The first big event to kick off the 2024 offseason is around the corner, with the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine beginning next week. 

And the Indianapois Colts and the other 31 teams will be on hand to see some of the best players in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

But before that kicks off, I decided to look at the Colts roster as it stands today ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft to share what five positions I view as their biggest needs. 

Five biggest team needs for the Colts

1. WR 

Until the Colts ink WR Michael Pittman Jr to a deal to bring him back in 2024, WR is going to be the biggest need on this roster. Without Pittman Jr., they have almost no proven production at the WR position. I believe that Pittman Jr. will be back with the Colts in 2024, which would drop this down multiple spots, but even with Pittman Jr. back, they have to add more playmakers to take some of the pressure and weight off his shoulders. 

2. S

Some will be shocked that I have safety this high, but Julian Blackmon is not currently under contract, and their FS position is a massive question mark. I believe they will attempt to retain Blackmon, which helps the safety position dramatically, but I think the FS position alone belongs this high on the list. Whether in free agency or the draft, they must find a reliable FS option they can trust in single high situations. If for no reason than to push Rodney Thomas II and Nick Cross to compete for the job, come training camp. I also think this could open the Colts up to allow Cross to compete for other positions that may better fit his skill set. 

3. CB 

The youth in the CB room was a deliberate choice last offseason by Chris Ballard and the Colts. And it came with its ups and downs. The team is excited to see Juju Brents and Jaylon Jones enter their second year in the NFL. But with Kenny Moore II set to hit free agency, their starting slot corner position is a major need. I also think whether Moore II returns or not adding another veteran presence in the young room needs to be a priority. 

4. DT 

The Colts' run defense with Grover Stewart vs. without was eye-opening to both the team and the fans. They have no clear option behind Stewart to anchor their run defense. Stewart is now set to become a free agent, which intensifies this need, but even if he is brought back, they need more reliable interior run defenders. I like the top of this draft class in that regard, which makes me wonder if this is a position the Colts could target earlier in the draft than some fans would like. 

5. Backup QB

The Colts are set to get Anthony Richardson back on the field, which is exciting to everyone in the team building. But Gardner Minshew is set to hit free agency, and the only quarterback under contract besides Richardson is Sam Ehlinger. I highly doubt that the Colts will look to Ehlinger to be their primary backup, so they have to find that elsewhere. Minshew could be an option to bring back if his market doesn't rise above a number the Colts would be comfortable with. And with Richardson returning from injury, I think the Colts will likely target a veteran as his backup. Maybe even a player with starting experience.

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