Even though free agency will continue on, the big waves of the process have come and gone. The Indianapolis Colts have made a few moves before turning their attention to the 2019 NFL Draft, which takes place during the final week of the month.
While the Colts didn’t make any huge splashes throughout the first two weeks of the new league year, they still made some moves once free agency opened that will likely alter their future plans somehow.
Here are six takeaways from the Colts’ free agency:
Likely to invest early in a safety during the draft
Admittedly, I thought the Colts were going to address the safety position during free agency. Even if that meant avoiding a splurge but still adding depth. There is still time to do that, but the likelihood remains in the Colts using an early pick in the draft to add some young talent to pair with Malik Hooker.
There are several options during the first two rounds of the draft that the Colts could invest in the safety position. A prediction that a pick is used on a safety with one of their three selections in the top 60 isn’t outside the realm of possibilities.
In fact, if the Colts used one of their first three picks on a player like Chauncey Gardner-Johnson or Taylor Rapp, that should be considered a win.
Signed a difference-making edge rusher
Of course, he still has to prove it on the field, but the signing of Justin Houston appears to be an extremely impactful one on paper. His ability to pressure the quarterback with consistency should help not only the pass rush but the entire defense as well.
Houston comes to the Colts on a two-year deal worth $23 million and even though the Colts are hoping to use a heavy rotation along their defensive line, the veteran pass rusher should be able to make an impact immediately.
Improving the pass rush was the biggest need for the Colts defensively this offseason, and they took a step toward achieving that goal.
Interior pass rush is still a need
Denico Autry led the team with 9.0 sacks in 2018, which was great, but there is still a need to add some young depth to the interior defensive line, especially in the form of a player that can show versatility.
Autry and Margus Hunt return as the starters but if the Colts can add a player like Christian Wilkins or Jerry Tillery early in the draft, the defensive line would automatically become a strength on the defense.
Consistency is the key for the Colts pass rush, and applying pressure from the interior is becoming more vital every season. Even with some help on the edge, adding depth to the interior is a must during the draft.
Colts are doubling down on Marlon Mack
After a breakout season for the second-year running back, the Colts are doubling down making Mack the unquestioned leader in the backfield. They have yet to add to the backfield this offseason while Chris Ballard and Frank Reich continue to sing the praises of the USF product.
Mack averaged 4.7 yards per carry in 2018 while scoring 10 total touchdowns (nine rushing). He recorded 908 rushing yards in 12 games and likely would have hit the 1,000-yard threshold had a hamstring injury not kept him out of the lineup early in the season.
The Colts have made it clear Mack will be leading the backfield while taking the lion’s share of touches in the committee. If 2018 was any indication, he should be able to provide some balance to the offense.
Colts could be saving for future extensions
Despite Ballard laying out the plans before the offseason started, the Colts had some fans that didn’t understand why they were so quiet despite having the most salary cap space in the NFL.
Well, there is a chance they are saving up for future extensions for their own players. Ballard has made it clear they want to get to a point where they are re-signing their own rather than needing to splurge in free agency to address their needs.
There are several players that are going to warrant extensions over the next few offseasons, which is likely one of the reasons why they weren’t among the teams that spent the most money in free agency.
Frank Reich loves him some Devin Funchess
The Colts made somewhat of a shocking signing to begin free agency when they brought in Funchess on a one-year deal. However, Reich has shown how much he believes in Funchess’ game after watching the 24-year-old’s tape.
With such a massive frame, Funchess is able to show off some excellent route running, which is no easy task for a player his size. He uses strong footwork at the line of scrimmage, and his ability to sink his hips quickly helps him create separation with ease on some of the Colts’ favorite routes.
Funchess has the chance to prove he’s worth another contract and if he can contain the issue of drops, he could turn into the player Reich believes him to be. Regardless, his new head coach firmly believes he’s a good fit for the offense.
