Entering the new season, the Indianapolis Colts are set to heavily rely on a defensive line with the potential to be one of the best in the NFL.
With a solid core featuring DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Samson Ebukam, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Kwity Paye, the Colts also added rookie edge rusher Laiatu Latu as their first-round pick.
However, one NFL analyst suggests they should make a blockbuster trade to acquire a star defensive tackle, elevating their defensive line to elite status.
Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report proposed that the Colts trade a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders for star Jonathan Allen.
Adding a player of Jonathan Allen’s caliber could be the key to boosting the Colts in a competitive AFC. A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen is a dominant force on the interior and has become one of the league’s top three-down defensive tackles.
As the Colts aim to compete with the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and an improving Tennessee Titans roster in the AFC South, acquiring Allen could significantly enhance their performance ceiling.
While this trade is unlikely to happen, it’s an intriguing idea. Sending two draft picks for a star defensive tackle like Allen would strengthen an already formidable defensive line.
Imagine an interior trio of Buckner, Stewart, and Allen, with Ebukam, Paye, Odeyingbo, and Latu on the edge. Additionally, Tyquan Lewis would provide valuable depth.
Allen is under contract for the next two seasons with cap hits of $21.4 million and $23 million in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Although financially feasible, it would impact the cap.
Allen has been a consistent standout as a pass-rusher and would excel in Gus Bradley’s attacking front. Over the last three seasons, he has ranked 14th, 10th, and 2nd in total pressures among defensive tackles.
While it’s likely a pipe dream, it’s an exciting scenario to consider as training camp approaches.
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