Three biggest concerns for the Indianapolis Colts before the draft

The Indianapolis Colts are finally hitting the reset button following a humiliating 4-12-1 regular season. While starting a rebuild is wise, the organization delayed the process so long that it may be impossible to salvage the situation for a while.

Here are the three biggest concerns for the Colts heading into the 2023 NFL Draft (April 27-29): 

1. Did they already miss out on their guy?

After struggling under awful veteran QBs the past few seasons, the Colts have no choice but to draft a quarterback in April. However, Carolina's aggressive and early trade to the top of the draft may have undermined the Colts' plan.

The Colts, who pick fourth, could see three QBs selected before they're on the clock if another QB-needy team trades up for Arizona's third overall pick. Indianapolis will likely choose between Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis, prospects scouts believe will need time to develop. 

In most cases, a GM on the hot seat has his job security tied to a young QB and usually won't lose his job for a few seasons. The same may not be true for Chris Ballard if his QB choice proves to be a blatant error. 

Could a limited number of options at quarterback in the draft lead Indianapolis to explore a trade for Baltimore's Lamar Jackson? He requested a trade from Baltimore earlier this month, and the Colts reportedly "haven't ruled out a pursuit" of the former MVP, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.

2. Will the offense be able to support a rookie QB? 

If the Colts draft a QB in the first round, they cannot be certain they're setting him up for success. 

It was a down year for the offensive line, which Pro Football Focus rated 31st in pass-blocking efficiency last season. The unit faces more uncertainties entering the draft as starting center Ryan Kelly is on the trade block, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. 

Last season, the Colts didn't have a receiver surpass 1,000 yards, and they've taken a hit with Parris Campbell's departure in free agency. Michael Pittman Jr. leads an unproven receiving corps, with 2022 second-rounder Alec Pierce and recent signing Isaiah McKenzie penciled in as starters. 

Running back Jonathan Taylor is the team's star and not far removed from leading the league in rushing. However, multiple injuries derailed Taylor's 2022 season, raising the question of how he will fare this season.

Perhaps the Colts will let QB Gardner Minshew II, who played under new head coach Shane Steichen in Philadelphia last season, start as the rookie learns the system. 

3. How will the defense perform? 

Indianapolis is just one of six teams to finish in the top half of the league in total defense each of the past four seasons. This might not be the case this season. 

The team shipped cornerback Stephon Gilmore to Dallas, and linebacker Bobby Okereke, Indianapolis' second-leading tackler last season, signed with the Giants. Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue is unlikely to return, though the Colts did find a promising replacement for him in former 49er Samson Ebukam. 

All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard's return following multiple surgeries over the past few years, including serious back procedures, will be crucial to the defense's success this season.

There's plenty of time to add to the defense through free agency and trades, but the most convenient way to find an impact player is through the draft. Under different circumstances, this would've been an ideal year for the Colts to select either Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter or Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. instead of a QB.