The biggest storyline surrounding the Indianapolis Colts this offseason will be what they want to do with the quarterback position and how much the 2021 NFL draft will play into that equation.
Holding the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, general manager Chris Ballard told reporters on Thursday that the team likes the class coming in but also that he doubts a good prospect will be available where they currently sit.
Ballard, asked if a quarterback might be there at No. 21: "I doubt it. … They all get pushed up now."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 14, 2021
This was always likely to be the case. If the Colts want their potential future at quarterback, they are likely going to have to trade up. Whether Ballard is comfortable doing so with this year’s crop of quarterbacks remains to be seen, and it may not be something we ever figure out.
Much of what the Colts do relies on the decision of veteran Philip Rivers. The Colts are giving him time to decide his future while also conducting their own evaluation about what they want to do at the position.
They still have 2020 fourth-round pick Jacob Eason, though Ballard admitted they need to see him actually play in a game before knowing what they have in him.
All offseason will be featuring the Colts trying to find their quarterback of the future and for those hoping one might fall to No. 21, Ballard doesn’t believe that’s going to be the case.
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