The Colts spent this offseason implementing the Seahawks method of roster construction. Retaining one side of the ball, while making wholesale changes on the other in order to get younger and to fit the scheme of the new coordinator.
However, there are still holes on this roster. Not 2024 secondary sized holes, but significant holes that need to be patched up between now and week one. At this point in the year, you’re rarely going to be able to make a season-altering move, but you can still make small
improvements to the roster. Here are three guys that could do that
Keenan Allen
I am still very high on Keenan Allen. Why’s that? Last year he probably was pound-for-pound one of the best value signings in the league. He caught over 80 passes for 700+ yards on a 1-year $3million dollar deal.
Chargers are running a really basic concept called “Smash-Drive”. Keenan and Ladd are running a smash concept where they are putting a hi-lo stretch on the boundary corner. Herbert will throw the ball to either Ladd or Keenan based off of the reaction of that corner. If none of that is there, there’s a drive concept working back into his line of vision from the backside.
Watch Keenan’s release on this play. He’s trying to make it look like some sort of pick route. That gets McDuffie to plant on the flat route from Ladd and prevent him from sinking on the 7 route in the end-zone.
If nothing else, it shows that it’s possible to have a WR at his age be a valuable role player. Keenan Allen is known for his football IQ and he could still be a quality depth piece for the Colts, especially as they lost their veteran presence in Michael Pittman Jr.
The ceiling is very low, but the floor can be solid. If you asked me to choose between Keenan Allen, Ashton Dulin, or Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.. I don’t think there’s anyone overly outstanding. That means the more depth the better.
A Third QB.. Maybe one that’s been here before?
I think we have to address the elephant in the room for this exercise. Both the Colts and Anthony Richardson REALLY REALLY REALLY want to work out a trade. It’s for the best. The Colts are doing everything they can to pump up his value, but the reality is that there isn’t any right now. And to be honest, I think that’s probably fair. Ask yourself this: How many GMs and HCs can afford to give up assets to develop a fourth-year QB with very limited reps who is coming back from a very serious eye injury? Not many.
If Anthony Richardson was a free agent, I think his market would be more lucrative. I think a lot of people would love to take a flyer on Anthony Richardson, they just don’t want to pay to do it.
That being said, desperation will kick in or Anthony’s team will probably just request his release. I will never say never, but I think the chances are very slim that the Colts just let Anthony Richardson sit on the bench for the remainder of his rookie contract. (People around the league are thinking this too by the way).
And when the Colts make that move, they’ll need a QB to replace him. Who could that QB be?
Cooper Rush could be intriguing. I think he had some sub par starts, which is what you’d expect if he ever had to start a game in a pinch. If Jimmy G doesn’t decide to retire, that’s the type of QB that could move the needle for this coaching staff. But those aren’t really exciting.
This might sound crazy… But then again, the Colts just brought Philip Rivers out of retirement. So is anything really off the table anymore?
What if the Colts brought back Gardner Minshew?
I know he’s coming off the injury, but other than that, you know EXACTLY what you’re getting with him. He knows the system, the coach loves him, and a lot of the same players have played with him.
That’s all you could want in a backup QB.
Whether it’s part of a trade, or an eventual signing, I think that’s a move the organization would welcome.
Jadeveon Clowney? Or Hopefully a Trade Target?
8.5 sacks last year… Does Clowney have any gas left in the tank? He might?
This would be an uncharacteristic move, but you have to at least form some sort of link between the two. Why might you ask? The Colts really need help on the DL.
They are taking shots on Arden Key, Michael Clemons, and co., but Ballard himself said they’re missing a fastball.
Jadeveon Clowney is certainly not that, but if the Colts brought him in, it be better than nothing.
I think everyone would prefer a trade target. It definitely won’t be the Crosby, Garrett, or even Greenard.. but surely the Colts can’t roll out a defensive line that is that thin at DE. They are going to have to find their “fastball” by taking a chance on another young player.
Uchena Nwosu is the most intriguing to me from a production standpoint, but he’s doesn’t really fit the profile Lou Anarumo looks for in his defensive ends.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is the perfect fit for the defense, but are the Colts going to trade for the guy who once did snow angels after sacking Nick Foles (and unfortunately hurting him in the process)? Or the guy who publicly said the Giants should have paid Saquon Barkley over Daniel Jones (even if he was right)? I don’t think so..
I think the Colts will probably trade for someone they loved in the draft who’s falling out of favor with a new defensive staff. As I’m talking out loud, I wonder about Adisa Isaac with the Ravens.
BOTTOM LINE
The Colts are not in a position in their roster building lifecycle to make a splash, but you would think they really need to prioritize some of the question marks on their roster.
You’re never going to be set at all 22 positions, no matter how good your roster is, but the Colts have to at least try to improve some spots on their roster.
I suspect they will.
