Indianapolis Colts can take next step in postseason with strong NFL draft class
By Ryan Stano
The Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck both made tremendous comebacks in 2018, and this team might be a few drafted players away from seriously contending for a Super Bowl.
Injuries and coaching changes had many writing off both the Indianapolis Colts and quarterback Andrew Luck in 2018, but the Colts put together a magical run that has fans thinking beyond just making the playoffs in 2019.
State Of The Team
The Colts surprised everyone last year by winning 10 games and making the playoffs. More than that, they won a game in those playoffs…on the road no less. They did this with one of the youngest teams in the league, and that’s with Adam Vinatieri bringing up their average age.
All of their best players are in their 20’s including Andrew Luck who had one of his best seasons after missing all of 2017 with a shoulder injury. They have the largest amount of cap space in the league, although they haven’t spent much of it. But they also have 9 picks in the upcoming draft. They are only a few players away from a championship run.
Total Draft Picks
The Colts have nine total draft picks in 2019, including one via trade with the Jets and one compensatory pick.
- Round 1 (No. 26 overall)
- Round 2 (No. 34 overall, via Jets)
- Round 2 (No. 59 overall)
- Round 3 (No. 89 overall)
- Round 4 (No. 129 overall)
- Round 4 (No. 135 overall, compensatory)
- Round 5 (No. 164 overall)
- Round 6 (No. 199 overall)
- Round 7 (No. 240 overall)
Top 3 Draft Needs
Defensive End/Linebacker: The Colts need someone who can consistently put pressure on the quarterback. Right now they don’t have anyone who stands out, and they haven’t found that person in free agency either. It is a pass-rusher heavy draft, so maybe they can use their first-round pick on a fast defensive end.
Wide receiver: Even though the Colts signed Devin Funchess to a one-year deal in free agency, they still need a long-term solution. They don’t have anyone opposite T.Y. Hilton who can stretch the defense. Quite frankly, they don’t have anyone who can reliably catch the ball. The Colts had one of the highest drop rates in the league, and that needs to be addressed in the draft.
Strong Safety: The Colts still have a question at strong safety. They haven’t yet re-signed Clayton Geathers, who has had injury concerns during his career. They need to find someone they can pair with Malik Hooker to shore up the secondary.
Top 3 Draft Targets
Decision Maker (Or Who To Blame If Things Go Wrong)
General manager Chris Ballard is the guy who makes all of the decisions for the Colts when it comes to the draft. Frank Reich gets a lot of input, but Ballard will be the guy calling the shots. Thus far, he’s been successful. 2019 will be an important draft for both Ballard and Reich.
Best/Worst Pick In Current Draft Slot
Historically, who was the best pick and the worst pick based on where the team is currently picking.
Best Pick: Roger Carr – Wide Receiver – Round 1 (Pick No. 24) in 1976 NFL Draft
While Carr wasn’t picked number 26 overall, he was close enough back in 1974. He was taken with the 24th overall pick out of Louisiana Tech. Carr played 7 seasons with the Colts while they were still in Baltimore, and even made the Pro Bowl in 1976 after having 1,112 yards on just 43 catches. He was a solid player who helped Johnny Unitas and company.
Worst Pick: Bjoern Werner – Linebacker – Round 1 (Pick No. 24) in 2013 NFL Draft
Werner was one of the many bad picks of the Ryan Grigson era. He was taken 24th overall in 2013 and was a complete bust from the start. The linebacker out of Florida State was drafted to rush the passer, but he did that poorly. Werner only had 6.5 career sacks in the three years he was with the Colts. He never was able to reach his full potential, and his three years with the Colts were his only three years in the league.
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