3 Potential Successors for Philip Rivers the Indianapolis Colts Could Take in the 2020 NFL Draft

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard gave Jacoby Brissett a shot at replacing Andrew Luck in 2019, and it just didn't happen for the former third round draft pick out of NC State. Ironically, the most famous quarterback in NC State history was brought in to replace him, veteran Philip Rivers.

Rivers is not a long-term fix however, he signed a one-year deal and depending how things go it could be a one-and-done season with Indy. Brissett is also a free agent in 2021, so Ballard will have some decisions to make after the upcoming campaign, decisions that he may begin to address this April.

The Colts are not loaded with draft picks after trading their first round pick for DeForest Buckner in March. They have two picks in Round 2, a pick each in Rounds 3-5, and three more in Round 6. It is possible that the future Colts franchise quarterback lies within these eight picks. Here are the three most likely QB candidates, available in the draft.

3. Jordan Love, Utah State

Is Jordan Love the real steal of the 2020 draft? / Chris Gardner/Getty Images

Based on all the hype surrounding Jordan Love the last couple months, it may be unlikely he falls out of the first round the NFL Draft. Even so, it's not impossible. The athletically gifted quarterback out of Utah State has drawn Patrick Mahomes comparisons in terms of raw ability, but his interception totals and lack of awareness on defensive reads make him a risk. If he dropped to the Colts at 34th overall, Love would be a good guy to take a risk on.

2. Jake Fromm, Georgia

What Jake Fromm lacks in raw talent, he makes up for in his professionalism and winning mentality. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

This one is almost the sheer opposite of Love, but Jake Fromm may actually better fit what the Colts are looking for long-term. The Georgia Bulldog is an accurate passer who was a winner in college behind a nice offensive line. The Colts would be the perfect transition for Fromm at the NFL level, and the young signal caller has the smarts and the wherewithal to read NFL defenses, even if he lacks the size and arm strength to be considered a top prospect. One year behind Rivers could teach the rookie a thing or two, and have him ready to take over in 2021.

1. Jacob Eason, Washington

Jacob Eason matches up at the Colts best fit in the 2020 draft class. / Abbie Parr/Getty Images

The quarterback that I have seen linked to the Colts the most in mock drafts has been Jacob Eason out of Washington. Perhaps this is because Eason bares some resemblance to Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning, the last two Indianapolis franchise quarterbacks. Not to say Eason is anywhere near the talent or pedigree of those two legendary figures, but he does fit the build. The 6-foot-6-inch pocket passer is known for his big arm and toughness on the field. Like Fromm, Eason should be available for the Colts either late in the second or possibly in the third round. He could use a bit of grooming, but that fits perfectly behind Rivers.

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Michael Obermuller is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Michael Obermuller also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username king_mizzard. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.