The Indianapolis Colts are looking at a potentially franchise altering offseason as they look to fill some of the most glaring holes on their roster. With the NFL Draft approaching and free agency underway, the team has signaled that improving the tight end position is a top priority. No one knows that better than the Colts who were crippled by lack of production from their tight ends last year. So now, they’re truly looking at all possible answers — including the possibility of writing in your favorite prospects.
In the first week of free agency, this Colts team made their intentions known and made them known early. They traded for quarterback Daniel Jones and signed him to a one-year, $14 million contract. This decision injects a very deserved competitive atmosphere into the quarterback room, as Jones arrives to an already jumbled QB room. It reflects the team’s commitment to bolstering their offensive strategy and enhancing their chances for success in the upcoming season.
Addressing Tight End Needs
The Colts’ woes at tight end last season have been sufficiently chronicled. Collectively, they ranked second to last in the league in production from this position, representing perhaps the greatest need on all fronts. New head coach Shane Steichen preaches the importance of getting your playmakers the ball. With this newfound focus on the passing game, the role of the tight end is more vital.
The Colts themselves are getting ready for the draft, where they pick 14th overall. This is a golden opportunity to snag someone who can make a massive difference on their offense. Legendary ESPN analyst Mel Kiper named two generational tight end prospects. He’s got Tyler Warren from Penn State ranked seventh overall and Colston Loveland from Michigan ranked eleventh in his most recent big board. Either rookie has the ability to come in and replace the production from poor performing tight ends. They are an instant upgrade that can simultaneously make the… take a step.
In fact, tight ends have never been historically available to be drafted among the first 14 picks—with none having been selected since 1973. The Colts may want to be the exception to that rule as they look for a true No. 1 receiver. The need for this role is acute. A lot of the veterans on that roster, such as edge rushers Kwity Paye, Tyquan Lewis, and Samson Ebukam, and right tackle Braden Smith, are in the last year of their contracts.
Building Competition and Depth
So to summarize, with their additions of Daniel Jones, the Colts have been trying to fill a starting QB role. They’re creating competitive pressure amongst their players to improve individual performance. That shrewd play provides the team the time to truly evaluate its options and seek out the best fit for who its new offensive philosophy. The resulting competition should raise the overall play and 1’s-through-5 depth at a hard-to-find spot that has been a sore spot in the past.
The Colts are clearly looking for some immediate upgrades in the draft and free agency. As such, they’re looking to in-house replacements to possibly succeed key defensive cogs DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. This method guarantees that they stay competitive with a well-rounded roster while cultivating talent developed in the area.
The Colts are encouraged by this group’s long-term potential as they move forward. Tight end Jelani Herbert is one name for whom they’d like to see return to some of his previous form. His performance will be instrumental. The team will likely assess if they should continue to target other tight end prospects in the draft or hope that current players can take on a larger role.
A Focused Approach for 2024
As the Colts go through this offseason, they still have their eyes set on finding the right players to continue addressing certain needs. As we saw with this mock, the tight end position is an obvious point of focus. The franchise is well aware that making this position more productive can raise offensive efficiency and lift an entire operation to new heights.
Though free agency brought some quick fixes, the NFL Draft is a chance to add long-term assets. The decision-making process will involve careful consideration of which prospects align best with Coach Steichen’s vision for the team. With a strong base in place, the Colts are ready to make some franchise-altering decisions if they should choose to do so.
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