Colts move into the first round to take the first quarterback
In a move that is most unlikely, the Colts would need to move into the first round to select Sam Howell. It is possible that Howell could be the first quarterback taken off the board by the Carolina Panthers.
This move becomes unlikely because if the Panthers feel strong enough about Howell, the Colts would need to trade the farm to move up to the fifth pick to take him before the Panthers have the chance.
North Carolina QB Sam Howell is making the short trip today for a visit with the #Panthers, per source, and also will visit the #Colts and #Falcons this week. Howell -- who broke many Tar Heels records and threw a TD in all 37 college games -- visited the #Steelers on Friday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 11, 2022
Howell is a solid quarterback that led a North Carolina team to their best season in a long time. However, my greatest fear with a player like Howell is whether he can compete at the next level. After all, the last quarterback that came from North Carolina is Mitch Trubisky.
Colts gain a leader in the lockerroom
Desmond Ridder is going to be the most exciting quarterback in this draft. He’s going to end up being the player that does the most on and off the field.
It’s a real good chance that Ridder is available at No. 42 when the Colts go to pick. Ridder has moved up the draft boards lately, but he hasn’t moved into the first round which could be good news for Indianapolis.
With the Colts moving up to 42 plus adding multiple picks, I’d say the odds of them trading into the late first for a QB are really high.
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) March 9, 2022
Desmond Ridder or Sam Howell make a lot of sense there
However, a few QB-needy teams are selecting just before Indy and it’s possible Ridder could land elsewhere.
If the Colts are able to select Ridder in the second round, that’s going to be a home run, even If they can’t address some more important positions like wide receiver early.