It's possible that the Indianapolis Colts could invest a second first-round pick in as many years into the running back position this offseason.
The Colts notoriously shipped a first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in return for Trent Richardson in 2013. Unfortunately, the former Alabama star has disappointed so mightily in his time in Indy that he is reportedly on the verge of being released. Richardson's backfield mates, Ahmad Bradshaw and Daniel Herron, are either too injury prone or ineffective too be counted on as every-down type of players.
All of this uncertainty brings us to the 2015 NFL draft where CBS Sports' Rob Rang projects the Colts to select Wisconsin running back and Heisman Trophy runner-up Melvin Gordon with the 29th overall pick.
"The 45-7 thumping by New England in the AFC Championship Game exposed Indianapolis' need for more playmakers to support Andrew Luck," Rang wrote in his NFL Mock Draft. "The trade for Trent Richardson didn't pay off and while the Colts have since received solid play from Dan Herron (among others), the opportunity to add a special runner like Gordon would have to be intriguing. The Heisman finalist, who rushed for a staggering 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2014, is an electric runner with breakaway speed."
As mentioned, the Colts could very much use a running back of Gordon's perceived caliber. Indy ranked just 22nd in the league in rushing yards per game (100.8) as Luck was forced to air it out 39 times a game. That's a higher average than Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Having a more consistent ground game would alleviate some of the pressure on Luck, who has led the Colts to three straight post-season appearances.
The Colts could also look to free agency for running back help. DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram, Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are all set to hit the open market, among others.
Whichever route the Colts decide to go, one thing is for certain: the team needs an upgrade at running back.