OLD FAN MAN
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ballard said he wants to build though the draft. so far this season he has signed low tier free agents. we are sitting good in the draft because we are a bad team. draft picks most times take a few years to be starters, how many losing seasons will we have to wait for ballard to make the team competive again, ballards way is a slow process we must learn to be patient
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One starter this year next year maybe one more will learn enough to start by year three we should have three starters from this draft
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our roster has been degraded so far in free agency as we lost some players and could not sign any impact players. o-line does not look improved and i hate for rookie draft picks to be in front of luck, if ballard drafts well we may get some starters after they develop in a few years. this is a slow way to built a team and i will have to be content with a losing record for a few years. i like the way bb builds a team better with both free agents and the draft, it works for the pats. jax seems to be using the pats method of building now and as a result are contenders
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5 hours ago, BlueShoe said:
Free Agency is far from over and the NFL Draft is still more than a month away. We are installing a zone coverage 43 based defense, and our new offense will have a heavy influence from the West Coast offense. Get used to a lot of 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, and 3 WRs).
With that said, let’s break down the Colts current roster.
Quarterback
We can feel confident that Andrew Luck will be back as all signs are pointing upwards. We know that he will have some rust. The good news is that he should have the entire offseason to re-acclimate himself and the year off was good for his body to heal up. He should be in great shape.
With Jacoby Brissett, we should feel good about our backup situation. We brought in Brad Kaaya who could be a good addition. I have no idea why Phillip Walker is still with this team.Running Back
As it stands today, Marlin Mack is the starting running back. Matt Jones and Robert Turbin are the thumpers. Christine Michael, Josh Ferguson, and George Winn round out the group.
Running back is certainly an area to target in the upcoming draft. There are a lot of good young backs in this draft and I think we need someone to compliment Mack. I could see us using a running back by committee approach with Mack, Jones, and a draft pick. Jones is 239 pounds and Mack is 210. I believe the compliment is somewhere in between (220-230).
Obviously Saquon Barkley would be an excellent draft pick, but he will likely be off the board before the 6th overall pick. Both Georgia backs fit the profile (Nick Chubb and Sony Michel). At least one of them are likely to be on the board at 36/37. If we look deeper into the early third round, then possibly Rashaad Penny will be available. If we look even deeper, then Josh Adams might be a good fit.
Wide Receiver
Outside of T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers, and Ryan Grant, the Colts receiver corps has a lot of question marks. This team needs more personnel to utilize a base set consisting of three wide receivers. Let’s face it Kolby Listenbee, K.J. Brent, Justice Liggins, Krishawn Hogan, Dres Anderson, DeAndre Smelter, James Wright, Rodney Adams, Seantavius Jones are not what we want to walk into training camp with.
T.Y. Hilton and Ryan Grant will probably play an interchangeable combination of outside and inside. I believe the Colts need to find another lengthy outside receiver in this draft. Michael Gallup and Courtland Sutton are possible options at 36/37/49. If we look in the third round, then we might find Dante Pettis, Equanimeous St. Brown, or DaeSean Hamilton on the board. Even deeper we could find Cedrick Wilson, J'Mon Moore, Allen Lazard, Jester Weah, Simmie Cobbs Jr., Javon Wims, and so on.Tight Ends
I think we are in a decent situation with Jack Doyle, Eric Ebron, and Erik Swoope. Doyle is the multifaceted tight end of the group while Ebron and Swoope are predominantly pass catchers. Darrell Daniels, Ross Travis, Jason Vander Laan, and Mo Alie-Cox round out the tight end group. There will probably be a logjam of talented tight ends in the second round. While it is not a need for the Colts, we cannot rule out a BPA pick in the second or third round. For example, it might be too hard to pass on a Mike Gesicki at 49 overall.
Offensive Line
I think we should start by reviewing where the Colts offensive line finished in 2017. In the final game of the season, the starting line from left to right was as follows; Anthony Castonzo, Jeremy Vujnovich, Mike Person, Le'Raven Clark, and Joe Haeg. Through some miracle, all five finished the game in the same positions. Castonzo, Vujnovich, Clark, and Haeg are all returning in 2018, while Person is no longer on the team.
