Indianapolis Colts: More trades spell success in 2018 NFL Draft
By Backwoods
Taking a look at an ideal scenario to put the Indianapolis Colts back on top during the 2018 NFL Draft: Trade, trade, and trade again.
As we all know by now, the Indianapolis Colts have traded down to the sixth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, gathering a stockpile of wealth in the process. Many folks have honed in on specific players that may be available with that sixth overall pick. However, I encourage you to, instead, consider the following trade scenarios that could increase the Colts’ wealth astronomically.
After a whirlwind of activity last year, general manager Chris Ballard has remained mostly dormant through free agency. He has clarified this by stating that his plan is to build through the draft and secure a dozen or so cornerstone players that will remain in Indy for years to come.
This logic is sound, but this new plan would have been better received if he had not done the opposite last year. His new method is much easier said than done, especially in a single draft. Andrew Luck is no longer a spring chicken and ,with that in mind, let’s see what it would take.
Let’s start with the trade that was already done with No. 3 overall pick. Trade No. 3 for Nos. 6, 37 and 49, plus a second-round pick next year. Not bad — not bad at all.
Teams are chomping at the bit for the four top quarterbacks, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield. That alone makes the situation ideal. A perfect storm, if you will.
Say, for instance, Jon Gruden fell head over heels in love with one of the top non-quarterbacks. He wants to trade up to No. 6 for the Raiders’ 10th pick and Oakland’s first-rounder next year. Sounds too good to pass up, so the Colts make the deal.
That turns the No. 3 pick into a first- and second-round pick next year, along with Nos. 10, 37 and 49 in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Remember those top four quarterbacks? Lets assume one of them is still there at No. 10, Buffalo calls and they are worried that Miami will get him with the 11th overall pick, meaning they will miss out at No. 12. It’s only two spots further down, so Indianapolis could barter and reach a deal, relieving them of their other first-round pick as well. Buffalo gets No. 10 as the Colts take their selections at No. 12 and 22.
These types of trades are easily possible. Last year, the No. 10 pick was traded for the 27th and 91st overall picks and a first-round pick for this year, which ended up being No. 22. This was the Patrick Mahomes trade between Buffalo and Kansas City.
Still following? Don’t feel bad, this can be tough stuff to follow. The point here is focused more on the possibility, or even the likelihood, of these scenarios being available options, more so than the specifics.
As we continue, consider that the added first round pick next year could end up being a very high one. For example, Cleveland has the fourth overall pick this year, a direct result of the trade with Houston last year. If that happens here, the Colts then get the value back by default. The Raiders are undergoing their own restructuring and may have a tough year.
To sum this all up in this scenario, the Colts would have taken the No. 3 pick and turned it into picks No. 12, 23, 37 and 49 — and don’t forget, a first- and second-round pick next year, as well.
Three first-round picks, three second-round picks and they are still only nine selections back from where they started. Five or six top-50 picks could supply a little support for the not-so-young-anymore, Andrew Luck.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: 10 Big trades create chaos
You may not like the analytics and your head may be throbbing, but can you argue the value here? Let’s not forget that the guy the Colts wanted all along, whomever that might be, could still be on the board at No. 12.
Throw on top the chance of getting all that value back if the Raiders struggle next year. I would consider that a successful day. All that is left to do is draft quality players and repeat the whole process next year. If it were me, I would even look into trading down again.