Reassessing Colts Offseason Needs Post-Free Agency

Back on January 28th, we listed the following positions on the Indianapolis Colts roster that needed upgrading during the 2013 offseason:

• Running back
• Offensive line
• Defensive end
• Outside Linebacker (pass rusher)
  
• Safety

Since the start of the new league year, and the beginning of the free agent signing period, the Colts have inked nine new players, including safety LaRon Landry, defensive end Ricky Jean Francois, and offensive linemen Gosder Cherilus and Donald Thomas.

Did they overpay? Yes, but roster weaknesses were addressed and it's time to move on and reassess the critical needs heading into the 2013 NFL Draft.

Runningback

The reasons are still the same as they were two months ago: Vick Ballard is a nice back, but not a feature one. Donald Brown continues to underwhelm while Delone Carter is a serviceable short yardage back. The Colts really need some more speed and playmaking ability at this position.

Pass Rusher

At this point, I don't care if the pass rusher plays DE or OLB. If the Colts think they are going to improve on their 22nd ranked pass rush from 2012 with Robert Mathis, Jerry Hughes, and Erik Walden, the defense will struggle.

Wide Receiver

Reggie Wayne is a year older, LaVon Brazill is unproven, and Donnie Avery is gone. The Colts could use their No. 24 overall pick on DeAndre Hopkins from Clemson to address this need, but there still could be options out in free agency. Jim Irsay told followers on Twitter last week that the Colts were looking to make a deal for a "wopper" of a wide receiver, but now the deal (whatever it was) seems dead.