This annual tradition of the NFL Scouting Combine has arrived in Indianapolis. This event marks the official start of the offseason. For some, that offseason arrives with hope, and for some it arrives with doubt.
You can argue that the Indianapolis Colts franchise will have a bit of both this offseason. They will have some hope as (we anticipate) Daniel Jones will return, but some wonder if it was an early-season fluke. That belief is warranted by the fan base, as no major changes occurred after an embarrassing season close for the franchise.
The combine brings another fresh batch of potential talent not only to this franchise but to the league itself. The Colts will likely focus on the defensive side of the ball, but plenty of contract situations and free-agent decisions still need to be made to construct the roster. Let’s dive into some notable names the Colts will be looking at as we begin our offseason content!
Quarterback
Haynes King/QB-Georgia Tech
This one is a bit out of the box, but hear me out. If the Colts re-sign Daniel Jones, they will bring back the same quarterback room, for the moment. It’s likely that Anthony Richardson will be traded by the time the NFL Draft rolls around. All college programs bring in new quarterbacks every year; the NFL may look to draft a worthy developmental prospect each year.
Haynes King brings the ability to throw the ball down the field and get some big chunk plays with his legs as well. He has shown improvement throughout his collegiate career and is known for his toughness. He played through multiple injuries and could be a great Day 3 project for this franchise. It keeps Riley Leonard as the #2 option as well.
Running Back
Roman Hemby/RB-Indiana
I highly doubt this franchise will draft a running back in the 2023 NFL Draft, but if they did, Hemby would fit the part. The 1-2 punch at Indiana with Kaleon Black was one of the many reasons this team won a national championship. A superior offensive line was another main reason.
The Colts are set with Jonathan Taylor leading the backfield, and some yet-to-be-proven depth keeps the options open. Not to mention, Taylor is entering a contract year. This team has more pressing needs, but if they did go this route, Hemby is the type they would look at. A solid downhill runner with the ability to catch the ball and contribute on special teams.
Wide Receiver
Elijah Sarratt/WR-Indiana
We go back to the Indiana pipeline for the next possible candidate. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza had plenty of targets last season, but none more vital than Elijah Sarratt. He was his jump ball receiver and could make plays all over the field.
The dominoes would need to fall for the Colts to target a prospect like this. The Colts have decisions to make with both Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. Their statuses will determine how late or how soon they may look at a new wideout. Regardless, the Colts may look to Sarratt as another weapon and replacement for the since-traded Adonai Mitchell.
Tight End
Marlin Klein/TE-Michigan
Both Drew Ogletree and Mo Alie-Cox are free agents now, and the Colts have only two tight ends on the roster who saw meaningful playing time. After years of mediocre tight end play, we saw what a difference that last season was. I imagine that Shane Steichen would like to keep depth at that position.
A raw prospect with only 12 college starts, he will need some polishing. He was the team captain last season at Michigan. Klein is a great project that this coaching staff can mold into what they need and serve as a sidekick to Tyler Warren.
Offensive Line
Fa’alili Fa’amoe/OT-Wake Forest
The converted defensive lineman will likely get some look from the Colts brass. I think the interior of this offensive line is set, but if Braden Smith does not return (likely) then some depth will be needed at tackle. Fa’amoe played the right side in college and could likely be the backup to Jalen Travis this season. Whether Blake Freeland fully returns will be something to watch, but Ballard loves his depth on the line too much to pass up.
Defensive Edge Rusher
Jaishawn Barham/DE-Michigan
As we move to the defensive side of the ball, we continue the trend of Big Ten players potentially joining the Colts. Jaishawn Barham could be able to hit two needs on this team. Those needs are linebacker and edge rusher.
Barham lined up as an edge rusher on both the line and as an off-ball linebacker. Sometimes his aggression gets the best of him, but the talent is there. Whether the coaching staff thinks he can fit their scheme will be the determining factor.
Defensive Tackle
Dontay Corleone/DT-Cincinnati
The Colts got some good news from Colts GM Chris Ballard that DeForest Buckner will return next season, but that won’t stop them from adding to the depth chart. Building “in the trenches” has always been Chris Ballard’s number one priority. While most of us don’t agree with the path Ballard has led us down, he has kept this position fully stocked.
Corleone nearly came out last season, but injuries forced him back to college for another year. He is a bit undersized from what this team typically looks for. However, he has great quickness on his feet and a broad frame. I doubt he can be a starter early, but he would be a great depth piece on this defensive line.
Linebacker
Jacob Rodriguez/LB-Texas Tech
Maybe my favorite prospect for this football team is in desperate need of new leadership in that room. Zaire Franklin has begun to decline, and injuries have decimated the position room. The status of Germaine Pratt is also undecided, but he thought he had a great year.
Rodriguez is a bit undersized, but he was the most decorated linebacker in college football last season. Most importantly, he wins, and he wants to be great. This football team needs a new voice in the linebacker room, and it can start with Rodriguez.
Cornerback
D’Angelo Ponds/CB-Indiana
We dip into the Indiana pipeline one more time with D’Angelo Ponds. His stock is rapidly rising, and with the likely return of Mooney Ward, the defensive back position may not be high on the list anymore. The Colts hope to have 2025 3rd-round pick Justin Walley return from his ACL injury.
The word “shutdown corner” gets thrown around a lot, but he might be the closest one this draft has. He is undersized but can play larger than his size implies. He was terrific in the College Football Playoff, and now these teams will have plenty of tape to watch. Whether he can defend the physical receivers in the NFL will be imperative for scouts to evaluate.
Safety
Dillion Theineman/S-Oregon
The former Purdue safety is climbing up draft boards after a great season at Oregon. The Colts have two safeties who will likely test free agency this offseason. Both Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas will be free agents. Can the Colts afford to pay Nick Cross a potential ten-million-dollar AAV contract?
On the flip side, would the Colts spend a second-round draft pick on a safety? The secondary’s performance this past season has brought that possibility to the forefront. A high football IQ and the ability to play all safety positions on the field might be the right formula for a day two pick for this franchise.
