The Indianapolis Colts had a busy offseason upgrading at multiple positions and making some big moves over the last few months. Seeing an opportunity to win now, general manager Chris Ballard deviated from his typically conservative mindset.
The Colts had a busy offseason adding big-name players, signing veterans to one-year deals and even letting go of a few necessary parts. By most accounts, the offseason should be considered a success for Ballard. Of course, we don’t know how these moves will pan out in the future, but they project well.
Here are the six best moves Ballard made this offseason:
Trading for DeForest Buckner
We know how much Ballard likes them picks. Giving away the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft could not have been easy but at the same time, both Ballard and head coach Frank Reich have said it was a no-brainer to acquire a talent like Buckner.
The Colts desperately needed an upgrade at the three-technique. They didn’t get any production from the spot during the 2019 season, which was one of the reasons the defense couldn’t take that next step as a pass-rushing unit. Buckner doesn’t cure all of the pass-rushing woes, but his arrival will be something of a catalyst for the unit.
An All-Pro caliber talent at the three-technique, Buckner will be impacting the game in more ways than one. For starters, he’s a great pass rusher in his own right. His size, speed, strength and length are all elite while his plan as a pass rusher has evolved throughout his career. Making an impact simply by collapsing the top of the pocket will happen often.
But even more so, Buckner is likely to see his share of double teams on the interior. After all, he is the big dog on the defensive line—the one offenses will have to game plan around. Buckner will see a high percentage of double teams, which will free up the gaps for the edge players and the linebackers who might be blitzing through the interior.
There are many moves the Colts made that deserve praise, but the addition of Buckner could very well be the most impactful.