Colts Sign Top WR Potential in ‘Dream Offseason Trade Scenario’

admin | February 20, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Indianapolis Colts could use this trade to get a top wide receiver in the 2017 draft.

The Indianapolis Colts have officially transitioned to head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson.

After a shocking 9-8 record in 2023, Indianapolis showed promise despite injuries and one of the NFL’s youngest teams. Regardless of the positives, it was clear that more explosiveness was required, particularly at the wide receiver position.

According to Kristopher Knox’s article “Dream Offseason Trade Scenario for Every NFL Team,” the Colts might make a significant move to acquire a top-tier pass-catcher to complement Michael Pittman Jr.

Knox breaks down the situation:

Aiding Richardson with a strong supporting cast should now be Indy’s top priority, and re-signing Michael Pittman Jr., who had 1,152 yards in 2023, should be part of the equation. Pairing him with an elite receiving prospect would further boost the skill group around the signal-caller.

Although Josh Downs has shown consistency in the slot with quick wins, he is not yet a big-play offensive weapon. Alec Pierce, unlike Pittman, is a vertical threat rather than a volume receiver with top-tier talent.

Knox continues by mentioning Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Malik Nabers (LSU), and Rome Odunze (Washington):

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department ranked three wide receivers—Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze—among its top 10 2024 draft prospects. Landing one of them would be huge.

However, the Colts would likely have to trade up to make it happen. They currently hold the 15th overall pick, and a few teams that should be in the receiver market, like the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, are ahead of them.

Indy will have to make a significant deal for Harrison, Nabers, or Odunze, and for good cause.Each player is expected to be selected in the top ten of the NFL Draft, or earlier if a team believes they will make a long-term impact.The New Orleans Saints (14th overall) and New York Jets (10th overall) have higher picks than Indianapolis and are looking for a new offensive tool.

Knox speculates on how much a trade like this could cost the Colts:

Trading from No. 15 into the top 10 could cost a Day 2 selection and more, but it would give Indy a receiver with top-10 positional potential. It would also give the Colts a quarterback and a top receiver on rookie deals for the next few years, which would give Indy a competitive advantage financially.

It may be well worth the effort if it results in Richardson becoming a true playmaker in Indianapolis for years to come.

The Colts’ pressing needs outside of receiver include cornerback, edge rusher, and offensive line depth.However, these needs can be met even if Indianapolis loses one or more day-two draft picks.The mystery is in who they would take up and which jobs would be addressed first.

The most pressing concern is if Indianapolis will go to any length to acquire Harrison, Nabers, or Odunze.

Chris Ballard is not the type of general manager who will trade up even if it means giving up a lot of assets.Could now be the time for him to shift his tone?

Richardson will need a wider range of receivers to work with if this team wants to take its offensive to the next level in a competitive AFC conference.If there was ever a time to do so and land a top talent, the 2024 NFL draft might be it.