Indianapolis Colts: Biggest team needs after 2018 free agency
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off their first losing season since 2011. The club didn’t do a lot during free agency so what else is on the wish list?
As everyone knows by now, the Indianapolis Colts will be trying to rebound from the team’s first losing campaign since 2011 with a new head coach for the first time since 2012. After being spurned by Josh McDaniels this offseason, owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard brought Frank Reich aboard.
Over the last few months, the team has been somewhat quiet when it comes to additions to the team. Of course, it appears that the organization has other issues as the health status of quarterback Andrew Luck remains somewhat of an enigma. He appears to be still on the mend following shoulder surgery that took place in January 2017. So when will he take the field once again?
"“There’s a process. I believe in it, and I guess there’s not much more for me to say on it,” said Luck recently to a group of reporters (via Kevin Hickey of ColtsWire.com). “But, I understand maybe the frustration, but I would, I guess personally, just ask for patience. And I know, deep in my heart, I am going to be okay and help this team out.”"
Meanwhile, what have the Colts done to help themselves out this offseason? More importantly, what else does the club have to do to get back to respectability and/or contend in the AFC South?
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Bolster wide receiving corps
T.Y. Hilton remains one of the better wide receivers in the league. And free agency brings Ryan Grant, late of the Washington Redskins. But Donte Moncrief is now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Chester Rogers caught 23 passes for 284 yards and one touchdown, while the team hasn’t brought back Kamar Aiken. The Colts appear to be terrific shape at tight end with Jack Doyle and former Lions’ first-rounder Eric Ebron. But they need more than just Hilton to stretch the field consistently.
More help for pass rush
Last offseason, Ballard was busy trying to bolster this area and signed the likes of Jabaal Sheard, John Simon and Barkevious Mingo. Sheard led the club with 5.5 sacks and Simon was a plus before going down with injury. But the club totaled only 25 quarterback traps, one reason the team finished 30th in the NFL in total defense while giving up the fifth-most passing yards in the league. There’s still a lot of work to be done here.
More options at running back
This offseason, the Colts opted not to re-sign veteran Frank Gore. He spent the past three seasons with the club and started every game. The fifth-leading rusher in NFL history totaled at least 900 yards on the ground in each of his three seasons in Indianapolis. The club has promising Marlon Mack, who ran for 358 yards and three scores in his rookie season in 2017. But depth is indeed a question mark, although names such as Matt Jones, Robert Turbin and Christine Michael remain on the roster.
Conclusion
It appears that the Indianapolis Colts will be putting a lot of effort into the draft, as was the case a year ago during Ballard’s first year at the controls. In 2017, the franchise used its first three selections and six of its eight total picks on the defensive side of the football.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection
First-round safety Malik Hooker and second-round cornerback Quincy Wilson were solid additions but each lasted only seven games. The team has the sixth overall pick this year and a trio of second-round selections (36, 37 and 49) and don’t be shocked if three of those choices are used on defense and the other on wide receiver help.