Anthony Castonzo has been our rock since 2011 and Ryan Kelly should return from injury to provide much needed stability at center. Everything else is up-for-grabs.
Newcomer Matt Slauson is likely to find a guard position to hold down. He was a captain last year with the Chargers before a bicep ended his season early. The 32-year-old journeyman is going into his 10th season, and he can play guard or center.
Joe Haeg finished the season at right tackle, so I will pencil him in the same spot, for the moment. The remaining starting guard position is a toss-up between Denzelle Good, Le'Raven Clark, Jeremy Vujnovich, Deyshawn Bond, and Jack Mewhort.
I think Mewhort’s one-year deal confirms what we all already thought. I think we can assume from the structure of the contract that both sides (the team and him) are uncertain about his football future.
Rounding out the offensive line is Anthony Fabiano, Isaiah Williams, Mark Glowinski, and Tyreek Burwell.
It would shock everyone if Ballard and company did not select at least one offensive lineman in the upcoming draft. We have a left tackle, a center, and one guard. At the very least, we need a guard in this draft and possibly an upgrade at right tackle (if one presents itself).
Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the upcoming NFL draft and he could be there at 6 overall. Plugging him into our lineup would be a tremendous upgrade at either guard position. There will likely be a logjam of excellent interior offensive lineman in the second round. Isaiah Wynn, Billy Price, or James Daniels could be options at 36/37/49. If we look in the third round then we might find Frank Ragnow, Braden Smith, or Austin Corbett.
There might not be an elite tackle in this draft, but there are several very good prospects. Mike McGlinchey will probably be off the board before the second round. However, there is a chance for Kolton Miller, Connor Williams, or Tyrell Crosby to be available at 36/37/49. Other Day 2 possibilities are Brian O'Neill, Geron Christian, Martinas Rankin, Desmond Harrison, Jamarco Jones, and Chukwuma Okorafor.
Defensive Line
The Colts are moving from a 34-base defense to a 43-base defense. If the season started today then, Henry Anderson, Al Woods, Hassan Ridgeway, and Grover Stewart would man the inside of the line. Denico Autry, Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, and Tarell Basham would man the outside.
I am not sure where Margus Hunt would have a role. If he makes the team then it’s possible he could play a situational role along with his massive special team’s abilities. Rounding out the rest of the defensive line is Anthony Johnson, Johnathan Calvin, Caraun Reid, Joey Mbu, Josh Perry, and Arthur Miley.
We will absolutely look to improve the pass rush through the draft. Bradley Chubb would be the big name at number 6 overall. However, the Colts might find value in the second round with Arden Key, Sam Hubbard, or Lorenzo Carter at 36/37/49. Possible 3rd and 4th round candidates are Josh Sweat, Rasheem Green, Duke Ejiofor, Kemoko Turay, Chad Thomas, Tyquan Lewis, Hercules Mata'afa, Jalyn Holmes, and Kylie Fitts.
Linebackers
We desperately need 43 base off-ball linebackers. I don’t think Antonio Morrison is a good fit for a 43 zone defense. He is a two-down thumper and it just doesn't make any sense for him to be on this roster. Best case scenario he plays SAM. I just don’t see it though.
If the season started today then I think Anthony Walker would be our MIKE, Jeremiah George would be our WILL, and Darnell Sankey would be our SAM. We have little-to-no depth. Jermaine Grace and Tyrell Adams round out the linebacking corps.
While Anthony Walker is a possible mainstay, I believe a discussion could be made to upgrade any of the three linebacking positions.
This draft certainly fits the linebacker needs of the Colts. I currently have 8 off-ball linebackers ranked in the top 63, and that is far from the normal. Tremaine Edmunds is in the discussion at 6 overall. Leighton Vander Esch, Rashaan Evans, Uchenna Nwosu, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Darius Leonard, and Malik Jefferson are all in the discussion at 36/37/49.
Cornerbacks
Nate Hairston predominantly played inside in last year’s 34-man scheme, but I think he will flourish outside in the new zone coverage defense. Quincy Wilson and Hairston will man the outside. Chris Milton, Pierre Desir, D.J. White, Kenny Moore II round out the current corners on the roster.
