Ranking the Indianapolis Colts' Top Offseason Priorities
It's not news to anybody that the Indianapolis Colts have a plethora of issues to address in the offseason. Losing by 38 points in the conference championship game will put people on alert.
But can the team actually address all of those needs effectively? It's highly doubtful.
So, to prepare for the offseason, here are the Colts' top five priorities, ranked in order of importance.
5. Acquire Some Offensive Line Depth
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It's a fairly common viewpoint, but it's a myth: The Colts offensive line was terrible in 2014.
Actually, the Colts line was pretty average, by any notable metric.
They were 15th in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Line Yards and seventh in Adjusted Sack Rate (although that is aided by Andrew Luck's fantastic pocket presence, as evidenced by the team's negative-53.8 grade in pass blocking from Pro Football Focus). The Colts also ranked 15th in run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus.
The problem with the Colts far too often revolved around not having adequate talent at the running back position and the Colts pass-catchers (Hakeem Nicks, Reggie Wayne) disappointing.
But don't get me wrong, the offensive line still has work to do. The interior isn't exactly figured out with Jonotthan Harrison, Khaled Holmes and Hugh Thornton all vying for the two starting spots (center and right guard) next season. The Colts have Anthony Castonzo and Jack Mewhort to hold down the fort on the left side and Gosder Cherilus at right tackle if he stays healthy.
What the Colts need most, however, is depth. Depth at tackle in case Cherilus' knees give way. Depth on the interior in case the Colts' young players don't develop. Depth so the inevitable injury bug doesn't devastate the offense completely.
Both free agency and the draft can and should be utilized in this regard.
4. Stay out of Trouble
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This one comes courtesy of my mother, who suggested it to me when she found out about what I was writing about to end the week.
I can't say she's wrong.
Colts fans are justifiably fed up with the negative news surrounding the franchise, and it has to stop to keep the team from incurring a mid-2000s Cincinnati Bengals-like reputation.
The really unfortunate thing, apart from how much it hurts the franchise's reputation and affects them on the field, is that it overshadows the heartwarming stories that come out of the organization.
Take rookie defensive tackle Zach Kerr, for example. Kerr, who was homeless during parts of his childhood, recently hosted a dinner for more than 100 homeless youth in Indianapolis, according to Steve Andress of Colts.com.
But nobody will remember that when they think about the January of 2015 and Colts players. They'll think of Josh McNary's rape charge, Andrew Jackson's DUI and D'Qwell Jackson's assault of a pizza delivery man.
The only way to battle with the unpleasant reputation that is gaining traction is with time. As far as I'm concerned, no news is good news for Colts players during the offseason.
3. Upgrade Andrew Luck's Weapons
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As previously mentioned, the Colts offensive line isn't in quite the shambles that some would have you believe. While the defense is riddled with a lack of talent in the front seven as compared to the secondary, it's not the case for the offense.
Sure, the offensive line has a lot of room for improvement, but the Colts' skill positions are bordering an apocalyptic wasteland for 2015.
The only significant backs on the roster for next year are Trent Richardson (who very likely could be cut) and Zurlon Tipton. The only significant receivers are T.Y. Hilton, Duron Carter and Donte Moncrief, a high-potential but experience-lacking group.
Both positions could use an additional veteran (perhaps re-signing Ahmad Bradshaw and Hakeem Nicks, for example) as well as more long-term starting options.
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2. Plan for the Future in the Secondary
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The Colts secondary is the strength of the defense, but it won't last for very long if the team doesn't infuse the group with talent this offseason.
Vontae Davis, Greg Toler and Darius Butler are a solid group of cornerbacks, but Toler is a free agent in 2016, while Butler's contract just expired. Mike Adams did a more than admirable job for the Colts at safety this year but is a free agent, while LaRon Landry is still manning the other spot with nobody to challenge him for the role.
Even if the Colts re-sign Butler and Adams, giving them the same starting secondary as 2014, they need to start planning for the future by bringing in more talent to develop.
That could be in the draft, with one or multiple defensive backs to grow into contributing roles. Or it could be in free agency, where there should be a few mid-level guys available (along with my 2015 pipe dream Devin McCourty).
Davis is a long-term cornerstone for the Colts secondary, but he's the only one. The rest of the guys who started in 2014 could be gone by 2016, and the Colts need to start building the next group.
1. Draft Playmakers in the Front Seven
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For me, drafting a playmaking linebacker or interior lineman is the No. 1 item the Colts must address this offseason, and it's not particularly close.
The Colts defense struggled mightily against the top teams this season, and it was in large part due to failures in the front seven. Against the New England Patriots, the team couldn't stop the run. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and others, they couldn't get any pass rush.
Adding a stud inside linebacker or a versatile nose tackle to that group would go a long way. And the team always needs to be on the hunt for edge-rushers, especially with Bjoern Werner's disappointing last two years and Robert Mathis' age and injury recovery putting a damper on his future.
The Colts' sack leader in 2014 was rookie OLB Jonathan Newsome with 6.5, a two-sided fact if there ever was one. On one hand, Newsome's play is extremely encouraging. On the other hand, when the best playmaker among the front seven is a fifth-round rookie who had a half-dozen sacks, it's not a great look for your defense.
If the Colts really want to keep this from becoming Andrew Luck carrying a weak roster to a playoff loss every year, they need to add playmakers.
Kyle Rodriguez is Bleacher Report's lead featured columnist for the Indianapolis Colts. He is also the editor-in-chief of Colts Authority and Colts Academy and a PFWA Dick Connor Writing Award recipient. Follow him on Twitter for year-round Colts and NFL analysis.
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