The Indianapolis Colts, like every team, have positional needs to address during the 2019 NFL Draft, which arrives in less than two weeks.
While the Colts won’t draft solely based on need, there are some areas on the roster that need to be addressed with some of their nine selections. Some positions might even be candidates to double dip in the draft.
In order, here are the Colts’ biggest positional needs entering the draft:
1. Safety
The Colts have Malik Hooker returning for his third season. They re-signed Clayton Geathers and Matthias Farley to one-year deals while George Odum rounds out the depth in the defensive backfield. In terms of pure need, this position tops the list.
Adding a safety on Day 2 might be in the cards, and there is some solid talent to be had in that area. Finding a potential running mate for Hooker will go a long way, especially if Geathers continues to deal with injuries.
The Colts value speed, ball skills and tackling ability in their safeties. Working in mostly two-high looks, there are plenty of options to consider.
Potential targets: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Tayor Rapp, Johnathan Abram, Amani Hooker
2. Wide receiver
The biggest need on the offensive side of the ball, the Colts wide receiver room is one that is filled with question marks. Outside of T.Y. Hilton, the room is filled with several players looking to prove themselves.
Looking at the history of Chris Ballard’s selection at the position, the odds are he waits until late on Day 2 or Day 3 to add to the wide receiver room, regardless of how solid the depth may be early in the draft.
There are several players the Colts can consider with their nine selections at any point in the draft.
Potential targets: A.J. Brown, Parris Campbell, Kelvin Harmon, Deebo Samuel, Stanley Morgan
3. Defensive tackle
One of the positions most liable to be selected by the Colts with their first-round pick, finding a penetrating three-technique is on the list of things to do for Ballard.
There are several intriguing options throughout the draft, but the value might be in the first and second rounds. It remains to be seen if Christian Wilkins will be available, but guys like Jerry Tillery or Jeffery Simmons might be in play at No. 26.
This is also a position the Colts could wind up double dipping in if they take a pass rushing prospect early and then come back around on Day 3 to find some depth.
Potential targets: Christian Wilkins, Jerry Tillery, Jeffery Simmons, Armon Watts, Renell Wren
4. EDGE rusher
Even with the Justin Houston signing, the Colts will be in the market to add to the pass rush from the edge. Jabaal Sheard is in his final contract year while Kemoko Turay and Al-Quadin Muhammad are still developing.
The Colts have certain traits they prefer to find in edge rushers. Speed is one of them, and there are a few prospects that might pique their interest. However, they don’t mind also bringing in a power rusher from the edge, such as Clelin Ferrell.
The Colts have some pieces in place on the edge, but they need to continue adding youthful talent.
Potential targets: Clelin Ferrell, Charles Omenihu, Chase Winovich, Brian Burns, Anthony Nelson
5. Interior offensive line
There is no denying the Colts have their starting offensive line intact to begin the offseason training program, but depth can certainly be added behind starters Quenton Nelson and Mark Glowinski.
There is some depth there with Joe Haeg being able to fill in all over the offensive line, but don’t be surprised if the Colts wind up using one of their picks on an interior offensive lineman.
Potential targets: Chris Lindstrom, Beau Benzschawel, Erik McCoy, Alex Bars
6. Cornerback
The Colts re-signed Pierre Desir this offseason, which means their starting trio of cornerbacks returns. While this means they don’t have an immediate need to add a cornerback early in the draft, it would still benefit them to find a potential starter after some development.
There are plenty of cornerback options for the Colts to target. Working in a heavy-zone scheme will be something Indy looks for while tackling, ball skills and working in press coverage are also traits they look for.
The Colts can find these kinds of players all over the three-day event with some solid depth in the second and third rounds.
