Colts: Chris Ballard should target team’s three biggest needs with these moves
By Jerry Trotta
Most contenders in the NFL cannot say this, but the Indianapolis Colts have serious question marks at some of the most important positions on the roster.
While most of these conundrums could (or should) have been sorted out earlier in the offseason, there’s still plenty of time for general manager Chris Ballard to come through.
That obviously isn’t to say he needs to make a statement move in order to save his job. He would just be better off if these concerns were nipped in the bud as soon as possible, as fans have grown restless with his conservative approach in free agency.
Most fans would agree that the Colts’ biggest needs are at the defensive end, left tackle and cornerback positions. Luckily for Ballard, however, free agency, the trade market and the fast- approaching NFL Draft will present him with prime opportunities to address these concerns.
Who knows? If Ballard and Co. play their cards right, the Colts could boast one of the most formidable rosters in the league in just a few weeks’ time. As far as easy fixes go, these three moves make the most sense for Indianapolis.
These three moves would resolve the Colts’ biggest needs.
3. Trade for Orlando Brown
Trading for Orlando Brown would give the Colts an elite left tackle.
The Colts have been widely pegged as a destination for some of the best offensive tackle prospects in this year’s loaded draft class, and understandably so.
While that sounds intriguing, as Indy could certainly nab a future star in the first round, however, plugging a rookie in at a premier position like left tackle, especially with a quarterback in Carson Wentz who’s looking to rediscover his confidence stepping in, would be an unnecessary gamble.
With that in mind, the Colts should pursue a trade for Orlando Brown. Fans will remember he requested a trade out of Baltimore this offseason due to a desire to play left tackle full time after he excelled at the position replacing the injured Ronnie Stanley for most of last campaign.
Given that Brown has yet to be traded — the latest buzz suggests the Ravens haven’t received a substantial offer for him just yet — the Colts might be able to get away with acquiring him for nothing more than a second-round pick.
At 24 years old and having appeared in every game thus far in his career, Brown would be the perfect long-term solution at left tackle for Indy. To think that they could potentially make it happen while being able to retain all of their other OL starters proves they can’t let this opportunity pass them by.