The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting periods of the entire league year.
For some teams, this is a chance to add a blue-chip prospect who they hope will change the fortunes of the franchise.
For others, they have minimal cap space, so the draft is an opportunity for them to add cost effective players who can contribute to the mix right now.
For teams like the Indianapolis Colts, they fall squarely in the middle of the two, and are in a unique spot to pick the best player available.
Everyone knows that they need a tight end and it seems likely that the team’s No. 1 selection will be used on one.
However, the Colts are eyeing a player at an intriguing position later on in the draft.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network recently reported that Indianapolis conducted a virtual meeting with running back Jarquez Hunter.
With Johnathan Taylor being solidified as the team’s running back for the foreseeable future, this may seem like a head scratching move, but a closer look reveals that drafting another running back is a necessity.
The former All-Pro running back has been generational when he’s been on the field, proving at certain points throughout last season that he can win a game all by himself.
The problem is, Taylor is never on the field enough to fully realize his potential.
After having an incredibly healthy first couple of seasons in the NFL, the Wisconsin running back has missed 16 games over the last three years.
Taylor’s talent when he is on the field is too overwhelming to move on from him, but it would be smart to secure a guy who can start in the event of an injury.
Not only that, but Hunter is a nice change of pace from Taylor, something the Colts have been searching for a while for.
The two-time Pro-Bowler isn’t slow by any means, but he’s much more of a powerful, between-the-tackles type of runner that can bust one open if he gets to the second level.
The Auburn product isn’t slated to be selected until day 3 of the draft, so Indianapolis won’t have to spend a whole lot of capital on him.
But Hunter is a nice insurance piece to have in case Taylor’s time with the Colts is cut shorter than expected.
