Like The Christmas Carol addresses the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future, the Indianapolis Colts face the same decision at QB.
Who are the Colts QBs past, present, and future?
The question is even more intriguing after the Colts held a virtual meeting with Utah State QB Jordan Love.
Packers, Saints among several teams conducting virtual visits with QB Jordan Love (via @RapSheet)https://t.co/ESMBwUN3W1 pic.twitter.com/domUdQJ6gU
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 1, 2020
Jordan Love is a promising draft prospect
The 21-year-old Utah State University QB is obviously on the Colts radar.
The Packers, Chargers, Raiders, and Dolphins also have expressed interest in him.
(The Dolphins met with him face-to-face prior to the enforcement of current travel restrictions.)
Jordan Love is born and raised in Bakersfield, California.
During his freshman year at Liberty High School, he was told he could not play QB.
Despite being discouraged, he stayed determined and continued to work hard.
In his senior season as the starting quarterback, he threw 24 TD passes and rushed for 8 TDs while amassing almost 3,000 total yards.
At Utah State University, his performance the past last two seasons has been inconsistent.
In 2018, he threw 32 TD passes with 6 INTs, and had a total of 3567 yards, and the scouts took notice.
His stats this past season were not as impressive.
He threw 20 TDs but also 17 INTs for 3,402 yards.
2020 NFL Draft Prospect:
Ranking: #4 QB: Jordan Love
College: Utah State, Age: 21
2019 College Stats: Games: 13, CMP/ATT: 293-473 (61.9%), Yards: 3,402, TD’s: 20, INT’s: 17Overall Draft Grade: 86#NFLDraft #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/QbiwFYcHoi
— BrushBack Sports (@Brush_Back) March 30, 2020
Regardless, Love is projected to be the third-ranked QB in the 2020 draft (behind Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa).
He also may go in the first round which is problematic for the Colts who traded away their first-round pick for DeForest Buckner.
His stature, speed, and leadership skills are likened to Patrick Mahomes.
He can break tackles and make accurate throws outside of the pocket.
Love x Mahomes// Comparing the college careers of current NFL MVP and super bowl champion Patrick Mahomes. And incoming projected first-round pick out of Utah State Jordan Love. #JMC306 #Quarterbacks #franchisestarter https://t.co/6G4oVk4cJj
— George Loureiro (@gloureiro11) March 31, 2020
Love is also coming off an impressive NFL Combine with Mahomes-like numbers including a 4.74 40-yard dash.
Like Mahomes, Love is a dual-threat with rushing and passing ability.
While the Colts show obvious interest, it is unclear if they would trade up to have a chance at drafting him.
The Colts earliest pick is 34th overall (2nd pick of the 2nd round).
Philip Rivers is the win or go home choice for the 2020 season
Certainly, the QB of the present is newly signed Phillip Rivers.
Barring an injury, he is the man behind center for the entire season.
He will turn 39 in December and only has a one-year deal so shopping around for a younger quarterback is a feasible option.
Currently, Jacoby Brissett and Chad Kelly are backing up Rivers.
Andrew Luck has left the building
Nearly a year after Andrew Luck’s sudden and shocking retirement on August 24, 2019, the Colts are finally ready to turn the page.
His ghost hovered over the team the entire 2019 season.
The Colts are committed to keeping Jacoby Brissett.
What will his role be going forward?
Depending how the season progresses, he could fill any or all these roles; past, present, and future QB.
Named the starting QB two weeks before opening day of the 2019 regular season, he is under contract through the 2020 season.
He was a solid performer in 2019 with 18 passing TDs, 4 rushing TDs, and 6 INTs, and he is only 27 years old.
NEXT: 3 Areas Of Need For The Colts Heading Into The 2020 Draft