Over the last few weeks we’ve been taking a position-by-position look at the Indianapolis Colts roster heading into the offseason, with our lens more so on what’s ahead and what’s needed at each position group.
To wrap things up, we will be taking a closer look at the safety position. But if you missed any of our other previews, follow the links below.
Quarterback
Running back
Wide receiver
Tight end
Interior offensive line
Offensive tackle
Defensive tackle
Defensive end
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety overview
There was a positive development at the safety position last season for the Colts, which is that we saw Nick Cross take a step forward.
Cross was a reliable tackler and very good against the run. In coverage, he held opponents to just over 9.0 yards per reception and also had improved ball production with three interceptions and two pass breakups.
However, Julian Blackmon would battle through a shoulder injury for most of the season, and his production took a step back compared to 2023.
And as a whole, the play from the entire Colts’ secondary as a group just wasn’t good enough.
“We’ve got to get better,” said general manager Chris Ballard about the Colts’ secondary as a whole during his end of season press conference.
As a unit, the Colts ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL in passer rating, yards per pass attempt–giving up too many big plays–pass deflections, and completion rate.
New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his disguise-heavy scheme that has often gotten good production from the secondary and can hopefully provide this unit with a boost. But along with that element, Ballard can’t sit on his hands this offseason either–additions need to be made.
Positional need this offseason
The need at safety for the Colts is two-fold. For the reasons just mentioned, improved play and added competition to hopefully help elevate this position group is a must.
But in addition to that, pure depth is a need as well. Currently under contract for the 2025 season at the safety position are Cross, Rodney Thomas, and Marcel Dabo. That’s it.
When we think of the Colts’ biggest needs this offseason, safety is easily in the top three, along with cornerback and tight end–and hopefully the offensive line isn’t added to that list.
Free agency options
The good news for the Colts is that if Ballard is going to explore free agency, there is a lot of high end talent available at safety this offseason.
With help from Over the Cap, here are the top available free agent options at the position this offseason:
Xavier Woods
Tre’von Moehrig
Jeremy Chinn
Julian Blackmon
Justin Simmons
Camryn Bynum
Jordan Poyer
Justin Reid
Harrison Smith
Isaiah Pola-Mao
Andre Cisco
Jevon Holland
Damar Hamlin
Eric Murray
Will Harris
What about the NFL draft?
Whether it be in free agency or the draft, if the Colts are going to add to the safety position, be mindful of where the safety options that are out there line up primarily. With Cross having made strides last season as a strong safety, my guess is that the Colts look to fill the deep safety role specifically.
With help from PFF’s big board, here are the top safeties available in the early rounds of this year’s draft:
Malaki Starks, Georgia
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
Sebastian Castro, Iowa
Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
Andrew Mukuba, Texas
Jonas Sanker, Virginia
Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Akili Arnold, USC
