Colts GM discusses the possibility of trading up for wideout

The Indianapolis Colts had a relatively quiet offseason, with general manager Chris Ballard failing to complete a trade for cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

There has been recent rumors of a trade-up in a 2024 NFL Draft class that features franchise-altering talent playing in the same positions as some of the Colts’ most pressing draft needs.

In his inaugural 2024 NFL Draft mock, NFL.com’s Peter Schrager had Indianapolis trading up for the ninth overall pick to take wide receiver Malik Nabers. It’s worth mentioning that Schrager’s mock selection is affected by discussions with general managers and executives, as the NFL Network analyst is one of the most well-connected figures in sports media.

Even after re-signing Michael Pittman Jr. and giving him one of the highest-paid NFL players at his position, wide receiver remains a top priority for Indianapolis. With the front management and coaching staff dedicated to developing a solid supporting cast behind quarterback Anthony Richardson, this year’s prospect pool may be especially intriguing to the Colts.

One stands out in particular. Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of Colts star Marvin Harrison, is the most promising wide receiver prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. Not only is he regarded by some observers as the top overall prospect in 2024, but many in the league believe he has the potential to become a Hall of Fame player.

During a recent appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, Ballard specifically addressed the prospect of moving up for Harrison Jr. on Thursday, when asked whether he had ‘any thoughts’ about doing so.

“Sure there is, when I go into fantasyland. It would be very difficult for us to get up that high.”

Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard on if he has any thoughts of trading up for Marvin Harrison Jr. (H/T James Boyd of The Athletic)

As Ballard stated, the cost of upgrading for Harrison Jr. makes acquiring him incredibly difficult. If Indianapolis desired an offensive weapon regarded as a future All-Pro talent in the NFL, it would have to compete with teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos for the player.

The difficulty is that the Arizona Cardinals (fourth overall pick) and Los Angeles Chargers (fifth overall pick) are applying the quarterback tax to those picks. Denver and Minnesota both covet quarterbacks, which may require trading three first-round picks to move into the top five this season.

The Colts just cannot afford to participate in that bidding war. With needs at cornerback, tight end, and both sides of the trenches, Indianapolis is better off sticking in Round 1 and selecting the best player available.