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Indianapolis Colts: 3 options with the fourth overall pick in ’23 draft

By Lou Scataglia

Michael Pittman #11 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on January 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Michael Pittman #11 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on January 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts are currently a giant mess, but having the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft could help clean up that mess.  Not only did they fire Frank Reich during the first half of the season, but Owner Jim Irsay decided to make Jeff Saturday the interim head coach.

The team finished the campaign 4-12-1.  An ugly year, to say the least, but having the fourth overall pick surely will help.  The most obvious need the team has it at quarterback.  They have not been able to put any sort of plan in place since Andrew Luck retired, and I would assume that GM Chris Ballard’s time is running out to figure out a solution there.

My gut tells me that they may actually go for another veteran retread to try and not waste the talented defense they have, but the best long-term answer may be to draft a quarterback.  So, what are three options the Indianapolis Colts can take with the fourth overall pick?

Indianapolis Colts: 3 options with the fourth overall pick in ’23 draft

Stand pat and hope a QB falls in your lap

So, CJ Stroud technically has not declared for the NFL Draft which is something to monitor.  If he does, both him and Brye Young will be the top choices there.  Since the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, who are picking before the Colts, are likely not drafting a quarterback, Indy may have a chance to land Stroud or Young.

This would be an ideal scenario for Indy since they would not have to move up.  Given that Chris Ballard is a strong talent evaluator, he may have some success taking a quarterback.  Adding a veteran bridge quarterback in the offseason might have to come before this, though.

Use the fourth pick to try and trade up to get your guy

If the Colts are worried about the Houston Texans picking their guy, the ideal move might be to try and trade up to the first overall pick.  The Bears might be willing to move down a few spots if they are planning to build around Justin Fields.

The Bears would then acquire more draft capital, which helps their cause, and the Colts would get to pick first overall, which would allow them to get their guy.  It’s a win-win for everyone.

Use the pick as trade bait for a quarterback

There appears to be more quarterback movement on the horizon yet again.  The dominoes started falling when Tom Brady left the Patriots for the Buccaneers.  Since then, it’s seemed like more quarterbacks are wanting to change teams.

What if Lamar Jackson requests a trade?  What if Aaron Rodgers wants to play again but wants out of Green Bay?  I don’t think either situation is particularly likely, but the Colts are one of many teams who need a solution at the most important position in sports.

This is a pivotal offseason for the Indianapolis Colts.  They are in a winnable division in the AFC South and have a very high pick in the NFL Draft.  Making the wrong decision this offseason will lead burying themselves even farther down the hole of irrelevancy and jobs will surely be lost.

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