The Indianapolis Colts have incredible resources to pull off just about any move they want this offseason, including the unlikely scenario that they trade back into the first round at the end of Day 1 of the 2020 NFL draft.
In Doug Farrar’s latest mock draft for Touchdown Wire, that’s exactly what the Colts did. They took a new WR1 with their original No. 13 overall pick in the draft and with an intriguing quarterback still on the board, they took a hold of the opportunity and traded into the first round.
At No. 13, they went with one of the top receiving prospects in the entire draft in CeeDee Lamb from Oklahoma.
Many have the belief that the Colts draft a quarterback at this spot, whether Jordan Love from Utah State or Jacob Eason from Washington. But they also need help on the outside. T.Y. Hilton is still a great receiver but he had to deal with some injuries last season, and beyond Hilton there are some question marks. Zach Pascal showed some promise in an increased role with Hilton’s injury, and would be a nice third option in an offense with a healthy Hilton and a talented rookie to run with.
In Lamb, the Colts get that talented rookie. Again, Lamb, Ruggs and Jeudy are all great talents at the position, and in Lamb the Colts have a receiver who can take the top off the defense, win at the catch point and create after the catch.
Now they just need to figure out who is throwing them the football next season…
Then, in a surprise move, the Colts traded back into the first round with the San Francisco 49ers at No. 31 to take Utah State quarterback Jordan Love.
With a need to find additional draft capital they find a willing partner with the Indianapolis Colts, who have two picks at the top of the second round (at 34 and 44). Having addressed WR earlier – and with Love sliding down the board – they can come back into the first and draft the Utah State passer.
In my mind, the best situation for Love is to be drafted later in the first round when the expectations will not be so high, so he can be given some time to develop a bit. Ideally he follows the Drew Lock path from a year ago, sliding into the early part of the second round so the fanbase and ownership are not clamoring for him to see the field immediately. By sliding here, those in and around Indianapolis can practice a bit of patience.
In addition, he’ll find a willing mentor in Frank Reich, and while the West Coast offense is not the perfect schematic fit, he can be given time to learn and grow as a passer.
Farrar did mention that it is unlikely that Love would still be on the board at this time. But if the hesitation leads to a drop in his draft stock, the Colts shouldn’t be afraid of making a big move to secure what could be their franchise quarterback.
This scenario is highly unlikely both with Chris Ballard taking a wide receiver that early and with trading away draft picks, but sometimes you have to be bold.