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Free agency is largely behind us, and now so too is the NFL draft. The current iteration of the Indianapolis Colts' roster is what they will mostly enter training camp with.
However, while the offseason roster reshaping is mostly done at this point, there are still three positions in particular that the Colts could explore adding to.
From a salary cap perspective, the Colts have the means to sign another free agent, and the need at these three positions, whether that be for depth, competition, or both, does exist.
Let's take a closer look at those three remaining needs and the best available free agents at each.
The addition of Jalen Travis at tackle gives the Colts the flexibility to now move Matt Goncalves to right guard, with Travis able to handle, or at least compete with Blake Freeland for the swing tackle duties.
However, while Ballard has said since drafting Goncalves that he believes he has the ability to play guard, this is a position change for him. Over four seasons at Pittsburgh, Goncavles spent 44 snaps at left guard--that's it. He was a tackle for just about all of his college career and in Year 1 of the NFL.
Now, Goncalves certainly could step in and prove to be a capable right guard, but it sure feels like a risky move to assume that's the case. The prudent thing to do is to have a competition for those starting snaps.
We can talk all we want about the Colts' quarterback competition, but if the offensive line play doesn't provide a steady run game to lean on and time in the pocket, I'm not sure it matters who is under center.
Best available free agents
The need here was twofold coming into the NFL draft. Depth was a need after Grant Stuard signed with Detroit in free agency, and the Colts needed to find a new starter to line up next to Zaire Franklin with EJ Speed in Houston.
As Ballard mentioned, the board didn't fall how the Colts needed it to in order for them to address the position earlier in the draft than what they did. So instead, they draft Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler, who can play linebacker, but from the sounds of it, will wear a variety of hats in Lou Anarumo's defense, potentially.
Ballard made it known before the draft that he believes Jaylon Carlies is an "ascending" player, so presumably he will step into the starting role. Ballard also likes the overall depth that they have as well, and Wohler can add to that.
So unlike the other two positions mentioned here, I'm not going to say an addition should be made here, but adding another player to the mix--and ideally one with some experience--could be valuable.
Best available free agents
While the Colts added Cam Bynum in free agency, let's take a look at the current depth chart:
Maybe Wohler can boost the depth here, but he's already doing that at linebacker presumably, and asking a seventh-round rookie to bounce between two position groups could be putting a lot on his plate.
Bynum and Cross will be the starters, but there is almost no experienced depth on the roster behind those two.
Best available free agents
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Best available free agents: Colts 3 positions of need after NFL draft
Continue reading...
However, while the offseason roster reshaping is mostly done at this point, there are still three positions in particular that the Colts could explore adding to.
From a salary cap perspective, the Colts have the means to sign another free agent, and the need at these three positions, whether that be for depth, competition, or both, does exist.
Let's take a closer look at those three remaining needs and the best available free agents at each.
Indianapolis Colts position of need: Guard
The addition of Jalen Travis at tackle gives the Colts the flexibility to now move Matt Goncalves to right guard, with Travis able to handle, or at least compete with Blake Freeland for the swing tackle duties.
However, while Ballard has said since drafting Goncalves that he believes he has the ability to play guard, this is a position change for him. Over four seasons at Pittsburgh, Goncavles spent 44 snaps at left guard--that's it. He was a tackle for just about all of his college career and in Year 1 of the NFL.
Now, Goncalves certainly could step in and prove to be a capable right guard, but it sure feels like a risky move to assume that's the case. The prudent thing to do is to have a competition for those starting snaps.
We can talk all we want about the Colts' quarterback competition, but if the offensive line play doesn't provide a steady run game to lean on and time in the pocket, I'm not sure it matters who is under center.
Best available free agents
- Will Hernandez
- Brandon Scherff
- Dalton Risner
- Shaq Mason
- Cody Whitehair
Indianapolis Colts position of need: Linebacker
The need here was twofold coming into the NFL draft. Depth was a need after Grant Stuard signed with Detroit in free agency, and the Colts needed to find a new starter to line up next to Zaire Franklin with EJ Speed in Houston.
As Ballard mentioned, the board didn't fall how the Colts needed it to in order for them to address the position earlier in the draft than what they did. So instead, they draft Wisconsin safety Hunter Wohler, who can play linebacker, but from the sounds of it, will wear a variety of hats in Lou Anarumo's defense, potentially.
Ballard made it known before the draft that he believes Jaylon Carlies is an "ascending" player, so presumably he will step into the starting role. Ballard also likes the overall depth that they have as well, and Wohler can add to that.
So unlike the other two positions mentioned here, I'm not going to say an addition should be made here, but adding another player to the mix--and ideally one with some experience--could be valuable.
Best available free agents
- Kyzir White
- Eric Kendricks
- CJ Mosely
Indianapolis Colts position of need: Safety
While the Colts added Cam Bynum in free agency, let's take a look at the current depth chart:
- Cam Bynum
- Nick Cross
- Rodney Thomas
- Marcel Dabo
- Daniel Scott
Maybe Wohler can boost the depth here, but he's already doing that at linebacker presumably, and asking a seventh-round rookie to bounce between two position groups could be putting a lot on his plate.
Bynum and Cross will be the starters, but there is almost no experienced depth on the roster behind those two.
Best available free agents
- Justin Simmons
- Julian Blackmon
- Marcus Williams
- Jordan Whitehead
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Best available free agents: Colts 3 positions of need after NFL draft
Continue reading...
