This Colts position group just got a lot better in free agency

The Indianapolis Colts can consider this free agency a success if only for the re-signing of quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. Both players were at the top of general manager Chris Ballard's priority list, and he managed to bring both back. 

Now, the Colts have some stability at both positions. Had the Colts whiffed on both players, there would be no stability or a likely backup plan, at least none that was made public and carried any real facts or value. 

So, in the wake of the nine free agents the Colts have signed or re-signed this offseason, at first glance, you might say that, of all their position groups, the Colts have gotten better. However, given the signings and depth (not to mention Sauce Gardner coming in a mid-season trade last season), it's actually a certain defensive position group that wins the offseason for the Colts.

Indianapolis Colts' overall improvement at cornerback makes that group one of the best in the NFL

Yes, Gardner was a last-season pickup via trade with the New York Jets, which involved sending wide receiver Adonai Mitchell the other way. It was a necessary trade, given the Colts' extreme thinness at the position. 

The addition of the All-Pro Gardner was a massive step in the right direction for the Colts, but clearly, Ballard wanted more, and more he went after. Already, Gardner and Charvarius "Mooney" Ward make for one of the league's best cornerback duos, but picking up Cam Taylor-Britt as a free agent was big. 

Taylor-Britt came over from the Cincinnati Bengals after spending his first four seasons there, under Lou Anarumo, who will be his defensive coordinator again in Indianapolis. Taylor-Britt didn't exactly pan out as an All-Pro cornerback with the Bengals, but he is still an excellent shutdown corner, and the Colts might have hit a home run in signing him. 

It may have been Ward's concussion injuries last season that prompted Ballard to go out and sign Taylor-Britt for depth and insurance. Ward is returning, which is good news, but given his past head injuries, it paints an unknown future. 

Aside from Gardner, Ward, and now Taylor-Britt, the Colts' depth at cornerback is deep; Cameron Mitchell (re-signed as a free agent), Kenny Moore, Justin Walley, and Mekhi Blackmon, among others, fill out the depth chart. There is a lot of depth and competition to go around, after an already strong starting duo. 

The cornerback position group has become the Colts' strongest unit; there's no question. There is no need at the corner, leaving the situation at linebacker still unresolved. Overall, the Colts have done a fair job in free agency, but we won't know how it plays out until the playing actually begins.