Indianapolis Colts: 5 offseason needs in 2019

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) before the snap in the third quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game game between the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs on January 12, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Denico Autry (96) argues a call with a official during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Fortify the defensive line

One of the better kept secrets in the league this past year was the contributions of Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Denico Autry. After four seasons with the Oakland Raiders, he left the Silver and Black for via free agency roughly a year ago and latched on with Frank Reich’s squad. The versatile pro played just about everywhere up from on coordinator Matt Eberflus’ defense, making 12 appearances and a career-best 11 starts. He finished with 37 tackles (13 for losses) and a team-high nine sacks, to go along with a pair of forced fumbles.

In his second season with the Colts, veteran Jabaal Sheard was a 16-game starter at defensive end for Frank Reich’s squad. He finished with 50 stops and 5.5 sacks while knocking down four passes. The 6’3”, 265-pound defender brings plenty of experience to any team and at numerous positions along the front seven.

Meanwhile, the Colts have a number of young players along the defensive line in three-year pro Hassan Ridgeway and a pair of second-round picks from 2018 in ends Tyquan Lewis (2 sacks) and Kemoko Turay (4 sacks). However, the biggest question regarding this group centers around six-year defensive tackle Margus Hunt. He played and started 15 games in his second season with the franchise, totaling 30 stops and five sacks. But he along with well-traveled nose tackle Al Woods could test free agency next month. Are one or both in the team’s future plans?

Next: No. 2

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