The Indianapolis Colts finally made a big move with the addition to the defensive front by trading for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
He fits the LEO role in the Gus Bradley defensive scheme and fills a position of need that Chris Ballard had to address this offseason. In the process of addressing that concern of the defense, the team did create even more of an alarming hole in the secondary by trading away Rock Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders.
This move does shift the approach for Indianapolis for the rest of free agency through the 2022 NFL draft.
Dayo Odeyingbo and Tyquan Lewis are versatile players that can work in the rotation out on the edge but Ballard does love to as much depth on the defensive front so there will be more additions to come.
This upcoming NFL draft is deep with talented edge rushers and a developmental rotational piece could be found on Day 3. There are more moves to be made in the lead-up to the draft but as of today, there isn’t a pressing need to use one of the three day two picks on this group.
With that being said, it should be considered that barring an extension, this is currently a one-year rental with Ngakoue. If Ballard is able to address the need at quarterback, wide receiver, left tackle and cornerback then he could take a swing at an edge rusher on Day 2 of the draft.
The trade for the veteran had more of an impact on the draft plans at cornerback than it did at edge rusher.
Isaiah Rodgers and Brandon Facyson are currently slotted to be the starting outside corners with Kenny Moore at the nickel spot.
I anticipated another veteran addition when Ya-Sin was on the roster but with him being traded to Vegas it wouldn’t surprise me if a couple more are added.
If Ballard only signs one more cornerback during free agency then I’d expect for a draft pick at the position with one of the three Day 2 picks.
It’s a fluid situation for the Colts’ draft plans come April but the picture should become much clearer in the coming days.
