The Indianapolis Colts Offseason
The Good: Trading for Carson Wentz
Trading for Carson Wentz was easily one of the best trades of the offseason for a player and Carson Wentz is going to the perfect team in Indianapolis. He gets reunited with his former offensive coordinator and now head coach in Frank Reich, he gets a very potent offense that features easily one of the best offensive lines in the NFL which should make Carson Wentz improve tremendously as a quarterback. The Colts are likely to be a major contender if Wentz succeeds in his new situation and could have a roster that can go deep into the playoffs.
The Bad: Not going after any big time free agents
The Colts have the cap room, the player personnel, the coaching staff, and the right front office to acquire high end free agents and make a Super Bowl run but sadly over the past few years the Colts have failed to go after any free agents of note instead choosing to build through the draft and while signing big name free agents is a risky venture, the payoff for great teams like the Colts has more often than not ended with Super Bowls. Maybe GM Chris Ballard hasn't found the right guy yet or maybe he's a penny pincher as a GM, either way the Colts won't go anywhere in the playoffs unless they can grab more veteran talent.
The Ugly: Losing Denico Autry
Denico Autry proved to be a great player in the Indianapolis Colts defense and it was a bit shocking to see him hit the market. Denico Autry was menacing for the Colts as an interior pass rusher and did so as an undrafted journeyman player in the pros and to let him sign with the rival Tennessee Titans is a bit of a punch to the gut. The Colts are going to have to draft well to replace his production and may have to get someone early.
Offseason Grade (Pre Draft): B-
NFL Draft Summary
Day 1 Grade: B+
Selection: Kwity PayeThe Indianapolis Colts went into the draft looking to grab the best edge rusher available and luckily for Kwity Paye fell right into their lap. Kwity Paye is a freak of nature as an edge with his rare speed and strength for the position as well as an unusually high level of agility for his size. He's a raw prospect that's still trying to get comfortable on the edge but if he can develop quickly he'll be a monster in the AFC. His ceiling is too big to ignore and going to play for the vaunted Colts defense will certainly help him get the most out of potential.
Day 2 Grade: C-
Selections: Dayo OdeyingboThe Colts doubled down in Day 2 by drafting Dayo Odeyingbo out of Vanderbilt. Odeyingbo is a massively built defensive end with tremendous power and aggression and will certainly help bolster their presence in the run game. He has the potential as well to play inside on passing downs which gives the Colts some versatility in the middle of the line.
Day 3 Grade: B-
Selections: Kylen Granson, Shawn Davis, Sam Ehlinger, Mike Strachan, Will Fries
The Colts made some moves in Day 3 to bolster their offensive depth starting with tight end Kylen Granson. Grandson is a poor man's Jordan Reed and was by far SMU best offensive weapon and he'll at least get some offensive reps in games and could be a starter down the line. Shawn Davis is built like a prototypical cornerback and will be a good added depth on the outside as well as a contributor on special teams. Sam Elhinger is a great team player and athletic quarterback that can be a reliable backup and potentially be used in the Taysom Hill role like the Saints. Mike Strachan is a wide receiver that's going to have to battle to make the roster and will likely find himself playing special teams before ever sniffing the field. Will Fries is a versatile offensive lineman that could be a competitive practice squad player.
Selection: Kwity PayeThe Indianapolis Colts went into the draft looking to grab the best edge rusher available and luckily for Kwity Paye fell right into their lap. Kwity Paye is a freak of nature as an edge with his rare speed and strength for the position as well as an unusually high level of agility for his size. He's a raw prospect that's still trying to get comfortable on the edge but if he can develop quickly he'll be a monster in the AFC. His ceiling is too big to ignore and going to play for the vaunted Colts defense will certainly help him get the most out of potential.
Day 2 Grade: C-
Selections: Dayo OdeyingboThe Colts doubled down in Day 2 by drafting Dayo Odeyingbo out of Vanderbilt. Odeyingbo is a massively built defensive end with tremendous power and aggression and will certainly help bolster their presence in the run game. He has the potential as well to play inside on passing downs which gives the Colts some versatility in the middle of the line.
Day 3 Grade: B-
Selections: Kylen Granson, Shawn Davis, Sam Ehlinger, Mike Strachan, Will Fries
The Colts made some moves in Day 3 to bolster their offensive depth starting with tight end Kylen Granson. Grandson is a poor man's Jordan Reed and was by far SMU best offensive weapon and he'll at least get some offensive reps in games and could be a starter down the line. Shawn Davis is built like a prototypical cornerback and will be a good added depth on the outside as well as a contributor on special teams. Sam Elhinger is a great team player and athletic quarterback that can be a reliable backup and potentially be used in the Taysom Hill role like the Saints. Mike Strachan is a wide receiver that's going to have to battle to make the roster and will likely find himself playing special teams before ever sniffing the field. Will Fries is a versatile offensive lineman that could be a competitive practice squad player.
