Indianapolis Colts: Chris Ballard addressing the trenches again

It was a down year for Frank Reich’s team after a promising showing in 2018. But the Indianapolis Colts hope to rectify things with a major addition.

Yes, the Indianapolis Colts are coming off a disappointing 2019 in which a 5-2 starts turned into seven losses in their final nine games. Yes, quarterback Jacoby Brissett took his share of heat for the team’s troubling second half. And yes, the name Philip Rivers is being bandied about when it comes to this franchise. In fact, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says things have gone a little above and beyond that.

But general manager Chris Ballard is very aware of what a team needs to be successful in the league, besides steady and consistent play by its signal-caller. He used a pair of early picks to upgrade the offensive line in first-round selection Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame) and second-rounder Braden Smith (Auburn).

Over the weekend, Ballard and the organization made sure that the Colts’ offensive front would remain intact for at least the 2020 season as the team kept veteran left tackle Anthony Castonzo off the free-agent market.

Now it was time to address the other side of the ball. Coordinator Matt Eberflus’ unit had its ups and downs in 2019 after showing some progress the previous year. Injuries were a factor but didn’t explain quite everything. The pass rush got a boost from free agent Justin Houston, who made the switch to end in the 4-3 and finished with 11 sacks. But now the club has a performer who can bring the heat from the interior of the line.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner ranks No. 10 on the list of interior defensive linemen via Pro Football Focus (subscription required). And in the late afternoon of March 18, the former San Francisco 49ers’ standout will be a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

The 2016 first-round pick will cost Ballard the 13th overall pick in April’s draft (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). But he’s a major addition to the team and it’s worth noting that the Colts do have two second-round selections at their disposal). Buckner has totaled 28.5 sacks and come up with seven fumble recoveries in 63 regular-season games and starts.

Of course, it’s going to be interesting to see what the franchise does when it comes to the offense and if there indeed will be a change behind center. But Ballard continues to make solid moves that can put Frank Reich’s team is position for success. It’s going to be an interesting few weeks for this intriguing organization looking to rebound from a rough year.