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The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for the start of free agency, which is set to officially hit the league next week. But their focus is still on the 2020 NFL draft, which is set to arrive at the end of April.
Currently as one of the teams with a high need at the quarterback position, mock drafts have typically projected the Colts to use the No. 13 pick to invest in the future under center. Sometimes they stay put and grab a quarterback. Sometimes they wait and take a developmental prospect.
In the latest mock draft from R.J. White of CBS Sports, the Colts traded up for Oregon’s Justin Herbert to ensure they would get a potential franchise quarterback. They moved up to No. 8 (Cardinals) without having to give up too much in return.
With the Jaguars as a possible QB team at No. 9 and the Bucs lurking as a potential trade-up team after fixing the position in the short term with Philip Rivers, the Colts get aggressive, giving up No. 13 and 44 while also getting back a fourth-rounder.
There are a lot of aspects of Herbert’s game to like. He has exciting arm talent and mobility that would work perfectly in Frank Reich’s scheme. He’s a high-praised prospect when it comes to leadership and work ethic. The issues in his game comprise of footwork, anticipation and consistency—all of which can be improved upon at the next level.
Even though rumors and speculation swirl around the Colts pursuing a veteran quarterback, it is much more likely they stick with Jacoby Brissett and add a rookie quarterback to the mix.
While Chris Ballard has preached that he prefers to add draft picks rather than give them up, some of that notion can be disregarded if they feel Herbert can be the next franchise quarterback.
The next month should be fun and it seems at this point that all options are on the table for the Colts.