'Lying in the weeds for Lamar Jackson?' How Colts could improve in NFL power rankings

The Indianapolis Colts lost their last seven games last season and have been relatively quiet in addressing roster needs in NFL free agency. They hope to turn their fortunes starting with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

They aren't receiving much love right now, but there's a sliver of brightness: At least they aren't the Arizona Cardinals.

Amelia Probst, Pro Football Focus: 32nd

The Colts free agency moves were a bit disappointing: They signed a kicker to the largest free-agent contract at the position in NFL history when they have much more pressing issues. They lost key players on defense — cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker Bobby Okereke — but added edge Samson Ebukam. Ebukam was on a talented 49ers defense and will produce for the Colts.

With the Colts' starting quarterback job up for grabs between Gardner Minshew, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger — or maybe someone from the 2023 draft class — it’s not a promising look for the season.

If they need him: Gardner Minshew's role has yet to be defined

Dan Hanzus, NFL.com: 31st, up 1 spot from his previous list

Are the Colts lying in the weeds for Lamar Jackson? You have to figure someone will eventually make an aggressive play for a 26-year-old former MVP, and Indianapolis checks all the boxes. Premium draft capital? Check. Ample salary-cap space? Check. Need at quarterback? Check. Scheme fit? Check. What we don't know is what Jim Irsay thinks about Jackson, and whether the owner and GM Chris Ballard would consider meeting his salary demands. Rarely does a struggling team get the chance to reboot the machine and upload itself back to relevance with one seismic transaction. Opportunity knocks.

From the team owner:Cost of going after Lamar Jackson might be too high

Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated: 29th

The Colts got the most critical part of their offseason right: hiring Shane Steichen. After that, it’s been up to interpretation. They’ve made some targeted gambles on the defensive line and brought in their likely bridge quarterback in Gardner Minshew, who played for Steichen in Philadelphia and logged some quality snaps. This upcoming draft is going to have to be something of a masterpiece for GM Chris Ballard, though.

GM's status:Ballard's 'not on some quick hot seat,' but Colts owner wants progress

ESPN: 30th, no change

When you're the second-lowest-scoring team in the NFL (17.0 points per game last season), points are precious. Considering the Colts haven't done much yet to upgrade their offense and will possibly have a rookie quarterback in 2023, anything that puts points on the board should be considered a win. The Colts secured the best kicker on the market for the next four seasons, giving them a long-term answer at a critical spot. Now, as for the rest of the offense, the jury is still out.

Insider:Why the Colts made Matt Gay the highest paid free agent kicker in NFL history

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 31st, up 1

The Colts are figuring out their QB situation behind Gardner Minshew for new offensive-minded coach Shane Steichen and also lost a few key defensive players. They will slide to the bottom of a weak division.

O-line issues:Why Steichen believes Sparano is the right man to fix it