The Indianapolis Colts have addressed the Carson Wentz dilemma with 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan.
They also shored up their secondary with the acquisition of five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Now, they have to solve several other problems.
If Colts general manager Chris Ballard can plug these holes before the 2022 NFL season, Indy should return to postseason contention after a disappointing finish in 2021.
3. Gaping Hole At Wide Receiver
The Colts’ wide receiver issues start mainly with 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton.
Whether Hilton returns for an 11th season in the pro ranks or not remains a huge question mark for Ballard and co.
Hilton has been plagued by nagging injuries the past few seasons.
He’s been a shadow of his old “Houston Texans Killer” self.
TY Hilton is the most underrated #Colts of all time. Dude played with 8 different QBs in 10 years and put up these stats:
•631 catches
•9,691 yards
•53 Touchdowns#ForTheShoe #TheGhost 👻 pic.twitter.com/AU3guEdhz3— Cody Felger (@CPFelger55) March 12, 2022
If Hilton does return, he will take a backseat to Michael Pittman, Jr., the projected No. 1 option at wide receiver for Indianapolis.
Zach Pascal‘s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles makes Indy’s wide receiver concerns more alarming.
The Colts have also been hanging on to injury-plagued wideout Parris Campbell since they drafted him 59th overall three years ago.
If Campbell can somehow pick up the slack for Pascal, Ballard’s patience with the former Ohio State Buckeyes standout will pay huge dividends over the long haul.
However, given Campbell’s injury history, that remains a huge question mark.
Will Ballard address the Colts’ wide receiver needs via the draft?
That’s highly unlikely considering he’s drafted just two wide receivers (Campbell and Pittman) within the first four rounds ever since he took over as Colts GM in 2017.
Given Hilton’s uncertainty and Campbell’s past injuries, Ballard just might change course in 2022.
2. Depth At Tight End
When two-time Pro Bowl tight end Jack Doyle retired following the 2021 NFL season, it became crystal clear that Mo Alie-Cox will become Indy’s No. 1 tight end in 2022.
It appears Colts head coach Frank Reich will rely on Alie-Cox and second-year tight end Kylen Granson this season.
However, Granson still has to earn his stripes considering he played in just 21 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps in 2021.
In terms of blocking, Granson isn’t on the same level as Doyle or Alie-Cox.
The rest of Indy’s tight end corps are largely unproven considering they were undrafted free agents.
If Ballard can somehow pluck the Colorado State Rams’ Trey McBride or the UCLA Bruins’ Greg Dulcich in the second or third round of the draft, consider that a major steal.
1. Offensive Line Issues
What was once the Colts’ strength has become a major chink in their armor.
Indianapolis’ offensive line ranked 30th in pass-blocking efficiency in 2021.
That’s a major concern for Colts offensive line coach Chris Strausser.
The Colts’ leaky offensive line also doesn’t bode well for new quarterback Matt Ryan.
Ballard must address Indy’s left tackle position.
It has become a concern since Anthony Castonzo retired following the 2020 NFL season.
With the departure of Eric Fisher (who allowed seven sacks in 2021), it seems Matt Pryor will fill the void at left tackle unless Ballard decides to draft a big-name rookie in the second or third round.
With so much uncertainty at left tackle, #Colts would be wise to pursue All-Pro Duane Brown in free agency.
Unlike Terron Armstead, Brown won’t break the bank on a 1-2 year deal. Great veteran to place alongside Quenton Nelson. pic.twitter.com/PoENVQM2Qv
— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 12, 2022
Alternatively, the Colts can sign a proven free agent tackle such as five-time Pro Bowler Duane Brown.
Danny Pinter should pick up the slack at right guard for Mark Glowinski, who signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants in the offseason.
