The Indianapolis Colts still have a few holes throughout the roster that could be alleviated with post-draft free-agency help.
The Indianapolis Colts’ offseason program continues to ramp up with rookie minicamp kicking off this upcoming weekend.
While general manager Chris Ballard surprised with a handful of back-against-the-wall splashes early in free agency, as well as the Colts drafting eight players in the NFL Draft, a few holes still remain: starting right guard, starting off-ball linebacker, and third safety.
The Colts exited the draft with a little over $23M in salary cap space to work with, but with draft class contracts yet to be signed, will they make a move or are they satisfied with their current body of work?
Given Indy’s preachings that suggest that adding competition to its roster is priority number one going into next season, adding a proven veteran (or two) following the draft would be on-brand for this offseason thus far.
With that being said, here are three veterans who the Colts should target in post-draft free agency:
Dalton Risner, Guard
Dalton Risner is arguably the best free-agent interior offensive lineman to remain without a contract. Although he had previously spent his NFL career exclusively at left guard, Risner slid over to start at right guard down the stretch for the Vikings last season and provided viable spot play.
Regardless of how high the Colts say they are on second-year OL Matt Goncalves, filling the void that is Will Fries’ departure will be no easy task. Like Fries, Risner is primarily a pass-blocker from the interior, and if Ballard and Co. truly are trying to add competition across the board and not presume starters this time around, signing Risner may be the best option on the table.
Germaine Pratt, Linebacker
Keep an eye out for the obvious: Germaine Pratt following Lou Anarumo to Indianapolis. After spending all six of his NFL seasons so far alongside Anarumo, Pratt requested a trade out of Cincinnati back in mid-February. Though he isn’t technically a free agent as of now, the writing appears to be on the wall.
Similarly to how the Colts have sung the praises of Matt Goncalves, the hype surrounding second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies is fair but there needs to be both competition for the starting job and, at worst, an insurance plan in place.
Pratt joined Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin this past season as two of three players across the league to total 140+ tackles and 6+ turnovers forced. A former team captain under Anarumo, don’t be shocked to see his services end up in Indy whether that be via trade or (the more likely scenario) a post-June 1st cut-and-sign.
Julian Blackmon, Safety
After a down year with what very well could’ve been his last year in Indianapolis, it wouldn’t be at all shocking to see Julian Blackmon and the Colts part ways, though a reunion could end up being beneficial for all parties involved.
Blackmon went back to playing primarily at free safety — fresh off of a career year at strong safety — and played through a torn rotator cuff last season. Although injuries have continued to plague Blackmon’s professional career, a backup safety role could end up rewriting his trajectory if he is able to stay healthy given he has a proven track record and overall experience at the safety position. Especially when you consider how often Lou Anarumo will utilize three safety sets in Indianapolis.
Honorable Mention: Vonn Bell, Safety; Brandon Scherff, Guard; Will Hernandez, Guard