The early wave spending spree in 2019 NFL free agency has been something to watch. Superstars have traversed the map to join new teams and perhaps trigger a new era of success
Jordan Wilkins Jersey Stitched , or at least take..."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Colts StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Colts NewsYahoo Colts Team PageYahoo Colts ReportYahoo Colts Depth ChartYahoo Colts TransactionsYahoo Colts PhotosShop About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub 鉁旻ree AgencyColts Free AgencyFree agent prospects who still make sense for the ColtsNew,72commentsEDTShareTweetShareShareFree agent prospects who still make sense for the ColtsDenny Medley-USA TODAY SportsThe early wave spending spree in 2019 NFL free agency has been something to watch. Superstars have traversed the map to join new teams and perhaps trigger a new era of success, or at least take their franchises to the next level. Some of the contracts have been ludicrous, in terms of total value, guaranteed money, and length. It isn’t difficult to understand why an NFL general manager who is taking a long-term approach would not feel particularly compelled to get involved in the frenzy.If the front office can stay patient and disciplined, some really strong talent will be available at more reasonable prices. Though the marquee names have all come off the board, take a look at players who remain available at positions where Chris Ballard may look to improve his roster before the NFL Draft.INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMENTimmy JerniganPrior to suffering a herniated disc that required surgery in April of 2018, Timmy Jernigan was a solid defensive tackle with the Philadalphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens. He has the ability to play the run and can get pressure on the quarterback. What makes him a strong prospect is that he wins with strength and has the ability to penetrate the offensive line.Darius PhilonChris Ballard has a knack for finding underappreciated defensive talent that is not getting the attention it deserves. Philon is a disruptive interior defensive lineman who has the strength to hold up against the run and has a knack for getting penetration through the offensive line. There are reasons to believe that he could improve in the simplistic, fast defensive scheme Matt Eberflus and Mike Phair have established in Indianapolis.Bennie LoganIt is reported that the Colts sent Mike Phair to Clemson’s Pro Day and that he spent some time with nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. At 340 pounds, this big body appears out of place for the Colts defense. However, the unit will need to have someone on the roster capable of chewing up double-teams in a one-technique role, freeing up three-technique players like Denico Autry to get after the quarterback or into the backfield.Logan is 6’2” and nearly 310 pounds. He is primarily known as a run defender and would serve a role similar to the one Al Woods played for two seasons.Al WoodsSpeaking of Woods, he did a nice job in Indianapolis. He is already familiar with the system, and at 31 years old would seem likely to come at a reasonable price. Jihad WardIn a defense that lives and dies off of getting penetration
Indianapolis Colts Abdurrahman Ya-Sin Jersey , Jihad Ward was incredible in limited snaps last season. Before he was injured, Ward tallied three sacks in six weeks. Depending on his health, bringing him back into the fold to see if he can continue building on what was working could make some sense.EDGEJustin HoustonThere is little doubt that Chris Ballard is very familiar with Houston’s talent and attributes. If he is able to make a move to defensive end with the Colts and have a positive influence on the young pass rushing prospects that are already in the locker room, there is pretty big reason to bring him into the fold. Imagine a young pass rusher having the chance to learn from Robert Mathis and Justin Houston every day.Shaquil BarrettIf you’re looking for a sleeper, Shaquil Barrett had the unfortunate job of backing up an aggressive Broncos pass rush that included Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. It was fortunate that he could learn from talented players in front of him and stay healthy, it was unfortunate that he was unable to get a chance to develop his game due to limited snaps. Could he shine in a new home with a bigger role? Can he transition to defensive end in the NFL?Benson MayowaA player who is already familiar to Matt Eberflus and who the Colts showed some interest in a year ago. He didn’t have the season he would have liked after joining the Arizona Cardinals but perhaps he would flourish if he returns to his old system and under a familiar coach.SAFETYTre BostonHe is only 26 years old and sliding him in across from Malik Hooker would mean that opponents have to throw into strength on either side of the field when they test Indianapolis deep. Boston is certainly familiar with both Nick Sirianni and Frank Reich as they were both with the Chargers early in his career. Would he be open to a reunion?Adrian PhillipsWhen you think of unsung heroes and blue collar workers, Adrian Phillips should come to mind. A former undrafted free agent, Phillips has worked his way from rotational player and special teams stud, to one of his team’s leaders and top tacklers. He flourished in 2018 with alongside Derwin James and has the ability to come up into the box against the run or the pass. At only 26 years old, he could be a healthier version of Clayton Geathers with upside.Clayton GeathersChris Ballard has complimented the hard work Clayton Geathers has shown in his return to football after suffering a neck injury that jeopardized his career. Will his proclivity to show up on the injury report and serve only as a limited practice participant leave him on the outside looking in?CORNERBACKRonald DarbyRonald Darby is one of the best young cornerbacks to hit free agency in years. At just 25 years old, he could have 4-6 years of his prime remaining for whatever franchise chooses to bring him in. Does Pierre Desir’s contract take him off of the table?Bashaud BreelandBreeland was one of the strange stories of 2018 free agency. He lingered around until he was finally signed by the Green Bay Packers. He showed the ability to make plays in Washington before he hit the free agent market and Colts fans thought he might be a target for Indianapolis. He finds himself in the middle of round two of free agency, waiting for teams to show interest and extend offers. Will Ballard call his number?Bryce CallahanCallahan is one of the bigger