Colts offseason ranked one of the worst, for reasons that are hard to disagree with

Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard during the NFL
Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard during the NFL / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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In a recent ranking of 2023 offseasons, the Indianapolis Colts were ranked near the bottom, for reasons that are hard to disagree with.

The Indianapolis Colts didn’t have an explosive offseason, but they did what they needed to do. Indy hired an exciting head coach in Shane Steichen, drafted a promising quarterback in Anthony Richardson, and added several more intriguing young players. For those reasons, there’s optimism surrounding the Colts’ future.

However, if the offseason is viewed independently, was it a good offseason? Garrett Podell of CBS Sports doesn’t think so. In a recent piece, Podell ranked all 32 teams by how good their offseason was. The Colts were ranked near the bottom at No. 23, and Podell wasn’t impressed with what Indy did this offseason.

Colts offseason ranked No. 23 by CBS Sports

Podell gave Indianapolis credit for drafting Anthony Richardson, however, Indianapolis was criticized for their lack of upgrades to the rest of the roster. Highlighting the minor wide receiver additions, the youth movement at corner, the absence of an elite pass rusher, and the fact that Indy is putting faith in the same offensive line from last year, Podell argued that the Colts left many questions unanswered.

Honestly, it’s hard to disagree with many of the points Podell made. Wide receiver isn’t that big of a concern. With Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs, Indy will probably have its best receiver room in recent years. However, every other critique was spot on.

The Colts lost Stephon Gilmore and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. at corner this offseason. Indy seems content rolling into the season with their extremely young corners, which could be very risky. Like corner, the edge rushing group is pretty unestablished, but Indianapolis did add there, signing Samson Ebukam.

The toughest thing to fathom, though, is Indy’s resistance to add to the offensive line. The Colts did add a few rookies, but after how last season played out, you would think Indianapolis would be desperate to add established veteran offensive linemen. But, for some reason, the Colts seem comfortable putting their rookie quarterback behind the offensive line that allowed 60 sacks in 2022.

So, the Colts did do some good things this offseason to generate excitement about the franchise’s future, but they also left several important questions unanswered. When the season starts, the questions will be answered, and then everyone will be able to accurately judge the 2023 offseason.

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