NFL Rumors: DeAndre Hopkins top suitor, Tony Pollard contract, Colts trade back

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. NFL Rumors (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)

NFL Rumors: Could the Colts trade back and still find their quarterback?

Per Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts have considered moving back in the NFL Draft, rather than forward, to select their quarterback of the future. For far too long the Colts have gone with stopgap quarterbacks instead of starting from scratch.

Gardner Minshew would be more of the same in that sense, but only if Chris Ballard opts against drafting a QB early.

Reports initially connected the Colts to both Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. Even Will Levis and Anthony Richardson are intriguing to Ballard, and it’s easy to see why. But all four of those players will be gone within the first 15 picks in late April’s showcase.

The Colts select fourth, and would have their pick of Richardson or Levis if they stay put. Trading back, however, gives them an opportunity to collect future draft capital and fill more holes on a team full of them. QB is just one of the long-term issues with this team’s roster construction.

Indianapolis also likes Hendon Hooker, who was well on his way to Heisman consideration before suffering a season-ending injury. Hooker’s injury takes him out of consideration as an early first-round pick, but if the Colts play their cards right they can still get their guy and load up on future picks as well.

Indy showed their hand a few weeks ago, inviting Hooker to their facility as a top-30 visit.