The Indianapolis Colts have addressed the Carson Wentz quandary with 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan.
Additionally they shored up their secondary with the purchase of five-time Professional Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Now, they have got to unravel a number of different issues.
If Colts basic supervisor Chris Ballard can plug those holes prior to the 2022 NFL season, Indy will have to go back to postseason competition after a disappointing end in 2021.
3. Gaping Hollow At Vast Receiver
The Colts’ large receiver problems get started basically with 32-year-old four-time Professional Bowler T.Y. Hilton.
Whether or not Hilton returns for an eleventh season within the professional ranks or no longer stays an enormous query mark for Ballard and co.
Hilton has been plagued by means of nagging accidents the previous few seasons.
He’s been a shadow of his outdated “Houston Texans Killer” self.
TY Hilton is probably the most underrated #Colts of all time. Dude performed with 8 other QBs in 10 years and submit those stats:
•631 catches
•9,691 yards
•53 Touchdowns#ForTheShoe #TheGhost 👻 %.twitter.com/AU3guEdhz3— Cody Felger (@CPFelger55) March 12, 2022
If Hilton does go back, he’ll take a backseat to Michael Pittman, Jr., the projected No. 1 choice at large receiver for Indianapolis.
Zach Pascal‘s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles makes Indy’s large receiver issues extra alarming.
The Colts have additionally been placing directly to injury-plagued wideout Parris Campbell since they drafted him 59th total 3 years in the past.
If Campbell can in some way pick out up the slack for Pascal, Ballard’s endurance with the previous Ohio State Buckeyes standout pays large dividends over the lengthy haul.
On the other hand, given Campbell’s damage historical past, that continues to be an enormous query mark.
Will Ballard deal with the Colts’ large receiver wishes by means of the draft?
That’s extremely not likely taking into consideration he’s drafted simply two large receivers (Campbell and Pittman) inside the first 4 rounds ever since he took over as Colts GM in 2017.
Given Hilton’s uncertainty and Campbell’s previous accidents, Ballard simply may trade path in 2022.
2. Intensity At Tight Finish
When two-time Professional Bowl tight finish Jack Doyle retired following the 2021 NFL season, it was crystal transparent that Mo Alie-Cox will turn into Indy’s No. 1 tight result in 2022.
Apparently Colts head trainer Frank Reich will depend on Alie-Cox and second-year tight finish Kylen Granson this season.
On the other hand, Granson nonetheless has to earn his stripes taking into consideration he performed in simply 21 p.c of the Colts’ offensive snaps in 2021.
On the subject of blocking off, Granson isn’t at the identical degree as Doyle or Alie-Cox.
The remainder of Indy’s tight finish corps are in large part unproven taking into consideration they had been undrafted unfastened brokers.
If Ballard can in some way pluck the Colorado State Rams’ Trey McBride or the UCLA Bruins’ Greg Dulcich in the second one or 3rd spherical of the draft, believe {that a} main thieve.
1. Offensive Line Problems
What was once as soon as the Colts’ energy has turn into a significant chink of their armor.
Indianapolis’ offensive line ranked thirtieth in pass-blocking potency in 2021.
That’s a significant fear for Colts offensive line trainer Chris Strausser.
The Colts’ leaky offensive line additionally doesn’t bode neatly for brand new quarterback Matt Ryan.
Ballard will have to deal with Indy’s left take on place.
It has turn into a priority since Anthony Castonzo retired following the 2020 NFL season.
With the departure of Eric Fisher (who allowed seven sacks in 2021), it sort of feels Matt Pryor will fill the void at left take on until Ballard comes to a decision to draft a big-name rookie in the second one or 3rd spherical.
With such a lot uncertainty at left take on, #Colts could be sensible to pursue All-Professional Duane Brown in unfastened company.
In contrast to Terron Armstead, Brown gained’t cost a fortune on a 1-2 12 months deal. Nice veteran to position along Quenton Nelson. %.twitter.com/PoENVQM2Qv
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 12, 2022
Then again, the Colts can signal a confirmed unfastened agent take on corresponding to five-time Professional Bowler Duane Brown.
Danny Pinter will have to pick out up the slack at proper guard for Mark Glowinski, who signed a three-year take care of the New York Giants within the offseason.