It is likely for the Colts to look at corner in the upcoming draft. Possible fits for the new scheme include (but not limited to) Jaire Alexander, Duke Dawson, M.J. Stewart and J.C. Jackson.
Safety
If healthy then Clayton Geathers and Malik Hooker are the starters. Matthias Farley and T.J. Green will provide good depth with Ronald Martin the final safety on the current roster. It is not likely for the Colts to draft a safety, but if the right player falls then anything is possible.5 hours ago, BlueShoe said:Free Agency is far from over and the NFL Draft is still more than a month away. We are installing a zone coverage 43 based defense, and our new offense will have a heavy influence from the West Coast offense. Get used to a lot of 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, and 3 WRs).
With that said, let’s break down the Colts current roster.
Quarterback
We can feel confident that Andrew Luck will be back as all signs are pointing upwards. We know that he will have some rust. The good news is that he should have the entire offseason to re-acclimate himself and the year off was good for his body to heal up. He should be in great shape.
With Jacoby Brissett, we should feel good about our backup situation. We brought in Brad Kaaya who could be a good addition. I have no idea why Phillip Walker is still with this team.Running Back
As it stands today, Marlin Mack is the starting running back. Matt Jones and Robert Turbin are the thumpers. Christine Michael, Josh Ferguson, and George Winn round out the group.
Running back is certainly an area to target in the upcoming draft. There are a lot of good young backs in this draft and I think we need someone to compliment Mack. I could see us using a running back by committee approach with Mack, Jones, and a draft pick. Jones is 239 pounds and Mack is 210. I believe the compliment is somewhere in between (220-230).
Obviously Saquon Barkley would be an excellent draft pick, but he will likely be off the board before the 6th overall pick. Both Georgia backs fit the profile (Nick Chubb and Sony Michel). At least one of them are likely to be on the board at 36/37. If we look deeper into the early third round, then possibly Rashaad Penny will be available. If we look even deeper, then Josh Adams might be a good fit.
Wide Receiver
Outside of T.Y. Hilton, Chester Rogers, and Ryan Grant, the Colts receiver corps has a lot of question marks. This team needs more personnel to utilize a base set consisting of three wide receivers. Let’s face it Kolby Listenbee, K.J. Brent, Justice Liggins, Krishawn Hogan, Dres Anderson, DeAndre Smelter, James Wright, Rodney Adams, Seantavius Jones are not what we want to walk into training camp with.
T.Y. Hilton and Ryan Grant will probably play an interchangeable combination of outside and inside. I believe the Colts need to find another lengthy outside receiver in this draft. Michael Gallup and Courtland Sutton are possible options at 36/37/49. If we look in the third round, then we might find Dante Pettis, Equanimeous St. Brown, or DaeSean Hamilton on the board. Even deeper we could find Cedrick Wilson, J'Mon Moore, Allen Lazard, Jester Weah, Simmie Cobbs Jr., Javon Wims, and so on.Tight Ends
I think we are in a decent situation with Jack Doyle, Eric Ebron, and Erik Swoope. Doyle is the multifaceted tight end of the group while Ebron and Swoope are predominantly pass catchers. Darrell Daniels, Ross Travis, Jason Vander Laan, and Mo Alie-Cox round out the tight end group. There will probably be a logjam of talented tight ends in the second round. While it is not a need for the Colts, we cannot rule out a BPA pick in the second or third round. For example, it might be too hard to pass on a Mike Gesicki at 49 overall.
Offensive Line
I think we should start by reviewing where the Colts offensive line finished in 2017. In the final game of the season, the starting line from left to right was as follows; Anthony Castonzo, Jeremy Vujnovich, Mike Person, Le'Raven Clark, and Joe Haeg. Through some miracle, all five finished the game in the same positions. Castonzo, Vujnovich, Clark, and Haeg are all returning in 2018, while Person is no longer on the team.
Anthony Castonzo has been our rock since 2011 and Ryan Kelly should return from injury to provide much needed stability at center. Everything else is up-for-grabs.
Newcomer Matt Slauson is likely to find a guard position to hold down. He was a captain last year with the Chargers before a bicep ended his season early. The 32-year-old journeyman is going into his 10th season, and he can play guard or center.
