Subscribe
Follow Us
The Indianapolis Colts have struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback since Andrew Luck retired. His decision to walk away from the game early put the franchise in disarray and has led to multiple bad decisions for their quarterback choice. The Colts did not find a long-term solution in Phillip Rivers and were even more displeased with Carson Wentz last season.
Indianapolis has been the most active team on the QB market all offseason. They traded Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders for significantly less than they gave up for him just a year earlier. The sporadic play made the franchise question his ability to be a long-term solution and the Colts did what they thought was best. The Colts continued to make waves by trading with the Falcons for Matt Ryan this offseason.
It took only a third-round pick to pry the 36-year-old QB from the franchise he had been at for 14 seasons. These are noteworthy moves for the organization, but their work is not done. The Colts should continue on their search for their long-term starter and trade-up for Kenny Pickett in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Kenny Pickett appreciation post.
That's all. @kennypickett10 | @Pitt_FB pic.twitter.com/clCoMtef3K
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) April 19, 2022
Colts Trade for Kenny Pickett in 2022 NFL Draft
1)Kenny Pickett is a traditional QB
Following the Carson Wentz experience, Colts' management is in search of a game-managing quarterback. The downfall of Carson Wentz has always been his decision-making and inability to give up on a play. This ultimately sunk the Colts' season and hopefully taught the franchise a lesson.
In his final year at Pittsburg, Kenny Pickett threw just seven interceptions while completing 42 touchdowns. He picks good spots to take his chances and puts the ball in a place that allows receivers to continue picking up yards. Pickett has grown in his confidence and command during his time in college. He has an effective arm and typically makes the right reads within the offense. While he may lack the eye-flashing ability of some of the other prospects, Kenny Pickett possesses the IQ and intangibles teams desire.
2)Matt Ryan will not be around forever
The Colts' front office deserves credit for bringing in Matt Ryan. For just a third-round pick they were able to bring in a guy that has been an effective starting quarterback for over a decade. He is an excellent option in the short term, especially considering how dominant the current Colts defense can be. With the team ready to win now, Matt Ryan is an upgrade at the position and will be the effective game manager the franchise is in search of.
While Indianapolis should feel confident about Ryan's production this season, they also must be aware it is not forever. The Boston College product is 36 years old and in the twilight years of his career. Ryan still seemingly has production in the tank, but the Colts would be wise to start developing his eventual replacement.
3)Matt Ryan is an ideal model for Kenny Pickett
When considering the skillset and physical abilities of Kenny Pickett, Matt Ryan is a pretty solid model for his game. Pickett is a better athlete than Ryan ever was but will surely find his best success with his arm. The Colts have a blueprint established for what they are hoping for in a QB. Pickett can certainly reach this with the proper guidance.
The Pitt product appears destined to be the first quarterback off the board and the Colts would be wise to go up and get him. There appears to be a lack of excitement around this year's draft class which works toward Indianapolis' benefit. They currently are without a first-round pick and would need to make a trade to move up. It takes just one team to be willing to pull the trigger and help the Colts get their franchise centerpiece.
Kenny Pickett should leave no doubts about his future NFL success following his 4000+ yards last season at Pitt. The 23-year-old has the arm strength, poise, and intangibles that you hope for in a young quarterback. The growth he has shown throughout his college career is impressive. There will be one lucky team who walks away with Pickett as the face of their franchise and the Colts would be wise to make sure it is them. While there is a pretty impressive track record of QBs to play for the Colts, there are shoes that Kenny Pickett should feel confident fitting in.
