Colts’ Best Trade Asset After 53-man Roster Cuts

The Indianapolis Colts have a robust offensive line, however a deal involving Ben Banogu may assist the road get youthful and stronger for the following season.

The Colts boast one of many strongest offensive traces within the NFL, however they’ve not too long ago needed to deal with some severe weaknesses. Anthony Castonzo’s retirement on the finish of the 2020 season left a big void at left deal with. This prompted Indy to think about the place’s future. They tried to kind a left deal with by committee, but it surely didn’t go effectively. This 12 months, they chose Bernhard Raimann within the third spherical. Nonetheless, is that adequate?

Left deal with stays a transparent and current want for the Colts. To fill that want, nevertheless, they may want to drag the set off on an early or a mid-season commerce that entails fourth-year edge rusher Ben Banogu.

Having stated that, let’s check out what makes Banogu the Indianapolis Colts’ finest commerce asset after their ultimate roster cuts.

Colts’ finest commerce asset

DE Ben Banogu

Indiana Colts GM Chris Ballard believes in establishing probably the most athletic squad potential.

“I need to ensure that we’re getting one of the best man with traits,” Colts GM Chris Ballard stated on an episode of the Colts’ in-house collection With the First Decide. “Let’s guess on the traits. Wager on high-end, high-end traits.”

Enter Ben Banogu. Ballard truly drafted Banogu within the second spherical in 2019 after he achieved a wonderful relative athletic rating in the course of the predraft course of. Sadly, his exceptional athleticism hasn’t transferred to the sphere.

Banogu has solely 2.5 sacks over the course of three seasons. To be honest, the sting rusher has contended with hamstring and ankle issues. Nonetheless, the Colts have reached the purpose the place they only require extra from the place.

Consequently, this summer season, Ballard acquired Yannick Ngakoue to behave as the primary man in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system. So as to add competitors, the membership additionally re-signed Tyquan Lewis and added Ifeadi Odenigbo. Kids Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo must also each enhance of their second years. This was a transparent message to Banogu that both he ought to actually form up his manufacturing or get able to be shipped out.

The truth is Banogu has an uphill battle for the reason that Colts have already got depth on the defensive position within the type of these extra attention-grabbing rookies and second-year gamers.

After all, maybe the Colts will nonetheless try and see whether or not Banogu’s potential manifests itself this season. He did make it to the 53-man roster in any case.

Conversely, they will additionally commerce him on a low-level contract now that their defensive position is considerably extra regular than it was earlier than the summer season.

Once more, Banogu seems to have fallen out of favor in Indianapolis. He appeared in all 16 video games throughout his debut season in 2019. In distinction, he then appeared in simply 9 video games in 2020 and 2021 mixed. It’s clearly tough to make any kind of influence whenever you’re not on the sphere. Nonetheless, even in his full rookie season, Banogu recorded the aforementioned 2.5 sacks along with one compelled fumble, 11 tackles, and 5 QB hits.

Then, in 2020, he dropped dramatically, registering solely six tackles. That’s all. He simply has two tackles and one QB hit in 2021.

So, ought to the Indianapolis Colts commerce an underperforming defensive finish for a doubtlessly useful participant, probably on the offensive finish? Probably.

One potential choice is including depth to their offensive line. Once more, the left deal with spot appears top to enhance.

One intriguing risk is sending Ben Banogu to the Chicago Bears for 24-year-old offensive deal with Teven Jenkins. The Bears are reportedly actively procuring Jenkins, so why not discover the potential of a deal, proper?

On this state of affairs, the Colts commerce an underperforming defensive finish for a rookie offensive lineman at a place the place they’ve little depth. Indy would take an opportunity on Jenkins after giving Banogu three years to show himself. On the opposite aspect, the Bears would do away with a man who allegedly doesn’t need to be there whereas additionally including depth at a place of want.

Having stated that, there’s additionally an opportunity that the Colts might not be prepared to surrender on Banogu. That is particularly now that new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is in cost. Banogu has solely performed underneath coach Matt Eberflus in any case. He could but have the potential to be an incredible participant however simply has not match earlier schemes. Chris Ballard picked Banogu for his flexibility and athleticism. That kind of participant seems to be what the staff has introduced in for this 12 months’s protection. Additionally, if Banogu was at odds with Eberflus right here, he’ll most definitely be at odds in Chicago, too. This will likely even be Banogu’s 12 months to actually show himself to the Colts’ entrance workplace.