The 2019 season did not go as planned for the Indianapolis Colts.
Fresh off a 10-6 mark and a playoff win in 2018, the Colts looked like a candidate to emerge as contenders in 2019. With a healthy Andrew Luck and one of the best offensive lines in football, the Colts were ready to make the leap.
Then, Luck retired just weeks before the first game of the season. Jacoby Brissett did what he could to salvage the season, but the Colts finished 7-9 and missed the playoffs.
However, Indianapolis is ready to once again contend for the AFC South title. The Colts added veteran signal-caller Philip Rivers on a one-year deal, seemingly giving the team the veteran presence it needed to be relevant.
The Colts also made a major play in acquiring star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers. Time will tell whether the cost of the deal (the No. 13 pick plus a massive contract for Buckner) was worth the return. For now, Buckner gives the Colts a legitimate playmaker who can single-handedly change the outcome of a game.
But where are the Colts short on quality depth? They could use more receiving talent to complement T.Y. Hilton, though general manager Chris Ballard drafted Michael Pittman Jr. in the second round this year, and will also count on a healthier Parris Campbell.
Where the Colts could stand to see some help, however, is at cornerback.
Can Rhodes rebound?
Ballard and Co. seemed content to place their faith in veteran cornerback Xavier Rhodes.
The 30-year-old had five interceptions in 2016 was named first-team All-Pro in 2017, but Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the worst corners in football last season.
Xavier Rhodes PFF ranks among CBs:
2016; 20th of 120
2017; t-37th of 120
2018; 104th of 121
2019; 116th of 123 https://t.co/0akixAI4zk— PFF IND Colts (@PFF_Colts) March 26, 2020
Opposing quarterbacks completed over 81 percent of their pass attempts when targeting Rhodes last year, also torching him for four touchdowns.
The Colts signed Rhodes to a one-year deal, which mitigates some risk on their end. But they are still placing a lot of faith in him to be a lockdown-type guy.
Indianapolis cut Pierre Desir, who led the team in passes defended last year. Ballard also passed up on adding depth at corner in the 2020 NFL Draft, opting for running back Jonathan Taylor in the second round and only taking UMass corner Isaiah Rodgers in the sixth round.
There is a shortage of depth, meaning there will be no excuses for Rhodes this year.
By committee
The Colts need improvement from their youngsters, especially 2019 second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin.
Ya-Sin allowed nearly 14 yards per reception and gave up three touchdowns last season, per Pro Football Reference. Indianapolis will certainly hope Matt Eberflus and Jonathan Gannon can help Ya-Sin improve ahead of his sophomore campaign.
Kenny Moore had some success as a press-man corner, and the Colts will also rely on linebacker Darius Leonard to drop into coverage at times. Perhaps Eberflus can find ways to get safety Malik Hooker more involved as well.
Regardless, the entire secondary will need to work as a unit to negate some of the needs at the corner spot.
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