Colts: NFL insider reveals likely price tag of the No. 1 overall pick
The steep cost could shape what the Colts opt to do.
The Indianapolis Colts have a big decision to make between now and the start of the 2023 NFL Draft next month: trade up to the first overall selection, or stay put?
Both have their advantages. Trading up to No. 1 would allow the Colts to get their guy at quarterback. There would be no need to settle for another prospect that is not sitting at the top of the board.
Additionally, such a move would jump the Texans, a divisional rival also searching for their franchise quarterback. Being able to land the top quarterback and leap Houston in the process would be an attractive scenario for the Colts to consider.
On the other hand, however, the price to jump up to first from four is seemingly high. And it may not be worth it if the Colts grade the top quarterback prospects in a similar fashion.
In fact, the Chicago Bears could be looking for as much as a first-round swap and two additional round one selections. Talk about a haul. But the Bears will obviously be looking to get as much as they can, especially since they are not in the QB market.
Which is exactly why the Colts may be wise to simply let the draft fall to them. Of course, that is easier said than done. And would be difficult to do if the Colts have glaring differences in grades or tiers in the signal callers expected to go early.
If the Colts do not see a big difference between Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis, the smart move would to stay at four and take the highest-rated quarterback that is still on the board. Especially if the talk around the league is that their guy will likely be there for the taking.
Again, easier said than done. But it's lining up for the Colts to come away with a potential franchise signal caller without giving up too much – or really any – capital in the process.
The next few weeks will be critical as head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard grind film, discuss scenarios, and settle on the passer that they think is built best to lead the franchise.
