The Colts should not pick a receiver in the first round of the draft

The Indianapolis Colts are in a great position. Arguably, they have the best young general manager in football, Chris Ballard. They also have a talented young roster and more cap room at their disposal than any other team in the NFL.

It is no secret that one of the team’s top needs is wide receiver. As a result, many analysts have mocked a receiver to the Colts in the first round of the draft.

That narrative needs to stop.

Outside of T.Y. Hilton the Colts lack a true difference making pass catcher, but in the grand scheme of things that doesn’t really matter. The team needs to stick with the identity Chris Ballard and Frank Reich have started to build.

Remember the “Build the monster” mantra that former coach Chuck Pagano planned, but went horribly wrong? How about the Peyton Manning tenure which had great success but consistently fell short in the playoffs?

Those two era’s in Indianapolis had their share of success, but it’s no secret that “soft” offensive play and lackluster defense prevented them from achieving greater heights in the post season.

In 2019, the Colts are again in a position to use a first round draft pick on a skill position player. Avoiding that urge would go a long way in proving that the team is committed to a new identity, and it would show the Colts fan base that the organization learned from past mistakes.

There is no arguing that having multiple weapons for Andrew Luck to choose from would help win games. However, if the Colts travel to a hostile environment in inclement weather and bad footing, they need to rely on their run game and defense.

The New England Patriots are the reigning champions, and whether you like it or not, they’ve dominated the NFL for almost twenty seasons now. Since Tom Brady has been tossing touchdowns and modeling UGG boots, they have not selected a receiver in the first round. Instead, they’ve built the team in other areas.

The easiest way to put it is: in April, Super Bowl contenders are planning for January.

I didn’t bring up the Patriots because I like to say how good they are (nope), but they have a blueprint for success (though they might have broken a few rules to acquire it). Similar to New England, the Colts have a star quarterback who has a direct impact on his receivers. Luck can make his offensive teammates better.

I’m not saying the Colts should abandon the receiver position. Luck could use more talent at wide out but Ballard should weigh his options. A strategic veteran signing and a mid round draft pick could go a long way to giving the position a boost.

Fans should feel confident Ballard will make the right move but it’s no secret, a good defense and strength in the trenches will travel no matter the weather.