In a complete change of course, Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard has been active this free agency period. He promised that he would change, and he has kept to his word so far. They have been active, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. It was a pickup on the offensive side of the ball that I thought the franchise absolutely nailed. The Colts grabbed two players on the offensive side with QB Daniel Jones and RB Khalil Herbert; I have always thought that Herberts skill set fit this offense and now, we will have the opportunity to see it.
An Upgrade From What We Had
Is Herbert a show stopping name on the depth chart? No, but what he will do is bring some consistency and stability to the backup running back position. Unfortunately, this position was one of the most underwhelming parts of the roster in 2024. Jonathan Taylor was his typical self, with another nearly 1500-yard season on the ground. His backups, though, were not effective, with Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson combined for a total of 312 yards rushing. Just not good enough to handle the load if (and when) Jonathan Taylor is unavailable.
Herbert has yet to have that breakout season, but his best one was 2022. Herbert had 731 yards that year, along with five TDs in 13 games. He has shown flashes of talent in the opportunities that he has been given. He can handle a starting load if need be, and can support the team with help on special teams as well. He is a bit undersized and struggles in pass protection, but some fresh coaching may help him with that.
More Running Back Help Still Needed?
While I do think Herbert is the answer for RB2, this team still needs more depth at the position. I do not forsee them grabbing another free agent, but I think grabbing a prospect in the NFL Draft is still needed. Taylor has only played one full season in his entire NFL career. There is also a lot of “worn out treads on those tires,” as he rushed for 6,174 yards in college, and over 7,000 total yards in the NFL.
Herbert will give the Colts a viable backup, and a potential special teams asset as well. Many analysts believe this is a deep running back class in this year’s draft. With both Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson unlikely to return, the need is still there. The last running back that Ballard drafted, Evan Hull, has moved onto Pittsburgh after a knee injury slowed his career. Potential names could include Michigan RB Kalel Mullings, Kansas RB Devin Neal, and Oklahoma State RB Ollie Gordon.