Ten Colts Takeaways from the NFL Combine

INDIANAPOLIS — The 37th NFL Combine has come and gone from Indianapolis.

The previous week in Indianapolis marked the first fairly newsworthy Colts week of the offseason.

Here are ten Colts-related items from last week’s combine.

1. Michael Pittman Jr’s Decision

Michael Pittman Jr. will join the Colts in 2024.

However, how that plays out remains to be seen, but an answer is on the way.

Franchise tag? Long-term agreement?

 

Tuesday is the franchise tag deadline, so if the Colts do not use it on MPJ, they will have 8 days until the start of free agency to finalize a long-term deal.

If that does not happen, MPJ becomes a free agent.

Ballard reiterated that No. 11 will return to the Colts, but the specifics remain unknown.

2. Colts Appreciate Wideout Draft Depth

Chris Ballard has stated unequivocally that he is excited about the wide receiver draft depth in 2024.

Ballard compared the bunch to the 2020 class, which had CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, and Michael Pittman Jr.

Ballard specifically highlighted a desire to add some “yards after catch” ability to the skill set going forward.

Is this where the 2024 wide receiver draft depth will come into play?

It will be intriguing to see how Ballard decides to use that depth in the draft.

3. Edge Rushing Fit

When you listen to Chris Ballard, he does not appear concerned about picking an edge rusher at No. 15 overall.

However, a couple of intriguing talents may still be available when the Colts enter the first round.

Dallas Turner (Alabama), who is labeled as a linebacker, has an impressive wingspan, which the Colts value when evaluating pass rushers.

Jared Verse (Florida State) flashed at the Combine with a speed and power combination that should pique teams’ curiosity.

If one of these two is available at No. 15, could the Colts consider taking one?

4. How many TEs are needed?

Chris Ballard was asked at the Combine what he thought of the Colts’ tight end position.

“I believe their skill sets are quite different,” the GM continued. “Do we have an elite tight end like Travis Kelce?” No. But what we have is a decent room with some really talented players, each with a unique skill set, from Mo Alie-Cox to (Kylen) Granson.

We think (Will) Mallory provided something different. Without Jelani Woods, who we had high hopes for despite being injured all season, this new staff has no idea who he is. They haven’t had a chance to actually collaborate with him. And we think he has some potential. We like the room.

We like what It has something to give. They’re all slightly different. The hardest person to locate is the blocker. I know we all focus on the ‘F’ and you all want the dynamic playmaker, but the most difficult player to find is the guy who can block on the edge.

5. Local Running Back Speed

The Combine rarely produces much local flavor, but this year there was some of it in one location.

Isaac Guerendo (Avon) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Decatur Central) recorded the two fastest 40-yard sprint timings among running backs.

Guerendo began his college career at Wisconsin before transferring to Louisville. Tracy started at Iowa before going to Purdue.

Could the Colts look for a Jonathan Taylor replacement on Day 3 of the draft and go with running back speed?

6. Implement a backup QB plan.

If Gardner Minshew gets what he wants (playing time) somewhere this offseason, the Colts will need to locate a new backup quarterback.

According to Chris Ballard, the Colts’ search for a backup quarterback who matches Anthony Richardson’s style is not a top priority.

Some have pondered if the Colts should look into this to help lessen the possibility of missing Richardson for some game action.

Ballard, on the other hand, insisted that you just want a backup quarterback with whom you are sure of winning, pushing the desire for a specific playing style to the back burner.

7. Overall Draft Depth

An annual Combine takeaway is based on the depth of the draft in that year.

How is 2024 shaping up?

Strengths: Wide receiver, offensive tackle, and cornerback.

Weaknesses: tight end and running back.

How will this affect the Colts?

Taping into a wide receiver makes sense. Would an offensive tackle in the middle rounds (considering life beyond Braden Smith) be an option to consider? Cornerback needs an improvement, but is free agency the better option?

Does the lack of tight ends mean Brock Bowers’ value in Round 1 is even higher?

8. Specific Pass Catcher.

For me, the Colts should look for a specific trait in a pass catcher this offseason: a strength in making plays after the catch.

That was a question I posed to many draft experts throughout the week.

Some of the names shared by those elusive yards after catch men included WR Malachi Corely (Western Kentucky), WR Ladd McCloskey (Georgia), and TE Tanner McLachlan (Arizona).

Again, supporting Anthony Richardson is critical in the upcoming offseason.

Diversifying that pass catcher room is also crucial, which is why I’ve limited it down to this element.

Chris Ballard also seemed to concur with this sentiment.

9. Cheer For Quarterbacks

Unlike last year’s draft, the Colts will be rooting for quarterbacks to go before them in Round 1.

A trio of quarterbacks selected in the first three or four rounds appears to be a lock.

Many envision the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 as a quarterback option team, particularly following Raheem Morris’ remark at the Combine.

“If we had better quarterback play last year, I probably wouldn’t be standing on this podium,” the new Falcons coach remarked.

That’s fantastic news for the Colts, who aim to take as many quarterbacks as possible early on, pushing other positions/players down the board.

And seeing that phrase is a sour reminder of how completely depressing that Christmas Eve 29-10 loss was to the Falcons late last season.

10. Are the Big Four Returning?

The Colts have four significant in-house free agents this offseason: Michael Pittman Jr., Kenny Moore, Grover Stewart, and Julian Blackmon.

Based on what Chris Ballard has indicated, it would be surprising if MPJ and Moore did not return.

What about the other two, though?

The Colts understand Stewart and Blackmon add significant value to their team, but can those players find more salary elsewhere in free agency?

This is worth keeping an eye on, given free agency begins in just one week.