The Colts took another brutal loss last weekend in New Jersey as they lost to the New York Giants in what was their worst overall performance of the year. While the offense kept up, it was the defense and special teams that were lackluster. To throw a wrench on all the beliefs of the fan base, is now the uncertainty surrounding the decision makers of this franchise. If reports are true, it is GM Chris Ballard that is on the hot seat and Shane Steichen that will continue in his role.
How does this affect the upcoming draft is anyone's guess, but we roll on with our content series. Even with the poor defensive play, we stick with the offense for this pick as the need and reasoning behind it makes too much sense.
Current Tankathon Position
Round 5/Pick 149
The Indianapolis Colts Select:
Kurtis Rourke/QB - Indiana University
I know what you're thinking. How can this team select a prospect that will more than likely be a career backup, the same as the current Colts 3rd string quarterback, Sam Ehlinger? It’s a great debate and thought process. Lots of factors can contribute to these beliefs.
Let’s first state the obvious that will most likely play out this season. Whether current backup Joe Flacco retires (likely) or he is picked by another team, it seems that his time with this franchise is complete. His contract is up, and he is approaching 40 years of age. Can he still play and even maybe win a game or two if needed? Certainly, but that’s not ideal for him right now. Also, developmental backup Sam Ehlinger, who has been great with this franchise as someone who understood his role, is a free agent this offseason. That leaves Anthony Richardson as the only quarterback on the roster when free agency begins in March.
Could the Colts bring back Ehlinger on successive one-year deals? Sure, but if the Colts were that sure they could win them a game against a weaker opponent, then why is he not starting against Jacksonville this week in a meaningless game for both teams? It also could be time for a change of scenery for Ehlinger, who might have an opportunity to be a #2 somewhere else.
What Would Rourke Bring?
Regardless of who is making this draft pick come April, you cannot argue with his evaluation. He has the size (6’5) and accuracy (nearly 70%) that make him desirable to an NFL franchise. His accuracy is his best trait, along with his terrific mechanics and his ability to get better with proper coaching. He can get the ball out quickly and still hit the pass catcher on multiple routes, including over the middle. He is not the fastest prospect and is more of a pocket passer and game manager than a scrambler. If you wanted to continue to nitpick him, he is 24 years old already and that may push him down some draft boards. For all the faults of Shane Steichen, he can build a gameplan around the skill set of the quarterback under center. Having one that can scramble and one that be a pocket passer on the roster is not unheard of.
Some news about Rourke just dropped this week, and it was revealed that he played the entire season at Indiana with a torn ACL and will have surgery next week.
This too will push him down the draft board but might just work in his favor. With most teams drafting a quarterback in these rounds, they are trying to find some they can develop over time or keep them on the team for competition. Rourke will likely miss all the pre-draft workout sessions and the 2025 NFL season. This would be a great spot for the Colts to draft a developmental guy and let him sit and learn in the quarterback room. The Colts appear to be returning with Anthony Richardson and will likely bring back a veteran to help continue the development of the quarterbacks.