The Indianapolis Colts are truly entering grind mode with the 2019 NFL Draft set to begin on Thursday. Though no draft is typically perfect, there can be some guidelines that could help them get there.
The Colts currently have nine selections with three coming in the top 60 and four in the top 100. There are plenty of areas to address with plenty of resources to do so.
In no particular order, here is how the Colts can get an A-plus haul in the draft:
Add wide receiver depth
One of the biggest question marks on the roster entering the draft, the Colts must add some depth to the wide receiver room. While the bulk of the value is in the second and third rounds, there is a high chance general manager Chris Ballard waits to address the room.
Even with T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, Chester Rogers, Deon Cain and Durice Fountain, there are more questions than answers at this point in the offseason. Looking for potential future starters is a must for this class.
It’s difficult to predict which prospects the Colts like the most, but there are several options for them during the draft.
Continue building through the offensive line
Even with an elite quarterback in Andrew Luck, the Colts know the unit’s success is mostly dependent on how the offensive line plays. Both Ballard and head coach Frank Reich have harped on the importance of having depth up front.
The Colts have their starting, but there is little depth behind them. Adding some prospects to either/both the interior and the tackle positions could give Indy a little more breathing room to open run lanes and protect Luck.
Even as early as Day 2, the Colts could be looking to add some more depth to the offensive line.
Find Malik Hooker’s running mate
One of the biggest objectives the Colts must accomplish throughout the three-day draft is finding startable assets to add to the safety room. Finding Hooker’s running mate is something that should be at the top of the list.
While there is no consensus top safety in this draft, there are several options to consider on Day 2. Many of those prospects can step right in an make an impact immediately. Some could even be starters with a strong showing in training camp and the preseason.
With Hooker’s range, the Colts could use a versatile safety that can work both as a two-high while also having the ability to play near the line of scrimmage. Safeties aren’t highly valued, but the future is questionable at the position outside of Hooker.
Select a penetrating 3-technique DT
This could come with the first pick or it could come later, but the Colts need to add some young talent to the interior defensive line. This is especially true when looking for an interior defensive lineman that can get upfield and impact the passer.
Getting a Christian Wilkins would be ideal, but there are no guarantees he will be there at No. 26. With Denico Autry and Margus Hunt still leading the group, the Colts will need to add a young player to the group as interior pressure becomes more and more vital.
Prospects like Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery, Renell Wren, Armon Watts and Jeffery Simmons are a few that come to mind.
Add depth to the cornerback room
As it has been said many times over, the Colts will have their starting trio return in 2019. However, the depth behind them is extremely thin and faced with hordes of question marks.
Whether it be on Day 2 where the value is highest or later in the draft grabbing a projectable prospect with intriguing traits, the Colts must continue to add to the cornerback room. Indy is somewhat limited in the boundary corners behind Pierre Desir and Quincy Wilson.
Prospects like Julian Love, Byron Murphy, Amani Oruwariye, Justin Layne and Deandre Baker come to mind.
Find an edge rusher that can develop into a starter
The Colts are far from set when it comes to their pass rush. They are, though, in a much more optimistic state following the addition of veteran Justin Houston during free agency.
While the Colts might be less liable to grab an edge rusher in the first round, they still need to add some potential starting talent to the room. Whether that comes in the form of an early pick or a Day 3 selection with projectable traits remains to be seen. Adding to the edge still remains a priority.
Prospects like Clelin Ferrell, Chase Winovich, Brian Burns and Anthony Nelson come to mind.
