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If the Indianapolis Colts are still looking to add to their roster prior to the draft, here are a few players at positions of need who could provide a boost by adding competition and hopefully improving the depth.
With 21 roster spots still open on the 90-man, even with the NFL draft and UDFA signings, there is room for a free-agent addition or two. However, any move made moving forward isn't going to break the bank by any means.
For one, there just aren't those types of free agents still out there, and two, the Colts rank 21st in available salary cap space with $19.81 million, according to Over the Cap, so they don't have a ton of remaining cap space either considering not all of that is spendable with additional cap expenses coming down the road, such as signing the incoming draft class as one example.
But with that said, if GM Chris Ballard wants to make a veteran addition to further bolster the roster at a position of need, the Colts likely have the flexibility to do so.
So, at this stage of the free agency process, who are some of the top players still out there? With help from ESPN's Matt Bowen, who put together an updated list of the best available free agents recently, here are three options who could help the Colts at positions of need.
The Colts still need to find someone to start alongside of Zaire Franklin at linebacker. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can be that player, but he should have to compete for those starting snaps.
White has been a very sound tackler over his career and found success last season as a blitzer, generating 21 pressures, according to PFF. In coverage, he had one interception and one pass breakup, while allowing 12.0 yards per catch.
"He has the pursuit speed to track the ball on the edges, and he has six interceptions, along with 16 pass breakups, in his career," wrote Bowen. "White can be a three-down player for his new team."
The Colts need to add to their offensive line depth, both along the interior and at tackle, where the swing tackle role appears to be up for grabs this summer, with Matt Goncalves presumably moving to guard.
Wills is the former 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, but his career up to this point hasn't lived up to his draft status. This would very much be Ballard taking a swing on his upside and hoping that the Colts could help unlock some of that potential.
If taking that approach with a starter, there are obvious risks in that move. However, for a backup role, like Wills would be competing for in Indianapolis, it might be worth taking a swing.
"The 2020 top-10 pick has a career pass block win rate of 92.0% -- which is above league average -- and he could be viewed as a reclamation project, given his lower-body quickness and movement ability," Bowen wrote.
The depth behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart has to improve this season. Maybe Neville Gallimore can provide that boost, but that shouldn't be assumed either. Bringing in a veteran like Campbell, who was still very productive, can strengthen the Colts' defensive tackle rotation and allow any rookie brought in via the draft time to develop.
Campbell has recorded at least 35 pressures each of the last three seasons and continues to grade out as one of the better run defenders, per PFF.
"Campbell has played in 261 regular-season NFL games, and he's still setting edges and hitting the quarterback with his 6-8 frame," wrote Bowen. "He has at least five sacks in each of the past three seasons, and he can play in multiple fronts due to his size and strength. Campbell would also add a veteran presence to a locker room."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agency: 3 Best available options at positions of need
Continue reading...
With 21 roster spots still open on the 90-man, even with the NFL draft and UDFA signings, there is room for a free-agent addition or two. However, any move made moving forward isn't going to break the bank by any means.
For one, there just aren't those types of free agents still out there, and two, the Colts rank 21st in available salary cap space with $19.81 million, according to Over the Cap, so they don't have a ton of remaining cap space either considering not all of that is spendable with additional cap expenses coming down the road, such as signing the incoming draft class as one example.
But with that said, if GM Chris Ballard wants to make a veteran addition to further bolster the roster at a position of need, the Colts likely have the flexibility to do so.
So, at this stage of the free agency process, who are some of the top players still out there? With help from ESPN's Matt Bowen, who put together an updated list of the best available free agents recently, here are three options who could help the Colts at positions of need.
LB Kyzir White
The Colts still need to find someone to start alongside of Zaire Franklin at linebacker. Perhaps Jaylon Carlies can be that player, but he should have to compete for those starting snaps.
White has been a very sound tackler over his career and found success last season as a blitzer, generating 21 pressures, according to PFF. In coverage, he had one interception and one pass breakup, while allowing 12.0 yards per catch.
"He has the pursuit speed to track the ball on the edges, and he has six interceptions, along with 16 pass breakups, in his career," wrote Bowen. "White can be a three-down player for his new team."
OT Jedrick Wills
The Colts need to add to their offensive line depth, both along the interior and at tackle, where the swing tackle role appears to be up for grabs this summer, with Matt Goncalves presumably moving to guard.
Wills is the former 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, but his career up to this point hasn't lived up to his draft status. This would very much be Ballard taking a swing on his upside and hoping that the Colts could help unlock some of that potential.
If taking that approach with a starter, there are obvious risks in that move. However, for a backup role, like Wills would be competing for in Indianapolis, it might be worth taking a swing.
"The 2020 top-10 pick has a career pass block win rate of 92.0% -- which is above league average -- and he could be viewed as a reclamation project, given his lower-body quickness and movement ability," Bowen wrote.
IDL Calais Campbell
The depth behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart has to improve this season. Maybe Neville Gallimore can provide that boost, but that shouldn't be assumed either. Bringing in a veteran like Campbell, who was still very productive, can strengthen the Colts' defensive tackle rotation and allow any rookie brought in via the draft time to develop.
Campbell has recorded at least 35 pressures each of the last three seasons and continues to grade out as one of the better run defenders, per PFF.
"Campbell has played in 261 regular-season NFL games, and he's still setting edges and hitting the quarterback with his 6-8 frame," wrote Bowen. "He has at least five sacks in each of the past three seasons, and he can play in multiple fronts due to his size and strength. Campbell would also add a veteran presence to a locker room."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agency: 3 Best available options at positions of need
Continue reading...
