The 2020 NFL Draft has concluded and one of the areas the Indianapolis Colts didn’t upgrade was at defensive end.
The Colts had plenty of opportunities to grab an edge rusher during the final two days of the draft, but decided to pass.
General manager Chris Ballard believes in their talent at defensive end and didn’t feel that the organization needed an upgrade at the position.
Should the Colts go after a veteran such as Everson Griffen or stick with the talent they already have?
Meet the Colts 2020 NFL Draft Class!
▫️ @MikePitt_Jr, WR
▫️ @JayT23, RB
▫️ @JumpManJuice23, S
▫️ @skinnyqb10, QB
▫️ @dannypinter75, G
▫️ @RobertWindsor54, DT
▫️ @rodgers_isaiah, CB
▫️ @dadpat7, WR
▫️ Jordan Glasgow, LB/DB pic.twitter.com/pw8GJ5MAoF— Indy SportsOne (@IndySportsOne) April 25, 2020
Griffen’s 2019 Season
Griffen is a former fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings from the 2010 NFL Draft.
He has been with the Vikings ever since they drafted him, but elected free agency this offseason.
The four-time Pro Bowl defensive end had a fairly solid 2019 campaign, but surprising remains unsigned.
He totaled 41 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, and eight sacks through 15 games in 2019.
Griffen is 32 years old, which could be part of the reason he’s not getting a lot of attention.
He’s a veteran player, but continues to produce each and every season.
He recorded 66 pressures last season, which is good for 15th most in the NFL in 2019.
Griffen won’t be the savior, but he’s a productive player that deserves a spot on an NFL roster.
Do the Colts Need Griffen?
Earlier this offseason, the Colts traded their first-round pick in exchange for superstar pass rusher DeForest Buckner.
They have veteran Justin Houston as well, but there isn’t much talent after that.
The Colts have plenty of depth at defensive end, but most of their options are developmental projects more than complete players.
Houston is coming off an 11 sack season and should be able to be trusted if he can stay healthy.
However, if Houston or Buckner go down with an injury then the Colts could be in trouble.
None of the other options are proven talent and aren’t reliable sources of production for the Colts.
Adding a veteran talent like Griffen might be a good idea for Indy this offseason.
Which team will sign free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney?
Titans +200
Seahawks +350
Browns +400
Colts +600
Giants +800
Eagles +1000Via @SportsLine Oddsmakers
— Allan Bell (@AllanBell247) April 29, 2020
Should the Colts Add at Defensive End?
On paper, the Colts don’t need any more players at defensive end, but they should definitely consider adding someone.
Superstar pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is still available, but he’s likely out of the Colts price range.
However, adding Griffen should fit into the Colts current budget.
He’s made $34.8 million total over the course of his 10-year career, so he’s not expecting a big payday.
Griffen could be a strong rotational piece on a one-year deal for Indy.
He would add a veteran presence and be a nice insurance policy for the organization.
There really is no downside to the Colts adding Griffen this offseason.
The younger defensive ends they have aren’t expected to be starters in the NFL anytime soon.
The Colts have a chance to add quality depth at a low price, so this is a great opportunity for them.
Indy has done an incredible job of adding talent all offseason long, but could put the cherry on top by signing Griffen to a short-term deal.
NEXT: 1 Reason To Be Excited About Each Of The Colts' Draft Picks
