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Offseason Needs: Indianapolis Colts Must Add Talent to Keep Pace In AFC

By Hunter Haas

Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a second half stop for the Colts, Houston at The Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. Colts won 30-23 to pull ahead in the race for the AFC South title.Houston Faces Colts For Afc South Supremacy
Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a second half stop for the Colts, Houston at The Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019. Colts won 30-23 to pull ahead in the race for the AFC South title.Houston Faces Colts For Afc South Supremacy /
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Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indianapolis Colts enter a pivotal offseason that has the potential to set the course for the next decade of football in Indianapolis. Let’s breakdown the staff and the roster to see what changes need to be made.

The Indianapolis Colts enter the offseason with a number of questions hanging overhead. They have been noncommittal towards the idea of Carson Wentz returning as the teams’ signal-caller for the 2022 NFL season. Along with issues at the quarterback position, the Colts lost defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to the Chicago Bears. The new Bears head coach did an exceptional job leading Indy to top-ten finishes in total defense, three out of his four seasons in town (via PFR). When you ask Colts fans about Eberflus, you are guaranteed to get mixed results. While some fans felt he was too conservative (specifically in the red zone), it is impossible to ignore the success of the unit under his leadership.

Furthermore, the Colts face a number of impending free agents. Here is a list of some notable names with expiring contracts:

•LT Eric Fisher

•WR TY Hilton

•RG Chris Reed

•RG Mark Glowinski

•CB Xavier Rhodes

•TE Mo Allie-Cox

•DE Al-Quadin Muhammad

•WR Zach Pascal

•S George Odum

•DE Kemoko Turay

•LB Zaire Franklin

•DL Tyquan Lewis

•CB TJ Carrie

The Indianapolis Colts sit at ~37 million dollars in available cap space. Their current set of picks include:

•Round 2, Pick 47

•Round 3, Pick 82

•Round 4, Pick 119

•Round 5, Pick 157

•Round 5, Pick 178*

•Round 6, Pick 216*

•Round 7, Pick 236

•Round 7, Pick 237 (via PHI)

*Two of these are projected compensatory picks, a fifth-rounder for Denico Autry and a sixth-rounder for Jacoby Brissett.

On the bright side, the Colts do have some young superstars on the roster. Jonathan Taylor established himself as one of the best offensive weapons in the entire NFL. Michael Pittman Jr. found great success as the number one target for Carson Wentz, resulting in a career year for MPJ. Quenton Nelson is one of the best linemen in the league, as well. That trio gives much optimism for the future.

On the defensive side, it is more of the same. Darius Leonard, DeForest Buckner, and Kenny Moore ll are all elite options at their respective positions. Don’t get me wrong, the Colts have tons of talent, but they must add more top tier talent at the most important positions on the roster to keep pace.

Now that we have laid out the current state of affairs for the Indianapolis Colts, let’s dive in and highlight what changes to expect for the roster and coaching staff alike. I’ll start things off with the staff.

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