Joe Haeg finished the season at right tackle, so I will pencil him in the same spot, for the moment. The remaining starting guard position is a toss-up between Denzelle Good, Le'Raven Clark, Jeremy Vujnovich, Deyshawn Bond, and Jack Mewhort.
I think Mewhort’s one-year deal confirms what we all already thought. I think we can assume from the structure of the contract that both sides (the team and him) are uncertain about his football future.
Rounding out the offensive line is Anthony Fabiano, Isaiah Williams, Mark Glowinski, and Tyreek Burwell.
It would shock everyone if Ballard and company did not select at least one offensive lineman in the upcoming draft. We have a left tackle, a center, and one guard. At the very least, we need a guard in this draft and possibly an upgrade at right tackle (if one presents itself).
Quenton Nelson is the best offensive lineman in the upcoming NFL draft and he could be there at 6 overall. Plugging him into our lineup would be a tremendous upgrade at either guard position. There will likely be a logjam of excellent interior offensive lineman in the second round. Isaiah Wynn, Billy Price, or James Daniels could be options at 36/37/49. If we look in the third round then we might find Frank Ragnow, Braden Smith, or Austin Corbett.
There might not be an elite tackle in this draft, but there are several very good prospects. Mike McGlinchey will probably be off the board before the second round. However, there is a chance for Kolton Miller, Connor Williams, or Tyrell Crosby to be available at 36/37/49. Other Day 2 possibilities are Brian O'Neill, Geron Christian, Martinas Rankin, Desmond Harrison, Jamarco Jones, and Chukwuma Okorafor.
Defensive Line
The Colts are moving from a 34-base defense to a 43-base defense. If the season started today then, Henry Anderson, Al Woods, Hassan Ridgeway, and Grover Stewart would man the inside of the line. Denico Autry, Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, and Tarell Basham would man the outside.
I am not sure where Margus Hunt would have a role. If he makes the team then it’s possible he could play a situational role along with his massive special team’s abilities. Rounding out the rest of the defensive line is Anthony Johnson, Johnathan Calvin, Caraun Reid, Joey Mbu, Josh Perry, and Arthur Miley.
We will absolutely look to improve the pass rush through the draft. Bradley Chubb would be the big name at number 6 overall. However, the Colts might find value in the second round with Arden Key, Sam Hubbard, or Lorenzo Carter at 36/37/49. Possible 3rd and 4th round candidates are Josh Sweat, Rasheem Green, Duke Ejiofor, Kemoko Turay, Chad Thomas, Tyquan Lewis, Hercules Mata'afa, Jalyn Holmes, and Kylie Fitts.
Linebackers
We desperately need 43 base off-ball linebackers. I don’t think Antonio Morrison is a good fit for a 43 zone defense. He is a two-down thumper and it just doesn't make any sense for him to be on this roster. Best case scenario he plays SAM. I just don’t see it though.
If the season started today then I think Anthony Walker would be our MIKE, Jeremiah George would be our WILL, and Darnell Sankey would be our SAM. We have little-to-no depth. Jermaine Grace and Tyrell Adams round out the linebacking corps.
While Anthony Walker is a possible mainstay, I believe a discussion could be made to upgrade any of the three linebacking positions.
This draft certainly fits the linebacker needs of the Colts. I currently have 8 off-ball linebackers ranked in the top 63, and that is far from the normal. Tremaine Edmunds is in the discussion at 6 overall. Leighton Vander Esch, Rashaan Evans, Uchenna Nwosu, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Darius Leonard, and Malik Jefferson are all in the discussion at 36/37/49.
Cornerbacks
Nate Hairston predominantly played inside in last year’s 34-man scheme, but I think he will flourish outside in the new zone coverage defense. Quincy Wilson and Hairston will man the outside. Chris Milton, Pierre Desir, D.J. White, Kenny Moore II round out the current corners on the roster.
It is likely for the Colts to look at corner in the upcoming draft. Possible fits for the new scheme include (but not limited to) Jaire Alexander, Duke Dawson, M.J. Stewart and J.C. Jackson.
