What veterans should Colts pursue in the post-draft phase of free agency?
With the 2022 NFL Draft now over, the Indianapolis Colts could turn to the veteran free agency market to address any remaining needs.
The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2022 Draft with a clear plan and they executed it. It was evident Indy wanted to get more athletic at positions of need and that was taken care of on day two of the Draft.
First, the Colts addressed wide receiver by selecting Alec Pierce. Then, Indy landed probably the most athletic tight end in the Draft when Jelani Woods was selected.
Indianapolis wrapped up the third round by selecting Bernhard Raimann at left tackle and Nick Cross at safety. On day three, Indy finished the Draft by making four valuable depth selections.
Overall, it was a really good Draft for the Colts and the roster is in a pretty good place. However, the job is never done in the NFL. Even with the eight selections, and several undrafted free agency signings, there are still places Indy can improve and this next phase of free agency is the time to do it.
The FA market should return to focus after the draft. Names still available:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 30, 2022
*Tyrann Mathieu
*Jadeveon Clowney
*Odell Beckham Jr
*Jarvis Landry
*Julio Jones
*JC Tretter
*Eric Fisher
*Akiem Hicks
*Will Fuller
*Anthony Barr
*Melvin Ingram
*Trey Flowers
*Duane Brown
*Jerry Hughes
Where do Colts need to improve after the Draft?
The bulk of the needed improvements are depth at certain positions; the projected starting lineup is pretty solid. If there was one adjustment the top unit needed, it’s another receiver.
The projected top three receivers for Indianapolis are Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, and the recently drafted Alec Pierce. The next receiver up will be between Ashton Dulin, Dezmon Patmon, and Mike Strachan.
That unit could use a veteran that will round out the top four, especially considering Campbell’s unfortunate injury history. Luckily, there are still a number of veteran receivers available.
TY Hilton is one, and he has teased a return to Indy. There are also the ever-present names Jarvis Landry and Julio Jones who will be floated until they find a team.
One of those three, or any available veteran receiver, would be good for the Colts to have one more dependable contributor. Obviously, it will have to be on a deal that works for the team.
Aside from receiver, Indy needs to work on the depth of the offensive line and the cornerback spots. This offseason, Indianapolis lost Mark Glowinski and Chris Reed in free agency and that hurt the team’s O-line unit.
There’s an extensive list of guards available with names like Ereck Flowers and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Even if Indy wants to go with a lesser-known name or cheaper option, it has to add more pieces to the offensive line.
Finally, depth at cornerback. The signing of Stephon Gilmore was huge. It was not only exciting but much needed. Isaiah Rodgers and Brandon Facyson will likely compete for the spot opposite Gilmore and whoever loses will be the third corner.
Indy drafted Rodney Thomas II from Yale in the seventh round and he will compete with other unproven corners on the roster for a spot.
The Colts still have room to add another veteran that can provide depth. There are several names still available. They may not be at the top of their game anymore but they will be good to add to a secondary for depth.
Guys like Kyle Fuller, Trae Waynes, Bryce Callahan, and many more.
This part of free agency isn’t the massive contract and major headlines creating part, but it’s a necessary period for teams like the Colts to round out their roster with dependable veterans.
