How good has the Colts offseason been leading up to the draft?

Dec 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Indianapolis Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore (5) returns an
Dec 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore (5) returns an / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the next part of the offseason: the 2023 NFL Draft. How did the first part part of the offseason go for Indy?

In a couple of days, the Indianapolis Colts will add several players to the team in the 2023 NFL Draft. Currently, Indy has nine total picks, but of course, that number could change with trades. Regardless, Indianapolis is preparing to capitalize on the next part of the offseason, the draft. That makes this a good time to look back and evaluate the first part of the offseason.

With free agency and trades, teams like the Colts have already made several moves that will shape their future. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently graded every team’s pre-draft offseason. For Indy, Knox gave the team a C+ grade.

Colts receive average offseason grade ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

As Knox highlighted, Indianapolis got a new had coach in Shane Steichen, and also added players like Gardner Minshew, Samson Ebukam, and Isaiah McKenzie. However, Indy lost players like Stephon Gilmore, Bobby Okereke, and Parris Campbell. But, Knox captured the big outlook on Indy’s offseason by saying, “The Indianapolis Colts' offseason will hinge on their ability to find their quarterback of the future with the fourth overall pick.”

Finding a quarterback that can play quality football for several years for the Colts would make this offseason a success, regardless of whatever other moves were made. However, Indy does need to make some more moves so that the chosen quarterback’s life is easier next season.

Indianapolis still needs to add to its offensive line and desperately needs to add to the cornerback room. Both of these position groups will likely be addressed throughout the 2023 NFL Draft, but it won’t hurt to bring in some veteran reinforcements as well. After the draft, once the Colts miss out on some of the players they had their eyes on, the team will likely return to the free agency market and sign some of the veterans that are still available.

Between the draft, undrafted free agency, and the post-draft wave of free agency, Indianapolis should be able to fill out the holes in its roster, and be more competitive next season.

READ MORE: 6 potential late-round steals that should be on Colts radar