QB Search: Who Will Be Under Center Week 1 for the Indianapolis Colts?
By Hunter Haas
NFL Draft Options: Carson Strong, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder, Kenny Pickett, Matt Corral, Malik Willis
Most Likely: Carson Strong, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder
This grouping features some very polarizing prospects. It is tough to gauge this quarterback class, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly which players will still be around in the latter half of round one. I imagine at least one of these guys will stick around until the late-20s, making it possible for the Colts to move up from 47 to snag their next franchise signal-caller.
There could be a number of teams at the end of round one that covet a future pick in 2023 more than a late one in this draft. A team like the Lions at 32 make a ton of sense, for a multitude of reasons. This allows the Indianapolis Colts to have the option of a fifth year for whatever quarterback they end up selecting, and it gives the Lions more ammo for next years draft. It has the potential to be a win-win deal, especially if Detroit punts on quarterback and tries to hoard assets for the Bryce Young-CJ Stroud sweepstakes.
The Colts should not force the pick, but if they deem a quarterback worthy, and he drops… keep an eye out for Ballard to swoop in. With the amount of variables out of the control of the Colts, it is hard to give this a really high percentage. However, aside from keeping Wentz or attempting a trade for Kirk Cousins, this presents the most likely option for 2022 (and beyond).
Longshot: Kenny Pickett
Kenny Pickett is older than any other quarterback prospect listed here. He also has the smallest hands of any potential starting quarterback in the NFL. These issues could cause a draft day slide of epic proportion. While the concerns are valid, if he were to drop into the late-20s, I believe the Colts would be very tempted to leap up and grab the Pittsburgh Panther. He is ready to play day one, even if he does have a lower ceiling than most others in this class. Pickett’s safe floor could be enough for a win-now team like the Colts to bet on. It is not entirely out of the realm of possibilities, but I would not bet the house on this one.
Not Happening: Matt Corral, Malik Willis
Simply put, it is hard to imagine either of these prospects falling far enough for the Colts to realistically trade up. While I am a bit lower than most when it comes to Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, he is a favorite among NFL scouts and executives alike. He is routinely in talks to go as high as the top ten. Malik Willis showed out at the Senior Bowl, and many believe this propelled him into the upper half of round one. If that is the case, and I believe it is, then it makes no sense to waste time imagining him in Indianapolis.
Wildcard: Kaleb Eleby
Western Michigan’s Kaleb Eleby is a very intriguing option on day two of the draft. It is unlikely that Eleby would become the immediate starter in the event he is drafted to the Indianapolis Colts, but he would be given every opportunity to challenge for starting reps as the season progresses. He tore up college and has the perfect blend of athleticism and arm talent to be a potential diamond in the rough. He is worth monitoring, especially if the Colts do keep Wentz and elect to draft a quarterback anyway.