When general manager Chris Ballard took over before the 2017 offseason, it was made known early and often that the Indianapolis Colts would be going through a rebuilding process that would take some time.
However, the 2018 season showed the Colts might be further along in the process than initially thought. So much so, that the Colts could be considered a team that is reloading rather than rebuilding. A likely stronger argument can be made that Indy is still rebuilding the foundation of the roster, though, despite the recent success.
Regardless of where they currently stand in that rebuilding process, Ballard and the front office can expedite that development if he’s able to walk away with another strong draft class at the end of April.
Winning the draft will always be the goal for Ballard, who constantly preaches the action of constructing the core of the roster through April’s main event. If the Colts add more foundational pieces to the roster in 2019, they will be considered a team that is reloading for a potentially deeper run into the playoffs.
With a franchise quarterback in his prime and coming off his most efficient season, an offensive line that seems to be putting it all together and a young group of defenders to build around, there are plenty of reasons to be excited for the immediate future.
Of course, Ballard and the scouting department have to make sure their evaluations are correct. Being confident when selecting a player is all fine and good, but they must show growth and the ability to make an impact early on if the success is to be continued.
How the Colts will go about the draft remains to be seen. No one, not even Ballard right now, knows what decisions he will make until the day arrives and they are on the clock.
Still, Ballard should have plenty of chances to use his nine picks to add depth and talent to the defensive side of the ball while also adding future pieces to the offensive line and a potential immediate contributor in the wide receiver room.
The Colts have a bright future ahead of them if they continue to draft well like they have for the majority of the past two seasons, which have led to a number of young players carving out significant roles on both sides of the ball.
Even though they are still considered to be in a rebuilding mode, acing this draft could elevate the Colts into the tier of teams that will be reloading for deep playoff runs for the coming seasons.
