The Indianapolis Colts are just a day away from the 2020 NFL draft and while they aren’t expected to be on the clock during the first round, there are still plenty of ways to come away with the perfect draft.
With seven picks through Rounds 2–6, the Colts will have plenty of opportunities to find immediate and future contributors while also moving back and adding more picks.
Here’s a look at how the Colts can get an A-plus draft haul:
Find a high-upside QB
Easier said than done, but the Colts must come away with a high-upside quarterback, even if it is one that needs some development. With Philip Rivers running the offense, Jacoby Brissett as the backup and Frank Reich there as well, the Colts can take a developmental quarterback with an early or late pick.
There are several options for the Colts to consider—most of which would need a year to sit behind Rivers anyway. In the early parts of the draft, Jacob Eason and Jalen Hurts are likely the top options on Day 2. Later in the draft, James Morgan and Anthony Gordon come to mind as developmental prospects with upside.
The Colts won’t force a quarterback pick, which means we could be waiting until Day 3 for that selection, but it is imperative to find the future at the position.
Grab Anthony Castonzo’s replacement
This draft is a prime spot for the Colts to find Castonzo’s replacement on the edge even if he is under contract for two more seasons. There are a lot of solid options for the Colts to consider both on Day 2 and Day 3.
The Colts have their starting five already locked in for the 2020 season and while each one of them played over 1,000 snaps and started all 16 games, it can be dangerous to assume that will happen again. Adding depth and future contributors is a big need for Indy.
There are several prospects for the Colts to consider. Matt Peart, Ezra Cleveland and Ben Bartch are potential Day 2 picks. The Colts need immediate depth at the position but could also find a prospect who will eventually take over for Castonzo on the left side.
Trade back from No. 44
Of course, it all depends on who is available at the time. However, the Colts are wanting to add more picks to their current slate of selections and the No. 44 spot should be prime real estate to move back. The same can be said about the No. 34 pick, which is also in play to be traded.
The idea here is to simply add more picks to what they currently have. It’s unlikely the Colts are going to trade up so at some point, they need to trade back and add another Day 3 pick or two if they can. Chris Ballard loves those picks so moving back should be expected on Day 2.
The Colts could trade back from No. 44 while adding another fourth or fifth-round pick in the process. With so much value on Day 2, it’s almost a guarantee to happen.
Find weapons for Philip Rivers
T.Y. Hilton will hopefully find a way to stay healthy while Jack Doyle is a strong target over the middle of the field, but the Colts have to add more weapons for Rivers to work with. There is still upside with Parris Campbell, and Zach Pascal is a wonderful complementary piece.
However, the Colts need to invest early in the wide receiver room and tight end position during this draft. There is value to be had, but there is also some premier talent at the top of the second round. They could find their new X-receiver in Denzel Mims, Michael Pittman Jr. or Laviska Shenault Jr.
They could also find explosive weapons like Jalen Reagor and Brandon Aiyuk, who fit the Colts’ scheme perfectly. Regardless, they have to come away with a group of skill players for Rivers to target.
Add depth to the safety room
With questions over Malik Hooker’s fifth-year option and simple depth needed, the safety room is a low-key need for the Colts and one that could be addressed earlier than expected.
The Colts have their starters for the season in Hooker and Willis while George Odum provides depth and special teams help. Ballard loves adding to the secondary, which means a Day 2 pick isn’t out of the question, especially if a prospect like Jeremy Chinn is there. On Day 3, players like J.R. Reed and K’Von Wallace come to mind.
The safety room has a solid trio that works well together, but the Colts need to add depth to the room and can do so while finding value throughout the final to days of the draft.
Find a move tight end
We touched on it earlier with the weapons for Philip Rivers. Adding a tight end to the room is necessary. Both in that they simply need bodies and talent but also because Frank Reich loves to use the tight end position more than most in the NFL.
There might not be some top-tier talent in this draft, and almost every prospect comes with question marks. But there are some solid options for them to consider. On Day 2, players like Cole Kmet, Adam Trautman and Brycen Hopkins should be on the radar for Indy.
With Jack Doyle leading the room and Mo Alie-Cox developing into a TE2, the Colts must add more play-making ability to tight end position.
Trade Quincy Wilson for a pick
The time has come for the Colts to move on from their former second-round pick. Wilson doesn’t have a role in the defense and he’s still young enough and projectable enough to warrant a trade for a Day 3 pick. With the Colts moving in another direction in the cornerback room, Ballard has to try to get something before he hits free agency in 2021.
There are a lot of teams who might be willing to part ways with the 23-year-old, especially a team that uses more press-man and Cover 3 looks. Wilson has flashed enough to be traded and even though teams don’t like to trade for bad players, there is at least some upside with Wilson.
It might not happen, but we’ve seen Ballard make player-for-pick trades during the middle of the draft and this is one they should highly consider.
