With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Top Team Needs for the Indianapolis Colts

By Jon Dove

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts addresses the media during his introductory press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts addresses the media during his introductory press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts had a pretty quiet offseason by staying out of the free agent market. This means they need to fill most of their team needs through the 2018 NFL Draft.

It’s a whole new coaching staff that will be taking over for the Indianapolis Colts. This change creates a new strategy as they approach the 2018 NFL Draft. The defense will see the most changes with Matt Eberflus switching to a 4-3 attack.

Indianapolis should have plenty of options to address their team needs. They currently have 5 picks in the drafts first 67 selections. It’s not inconceivable that they are able to land at least 4 starters out of those picks.

Below are the Indianapolis Colts top team needs as we head into the 2018 NFL Draft:

1. Cornerback

Quincy Wilson is the only cornerback on the current roster that offers any upside. He had a solid rookie year and has the skills to improve. The Colts could realistically use two more cornerbacks with starting potential.

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Even if they add that many via the draft, the secondary would be very young and prone to mistakes.

2. Linebacker

The switch to a 4-3 defense created some major issues in the linebacker corps. Indianapolis is projecting John Simon, Antonio Morrison and Anthony Walker as their starters. This isn’t a very exciting group and lacks a leader.

It’s possible the Colts make a surprise pick at No. 6 and go with someone like Georgia’s Roquan Smith or Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds.

3. Right Tackle

As it stands, Denzelle Good is likely to head into training camp as the starting right tackle. This is a major cause for concern– especially with the lingering injury concerns for Andrew Luck. The Colts should probably look to fix the offensive line before they throw Luck back into the mix.

4. Defensive Line

This is another spot where the switch to a 4-3 alignment causes some problems. Jabaal Sheard is the only realistic starting defensive end on the roster. The other defensive linemen with major playing experience are better suited along the interior.

Henry Anderson, Margus Hunt, Al Woods, Hassan Ridgeway and Caraun Reid should make up the defensive tackle rotation. It’s not an inspiring group of players but at least they offers some rotational depth.

The defensive end group consists of Sheard and Tarell Basham. This is why there’s a lot of buzz surrounding NC State’s Bradley Chubb and the No. 6 pick in the draft.

5. Wide Receiver

T.Y. Hilton remains one of the better receivers in the NFL. He continued to produce at a high level despite Luck’s absence. The Colts only other solid receiving threat is free agent signee Ryan Grant. He offers some upside, but only played a complimentary role while with the Washington Redskins.

6. Running Back

Marlon Mack showed some promise during his rookie year and should get plenty of action this season. However, he hasn’t proven himself to be an every-down back which is why running back remains a question mark.

7. Right Guard

With so many other needs, the Colts likely feel pretty comfortable with Matt Slauson in the starting lineup. He is a veteran presence who will provide stable production. However, his long-term upside is limited.

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