Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts need to take advantage of loaded 2017 NFL Draft RB Group

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The 2017 NFL Draft gives the Indianapolis Colts a great opportunity to address their need at the running back position.

The Indianapolis Colts have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2007 when Joseph Addai topped the mark. Some of those years were with Peyton Manning under center and a little more understandable. However, it’s still an eye-popping streak.

Over the past two years, the lack of a ground game has had a bigger impact. The Colts offense is too reliant on Andrew Luck. Things are made worse by the fact that the offensive line struggles to provide luck with enough time.

Defenses are aware that the Colts are not a threat to run the ball which allows the pass rushers to pin their ears back and attack. All the pressure on Luck has led to errant throws, poor decisions and injuries.

The lack of a running game also doesn’t do any favors for the defense. This is a defensive unit that has problems at all levels. Those issues are magnified by the fact that the Colts are typically on the losing end when it comes to time of possession.

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Basically, a poor defensive unit is on the field way more than they should.

Indianapolis needs to focus their attention in the 2017 NFL Draft to find a running back capable of being a difference maker. Luckily, this year’s running back class is loaded with talent.

There are a group of running backs in the first round mix which include LSU’s Leonard Fournette, Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, Georgia’s Nick Chubb and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook.

This draft class also has some depth with players like Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd and San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey also strong prospects.

The Colts should lean in the direction of a bigger back capable of moving the chains. This would make Fournette, Chubb and Hurd the prime candidates. It’s time for the Colts to get themselves a running back capable of taking some pressure off of Luck.

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