Should the Indianapolis Colts trade up for the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Allstate Sugar Bowl - Alabama v Kansas State
Alabama star quarterback Bryce Young

As of now, the Indianapolis Colts own the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Would it make sense for them to trade up and grab the No. 1 pick?

The Chicago Bears currently own the top pick in the draft and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is expected to be the first player selected. But with the Bears already having a franchise QB, Justin Fieldson on their roster, they’re highly unlikely to draft Young.

If the quarterback-needy Colts stay at the No. 4 spot, they could land someone like Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis or Florida’s Anthony Richardson. They could also get somebody like Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, TCU’s Max Duggan or Stanford’s Tanner McKee later on in the draft.

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However, Young has more potential than any of those prospects. While he does have concerns about his height (6 feet tall), he possesses superb playmaking talent and field vision as well.

The player had a legendary collegiate career, throwing for a combined 8,200 yards, 79 touchdowns and 12 interceptions during his two years as a starter. He also won the prestigious Heisman Trophy award in 2021.

Should the Indianapolis Colts try to work out a deal with the Chicago Bears?

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles

Bears general manager Ryan Poles has some really serious decisions to make this offseason. He can draft Young No. 1 and trade Fields to another team. Or he can trade down and pick up additional picks that he can use to land pieces to build around Fields.

Indianapolis needs to pick up the phone and call Poles to work out a deal as soon as possible. The team has been in need of a franchise quarterback ever since Andrew Luck retired prior to the 2019 season. Veterans like Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan have not proven to be the long-term answers at the most important position in football.

This season, the Colts started three quarterbacks: Ryan—who was sadly benched twice—Sam Ehlinger and Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles.

Bryce Young would absolutely be a major upgrade over all three, which is why Indy should trade up and get the former Crimson Tide star.

To land the top pick, the Colts will have to send Chicago several picks from this year's as well next year's draft. Yet, such a move would be worth it as Indy needs a young quarterback to build around instead of another veteran.

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Edited by Kanav Seth