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

Conclusion

The Indianapolis Colts are set at a lot of positions. Chris Ballard’s philosophy of building through the draft has resulted in a roster full of NFL quality talent. Unfortunately, most of the elite players that the Colts have found through the draft, have been at “non-premium” positions. Jonathan Taylor, Darius Leonard, and Quenton Nelson are arguably the best players at each of their respective spots, but running back, linebacker, and guard are generally not thought of as the most important positions on the roster.

Add in the fact that there are real question marks at quarterback and left tackle — which are considered premium — along with a lack of draft capital and it makes for a very tricky offseason in Indianapolis. Ballard has succeeded in building a culture and a solid all-around roster. As was on display in the playoffs, though, the Colts must begin adding some elite talent at the most important positions.

To sum it up, the positions that most need addressed are as follows:

Wide Receiver

Trade Options/Free Agents: Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, Mike Williams, Christian Kirk, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Michael Gallup, DJ Chark

Draft Options: Skyy Moore, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalen Tolbert, Christian Watson, George Pickens, John Metchie lll, David Bell, Romeo Doubs, Calvin Austin lll

Cornerback

Trade Options/Free Agents: Xavien Howard, Marshon Lattimore, JC Jackson, Stephon Gilmore, Casey Hayward Jr., Charvarius Ward, Steven Nelson

Draft Options: Kaiir Elam, Coby Bryant, Derion Kendrick, Martin Emerson, Josh Jobe, Tariq Woolen, Alontae Taylor, Cam Taylor-Britt, Mykael Wright, Joshua Williams

Safety

Trade Options/Free Agents: Tyrann Mathieu, Marcus Williams, Marcus Maye, Quandre Diggs, Anthony Harris, Keanu Neal, Jabrill Peppers, Kareem Jackson

Draft Options: Jalen Pitre, Lewis Cine, Jaquan Brisker, Kerby Joseph, Leon O’Neal, Verone McKinley lll, Bubba Bolden, Brad Hawkins, Sterling Weatherford, Yusuf Corker

Edge Rusher

Trade Options/Free Agents: Chandler Jones, Jadaveon Clowney, Randy Gregory, Emmanuel Ogbah, Melvin Ingram lll, Haason Reddick, Jerry Hughes

Draft Options: Kingsley Enagbare, Arnold Ebeketie, Drake Jackson, Cameron Thomas, Myjai Sanders, Josh Paschal, Alex Wright, Michael Clemons, Tyreke Smith

Left Tackle*

Trade Options/Free Agents: Terron Armstead, Cam Robinson, Duane Brown, Riley Reiff, Nate Solder, Andre Dillard

Draft Options: Nicholas Petit-Frere, Sean Rhyan, Abraham Lucas, Max Mitchell, Kellen Diesch, Rasheed Walker, Matt Waletzko, Cordell Volson

Quarterback*

Trade Options/Free Agents: Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick

Draft Options: Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell, Carson Strong, Desmond Ridder, Bailey Zappe, Kaleb Eleby

*if Fisher and Wentz don’t return

Indianapolis Colts fans have not witnessed playoff football in three of the past four postseasons. After being a perennial playoff contender through much of the Manning-Luck era, the franchise is in an unfamiliar territory.

You can tell with each passing day that it is wearing on the owner Jim Irsay. He wants nothing more than to bring another Super Bowl title home to Indiana. In fact, Irsay is likely the biggest reason that fans still hold on to the “championship or bust” mindset that has been around for nearly two decades.

The foundation has been laid and a culture has been built. In order for the team to reach the promise land, they must go from a good team to a great team. With a new defensive coordinator and the potential for roster turnover at the most significant spots, it is sure to be an interesting offseason in Indianapolis.