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INDIANAPOLISWe are just a few weeks away from the Colts embarking on another massive offseason for their franchise.

With free agency starting on March 16th and the draft beginning on April 28th, the Colts would benefit greatly from finding instant results in those two areas of roster building.

Here are my rankings of the Colts positions of need for 2022:

1. Quarterback: From an ‘under contract’ standpoint, the Colts still have three QBs signed through the 2022 season (Carson Wentz, Sam Ehlinger, James Morgan). But quarterback falls atop this list because the return on Wentz last year was nowhere near necessary value and the long-term answer here remains up in the air. The Colts must explore every possible QB option this offseason. And that comes before they commit to anything at any other position.

2. Defensive End: One could make the argument that a development of Kwity Paye/Dayo Odeyingbo could solve this need. Sure, that’s possible. But it is nothing I would want to bank on. Finding more of a proven edge rusher in free agency should be something the Colts look into, while also investing a lot into the growth of Paye and Odeyingbo. When you factor in Gus Bradley’s minimal desire to blitz, that stresses the need for the Colts to find individual pass rushing talent.

3. Wide Receiver: Hello, again. Currently, Michael Pittman is the only Colts wideout under contract who has played in more than 30 career games with at least 30 catches. From a quantity and quality standpoint, this position group needs attention. The playoffs should have sent a clear message to the Colts on what elite pass catchers mean.

4. Offensive Tackle: While Braden Smith is the guy at right tackle, the short and long term answer over at left tackle remains unknown. In the short term, bringing back 31-year-old Eric Fisher is an option. Although that frustrates some people, you can’t take care of every position in an ideal manner. Still, the long-term solution must come through the draft, likely with a valuable resource. Re-signing utility man Matt Pryor is needed, too.

5. Tight End: Chris Ballard has wisely acknowledged this as an off-season need. Kylen Granson is still a piece to build with, but some answers could arise with Jack Doyle (possible retirement) and Mo Alie-Cox (free agent, who the Colts want to bring back). Another dynamic pass catching option is needed to further support who is under center.

6. Safety: For two reasons, I might have this too low. The factors at play here is the Week One 2022 availability of Julian Blackmon, who tore his Achilles on October 20th. Also, how many safeties does Gus Bradley want to use in sub packages? That can impact the need to add to a group with Khari Willis and Blackmon. Andrew Sendejo and George Odum are free agents this offseason.

7. Cornerback: A returning trio of Kenny Moore, Rock Ya-Sin and Isaiah Rodgers is a good place to start. Still you always can use some cornerback focus, no matter how the position looks entering an offseason. Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie are free agents.

8. Offensive Guard/Center: A lot of this can boil down to free agents Mark Glowinski and Chris Reed. The Colts likely need to make a decision on re-signing one as the starting right guard moving forward. Danny Pinter’s future is always something to keep an eye on as he enters his third season. The Colts have been intrigued by Pinter at center.

9. Defensive Tackle: Some depth answers will need to come from a guy like Taylor Stallworth. But DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart give this team one of the better starting pairs in the NFL. Remember, Dayo Odeyingbo is an interior option on the run downs.

10. Linebacker: Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke (contract year in 2022) once again lead this group. Free agent decisions are needed on Zaire Franklin and Matthew Adams. With E.J. Speed entering a contract year, like Okereke, the Colts have enough at linebacker.

11. Running Back: With Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines under contract for a few more years, there’s no need to give this position serious attention in the offseason. You can find a 3rd running back with Deon Jackson (undrafted in 2021) competing with another undrafted guy this year.

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