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What’s Next For the Indianapolis Colts?

By Luke Allen

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Outside linebacker Dee Ford #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs jars the football out of the hand of quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won, 31-13. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Outside linebacker Dee Ford #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs jars the football out of the hand of quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won, 31-13. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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The Indianapolis Colts‘ season ended Saturday evening at Arrowhead Stadium in a snowy blowout that was never a close game, 31-13. Andrew Luck looked uncomfortable in the hostile environment all day long and the Colts’ defense had no answer for the Kansas City Chiefs offense. So, what’s next for the Colts?

January 18

On Friday, January 18, GM Chris Ballard will officially know who is eligible to be drafted. Depending on the Eagles – Saints game, the Colts will either pick 25th or 26th in the first round of the draft. Friday is the deadline for all collegiate athletes to declare for the NFL draft.

January 27

On Sunday, January 27, the NFL Pro Bowl will be played in Orlando at the Citrus Bowl. Two Indianapolis Colts made the Pro Bowl – Eric Ebron and Quenton Nelson. However, five more Colts were added as alternates – Denico Autry, T.Y. Hilton, Ryan Kelly, Darius Leonard, and Andrew Luck.

February 4

Waiver system begins. The waiver order is set in reverse draft order.

February 26

NFL Draft Combine begins in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium.

March 5

Deadline to franchise tag players is 4:00 PM ET on Tuesday, March 5. The Colts likely will not franchise tag anyone.

March 13

The 2019 NFL Season officially starts. Free agency begins and teams may begin making trades. The Colts have a TON of cap space and can make a big splash in free agency if they choose to.

April 15

OTA’s begin for teams with returning head coaches. I assume head coach Frank Reich will keep his job.

April 25

The NFL Draft begins in Nashville, TN.

The Colts should focus on beefing the defensive line, including adding some pass rush help. Luckily for Indianapolis, both free agency and the draft are abundant in pass rush talent. Notable free agent pass rushers are Jadeveon Clowney, Demarcus Lawrence, Dee Ford, Frank Clark, and Ndamukong Suh.

Ballard should also be actively searching for pass catchers for Andrew Luck. Outside of Hilton, the Colts really don’t have a great receiver. They do not have a true number two receiver. Veteran receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Golden Tate could be decent free agency adds, but the Colts should look to the draft to fill that need.

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Also, as sad as it is to say, the Colts will need to find a new kicker. Saturday’s outing showed that kicker Adam Vinatieri‘s days are about up. Vinny was, and will always be, a legend – but the Colts need a consistent kicker and will likely not re-sign the 46 year old surefire Hall of Famer.

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