5 Biggest Needs Indianapolis Colts Have Yet to Address This Offseason

Midway through the 2015 offseason, and general manager Ryan Grigson is having himself a field day.

In contrast to previous offseasons under Grigson, the Colts have signed a few proven veterans to help stabilize the team without risking any future cap space. The team strengthened a few positions while still allowing for future growth, including wide receiver and pass-rusher.

The team has a clear direction, especially offensively, which is critical for a young team on the precipice of long-term contention.

But needs still exist for Grigson to address, which he'll need to with a few more minor signings and a crucial 2015 draft.

With the draft ever-approaching, here are the top five needs the Colts still must fill.

Starting Safety

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Arguably the most pressing need for 2015, the Colts currently don't have a starting safety to pair with veteran Mike Adams, who was re-signed to a two-year deal.

Adams was solid for the Colts in 2015, making the Pro Bowl as an alternate and finishing with Pro Football Focus' seventh-highest safety grade.

But the veteran isn't a playmaker, rather a solid piece that can hold his own with strong defenders around him. With the Colts' cornerback group having a strong season (led by Vontae Davis), Adams' role in coverage was minimized. It was a strong situation, but the Colts still need a partner, preferably one that could be a future core piece.

The draft would be the ideal place for this, but with the lack of depth at the position, the Colts would likely have to overdraft. What seems more likely at this point is a veteran signing, with a few names still available. Watch for guys like Dawan Landry or Dwight Lowery, who have plenty of starting experience, to get looks as the offseason progresses.

Future Inside Linebacker

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While the Colts have starters at inside linebacker, having placed a second-round tender on Jerrell Freeman to bring him back to start alongside D'Qwell Jackson, the depth behind the two is woeful:

Henoc Muamba: A former CFL player who earned a backup role last year but has played all of 21 NFL snaps.

Shawn Loiseau: Has bounced around practice squads and injured reserve lists for the last two years.

Carlos Fields: Second-year player that was waived from three different squads last year before landing on the Colts' practice squad.

That's it.

The Colts don't have a linebacker to develop into Jackson's role unless Muamba takes a big leap, and they really don't have adequate depth either. Expect at least one pick in the NFL draft to be used on an inside linebacker.

Future Running Back

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The Colts upgraded the running back position by signing Frank Gore (not to mention cutting Trent Richardson) this month, bringing in a consistent veteran to help stabilize the run game.

But Gore is turning 32 in May, and that is a dangerous age for backs. With Dan Herron having very clear and glaring limitations, the Colts need to invest in a back to take over for Gore at some point down the road. It would fill a short-term need as well, giving the Colts a second back to pair with Gore for the 2015 season.

The 2015 draft should be one stocked with talent in the early and middle rounds at running back. This is where backs like Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson, Ameer Abdullah, David Cobb and others should land, and the Colts should be able to grab a back with star potential somewhere.

Depth Cornerback

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The Colts have a solid group of cornerbacks returning in 2015, with Vontae Davis, Greg Toler and Darius Butler entering their third season together.

Davis was nearly an All-Pro in 2014, and he continues to be the Colts' rock in the secondary. Toler has his struggles, but he makes big plays and is a serviceable second cornerback. Butler was re-signed in 2015 after allowing a reception every 11.2 coverage snaps in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus, the fifth-best mark among slot cornerbacks.

But there is very little depth behind the three, with just two other cornerbacks (both practice squad and waiver wire constants) on the roster.

The Colts need a young corner or two to develop, especially with an eye on 2016, when Toler's contract is up.

Defensive Tackle Potential

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The Colts have tried a lot of different tactics on the defensive line over the last three years, with varying degrees of success.

There have been veteran free-agent signings, mid-level free-agent signings, mid-round draft picks and trades to move up in the draft. Unfortunately, none of the Colts' moves have resulted in the star power that 3-4 defenses need on the line to make a significant impact.

Cory Redding was the Colts' leader and a strong player on the line for the last three years, but he's moved on to Arizona this offseason. Arthur Jones can be a good player, but he struggled in 2015 due to injuries. Josh Chapman hasn't developed into the stud the Colts envisioned, although he's still a decent run-stopping nose tackle. Recently signed Kendall Langford isn't a star, although he may prove to be a starting-caliber player.

At the 29th pick in the draft, it will be difficult for the Colts to find a sure-thing on the defensive line, but they would be well advised to try their hand at a high-round pick on the line in this draft.