Should the Indianapolis Colts draft Aidan O’Connell? Boilermakers QB could be a smart piece of business
Without a doubt, the Indianapolis Colts need a lot of help at the quarterback position. Should they select Purdue's Aidan O'Connell in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft?
The Colts own the fourth overall pick in the draft right now. It's possible they could trade up and acquire the No.1 pick from the Chicago Bears, who already have Justin Fields as their franchise quarterback. Landing that pick could net the Colts Alabama QB Bryce Young.
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But if the Colts stay at No. 4, they'll likely come away with a signal-caller like Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Kentucky's Will Levis or Florida's Anthony Richardson.
While it's pretty much guaranteed that they'll select a quarterback early, it wouldn't be foolish to select one later in the draft as well. You can never have too many quarterbacks on your roster. Just look at the San Francisco 49ers, who basically ran out of QBs during this year's NFC Championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Drafting Aidan O'Connell could be a smart move for the Indianapolis Colts
O'Connell played in a a pro-style system at Purdue, meaning he could have a smooth transition to the NFL game. He's expected to be a mid- to late-round pick, possibly being taken somewhere between the fourth and sixth round of the draft.
While no one's predicting him to develop into a Pro Bowler or elite NFL quarterback, O'Connell could turn out to be a solid backup. That's why Chris Ballard and the Colts should take him if he's available.
Also keep in mind that Aidan O'Connell became a star for the Purdue Boilermakers. The Chicago-area native had an interesting six-year career at Purdue to say the least.
He began in 2017 as an eighth-string walk-on quarterback. After sitting behind several players like David Blough, Elijah Sindlar and Jake Plummer, he finally became a full-time starter in 2019.
During the 2019 campaign, O'Connell threw for 3,712 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He recorded 3,490 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season.
He also joined Drew Brees as the only Boilermaker to ever have multiple 500-yard passing games during the same season. It's always great to be mentioned in the same sentence as a legend like Brees and O'Connell's draft stock could benefit from it.
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O'Connell wouldn't have to go far if he ends up in Indianapolis as Purdue is only about an hour and 15 minutes away from the Lucas Oli Stadium. We will find out if he gets to make the trip in the 2023 NFL draft.