Colts 5 big positions of need

Running back: I go into greater detail here, but there is a lot of inexperience on the depth chart behind Jonathan Taylor, which could result in Ballard adding to the position through the draft.

Interior offensive line: For 2024, the Colts are in good shape at this position, but center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries are free agents next offseason. After all, the draft is also about planning ahead, not only trying to fill gaps on the current roster.

Backup quarterback: Anthony Richardson is, of course, the starter, and the Colts signed Joe Flacco for the 2024 season, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to draft a quarterback who can develop behind those two for a year and then potentially step into the backup role in 2025.

Linebacker: Like the interior offensive line, a position that is in good shape for 2024, but as we look ahead, EJ Speed and Ronnie Harrison are free agents and behind those two and Zaire Franklin on the depth chart is a lot of inexperience on the defensive side of the ball.

Offensive Tackle: The Colts have Braden Smith, and they’ve also invested in this position in the draft in recent years, selecting Blake Freeland, Bernhard Raimann, and Jake Witt. But Smith does come with a nearly $20 million cap hit in 2025, while Freeland has taken his lumps. In a historically deep draft class, it may be difficult for Ballard to pass on adding to this important position group.

Interior Defensive Line: This position remains in good shape for the Colts. They re-signed Grover Stewart and Taven Bryan, added Raekwon Davis, have DeForest Buckner, who is an extension candidate, for one more year, and recently spent an early-round pick on Adetomiwa Adebawore.