The Colts targeted on the NFL draft, the mom on QB Jackson

Stephen HolderESPN3:29 PM ET3 Minute Learn

Colts targeted on the draft

Colts coach Shane Steichen discusses the group’s plan at quarterback.

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts coach Shane Steichen requested if the group has shifted its focus from free agent Lamar Jackson to the NFL draft in its seek for a franchise quarterback, and urged the group is extra preoccupied with the draft in the mean time.

“We’re targeted on the draft and I’m targeted on the blokes which can be within the constructing proper now,” mentioned Steichen, whose group began its offseason program this week. “Right here we’re.”

The Colts have been maybe the group most carefully related to Jackson, who was licensed by the Baltimore Ravens however is eligible to take care of any group.

Colts common supervisor Chris Ballard admitted throughout final month’s annual NFL assembly that the Colts are exploring the opportunity of buying Jackson, saying, “Anytime there’s a particular participant out there — which he’s — you must Get work completed.” Steichen himself beforehand mentioned the Colts would do their “due diligence” on all quarterbacks when requested about curiosity in Jackson.

However Wednesday’s feedback are available in tandem with different current statements and actions by the Colts that recommend curiosity in Jackson could also be waning. The Colts even have fourth total choose, which places them ready to choose among the finest quarterbacks.

Proprietor Jim Irsay just lately mentioned he was against giving up the 2 first-round picks it will take to accumulate Jackson if the Colts signed him on a proposal sheet the Ravens didn’t need to take over. These pickaxes, mentioned Irsay, “are like gold.”

“Our perception and my perception has at all times been that you simply construct by design, the design is your pipeline to success or failure,” Irsay mentioned. “It’s all about this.”

Now the Colts are in the midst of their pre-draft analysis, conducting exercises with every of the draft’s prime 4 quarterbacks: Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Younger, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Kentucky’s Will Levis.

“We’re 15 days away from draft and we’re nonetheless engaged on all of this stuff,” Steichen mentioned.

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