Safety
If healthy then Clayton Geathers and Malik Hooker are the starters. Matthias Farley and T.J. Green will provide good depth with Ronald Martin the final safety on the current roster. It is not likely for the Colts to draft a safety, but if the right player falls then anything is possible.what a post, gets my vote for post of the year
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8 hours ago, gacker65 said:
Why would you pass on the best player in the draft when you can get one of your QBs at 4?????
i agree barkley will go first
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i hope ballard does not rely on rookie draft picks to protect our qb or some bottom of the pile free agents, we need nfl proven young elite free agents to protect our franchise qb
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is this guy an upgrade on a bad line or more of the same?
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On 3/20/2018 at 4:47 PM, theanarchist said:
It's obviously clear now that this is a complete rebuild. Coach on down. Ballard makes the trade out of the #3 spot to acquire more picks and lets a couple of solid free agents in Melvin and Moncrief walk and cuts our best defensive linemen. In turn he is in the midst of signing more free agents who failed to shine at their first stops: Ebron, Grant, Autry. All three are very ordinary players and none of those three really offer any hope of what could be an impact type career here with the Colts.
Ballard's first draft was, in my opinion, nothing to write home about. Although its hard to judge a draft after one year it seems to me that his first draft class, which was DB heavy, seems to be very average. It's great to build through the draft, definitely have to grow your own. We need playmakers guys. We need a Dallas Clark, we need a Robert Mathis, we need a Bob Sanders, we need an Edgerrin James. We need a Dwight Freeney, we need a lunch pail type Gary Brackett middle linebacker. We need a true anchor on the line like Tarek Glenn was. We need a Jeff Saturday. We cant get those all at once obviously but we need a couple of those kinds of players this year or its going to be a 2-14 season and if Luck does come back healthy it wont last if we don't. Right now this team lacks so much it's difficult for me to imagine how long its going to take for this team to ever really compete again. I know that in the NFL you can turn around a team in a year. But that isn't going to happen with this team. Its going to take much longer than that.
Right now we have 1 healthy playmaker on this team and that player is TY Hilton. Andrew Luck is still a huge question mark and the offensive line that we currently have will get him killed if they don't invest in it heavily. Hooker could eventually be a playmaking centerfielder but is no Bob Sanders, a defensive field general. We literally have no pass rushing threats on this team. You can argue Sheard but in the end he's a solid player that doesn't make another offense game plan for him line they had to for Freeney and Mathis. We don't even have an every down Running back on this team right now. We have a 3rd down back and a short yardage specialist.
I hate to be negative but I forsee a long a haul and I sure hope that Ballard is able to put together a better draft than he did his first go aroungd.
i concur good post
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7 hours ago, Mr.Debonair said:
Once again, nobody is asking Ballard to blow the bank on FA’s. Ppl keep posting “Ballard’s Free Agency Strategy” as of it’s going to change people’s opinions. Then you guys keep throwing the money argument out here like the Colts have none.
Ppl who disagree with his inaction thus far ate concerned about Andrew Luck having to once again play behind a line that will get him beat up. They don’t really care about not getting the Honey Badger or someone like that. Paying a little bit for proven OL to protect your Franchise QB is what some here wanted.
Building through the draft is great and I hope it works out. However, at this point ppl have the right to question the inactivity
I concur
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4 hours ago, Old Colt said:
Then he cuts the only name big name player HE signed and last year... blames scheme change..guess no one runs the ball when they face a 4-3 defense. Then again, maybe they won't run against the Colts, since we are letting our only corners walk... going to be a long 2 or 3 years.
i concur
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does this mean we will have a winning record in 2018
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57 minutes ago, Smonroe said:
I'm not going to go back and read 9 pages of complaints or justifications, so I'll just add mine.
Hankins played in a 4-3 most of his career, so scheme was not the issue. It's been reported that he's not a pass rush threat. But he is a known proven run stopper that clogs and pushes the middle. That allows for pressure from the outside. And we all know QBs hate the pressure up the middle more than anything.
Bottom line - every move by Ballard should be to improve the team. I just don't see how replacing him with an unproven player improves the team. Even if we draft an interior lineman in the first round, it's a wash at that position IMO, and costs us a draft pick.
Sorry for the rant, I just don't get it.
we let go our best up the gut run stopper, does ballard want other teams to run up the gut on us so we wont give up big pass plays on third down?
