out and get Tom Brady, Dak Prescott, or Cam Newton at QB. While all of those players might be better than Rivers as NFL quarterbacks, Rivers is going to succeed more than the aforementioned QBs in Indianapolis due to his perfect fit with the team, from the coaching staff to the design of the offense.
The Colts traded away the 13th pick for DeForest Buckner instead of a wide receiver. Instead of taking a flashy rookie like Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb, the team took Michael Pittman Jr and Jonathan Taylor in the 2nd round. Pittman’s large and physical frame is the best fit for Indianapolis opposite of T.Y. Hilton, and Taylor is going to be a strong contender for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The team took fliers on Xavier Rhodes and Julian Blackmon instead of targeting the top players in the secondary out of the draft. Rhodes’ past as a Pro Bowl corner and Blackmon’s big-play ability could put them in the conversation for most underrated pickups of the offseason.
The best players weren’t signed or drafted, however, the best players for the team were instead. That’s 100% more important in the grand scheme of things because while the best players look good on paper, it doesn’t always translate to on-field success.
The Colts made sure that the players they acquired this offseason will bring them right back to the top of the AFC. Then, everyone will know why they put together the best offseason in the league. From 7-9 to borderline Super Bowl contenders, the Colts are coming.