Though ESPN tends to disagree, most analysts in the industry maintain the notion that the Indianapolis Colts have one of the most promising rosters in the NFL.
Top to bottom, you’d be hard-pressed to list even a handful of teams that boast a more balanced collection of talent. Like any roster, however, Indy’s unit has flaws — which could prove to be their downfall if things don’t go according to plan.
For instance, despite retaining Xavier Rhodes and TJ Carrie, the Colts’ secondary is definitely one of their most glaring weaknesses. The same can be said about their wide receiving corps, which, despite being deep, lacks a premium No. 1 option.
That got us thinking. With the secondary and receiver position being fairly obvious shortcomings, what is the Colts’ biggest deficiency that nobody is talking about?
If you asked us, we’d say it has to be the left tackle position.
Colts LT Eric Fisher won't put timeline on return from torn Achilleshttps://t.co/Mt2KFoJzmv pic.twitter.com/l2ZDNoFEOl
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 14, 2021
The Colts have a ton of questions at left tackle entering training camp.
It’s admittedly difficult to call a position an imperfection without having seen the players involved perform at said position yet, but the Colts’ roster is so deep that left tackle got the nod essentially by process of elimination following Anthony Castonzo’s retirement.
We know what you’re going to say. “Indy signed Eric Fisher, one of the best LTs in the league over the last decade. What’s the problem?” Well, for starters, he’s had two major surgeries in the last two seasons and isn’t what you would call a young player.
The most recent of those operations repaired a torn Achilles, which is arguably the most devastating injury in the book. There’s no telling whether Fisher will make a full recovery. Even if he does, having played 7,162 snaps in his career could prolong that process.
The Eagles’ revolving door of offensive linemen last season contributed to Carson Wentz losing his confidence. Ensuring his blindside is protected will go a long way towards the QB reclaiming his moxie, and right now we’re just not sure Indianapolis will be able to do that.
Pro Bowl LT Eric Fisher is signing a one-year, $9.4 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, per source. The former No. 1 overall pick now will be Carson Wentz’s blindside protector.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 10, 2021
We desperately want Fisher to step in (when he’s ready) and return to Pro Bowl form. However, let’s not pretend like that’s a sure thing. The former No. 1 overall pick likely won’t be ready for the start of the season, meaning one of Sam Tevi or Julie’n Davenport will man the LT position.
While Tevi and Davenport are better depth options than the Colts have had in years past, there’s a reason both were available in free agency for pennies on the dollar.
We’d love nothing more than to be wrong about Indianapolis’ LT situation, but the sheer uncertainty surrounding the position needs to be discussed more than it is.
Colts: Frank Reich knew long ago he wanted Eric Fisher over Charles Leno
Colts head coach Frank Reich reportedly wanted the team to sign Eric Fisher over Charles Leno, and it really wasn't all that close.