ESPN Draft Analyst Forecasts Colts Top Star’s Future

admin | January 24, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

In the most recent mock draft by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., the Indianapolis Colts select a player to replace a well-known player.

The NFL mock draft is officially underway, and Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN is arguably the most well-known figure at this time of year.

Kiper made his first-round projections known for all 32 teams, which included the Colts from Indianapolis. Many believe that the Colts’ main needs are at wide receiver, cornerback, or edge rusher, with the team scheduled to choose at No. 15.

Although Kiper chooses Florida State prospect Keon Coleman, his justification is, to put it mildly, intriguing.

Kiper writes:

One of the top edge rushers could be in play here for the Colts, but I’m leaning toward a like-for-like replacement, as Michael Pittman Jr. could get a megadeal in free agency and leave the team. If that happens, there will be a massive need for a big, physical pass-catcher, which describes Coleman’s game.

At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Coleman can box out cornerbacks and go up and get deep balls. He has fantastic body control when the ball is in the air. He had 11 touchdowns after transferring to Florida State from Michigan State. Coleman, Josh Downs and Alec Pierce would form an excellent receiving corps for young quarterback Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis.

Coleman had three seasons as a college player at Michigan State and Florida State. He caught 115 receptions for 658 yards and 19 touchdowns, showing off a lot of NFL-caliber talent.Although Coleman could be able to fit in with Shane Steichen’s offense, it would be best to stick with Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittman will become a free agency in March of 2023 since the Colts did not extend his contract during that season. The top pass-catcher may be allowed to test the open market to see what else is available for a possible team fit by Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis front management.

It is unlikely, but not impossible, that Indianapolis will allow Pittman to sign with another team. If another suitor overpays for his services, it is even more accurate.His four-year NFL market value is at $90,867,748 according to Spotrac. This works up to $22.7 million a year, and it might go up when a deal is signed.Receivers like A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), D.J. Moore (Chicago Bears), D.K. Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks), and Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders) are among those who are compared.

The Colts may choose to select a wide receiver with the No. 15 pick, but they will probably do so after Pittman re-signed so they can keep bringing in young wide receivers and talented ones for quarterback Anthony Richardson to throw to.

Pittman is an asset that Ballard and the Colts must hold onto, especially with the draft season well underway. Allowing him to go with another team and remove the top target from an offense that lacks weapons and needs to acquire them in 2023 is the last thing they can afford.