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The explosive quarterback Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen have officially brought the Indianapolis Colts into the modern era.
Despite injuries and having one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, Indianapolis showed promise during a stunning 2023 season that included a winning finish (9-8). Notwithstanding the encouraging signs, it was clear that more explosiveness was required, especially from the wide receiver position.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report’s recent Dream Offseason Trade Scenario for Every NFL Team piece, the Colts make a major move to choose one of the best pass-catchers available in the draft to team up with Michael Pittman Jr.
Knox deconstructs the situation as follows:
Indy should now prioritize providing Richardson with a strong supporting group, and part of that plan should involve re-signing Michael Pittman Jr., who recorded 1,152 yards in 2023. The talent group surrounding the signal-caller would be significantly enhanced if he were paired with a top receiving prospect.
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Josh Downs has demonstrated consistency in the slot with quick wins, but he isn’t quite ready to be a big-play offensive threat. Outside, Alec Pierce is still developing and more of a vertical threat than Pittman, who is a volume receiver with No. 1 ability.
Knox goes on to discuss Rome Odunze (Washington), Malik Nabers (LSU), and Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State):
Three wide receivers—Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, Malik Nabers of LSU, and Rome Odunze of Washington—were listed among the top 10 2024 draft prospects by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. It would be enormous to land one of those.
To make it happen, though, the Colts would probably need to trade up. The New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, two clubs who ought to be in the receiver market, are currently ahead of them, and they currently own the 15th overall pick.
For good reason, Indy will need to make a large deal in order to get Harrison, Nabers, or Odunze. Every player is expected to be selected in the top 10 of the NFL Draft, or earlier if a team believes they will have a lasting impact. In addition to having picks ahead of Indianapolis, teams like the New Orleans Saints (14th overall) and New York Jets (10th overall) are also in the running for a new offensive weapon.
Knox has some ideas on how much the Colts could have to pay for a deal like this:
Trading from No. 15 into the top 10 could cost a Day 2 selection and more, but it would give Indy a receiver with top-10 positional potential. It would also give the Colts a quarterback and a top receiver on rookie deals for the next few years, which would give Indy a competitive advantage financially.
It could be 100% worth the trouble if it means getting Richardson a true playmaker for years ahead in Indianapolis.
The Colts’ top priorities, excluding receivers, are edge rushers, cornerbacks, and offensive line depth. Indy might theoretically still be able to meet these needs even if it loses one or more day two draft picks. Who they would pick up and whose positions would be attended to initially are the unclear aspects.
“Will Indianapolis do what is needed to land Harrison, Nabers, or Odunze?” is the main query.
Historically, Chris Ballard isn’t the type of general manager to trade up if it means surrendering a load of assets. Could this be the time for him to change his tone?
Richardson does need a better variety of receivers to utilize if this team wants to take the offense to the next level in a competitive AFC conference. If there was a time to make that happen and land a top prospect, the 2024 NFL draft could be the window of opportunity.
