Now that the NFL scouting combine has been completed, the Indianapolis Colts will shift their attention to free agency and the 2020 NFL draft. But we did learn a few things at one of the biggest offseason events of the year.
Some of the information we learned was confirmation on something reported. Some of it was new information or some extra insight into an important topic. Some of it refuted what we thought we already knew.
Here are five things we learned about the Colts from the combine:
Anthony Castonzo is returning
One of the biggest storylines for the Colts this offseason was whether they would have the chance to re-sign their left tackle in Castonzo. Mulling retirement from the end of the season, Castonzo told the Colts he wants to return for at least another year. Now, Chris Ballard and his front office are working on a deal to officially bring back the backbone of the offensive line.
How long that will take isn’t clear, but with free agency officially starting on March 18, the Colts are likely to get it done soon.
No Marlon Mack extension?
Earlier in February, it was reported that the Colts were in talks with their starting running back about a contract extension. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Mack is looking to secure his future with the Colts as soon as possible. But while that report seemed valid, a wrench was thrown into when owner Jim Irsay refuted the report, calling it false. Maybe the talks are in the early stages? Maybe the CBA proposal is holding up the extension from going further? Maybe it simply isn’t true. Regardless, it was odd to see Irsay flat out refute the report about Mack.
Locker room is ready for a big-name free agent
Throughout the first three offseasons of his young tenure, Chris Ballard made it clear he wanted to build up the locker room with a certain culture. This meant doing so largely through the draft. It also meant staying frugal in free agency instead of splurging on the biggest names despite having all of the salary cap space in the world. But now Ballard feels the locker room has grown enough to bring in a big-name free agent and would be successful in getting that player to buy into the mentality of the locker room. How much Ballard is willing to spend is still a mystery, but it seems he’s more open to paying than he has been in recent offseasons.
Colts still need to find out more from Jacoby Brissett
Before the 2019 season and after Andrew Luck retired, the Colts signed Brissett to a two-year deal. This was to help them find out what they had in Brissett as a starter and whether they could move forward with him long-term. While the majority of opinions believe the Colts should begin moving on from Brissett, Ballard still wants more information with his future under center. The Colts could still can take a young quarterback in the draft and let Brissett try to prove himself, which makes 2020 his biggest campaign yet.
Tremendous depth at WR in draft
One of the biggest needs the Colts have this offseason is addressing the wide receiver corps. Depleted with injuries and lacking top-end talent, the Colts need to begin investing heavily in the position. While they could be in the market in free agency, the draft boasts a lot of depth for the Colts to choose from. They could have their pick of Henry Ruggs III, CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy in the first round or they could let the picks fall and grab a solid upside option on Day 2. Regardless, Ballard does see the depth in the wide receiver class, which means he’s likely to pull the trigger at some point.
