Here's is what i think our staff maybe overlooking that I may give Indiana credit for...
To date, CKD likes to play in space the whole field, it takes elite QBs and range athletic OL and commodity RBs to play that way. That type player is in demand by every top team. But not every top team will be able to sign enough of that talent to have a complete unit rendering it imperfect likely not able to fulfill championship aspirations. Not enough elite DL to fill out an entire defensive front unless you are spending obscene money and even still not likely.
Now, what is available in HS and the portal? A bunch of 0-3 star talent that can manage a game (QB) and play tough and run block. Simply, there a bunch of guys who are the same.
But to make these pieces work you need an offensive system that utilizes them at optimum performance. To me means more play action pro set formations and more focus running the ball.
Imo, if we want to be more effective in the portal we need to change our offensive philosophy. There simply not enough of the pieces we need obtainable. Indeed, the most effective team performance wise might also be the effective cost wise.