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With the Indianapolis Colts eliminated from playoff contention, it’s time for the team to focus on the offseason. What moves will they make this spring that will give their fans hope for the future?
Things have been ugly this season for the Colts, who currently possess a 4-11-1 record. Both their head coach and offensive coordinator were fired. Plus, injuries to key players like Jonathan Taylor and Shaquille Leonard didn't help, either.
General manager Chris Ballard, who’s expected to keep his job next season, will have a difficult job attempting to put together a roster that can produce a lot more than four wins.
Will they hire a new head coach? Who will they take in the draft? Here are three offseason predictions for the rebuilding Colts:
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#1 - Hire Mike Kafka as head coach
Earlier this season, "Indy" fired head coach Frank Reich and replaced him with ESPN analyst and former Colts center Jeff Saturday.
Saturday won his debut against the Las Vegas Raiders, but he has lost his last six contests. In one of those losses, the Minnesota Vikings pulled off the biggest comeback in NFL history as Indianapolis somehow blew a 33-0 lead.
It’s unlikely Saturday will return next season as head coach. Expect his replacement to be current New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Kafka has completely turned around the Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley-led offense this season. He could do a brilliant job in Indy as well, helping develop the Colts’ quarterback of the future.
#2 - Draft C.J. Stroud
The Colts have needed a franchise quarterback ever since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in 2019.
Over the past few years, there has been a QB carousel in Indy, which has included players like Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, and Carson Wentz. Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, and Nick Foles have all started games this season.
A franchise quarterback will finally land in Indianapolis this year via the 2023 NFL Draft. The Colts, who currently own the fifth overall pick, will end up selecting Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.
The California native was amazing during his two years as a starter, throwing for a combined 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions.
Stroud, along with running back Jonathan Taylor and wideout Michael Pittman Jr., would give Indianapolis an exciting offensive trio to build around for many years.
#3 - Colts' Re-sign Yannick Ngakoue
The contract of defensive end Yannick Ngakoue will expire after the season. He will surely be one of the top pass rushers on the free agent market, meaning several teams should show interest in signing him.
Ngakoue has been solid this season, leading the team with 9.5 sacks. He has also made 29 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending throat injury in Week 16.
Expect Indianapolis to re-sign the former Maryland star this spring. He and Kwitty Paye provide the team with a talented edge-rushing duo that can give nightmares to opposing quarterbacks.
