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NFL Power Rankings: Post-free agency

By John Buhler

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard (93) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts

AFC, South

It’s hard to make out what exactly the Indianapolis Colts will be like this season. They have a new general manager in charge in former Kansas City Chiefs executive Chris Ballard. He replaces the long-ridiculed Ryan Grigson in Indianapolis.

Though Indianapolis has some cap space, expect the bulk of Ballard’s heavy lifting to be done in the 2017 NFL Draft. There he can secure a healthy crop of incoming talent to build a better football team around franchise quarterback Andrew Luck.

Bringing back tight end Jack Doyle on a multi-year deal was bold, but if he’s Luck’s guy, then he’s Luck’s guy. Trading their other tight end Dwayne Allen to the rival New England Patriots may come back to haunt the Colts in December and maybe January.

Adding former Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard to aid in turning  around the defense was an expensive, but necessary move for the Colts to make. However, they still have easily the worst defense in the AFC South. That will hurt them when it comes to serious playoff contention.

Projecting the Colts to hover around .500 next season seems fair. That being said, could it get worse before it gets better in Indianapolis? Ballard may hate most of the roster he inherited Grigson. Either way, head coach Chuck Pagano enters 2017 very much on the hot seat.

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