The Indianapolis Colts have the fourth pick in the 2023 NFL Draftand the quarterback-hungry organization may have hinted at who they’d like to draft in the first round.
At the presentation press conference on Tuesday for head coach Shane SteichenColts owner Jim Irsay told reporters the signing was made with the development of a young quarterback in mind.
Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen before the NFC divisional playoff game against the New York Giants on January 21, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«You just felt like Shane had a lot of that offensive magic, which is hard to find in this league,» Irsay said, according to the Indy Star. «Offense, in my opinion, can be a little more complex. It takes a lot longer to develop, Knowing that we’re going to have to find a young quarterback to develop, that’s a key factor.»
SATURDAY JEFF THANKS COLTS ORGANIZATION AFTER SHANE STEICHEN HIRING, ADDRESSES WILD REQUEST THAT STARTED FAN
The Colts haven’t been able to find the right quarterback since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in 2019.
The organization traded for the former No. 2 overall pick before the 2021 season, going with Carson Wentz below center.
In 2022, the The Colts traded for a veteran quarterback Matt Ryan, benching him after a Week 7 loss to the Tennessee Titans in favor of second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger.
Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during the Tarik Glenn Ring of Honor ceremony at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Ehlinger would finish the season with three starts, Ryan with 12, and veteran Nick Foles with two starts under center.
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The Colts need a quarterback, and Irsay acknowledged the need Tuesday and praised one prospect in particular.
«No one can shy away from the fact of what quarterback means in this league,» Irsay said, «and how we need to look forward where Shane [Steichen]and, [general manager] chris [Ballard] really dig into this draft and really see where you are. Do you stay still? do you change? There are many things you can do. They took Jalen [Hurts] in the second round.»
Ballard chimed in to suggest that the team could also change before Irsay drafted a quarterback.
Alabama Crimson Tide’s Bryce Young reacts after throwing a touchdown pass during the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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«Although the kid from Alabama doesn’t look bad, I’ll tell you,» Irsay said, referring to Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
It will be interesting to see if Young is still available as the Houston Texans, another QB-hungry team, have the second pick in the draft.