The Indianapolis Colts are on the Clock…
After a storied career, QB Phillip Rivers has retired after a brutal 27-24 Colts loss to the Buffalo Bills in their Wild Card matchup last January. In 2020, Colts HC Frank Reich was confident and comfortable giving the starting job to the 39-year-old QB. Indeed, the two had forged a strong working relationship in San Diego. Reich was QB Coach and later Offensive Coordinator with Rivers and the Chargers for three seasons. Now, Reich has a reclamation project. The Colts’ off-season news has been about acquiring embattled QB Carson Wentz for draft picks from the Eagles.
Together Again: HC Frank Reich and QB Carson Wentz Re-United
HC Frank Reich was crucial in the development and maturation of the talented Wentz. Under his tutelage as Eagles OC, Wentz became an MVP candidate and Pro Bowl performer for the Eagles. After the Super Bowl victory, all wasn’t wine and roses in Philly. The Eagles now have an aging roster, questionable moves in FA, a suspect offensive line, and coaching instability. That turbulence hasn’t helped Wentz in the slightest. His stats and productivity have been declining the last three seasons, concluding with a benching in favor of Rookie QB Jalen Hurts.
A change of scenery might be the best thing for the 28-year-old QB. With divisional rivals Houston and Jacksonville not ready to compete in 2021, the Colts have a pretty good shot at winning the AFC South. Also, the Colts had the 8th ranked defense in the NFL last season. With the right mix of free agents and strategic picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Colts can contend. What are the Colts’ critical draft needs as we head toward next month’s draft in Cleveland? Let’s take a closer look.
Indianapolis Colts(11-5, Tied for 1st, AFC South, 2020)
Key Losses in 2021 Free Agency:
- Denico Autry, DT
- Anthony Walker, LB
- Jacoby Brissett, QB
Key Gains/Retains in 2021 Free Agency
- Isaac Rochelle, DT
- Sam Tevi, OT
- TY Hilton, WR
- Xavier Rhodes, CB
Draft Need #1 Position: WR
Potential Target: Elijah Moore (Ole Miss)
Elijah Moore may be undersized at 5’9″ 184. Consider this, Elijah Moore’s 40-yard dash time was faster than all, but one wide receiver picked in the 2020 NFL draft – Henry Ruggs at 4.27 seconds. Not to mention, Moore did play against elite competition in the SEC while grabbing 86 receptions, 1,193 yards, and 8TDs in ONLY 8 games! Some scouts may see Elijah Moore as a stretch at pick #21. This is primarily due to limitations where he can only play slot-receiver at the next level. Yet, when you look at his stop-and-start capability, man coverage domination, and sure-handedness, the package of skills looks excellent. A promising rookie campaign would have him as an immediate contributor alongside Colts’ #1 receiver, Michael Pittman, and veteran TY Hilton. For a more in-depth look at how Moore stacks up as a draft choice:
Draft Need #2 Position, OT
Potential Target: Tevin Jenkins (Oklahoma State)
Colts’ mainstay at LT for ten seasons, Anthony Costanzo, has retired. Insiders suggest three-time All-Pro Guard Quentin Nelson could move over to the tackle spot. But having players thrive in their natural position seems more logical. Jenkins has a nastiness about him, great feet, and athleticism. He also can switch up and play LT or RT and be a fixture for Indy on the O-Line.
Draft Need #3 Position EDGE
Potential Target: Gregory Rousseau (Miami) (FL)
At 6’7′, 265, Rousseau has the burst and footwork to be an imposing pass rusher, either lining up over the tackle or in a three-point stance. He does have only one year of college football being a redshirt sophomore. Yet, he is the proverbial athletic freak with the skills to hold off blockers and tackle the ball carrier in space while terrorizing the QB. Not sure what position the Colts will address first, but Rousseau would be considered a strong pick at #21 overall.
For the Colts draft in 2021, GM Chris Ballard must give Carson Wentz confidence and support to return to elite QB form. With a consistent defense, smart draft choice selections at the OT and WR will help the Colts return to the playoffs. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to see the Horseshoes compete for an AFC Championship in 2021.
I hope we’ve given you a closer look at the Indianapolis Colts 2021 NFL draft needs. For more insights on these and other prospects, check out Austin Smith’s top 50 draft board by clicking here.
