In just a few short weeks, the Indianapolis Colts will be entering the 2019 NFL Draft looking to add young talent to several positions of need throughout the three-day event.
Even for those positions that aren’t considered needs, there are questions the Colts face when the draft begins on April 25 in Nashville. Some are bigger than others, but there are still questions for each position.
Let’s take a look at the biggest questions the Colts face at each position entering the NFL Draft:
Quarterback: What will they do with Jacoby Brissett?
As it stands, Brissett is likely going to be wearing a Colts uniform during the 2019 season. It is the final year in which he is under his rookie contract making him a free agent following the upcoming season.
The Colts hold Brissett in tremendous value given that he can step in at quarterback should something happen to starter Andrew Luck. While the Colts hold him in high regard, other teams in need of a quarterback might do so as well.
The odds are that Brissett remains with the Colts during the 2019 season, but if they feel like getting something for him before he hits free agency, a trade is always possible if the situation is right for general manager Chris Ballard.
Running Back: What type of back will the Colts add?
Even with Ballard and head coach Frank Reich continually saying how much they like the backfield, the Colts have been in the market for a running back both in free agency and in bringing in prospects for pre-draft visits.
With Marlon Mack set to lead the group, Nyheim Hines working as a change-of-pace back and Jordan Wilkins providing depth, the Colts could use a downhill thumper that has success in short-yardage situations.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts used one of their Day 3 picks on a running back that could succeed at the goal-line and on short third downs, which would help keep Mack from those wear and tear snaps between the tackles.
Wide Receiver: How early will they invest?
A position that has several question marks outside of T.Y. Hilton, the wide receiver room is one that must be addressed at some point during the draft. Ballard prefers to look later in the draft at athletic wide receivers, but there are a few options that could pique his interest on Day 2.
Hilton has shown no signs of decline and while there is hope with Devin Funchess and Deon Cain, they are still unproven. The Colts must continue to add to the room, and they can do so with a deep wide receiver class throughout.
The one true weakness on the offensive side of the ball, the Colts have a chance to make it their strength when the draft is all said and done.
Tight End: Will they even add to the room?
One of the strongest units for the Colts all over the roster, the tight room is one that doesn’t have a need. Granted, veteran Jack Doyle’s status is up in the air, but he’s expected to be ready for the season.
Even with the fact that this position is a strength, the Colts could look to add some young talent to the room with a Day 3 pick. Finding a player they might like to develop through the first few years isn’t something that should be thrown out for this draft.
They don’t have a need at tight end, but if there is a skill set they see in a prospect that they like, a selection could be made.
Offensive Line: Do they focus on interior or tackle depth?
No, the Colts have no need to add a starter to the offensive line. However, they could be looking to add depth to the interior and possibly search for Anthony Castonzo’s eventual successor.
The offensive line will always be a priority for Ballard and the Colts, especially after they saw what happens when Andrew Luck isn’t healthy. Finding an athletic guard or tackle even as early as Day 2 could be on the docket.
Athleticism will always be the dominating trait when the Colts look for offensive linemen. There are a few that could intrigue Indy as early as Day 2.
Defensive End: What type of edge rusher to they find?
When it comes to finding pass rushers, the Colts have a preference in terms of traits, but they really only care about the player’s ability to impact the quarterback.
Speed is an aspect that the Colts feel fits their scheme best. There are a few prospects in the draft that could grab Indy’s attention, especially early on. There are also a few power rushers and edge setters that might intrigue the Colts.
Even with Justin Houston signing a two-year deal, the Colts should add an edge rusher. What type of player they add remains to be seen, but it is certainly on the to-do list.
Defensive Tackle: Can they find a penetrating interior rusher?
The Colts will have immense opportunities to find a player that can penetrate the interior and apply pressure on the quarterback from the top of the pocket. They could do so in Round 1 or wait until Days 2 and 3.
Pass rush will always be a priority for the Colts and interior pressure is becoming more vital with each passing season. If they can come away from the draft with a penetrating three-technique, the entire defense will be better for it.
When the Colts will do so remains to be seen, but there are options throughout every round Indy can consider.
Linebacker: Will depth be added?
The linebacker position isn’t a need for the Colts. They have an All-Pro in Darius Leonard and an underrated leader in Anthony Walker. The Colts ran nickel packages most of the time, which means they will be using fewer linebackers.
When considering the depth they have in Matthew Adams, who came along late in the season, the Colts likely don’t need to add to the room. If they do, it will likely be a player that can work immediately on special teams.
Cornerback: How early will they look for one?
Given the current state of the room, it is hard to imagine the Colts taking a cornerback with their first-round pick. It’s possible depending on who is on the board but not likely as there is solid depth later in the draft.
With their zone-heavy scheme, the Colts could be looking for a Day 2 or Day 3 corner to mold with the right traits. Ball skills and production against the run are some of the top aspects the Colts like in their defensive backs,
With Pierre Desir, Quincy Wilson and Kenny Moore all returning in the mix, the Colts don’t need to add an immediate starter, which could lead them to waiting on a pick.
Safety: How many do they draft?
Minus a few players, the safety room looks exactly the same as it did in 2018. If all players stay healthy, it’s a talented room. However, we know that won’t happen, which means the Colts must be looking to address the position early.
It is unlikely the Colts do so in Round 1 unless they love a particular prospect that is on the board. There is really strong depth in this class with unique skills that could make the Colts grab more than one safety.
If Indy wound up taking a safety in the second round and then doubling down with a late Day 3 pick, that wouldn’t be too surprising given the need at the position.
