The Indianapolis Colts this past season started slow but picked up speed to make the NFL playoffs. They ended the season with a 10-6 record, finishing second in the AFC South Division.
They came out of the regular season with an unprecedented run. Indianapolis won seven out of its last eight games, including four straight to finish the season.
The defense really locked in down the stretch. They shutout the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15, only allowed six to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and 10 to the Tennessee Titans. Even though Andrew Luck was the large reason their team reversed course, the defense stepped up as well.
However, they still could use a lot of improvement coming into next season. Pro-Football Focus ranked the Colts' front seven 22nd in the entire league. Their linebacker core was fine. Darius Leonard and Anthony Walker combined for the most defensive stops of any duo in the NFL. However, their defensive line was suspect.
Their rush defense was fine as well. They only allowed 106.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked 9th in the NFL. But their passing defense was an issue at times. They allowed 24.4 completions every game, which ranked 28th overall in the entire league. The Colts' ability to put pressure at the point of attack was lacking, with no player exceeding 10 sacks on the season.
The Colts need to add depth to their defensive line. Solidifying that pass rush is the first thing teams do to improve defensively. Regardless of their defensive backfield, they need to put pressure on quarterbacks.
Adding someone like DeMarcus Lawrence almost makes too much sense.
The Dallas Cowboys last season put him on their franchise tag. This paid him a shade over $17 million. The lack of stability the tag provides really put pressure on him to leave.
In 2017, Lawrence had a monster season. He brought in 14.5 sacks. A year later, he was able to corral in 10.5 sacks.
His ability to get to the quarterback as well as pressure him is best of class. He has played in all 32 games the past two seasons, collecting a total of 25 sacks, an interception, and six forced fumbles. The Pro-Bowl talent has proven that he deserves a fresh start and a big contract this offseason.
Now coming into this year's free agency, he is the most sought after player in this upcoming free agent market. Even though the Cowboys will have about $50 million to work with, Lawrence is likely to move on.
The Colts this offseason need to improve their defense. For Andrew Luck to have the chance to go deep into the playoffs, they need a better pass rush.
Acquiring Lawrence would solidify that core moving forward.
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