3 non-quarterbacks the Indianapolis Colts should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
While a quarterback might be the biggest need for the Indianapolis Colts, there are several other positions that the team must address in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Colts traded for quarterback Matt Ryan this past offseason. They expected the former MVP to power the team to the playoffs. But sporting an awful 4-9-1 record, they can basically kiss any postseason chances goodbye.
Indianapolis will more than likely pick a quarterback at some point in the draft. They could come away with someone like C.J. Stroud, Will Levis or Anthony Richardson in the first round. And they could also opt for someone like Hendon Hooker, who may ultimately slide to the second round after tearing his ACL.
We know there will be a new signal-caller in Indy next season, but who are a few non-quarterbacks the Colts should consider taking in the 2023 draft?
#1 - Paris Johnson Jr, OT, Ohio State
One of the main reasons behind the Colts’ not-so-spectacular season is the atrocious play from the offensive line. The unit has given up 49 sacks, third-most in the league. It’s really difficult to win games when you can’t protect your quarterback and create holes for the running game.
Paris Johnson Jr. could surely help Indy's offensive line problems, immediately taking over as the starting left tackle. The 6’7”, 300-pounder is blessed with size, athleticism and quickness and would keep the quarterback—whomever that will be—clean and upright.
Paris Johnson JR highlights Vs Notre Dame (2022) @ParisJohnsonJr youtu.be/bYtES1ttaZU https://t.co/EQtMunkEhd
Johnson is widely expected to be a first-round pick. The Colts could scoop him up and then go after a QB in the second round.
#2 - Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
It wouldn’t hurt to upgrade the defensive side of the football. Indy’s D has looked nice at times, but it definitely didn’t during the last two games. They gave up 33 points in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys and blew a 33–0 lead versus the Minnesota Vikings.
Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who leads the Colts in sacks, could leave as a free agent following the season. Clemson’s Myles Murphy makes sense as a replacement if Ngakoue does, indeed, leave town.
Murphy racked up 18.5 sacks over three seasons and would quickly form a great pass-rushing duo with Indy’s Kwity Paye.
#3 - Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
Indianapolis has a few solid receivers in Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, and rookie Alec Pierce.
Campbell, who’s set to become a free agent in the offseason, may decide to take his talents elsewhere. And if he does, TCU’s Quentin Johnston would be a great replacement for the rebuilding Colts.
6’4 TCU WR Quentin Johnston is going to be a stud on Sunday. A true #1 wide-out.
https://t.co/pcSxjcQkHq
Johnston is arguably the top wide receiver prospect in the draft. He’s an explosive playmaker and a fantastic route runner who can simply blow past defenders consistently.
Indy’s next starting QB is going to need a talented pass-catcher to throw to, and Johnston is as good as they come.