Ranking Colts Positions Of Need For 2020 Offseason

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INDIANAPOLIS – Without question, it’s one of the most important offseasons the Colts have faced in years.

The good news though is that resources—via cap space and draft capital—are definitely available.

Which positions need to receive those resources the most?

1. Quarterback: The reason this position falls No. 1 on the list is because it’s the hardest position to play in sports (Chris Ballard’s words, not mine). It’s not because the current starter is horrific (Jacoby Brissett is definitely not that), but it comes because to have sustained success in the NFL, having a quarterback that is capable of being a consistently elite signal caller is a virtual must. And with the Colts about to reach another decision point on Brissett, who is under contract through only 2020, this need takes on even more of a focus. Look at the quarterbacks who have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl over the last 15 years. All (besides Joe Flacco) will have their name reside in Canton one day.

2. Defensive line: If you are going to get specific along the defensive front, upgrading at three-technique defensive tackle is atop the priority list. But the Colts cannot overlook finding a unique edge presence either. Chris Ballard has said several times this offseason that the interior of the defensive line was not disruptive enough in 2019. He’s right. The Colts are also getting older on the D-line, so this need is key in the present and future. If this position group can take a notable jump in 2020, it’s possible the Colts could make a quick rise in the win department. There’s quality available in free agency and the draft for the Colts to look into.  

3. Wide receiver: You could probably interchange defensive line and wide receiver on this list. To some, wideout will mean more. To Chris Ballard, it’s probably defensive line. Still, the receiver position again failed to meet pre-season expectations in 2019. And now you throw in T.Y. Hilton turning 30 years old and missing the most games of his career last year. Like we saw last offseason, the Colts need to address wide receiver in the immediacy, and also with one eye looking down the road. This group did not provide enough playmaking in 2019, especially after the catch. That has to change if the offense is going to get back on track.

4. Tight end: In years past, this has been the deepest position on the roster. It’s no longer that, but you still have Jack Doyle, and another year of development from Mo Alie-Cox. But the Colts need to make sure they complement Doyle with a quality and reliable option, who should have a strength in the receiving department. That’s what Eric Ebron brought (or tried to bring). Frank Reich’s offense needs a notable No. 2 tight end option and it’s not clear how the Colts will acquire that this offseason.

5. Offensive line: We will have this position at No. 5 under the hypothetical that Anthony Castonzo returns 2020. If he doesn’t, then this need rises into the top 3. Let’s say Castonzo does return though. The offensive line still needs a notable resource assigned to it this offseason. Specifically, you need a quality backup tackle that has long-term starting potential. Outside of that, the Colts need to solidify their offensive line depth, with 3 free agents there in guys who were the No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8 spots up front last year.

6. Cornerback: When talking about 2020 unrestricted free agents, the Colts have none at the cornerback position. But just because there’s nice security over the personnel from a contract standpoint, doesn’t mean the Colts should ignore this position in the offseason. We saw the cornerback depth get tested in 2019 and struggle. At the very least, having a competent backup at nickel is needed. You never turn down a quality corner though, if the right opportunity presents itself, especially with Pierre Desir turning 30 years old this fall.

7. Safety: The early impact from Khari Willis in 2019 has pushed this need down the list. A starting duo of Willis and Malik Hooker emerged in 2019 and could be together for several more years. From a depth standpoint, the Colts could probably use another body. George Odum is a nice backup, but Clayton Geathers is a free agent in 2020. When we talk about the secondary in 2020, the entire group needs to play better, but the corner personnel is more worrisome, unless the depth gets tested at safety.

8. Linebacker: The linebacker trio that we saw emerge for the Colts late in the season is a group to build around. That would be Darius Leonard, Anthony Walker and Bobby Okereke. All of the linebackers who saw action for the Colts in 2019 are still under contract. It’s not that the linebacker group couldn’t use a slight upgrade, if we are nitpicking, it’s just that resources would be better used at other position groups this offseason.

9. Running Back: With Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins still under contract for another season, this position falls at the bottom of the list. Adding a running back with some resources in the offseason wouldn’t be the craziest idea, but it just has nowhere near the importance as other position groups this year. That’s a compliment to Chris Ballard for finding a trio of Day 3 running backs, who have all contributed on their rookie contracts.