Subscribe
Follow Us
The Indianapolis Colts managed to rid themselves of Carson Wentz after just one season, offloading him to the Commanders and subsequently acquiring veteran QB Matt Ryan. With quarterback no longer a critical area of need ahead of the 2022 NFL, the Colts can look to buff up other positions that could stand to improve. After last season's late collapse, the Colts will be eager to prove they're true contenders this season and can do just that on draft day. We've got some bold Colts predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Overall, the Colts have a pretty well-rounded team. The addition of Matt Ryan should eliminate any concerns over leadership at the quarterback position, and Jonathan Taylor just turned in an outstanding season at running back. Meanwhile, the offensive line is in solid condition. The main need on offense clearly comes at wide receiver, where the team lacks a true No. 2 threat to pair alongside Michael Pittman. The retirement of Jack Doyle also opens up a spot at tight end, though it won't be as glaring a need to fill.
The team improved defensively on Friday with the signing of Stephen Gilmore, which will give them further flexibility in the draft. Cornerback was considered a position of need for the Colts, but rather than roll the dice on a young talent, the team opted to bring in Gilmore. They'll still likely consider a cornerback in the later rounds, but it's no longer as pressing of a need for the Colts following the Gilmore acquisition.
With all that in mind, here are our Colts predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Colts Predictions for 2022 NFL Draft
3. Colts grab a WR in the 2nd round
Not having a first-round pick will instantly class the Colts out from getting the top prospects at their greatest positional need, but that doesn't mean they can't find tremendous talent in the 2nd round. Landing a playmaker opposite Pittman would do wonders for all facets of the offense, and would make Ryan's transition into his new offense a lot easier.
For insight and predictions on the 2022 NFL Draft, listen below:
Pittman proved last year that he's capable of handling the WR1 mantle, and now the Colts need to position themselves for success by finding another receiver to pair alongside him. At pick 42, the Colts could find some great value at the wide receiver position.
2. Colts draft a late-round QB
Matt Ryan is a great fit for the Colts, but this is clearly a temporary move. With Ryan's career winding down, the Colts will eventually have to look to the future at the position. Of course, moving up in the draft to select a quarterback in the first couple of rounds makes little sense for the Colts, but perhaps they'd be interested in rolling the dice on a late-round quarterback. Solid quarterbacks have come from the mid-to-late rounds, and it would certainly be a boost to the young arm that they wouldn't be called upon to start for quite some time with Ryan still in town. Getting another young arm in the quarterbacks room could be a wise move for the Colts in the late rounds.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
1. Colts draft multiple wide receivers
In addition to the potential second-round pick we're expecting to go to a wide receiver, the Colts may not be finished there. With wide receiver being their clear weak point, the Colts may elect to go after two or even three young receivers in order to improve at the position. With T.Y. Hilton's health forever in jeopardy, it would make a lot of sense for the Colts to go after multiple players at the position. Fans see late-round receivers blossom into playmakers every year, when given the opportunity, and it shouldn't prove too difficult for the Colts to find playing time for any young pass-catcher they look to bring aboard.
