According to Bleacher Report, the Indianapolis Colts should consider signing a former first-round pick.
Last weekend, the Indianapolis Colts finally put out a decent defensive effort against the Chicago Bears, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams turning the ball over three times.
Ball don't lie.
📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/U5eIJMow98
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 22, 2024
While Gus Bradley’s team deserves the most of the credit for the victory, the defense allowed the Bears 395 total yards of offense. Williams tossed his first two NFL touchdowns against a bruised secondary that could still use some help to finish the season.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report remains skeptical of Indianapolis’ youthful secondary and believes the team should make a deal to strengthen its pass defense. Ballentine considers Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes a good suitor and believes he needs “a fresh start.”
The Colts are clearly still searching for answers in the secondary. Emmanuel Forbes has had a hard time adjusting to the NFL since getting drafted in the first round by the Commanders. However, it might be time for a fresh start… For the Colts, this would be a low-cost dart throw on a potential solution at a position of need.
–Â Alex Ballentine, B/R
Forbes, 23, was taken as the 16th overall pick from Mississippi State. His rookie season did not go as planned, but the young cornerback still has plenty of time to develop in the NFL. If a future draft pick is required to complete the transaction, the Colts may be interested.
It took Emmanuel Forbes 7 quarters to register his first career interception. Great instincts. pic.twitter.com/xsDPxpJrv4
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) September 17, 2023
Forbes’ 6-foot-7 wingspan fits the mold of a Chris Ballard cornerback. His long arms provide him an advantage while covering larger receivers while preserving the agility of a traditional cornerback.
Forbes had one interception in his debut season, but he also allowed three touchdowns and 598 yards in coverage across 14 games. If the Colts’ secondary continues to struggle, they may consider taking a gamble on a young guy with a high ceiling.
Ballard now holds all of Indy’s 2025 draft places, but he may give one up if the pressure to make a move becomes too great. If Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields targets Indy’s secondary this weekend, the pressure will increase.
The Colts will take on Fields’ Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
