With both Ballard and Steichen confirmed for at least one more year, we can think about the immediate future for the franchise
Each offseason is a blank page for every general manager to try and improve their roster, both in the short and the long term. The Colts are currently in a position where there are very little starters set in stone for next year, and with a new defensive coordinator there could be a lot of changes coming to the defense. The needs in the offense are clear as day, so it it not that hard to pinpoint where the Colts should make moves.
Free Agency
I already wrote a piece about potential free agents for the Colts in every position of need, so you can check that out if you want a more detailed analysis on each player, but the main point is that while I agree with Ballard’s philosophy of not building teams through free-agency, I believe that not taking a single risk there is also not a viable approach to team building. Free-agency can be an excellent way to add some depth and competition to the team, and is a bit more certain than the draft.
Starting with the offense, my most important signing would be Justin Fields. There has been a recent trend with NFL quarterbacks finding a fresh start and taking full advantage of the opportunity to revive their careers, guys like Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Jared Goff. Fields could easily be the next one on that list, as his skillset would easily translate into the Colts’ offense, and would compete right away for the starting spot with Richardson. The Colts can give Justin Fields exactly what he wants, which is a realistic chance to start, and he would do that with a solid offensive line, above-average playmakers at the receiver position, and an elite running back. If Ballard comes calling, I don’t see much better opportunities for Fields in the NFL than Indy. The offense is also in dire need of a backup running back, as last year whenever JT missed a game or took a breather the running game was abysmal with Trey Sermon. Backup running backs that are at least decent can be found easily and are not expensive, so failing to do so for a second consecutive year would be asinine. The Colts also desperately need a tight end, or two, and there are some solid veterans in the market that could drastically improve the position.
As for the defense, the Colts need to add a viable backup to Stewart and Buckner. When either of the two where out the defense went from passable to a bottom five unit in the NFL. Now of course it is impossible to find a backup that can come in and play at the same level than the starters here, but finding guys better than Taven Bryan should not be that difficult. Linebacker is also a massive need for the team, and not re-signing E.J. Speed would not only make the team better, but also hopefully it sends a message to Zaire Franklin to focus on his game instead of the podcast. The case with Julian Blackmon is a bit complicated, because this was inarguably his worst season as a Colt, but he was also injured for the entire season, and if healthy he could regain his form that made him the starter and a solid safety.
Draft
There are an infinite amount of scenarios for the Draft, and it is impossible to judge a draft right after it is over. I think it is futile to assign draft grades and such, as time and time again they are absurdly off the mark, therefore trying to put together what an “ideal” draft would look like for the Colts is an even more difficult task. Nonetheless, and even with the combine still on the horizon, there are several scenarios that would leave me pleased as a fan. For the first round pick the Colts have the perfect chance to add a tight end that is not “just a guy”, in either Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland. If Warren is not on the board by the time the Colts pick, they could trade back and try to get Loveland later, which seems like a real possibility. Tight end seems like a no-brainer right now for the first pick. Of course, Ballard has a tendency to stay away from the obvious, but with his back against the wall he might be forced to do so here.
With the mid round picks the Colts would do well to find a safety with plenty of experience in the collegiate level that could come in and start right away (Xavier Watts, Sebastian Castro, Lathan Ransom, Nick Emmanwori), a backup running back, preferably a pass-catching specialist (Devin Neal, DJ Giddens), and a linebacker that is at least serviceable in coverage (Carson Schwesinger, Chris Paul Jr., Cody Simon). With the late round picks, it is just impossible to try and predict.
Conclusion
The Colts are going for a final year with the current core, and it is an evident playoff or bust, which could shape the way the offseason goes for the Colts. They need to come out of this with competition in the quarterback position, to push Anthony Richardson, and to have a backup plan in case he gets injured or plays badly. Then the only thing the offense needs is some polish around the edges, a proper backup running back, and a serviceable tight end. Both should not be that hard to find. The defense needs some better pieces to be able to take that next step, and they also need their young players (Jaylon Jones, Julius Brents, Laiatu Latu, Dayo Odeyingbo, Jaylin Carlies, Nick Cross) to step up their game even more than they did this season.
Even if all that happens, this team would still not be a Super Bowl contender in my eyes, as a true top quarterback is needed for that, but it would be a solid step in the right direction, and one that could convice owner Jim Irsay to give general manager Chris Ballard and head-coach Shane Steichen even more time.
