Indianapolis Colts: Seven Targets on Day Two of the 2022 NFL Draft
By Hunter Haas
The Indianapolis Colts have been quiet in free agency, something that fans have come to expect during the Chris Ballard era. Now, it is time to turn our attention to the 2022 NFL Draft to see what the general manager has in store for the fanbase this year.
Since arriving in Indianapolis in 2017, general manager Chris Ballard has leaned heavily on immediate production from his draft picks. For the most part, it has paid off. The Indianapolis Colts deploy one of the youngest units in the NFL, with half of the current starting roster being compiled of Ballard draft picks.
As well as the team has drafted over the past half-decade, it’s worth pointing out that they haven’t even had their first-round selection in two of past three drafts. This year will add to that total, as the Colts will finally complete the Carson Wentz trade by sending Philly the 16th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
The Colts were able to recoup a lot of that investment when they shipped the aforementioned Wentz to the nations’ capital, as the Commanders sent back No.83 overall in 2022 and a conditional third-round pick in 2023. Still with me? The team then traded their own third-round pick for former Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan.
All in all, the Colts remain pick-less on the first day of the draft, but they now have their quarterback in place and gained a day-two selection for the 2023 NFL Draft in the process. Ryan wasn’t the only veteran that Ballard added through trade, as he sent cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to the Raiders for pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
Indianapolis Colts: Seven Day-Two Targets in the 2022 NFL Draft
Filling the void at arguably their two biggest positions of need gives the team a lot of flexibility entering the draft and for the remainder of free agency. Armed with nearly $22 million in available cap space, it’s still likely that wide receiver, cornerback, tight end, and offensive tackle all see a veteran added to the mix.
The Colts have two picks (No.42 Overall, No.73 Overall) at their disposal on the second day of the draft. In this article I will highlight the seven best options available for the early round portion — four on offense and three on defense. Let’s get started with the offensive side of the ball!