Hello, and welcome. I didn’t know how else to start this ”Realistic Colts Offseason” article so I’m just going to jump right into it. The first thing that comes when the NFL is in its offseason is the resigning period. I say the Colts resign seven players. The seven being Kicker Adam Vinatieri for one-year, Inside linebacker Jon Bostic to a four-year deal, Cornerback Rashaan Melvin to a three-year deal, Guard Jack Mewhort to a five-year deal (if fully healthy), Cornerback Pierre Desir to a two-year deal, Linebacker Barkevious Mingo to a four-year deal, and Finally Wide receiver Donte Moncrief to a two year ”prove yourself” deal.
Now you’re probably thinking ”hey random dude writing this article, what about the other five of the Colts free agents?” Well, simple, they are not resigned. But for the people who don’t know, here are the five other Colts’ free agents. Running back Frank Gore, free safety Darius Butler, wide receiver Kamar Aiken, Quarterback? I guess? Scott Tolzien, and finally tight end Brandon Williams.
Tagging on to the whole no longer a Colt thing, now the part of this game show where we play ”who’s getting cut?”. I think I’m trying to hard so let’s get back to the article. The list of players I think will get cut is Le’Raven Clark, Tackle, Josh Ferguson, running back, Christine Micheal, running back, Chris Milton, special team specialist, Jeremy Vujnovich, Guard, D.J. White, cornerback and last Matt Jones running back. Matt Jones is a player I’m on the fence with as I have two running backs already getting cut and depending on free agents the Colts sign and who the Colts draft come the 2018 draft.
Next segment is position changes. There’s only three that I have written down in my notes and two are basically confirmed with the new 4-3 defensive scheme. The two that are basically confirmed are the pass rush linebackers, John Simon and Jabaal Sheard. Both will be moving from pass rushing outside linebackers to speed/edge rushing defensive ends. The other position change that isn’t confirmed is strong safety Clayton Geathers who had a tough injury at the end of the 2016 season and was able to come back towards the end of the 2017 season. With strong safety Mathias Farely having a break out season we could see Clayton Geathers move to the 4-3 outside linebacker which will focus on coverage.
After position changes are done and new Colts’ Head Coach Frank Reich is done assessing the roster we could see a few trades happening. I have two written down in my notes which I think are quite possible. The first mock trade I have is between the Colts and the Steelers. In that trade, the Colts would receive wide receiver Martavius Bryant while the Colts send free safety T.J. Green and a 2019 third round pick for the possible Donte Moncrief replacement.
Almost done. This is the free agent signing segment and I see the Colts targeting at least six good or better free agent players and at least getting four. This is not including other backups and depth players. The first free agent I see the Colts targeting but not landing is wide receiver Danny Amendola from the New England Patriots. The second is cornerback Aaron Colvin who didn’t allow a single touchdown against him this past season. Now the four good or better players I see the Colts signing are edge rusher Ezekiel Ansah, wide receiver Allen Robinson, Guard Luke Joeckel, and running back Kenjon Barner.
This last segment may be a little lack-luster, but here’s my seven round Mock draft for the Colts.
Round 1: Saquon Barkley, running back
Round 2: Malik Jefferson, linebacker
Round 3: Rasheem Green, nose tackle
Round 4: Anthony Averett, cornerback
Round 5: D.J. Chark, wide receiver
Round 6: Charvarius Ward, cornerback
Round 7: Oren Burks, linebacker
Thanks for the read and I look forward to seeing what moves the Colts make this next year.
