Can Jalen Travis’ emergence provide the Colts with a reason for hope?

Stop me if you heard this one. “The Colts have let four defensive starters and Michael Pittman go, without replacing them.” I can’t argue that the statement is categorically incorrect, but to say that we can’t still be improved at any or all of those positions, would not be categorically correct either. I’ll give you Pittman. His production will have to be moved around, rather than being replaced by one player.

I know that getting 8 yards when you need 7 yards is a skill, but it seems like an easier skillset to replace than that of a playmaker like Pierce. If Pierce, Downs and Warren all get one more target per game, that replaces 51 of the 111 targets that were sent at Pittman. Even if you believe that Dulin or Westbrook-Ikhine are incapable of replacing 60 targets, I don’t think that is a daunting number for a rookie, especially if you are not focused on the explosive trait.

So how does Travis figure into this? When complaints are made about not having replacements for Paye, Franklin, and Cross or even Pratt, no one mentions replacing B. Smith. That must come from the fact that Travis was ready to takeover. We deemed Smith as replaceable, but since we saw a rookie come in and basically make us forget about an 8 year starter, there is no angst. Based on salary, he is the second biggest loss this offseason, but since we feel comfortable with his replacement, there is no outcry over Smith’s loss.

Travis managed to not only make a contribution, but make everyone forget that Smith had had a few good years with us. He made an impact with us as a 4th round pick, that was thought of as depth. He’s not the only player that has had a positive effect as a mid round draft choice. In 2024 our 3rd and 4th round picks are now stalwarts at Center and RG. Downs and Adebawore were the middle rounders the year before and Cross and Raimann the year before that. Plus, JTT will be looking to add to a rookie season that improved as it went along and Wally should take the place in the secondary that he had begun to carve out during last year’s camp.

We have 27.5 million in space and possibly more if Moore is dealt. We also have three of those middle round picks. The defensive players that need replaced are Paye, Franklin, Cross and Pratt. I think most would say that Cross was the only loss that made them say ouch. Paye and Franklin were often the targets as to why our defense was near the bottom. “Paye can’t get to the QB” and “Franklin can’t cover” are words that I’m betting all of us have uttered at one time or another. Pratt is still unsigned, so he may yet be on the team at a cost efficient price.

For me, the bottom line is that we have 5 positions that need addressed in some capacity. #3 WR is the only place where a rookie might get snaps on the offense, unless there is an injury. The D needs a pass rush specialist, two linebackers and a Safety. In a world where “Google it” is a real thing, I typed in “What are the deepest positions in the 2026 NFL draft?” and the results (in order) where Edge Defender, Linebacker, and Wide Receiver. Lance Zierlein for NFL.com had nearly the same list, but put OL at 3rd and WR 4th.

Safety is not listed, but I have a sidebar thought on that. Here is Jaylon Jones draft profile, prior to his entering the NFL draft:

Big, long cornerback with imposing size but a lack of functional footwork and route anticipation to stay connected to NFL route runners. Jones can be lackadaisical with his technique, so improving in that area could play a big role in bolstering his coverage consistency. He might lack the long speed for foot races in press-man work so Cover 2 and Cover 3 could be his coverage destination thanks to his size and potential physicality, but a move to safety should not be out of the question.

He graded higher against the run than the pass in 2025 and at 6’2”, 200 lbs, he has the size to play the position. He, like Kenny, were said not to be fits in Lou’s D. Might he be a better fit at Safety? He may not be fast enough to be your last line of defense, but he could be pretty useful matched up against TE’s and in run support. I’m not saying he comes in and makes a Pro Bowl. It is a more likely scenario that he doesn’t get considered as a Safety, but it couldn’t hurt to give it a look in camp. Why not try to maximize your assets?

So, as your resident optimist, I see us needing only to improve upon players that we didn’t hold in that high of regard anyway, while having the cap space and draft equity to do so. No team is set at this point.

I will be holding the Draft Contest here on the main page this year. I’ll get it out the morning of the draft, or the Wednesday night prior. It will be your opportunity to prognosticate our draft, versus the rest of our readership. No financial gain, just bragging rights. And hey, if you want to go full on anti-CB and his staff, you can predict that we take 10 kickers?