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Mapping out the perfect offseason for the Colts

By Brad Marr

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 02: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to catch the ball as Bradley Roby #21 of the New Orleans Saintsdefends in the third quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on December 02, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 02: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts to catch the ball as Bradley Roby #21 of the New Orleans Saintsdefends in the third quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on December 02, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Dante Fowler Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons takes the field before the game between the Washington Football Team. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Dante Fowler Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons takes the field before the game between the Washington Football Team. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Colts continue to build defense

New defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, has his hands full figuring out how to create pressure with the defensive line and his exotic Cover 3 scheme. You could go a number of ways here, but after reaching on players with hardly any impact like Isaac Rochell, something has to give.

Let’s go ahead and eliminate any hopes of Chandler Jones now, a move that’s just not probable for Chris Ballard. It’s both overly aggressive and seemingly desperate.

On the other hand, recently released pass rusher and former divisional foe, Dante Fowler Jr, could be impactful, affordable, and fits as an edge rusher position similar to what Melvin Ingram was for Gus Bradley on the Chargers.

That leaves the cornerback position. Rock Ya-Sin showed his value on Indy’s roster and continued the stride to becoming a good corner. His playing time increased, and Rock finally surfaced his 2019 second-round draft status.

Isaiah Rodgers has shown promise as more than just a special teams return man, but the depth behind he and Ya-Sin raises question.

Both Xavier Rhodes and TJ Carrie were underwhelming in 2021. Each of them is set to hit the free agent market, leaving an even bigger hole in the secondary.

Where can the Colts look to find a replacement?

Well, Las Vegas has a veteran corner set to hit the open market. It also just so happens he may be familiar with the new defensive coordinator if you catch my drift.

Casey Hayward is an interesting candidate that could follow Gus Bradley to Indy, but at 33, the future would still be up in the air. Playing it safe with the veteran Hayward on a cheap deal would be the best-case scenario to help project the new defensive scheme.

Adding players by drafting depth behind the promising talent on the roster already would be ideal.

All four of these additions, provided they’re completed, do their part in assisting the Colts to get out of the slouch of being a non-playoff team.

Opening the door for offensive success by surrounding Carson Wentz with weapons both new and familiar, then also building on a takeaway-happy defense with hopes of getting back to dominant pass rushing.

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