Indianapolis Colts: 3 problems Colts can’t fix during draft
By Jerry Trotta
1. Edge Rusher
It’s unfortunate Indy used it’s first-round pick on this position and we’re still here, but…well, here we are.
As everybody knows, the draft is a crap shoot, but we can guarantee that the Colts will draft an additional edge rusher following the selection of Kwity Paye in the first round. While they’re heavily linked to a reunion with Justin Houston, who remains unsigned in free agency, they currently have Tyquan lewis and Kemoko Turay lined up as their starters at defensive end.
Though we believe in Lewis and Turay’s potential, the prospect of them starting at such an important position shouldn’t instill confidence in fans, as they’ve managed just 12.5 sacks and 46 quarterback hits between them over their first three seasons.
The Indianapolis Colts’ pass-rushing dilemma won’t be fixed in the 2021 Draft.
Even if they don’t end up starting, the duo is seemingly in for an increased role next season. After all, whomever they draft probably won’t be asked to play 100% of the snaps as a rookie. You also can’t even guarantee that pick will be a hit, as Ballard, for as excellent as he’s been in the draft, has largely struggled selecting pass rushers throughout his tenure.
Bottom line? There isn’t said to be a cant-miss prospect in the 2021 class, and the rankings start getting a little dicey when you look beyond the first and second tiers. Indianapolis selected Kwity Paye at the end of the first round, and though we’re somewhat excited, we’re not sure he elevates the program in totality.
No matter who they add, though, it won’t totally alleviate our concerns that Indianapolis could struggle rushing opposing quarterbacks off the edge next season; this class just isn’t strong enough. That, in turn, would result in DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart seeing more double teams, and that would really limit the defense’s ceiling.