names in free agency at the corner position. He is only 27 years old and had a solid season for the Chicago Bears — one of the best defenses in the league a season ago.WIDE RECEIVERChris ConleyConley is coming off of the best season of his career. His progression has been gradual but he has played in an offense that has a number of weapons. What is important is that he run a 4.35 40-yard dash at the Combine in 2015 and that he set the all-time Combine record with a 45-inch vertical leap. He is an explosive player with speed who should have some success stretching the field. Chris Ballard was with Kansas City in their scouting process and would certainly know if Conley fits into what the Colts are trying to do.Dontrelle InmanPerhaps the greatest unsung hero of the Colts monumental turnaround in 2018 was wide receiver Dontrelle Inman. After watching the receiver room catch a nasty case of the drops (does that sound wrong to anyone else?) to start the season, patience was wearing thin. Inman has familiarity working with Frank Reich and Nick Siarinni with the Chargers. He knows where he needs to be and had day-one trust.RUNNING BACKJay AjayiIn many respects, the Colts are already pretty comfortable with the running back position. Marlon Mack is coming off of a breakout season, while second year players Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins showed a lot of potential. The Colts also seem to be pretty excited for the development of Jonathan Williams
Womens Abdurrahman Ya-Sin 2019 Jersey , who spent the latter half of the season on the practice squad.That said, it wasn’t more than a couple of season ago that Jay Ajayi was seen as perhaps the best young running back in the NFL. He is only 25 years old and has seen his NFL career interrupted due to injury. If he is healthy, he has the ability to gain tough yards in the trenches and can break big plays. He know Frank Reich’s offense and can catch the ball out of the backfield.CJ AndersonAnderson has had an up and down career, playing in a strange Broncos backfield that could never decide who would get the bulk of carries. When Todd Gurley missed times with the Rams last year, Anderson may have resurrected his career. At 5’8” and 225 pounds, Anderson would offer the bowling ball style chain mover the Colts may currently lack. He is 28 years old. Many fans were disappointed last night, seeing the Colts pick traded to Washington after waiting for hours. Still, Ballard got a pretty good deal."Chris Ballard is one of the best general managers in the NFL, that is well-known by now. However, plenty of fans are disappointed that the Colts traded back out of the first round and only got two 2nd round picks in return (one this year, one next year) from the Washington Redskins.The Colts did well on trading away the #26 pick, as all of the valuable interior defensive lineman were already gone (Tillery was still there, but he is not in the same class as Wilkins, Williams or Oliver), and the other positions the Colts need (CB
Indianapolis Colts Abdurrahman Ya-Sin Jersey , WR, Edge) still have plenty of quality players left. In fact, according to the Draft guide, the top 3 cornerbacks are still on the board, and also the top 5 wide receivers.Washington’s 2nd rounder next year also looks to have plenty of value, as the Redskins are not poised for a breakout 2019 season. Their roster is mediocre, their schedule is extremely unforgiving, and they will most likely have a rookie starting at quarterback. Washington’s rosterPhoto by Scott Taetsch/Getty ImagesWhile the Redskins’ roster does have some above-average players like Trent Williams, Jordan Reed, or Brandon Scherff, they lack elite talent at the skill positions and their defense is aging and not well put together. Rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins can’t be expected to succeed when his starting running back is 34 years old, his backup is a rookie coming off an ACL tear, his #1 receiver’s name is Josh Doctson (whose career has been uninspiring to say the least), there is not much depth behind Doctson, and his tight end is unreliable. The only thing Haskins has going for him is the quality of his offensive line
Cheap Abdurrahman Ya-Sin Youth Jersey , even though they took a step back last year.The Redskin’s defense has some blue-chip-caliber players, but overall, the flaws and weaknesses are evident. Washington’s secondary is depleted. Josh Norman is nowhere close the player he used to be, Landon Collins is average at best defending the pass, DRC is getting older and slower, and there is not much more to write home about after that. Washington’s front 7 looks solid, with players like Da’Ron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson and now rookie Montez Sweat, but the level of talent might not be enough to mask the coverage deficiencies. Washington’s scheduleNBC Sports WashingtonMaking assumptions about a team’s schedule on April is not smart, because there are always surprising and under-performing teams, but the Redskins’ schedule looks quite tough right now. Realistically, the Redskins could easily finish the season 5-11 or 6-10, which should be bad enough for a top 12 pick. Their division (aside from the Giants) is very difficult, and they face some tough opponents like the Patriots
Indianapolis Colts E.J. Speed Jersey , Jets, 49ers, and Vikings.Considering the Redskins ended their last season ice-cold (also due to the fact they had Josh Johnson starting at quarterback), it is safe to assume there are plenty of flaws on the team, and so far they have not been fixed in the offseason, aside from Haskins.Rookie quarterbackPhoto by Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesEven though Haskins looks like the most pro-ready quarterback in the entire class, keep in mind this is still a guy that started just 22 games in his entire collegiate career. Haskins has all the qualities to become an elite NFL quarterback, but he is nowhere near that just yet, which is why his first season could be a rocky one. The lack of surrounding talent also does not help and could lead to the Redskins’ offense becoming downright awful.Overall, I do not understand why the Redskins pulled the trigger on the trade. They are in no position to win now, and are a few seasons away from building a truly solid roster, so why trade away valuable draft capital just to get a pass rusher that was not even the best defensive lineman on his own team? Ballard got a pretty good deal, and the Colts are in a very good position right now.The team has three picks in a second round that appears to be full of talent, and also got an undervalued 2020 second-rounder in the process.