Stampede Blue
After looking at players No. 10 through No. 6 in the Colts’ trade-value rankings, the second part of this exercise turns to the team’s most valuable assets. This does not mean Indianapolis should trade any of these players, and in most cases, the Colts would be creating a major roster hole by even considering it. The goal is simply to estimate each player’s league-wide trade value based on age, production, contract, position and how valuable similar players tend to be around the NFL.
Projected trade value: Second-round pick, possibly a late first
Latu’s value is built on age, contract control and positional importance. Young edge rushers with legitimate pass-rush upside are among the most valuable players in football, and Latu has already shown enough to be viewed as a building block for the Colts’ defense. He is not just a rotational player anymore. He is someone teams would look at and believe there is still another level coming.
A second-round pick feels like the safest projected value, but there is a real argument that the number could climb higher. If a team believed Latu was on the verge of becoming a double-digit sack edge rusher, a late first-round pick would not be impossible. Edge is too important, and young pass rushers do not become available often.
For the Colts, trading him would make very little sense. They need more pass rush, not less, and moving Latu would create the same type of hole they have been trying to fill for years. Still, in a pure trade-value exercise, he belongs this high because of the position he plays and the trajectory he appears to be on.
Projected trade value: Second-round pick plus a Day 3 pick
Nelson is still one of the best guards in football, and his league-wide reputation remains extremely strong. He is consistent, durable, powerful and respected around the NFL.
The reason his value is not higher comes down to age, contract and position. Guards are valuable, but they do not carry the same trade market as quarterbacks, left tackles, edge rushers or corners. Nelson’s salary would also factor into the return, which probably keeps him out of first-round territory.
A second-round pick plus a Day 3 selection feels realistic. A contender with offensive line issues could justify that kind of move, especially if it believed Nelson was the difference between a good line and a dominant one. For the Colts, though, Nelson is still worth more than the pick package because of what he means to the offensive identity and the stability he gives the line.
Projected trade value: Second-round pick or third-round pick plus another selection
Taylor is still one of the best running backs in football, but running back trade value is always complicated. His talent says he should be worth a premium pick. The market for veteran running backs says teams would be more cautious.
That is why his...
