Picture this: You’re working to assemble your ideal team and find the next big star when someone suddenly steps in to take your guy. That’s precisely how things are at the moment in Indianapolis. While Shane Steichen and the Colts are making draft power plays. Nick Sirianni (Eagles) and Dave Canales (Panthers) are circling like vultures, looking for one of Indianapolis’ defensive standouts. Let’s dive into the mayhem.
If you have been following along, you must be aware that Indianapolis has a history of adding young, promising defensive talent. And they are doing it again. At the Big 12 Pro Day, Shane Steichen had a little chit-chat with Korie Black, the cornerback for Oklahoma State. Their interest is noteworthy. But they weren’t the only ones there—Jacksonville, Dallas, New England, Minnesota, and Baltimore all showed up. And New Orleans even had a private session.
But the question is – why is every team so interested in Korie Black? The dude showed off his skills at the Pro Day – dropping an unofficial 4.35 hand-timed 40-yard dash and posting a 39-inch vertical, proving that he is FAST. And his numbers over the years speak for themselves. He logged 2,300 snaps at Oklahoma State, mostly lined up on the boundary. A career completion rate of just 53%. But when he does get beat, it’s for big plays. 15.1 yards per catch allowed—so that’s something to clean up.
Now, I know what you are thinking and before you start shouting, ‘But we just signed some DBs in free agency!‘—yeah, I know. Let’s not pretend that bringing in young, explosive talent is always a bad idea. Even though the cornerback room looks different. Plus, Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard love a good project. And if Korie Black is still on the board at the right time, don’t be shocked if Indy pulls out their chequebook and signs him.
While Shane Steichen is occupied with the scouting of new players, a few well-known personalities are prying into Indianapolis’ present roster. Julian Blackmon, who has been one of the Colts’ most reliable defensive playmakers, is being eyed by both the Eagles and the Panthers. And why not? Since joining the league, the guy has amassed 300 total tackles, 10 interceptions, and 21 pass breakups. And just like that, everyone wants him.
Sirianni and Canales want an Indy star? Shane Steichen’s not letting this slide
The Eagles want him because they just lost C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston – which still feels unreal, but whatever! Plus, Philly needs a ball-hawking safety. And Blackmon has everything they need—versatility, experience, and most importantly, he is also affordable for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to sign. The best part? Vic Fangio knows exactly how to use guys like Blackmon, so if he lands in Philly, it might just be an unfair steal.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are struggling badly on the defense line. They had the worst record in the league the previous season. And the solution they are going for? Just throw money at your problems. If reports are to be believed, they’re ready to offer Blackmon a three-year, $24 million deal to help fix their disaster of a secondary. A tempting offer, indeed.
Enter Shane Steichen—who isn’t going to make it so easy for them. As he isn’t just focused on scouting, he’s also working on keeping his roster intact. If the Colts let Blackmon go, their defense would suffer greatly—because honestly, they already struggled with consistency last season. Ranked 24th in passing yards. A leader in the secondary like Blackmon helps stabilize a defense that has been prone to giving up chunk plays, and with other teams sniffing around, you can bet that Steichen and Ballard will at least try to make a counterplay. It’s unclear if that will entail re-signing Blackmon or making an unexpected draft selection, but Steichen isn’t the kind of person who just watches great players leave.
Even though there isn’t as much of a need at cornerback as there once was, the Colts’ interest in Korie Black indicates that they are still attempting to stack talent. The draft is still their top priority. What about Julian Blackmon? It may be written on the wall. It appears increasingly likely that he is leaving, with teams like Carolina and Philadelphia poised to make a move.
Power moves are being made by Shane Steichen. However, the question is whether the Colts can prevent their former stars from leaving?
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