A tackle is a real possibility, but it isn’t matching the hopes and dreams of the fans.
Anyone who tells you they know who the Indianapolis Colts are going to draft this year is a liar. Every year there is a group of players that seem to be in range for every team that fit a need or is the best player available at that time. Educated guesses can be made, but to know for sure is impossible unless you are picking at the very top. By the time the board rolls around to the Colts, almost anyone could be in play, and the Colts have enough holes to choose from at a myriad of positions.
Rumors are swirling that the Colts are eyeing a tackle. Braden Smith is back, but this could be his last season. Taking a tackle here wouldn’t be the most exciting pick, but fans wouldn’t be disappointed if they become a stalwart on the line for the next twelve years. Chris Ballard loves the trenches, and this seems like a move he could make. Once again, the board will dictate the move, but don’t put it past him to beef up the offensive line.
If you ask fans, especially our draft experts at Stampede Blue, however, you’ll get a different response. In the mock draft, offensive line wasn’t addressed or desired for the first round pick. Perhaps it will come later, but the first round wasn’t the spot. Tight end, edge, and linebacker were the selections of the crew. The players are different, but the general consensus is there. That most likely matches most fans as well.
The tight end unit was dreadful last year. That is the nicest word to use in a family friendly article. There was borderline zero production out of that unit. No playmaking whatsoever. To upgrade there would be a dream come true for most. Another struggle was the linebacker position. Getting a more physical and better tackling player is a must. There are also plenty of bodies to replace here as well. Look no further than what Shaquille Leonard did for this team. A dynamic linebacker can make some serious noise.
Of course, one can’t disregard the edge position either. Ballard loves to collect pass rushers, and the Colts need to upgrade here. If he can strike gold while Latu takes a leap, the defensive line could thrive. Fully expect them to have eyes on several players at that position.
A tackle would be fine, but the excitement and headlines would only go so far. They are extremely important, but it won’t do much to get the fan base hyped. Ballard isn’t going to act to make fans excited as that is no where near his job to do so. Selecting a tackle wouldn’t be the wrong choice necessarily, but it doesn’t mean fans are going to go along with it especially if a premier player at tight end, linebacker, or edge is on the board. There will be a debate over the pick. There always is, whether it be a tackle or not. At the end of the day, the best pick is the right pick and one that can be apart of this franchise for years to come.