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5 minutes ago, Smonroe said:
I'm not going to go back and read 9 pages of complaints or justifications, so I'll just add mine.
Hankins played in a 4-3 most of his career, so scheme was not the issue. It's been reported that he's not a pass rush threat. But he is a known proven run stopper that clogs and pushes the middle. That allows for pressure from the outside. And we all know QBs hate the pressure up the middle more than anything.
Bottom line - every move by Ballard should be to improve the team. I just don't see how replacing him with an unproven player improves the team. Even if we draft an interior lineman in the first round, it's a wash at that position IMO, and costs us a draft pick.
Sorry for the rant, I just don't get it.
i concur
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11 hours ago, GoColts8818 said:
I think his real approach is to grow his own big names like Polian did.
we will need to be patient for a few years things take time to grow, i like the bb method upgrade any position any way you can, dont write off any season upgrade to win and compete each season
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looks like ballard wants to start a lot of inexperienced rookie draft picks, high pick next year on the way, be patient he has a plan
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15 hours ago, CR91 said:
OK Ballard isn't the most popular guy right now, but let's put this into perspective.
1. Not active in FA
This FA class has been labeled numerous times as a weak class. Yes I understand we have money and holes, but winning in March does not mean winning in September October November December January or February. Ballard is being smart with the cap instead of being locked in big contracts for average players.
2. Released Hankins
Honestly this left me scratching my head too, but I honestly believe this was influenced more by Hankins then the colts for numerous reasons other then scheme change which honestly don't even think was the biggest reason. Hankins imo did not understand Lucks situation just like the rest of us and doesn't like the direction the team is going and if that is the case, there is the door. Ballard has said from day one this isn't about one player and that is how it should be.
3. Not resigning our own FAs
This imo isn't the biggest issue because we really didn't lose anyone we couldn't replace. Moncrief has been hurt and inconsistent. Melvin and Mingo had one good/solid season. We can find better. Ballard is molding this team for what he understands is a successful team and that is building from within and being smart with the cap.
Now what has Ballard done to help the team?
He got us 7 picks in the first 2 rounds in the next two years, he's building a culture where everyone is held liable and if you don't perform you will not be a colt, and he's making smart decisions by getting the RIGHT guys instead of just big names.
We will be successful in due time.
i hope he finds a starter or two from his draft picks that can start in a few years
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20 hours ago, cgi4life said:
OL, OL and more OL. I just want to fix this issue once and for all.
with draft picks it will take a few years for them to learn the nfl way
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8 hours ago, John Waylon said:
Solid idea, but kinda worrisome when you stop and think that one of our draft picks last year didn’t even make it out of training camp, and actually couldn’t even stay latched on with the Browns, one spent half a season as a healthy scratch even when injuries riddled the position, and then there’s Terrell Basham.
Excuse me if my confidence in him is a wee bit fuzzy at the moment.
i for one like to see upgrades at most positions each season however we get them, not wait a few years to see if ballards draft picks will turn out to be upgrades. draft picks are a crapshoot, with young proven talent we can compete each season like the pats do not wait a few years for maybe as our qb ages
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4 hours ago, Nesjan3 said:
Ill wait to pass judgement. Releasing Hankins today is a real head scratcher for me though. I think Ballard has a plan, by the looks of it he is looking forward a few years, not trying to win now.
different than bb who has new faces every year and still wins, the future is now not three years from now
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2 minutes ago, BlueShoe said:
It might take us some time, but it could also happen quickly.
A healthy Luck puts us back in contention. As long as we can protect him and run the ball a little then we will be in ball games.
Look at what New Orleans did last year with those great picks.
yes there is always hope, bb does it every year with a lot of new faces, philly turned it around quick too
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looks like ballard is writing off 2018, hard to find day one starters out of the top 3, most draft picks take a few years to start, imo he is building for 2019 and 2020, the lack of free agents signed makes it look more like he is looking a few years down the road. he has a plan if we are patient, at 74 years of age i may not have time to see another colts winning season
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back to not stopping the run, jax, texans or titans will sign him
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at least starting the season with the same players we will know if it was coaching or talent
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nero fiddles while rome burns
Offensive Line Take Two.....
in Colts Football
Posted
dont see any upgrades so far on the worst o-line in the nfl