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Will Colts’ defensive offseason lead to an offense-heavy draft?

By Brad Marr

Mar 1, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The defensive focus for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason may shift as Indy looks to the draft in hopes of filling holes on the offense.

After a mundane beginning to free agency, the Indianapolis Colts seemed to have one main focus heading into the 2022 season. Defense. And why not? With the NFL’s leading rusher as the primary means of offense, it makes perfect sense to improve elsewhere, for now.

In 2021 the Colts ranked 24th in the league with a 36% pass rush win rate according to ESPN analytics, which ranked the Colts at 15th just a season prior. Maintaining a dominant defensive front is a big factor in winning football games.

DeForest Buckner is one of the best interior players in the game. He led the team in sacks with nine on the season, good for 31st in the NFL. Unfortunately for Indy, second and third on the team in sacks for the 2021 season were Al-Quadin Muhammad (7) and Kemoko Turay (6), both of who are no longer on the team.

Granted, new defensive end, Yannick Ngakoue (10 sacks in 2021), acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders, should be an improvement over the duo of AQM and Turay. Adding the versatile edge rusher to the front line alongside Buckner is devastating to opposing teams.

Notedly, the Colts signed young corner Brandon Facyson who spent time with new defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, with the Raiders. Indy also brought back 2018 draft picks Zaire Franklin and Tyquan Lewis to return as linebacker and defensive end.

During a sit down at the NFL owners’ meeting, Indy’s owner Jim Irsay hinted at what else is in store for the Colts, revealing Chris Ballard is looking to add yet another defensive playmaker to come in and “make a big difference.”

A year ago, the Colts addressed the losses of veterans Denico Autry and Justin Houston by drafting defensive ends Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo with their first two picks in the NFL draft. With the pass rush reassured, Indianapolis cannot overlook the talent in the draft on the other side of the ball.

Colts have to focus on offense in NFL draft

After shipping off quarterback Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders, the Colts have other battles with the NFC East teams. T.Y. Hilton is still a free agent with rumored interest from the Dallas Cowboys, and fellow wide receiver Zach Pascal is off to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New York Giants signed guard Mark Glowinski as well this offseason. Not to mention, Indy plays the NFC East next season. You honestly can’t make this up.

Whether the Colts are avoiding throwing money at a veteran receiver like Julio Jones or Jarvis Landry, or waiting for the right time to settle the market, it’s obvious Matt Ryan and the offense is missing a reliable target opposite of Michael Pittman Jr.

The 2022 NFL draft is a great place to start in hopes of building onto what could be a championship roster, and with the 42nd pick in the draft, the Colts could very well be looking to add a playmaker on offense.

It’s safe to say that’s the trend to follow.

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