Bleacher Report names biggest weaknesses for Colts entering final stretch of season
As the Indianapolis Colts try to finish the season strong and make the postseason, Bleacher Report names some weaknesses that could get in their way.
By Noah Compton
The Indianapolis Colts' playoff chances are looking pretty strong after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. Although finishing this season strong and getting into the playoffs should of course be the team's main priority as the 2023 NFL season concludes, general manager Chris Ballard and Co. are always looking for ways to better the team whether that be an imminent free agent signing or for future evaluation.
Bleacher Report's weekly segment on what all 32 NFL should do now, in free agency, and the NFL Draft has deemed the Colts' biggest positional needs moving forward as: 1. Cornerback 2. Safety 3. Edge Rusher 4. Tight End 5. Wide Receiver
Even before the season kicked off, it was mutually understood between fans, reporters, and analysts alike that the Colts' defensive backfield was going to struggle in some capactiy as the group is the league's youngest and most inexperienced unit by a wide margin.
After a littany of injuries throughout the year, it's become more evident than ever that this is an area that could use improvement. Rookie cornerbacks JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones have more than exceeded expectations, but in the case of Brents, availability has been an issue thus far. With longtime Colts Kenny Moore II and safety Julian Blackmon in contract years, said backfield could look even more bare without a re-signing from either of them.
On how to address these weaknesses, at least as it stands in Week 15, Bleacher Report has proposed one hypothetical acquisition for each of the previously mentioned phases the NFL will transition through (i.e., the remainder of the 2023 season, free agency, and the NFL Draft).
Add now: LB Jaylon Smith
Reasoning: "If the Colts feel they need to have a bigger body to split the role with Harrison, then signing Jaylon Smith might be the move. The former Pro Bowler is 6'2", 240 pounds, and he played in one game for the Las Vegas Raiders this season. He's now a free agent."
Reaction: I personally don't agree with this as I feel the addition of Jaylon Smith would hardly change the current defense's ceiling of play. Smith has been on four different teams since the 2021 season began.
Ronnie Harrison Jr. was brought in and changed positions to linebacker, but more than anything, that was to alleviate the LB room's coverage woes, something Smith has always struggled at. A once secure tackler, Smith has since dropped off in the run game, proving all the more reason to refrain from making a move.