AwesomeAustin

You are right and the offense did struggle when MPJ was out. One of the other receivers or TEs need to elevate their game. I still don’t think Higgins and MPJ at the salaries they will both command would be a dynamic enough duo to warrant the cost bc they are similar type players. I do agree it would be an upgrade over what we have now though.

Isn’t Higgins a similar player to MPJ? I’m sure he would help our offense but I feel we have that role filled with an already very good receiver. I’m definitely in the minority here but I feel our offense is good enough to see if any of these young guys step up. Down, Pierce and the TEs should have at least one of them elevate nicely with AR at QB. Now if we are in position to draft a playmaker I would fully understand it but none of these FAs seem to be much of an improvement where it’s worth the price tag. Maybe there is a trade option out there but I would be ok with rolling with what we have and building the defense or drafting someone if the value is there. Just my take.

I kind of feel that’s par for the course to support the team. Colts fans are the ones reading and listening to these people. If they are too critical I feel they would lose their reader base quickly. I’m sure there is a fine line where you can be critical and support the team. I feel most fans just want to read and listen to someone cheerleading the team. I know for myself after a few negative episodes or articles I’m going to lose interest just for the fact negativity weighs really heavy. I can acknowledge they are right but still wouldn’t want to keep visiting that well.

You basically nailed why I believe Flacco was signed. His peak value is probably around playing 2-3 games tops and everything he brings off the field. I don’t want to call last years success luck bc the Colts earned it and it was very impressive. However, if AR misses extensive time again I highly doubt we come out with a winning record. This signing is all about grooming AR and having a really good chance to win 2-3 games if called upon. You basically nailed why I believe Flacco was signed. His peak value is probably around playing 2-3 games tops and everything he brings off the field. I don’t want to call last years success luck bc the Colts earned it and it was very impressive. However, if AR misses extensive time again I highly doubt we come out with a winning record. This signing is all about grooming AR and having a really good chance to win 2-3 games if called upon.

Solid backup who can give the team a good chance to win a game if he plays

I have my doubts about AR like a lot of people. Mostly bc I don’t like the designed runs for QBs bc of injury. My guess is he has a 60% chance to pan out and win at least a couple division titles for the Colts. I do believe the HC is very good and also that Ballard will be on the same page with him to provide players to win ball games. I’m on board with the direction the team is going and strongly feel they will bust their butts trying to put a winning team out on the field. Win or lose I know this organization is trying and I accept the fate. It’s great to win but you can’t win them all. As long as you try it’s ok to fail. I’m good if this doesn’t work out but I think it’s more likely going to.

Arch is playing behind a QB that was the #1 recruit as well a couple years before him.Quinn Ewers is also very talented and probably will end up a first round pick in the NFL

Not sure what really is going on with Jeudy. I believe injuries hampered him one year but I thought he was going to be better. I hope Watson can elevate him ao he reaches his potential

John Lynch has been impressive as a GM. Even totally blowing the trade up for a QB, he has kept the team stocked with good talent. He is very aggressive in trades as well.

Jerry Jeudy traded to the Browns for I believe a 5th and 6th.

I have not followed former Colts much. Who is performing better after they left? Hooker, Autry and Okereke come to mind but I felt they also played well here too.

It also looks like there were three games he recorded zero snaps. Weeks 2, 10 and 12. The last four games he played he dropped from 5th to 24th. Would have to dig in deeper to see what caused that. I have no idea if ST props overall grades.

I agree and didn’t expect the push back from my TE2 or 3 ceiling comment. Did get some good info from @w87r when he posted Ogletree’s grades and that was much appreciated. I see our TE room as solid but not spectacular and production will come from a mix of different players playing in certain packages. Will one of them elevate capture the full time starting spot? Hard to say. I think there is potential in this group especially with Woods. I also see scenarios where none of the current TEs are on the roster in 5yrs. Hopefully competition will rise the cream to the top.

I understand what you are saying. I guess I don’t understand how saying he has a ceiling of TE2 or 3 is writing him off either. I want to be clear and say if he doesn’t make the the team it will be bc of talent on the roster, not this legal situation. The room is crowded and if the Colts retain MAC or draft someone day 1 or 2, Ogletree and Mallory will be battling it out for the final roster spot. That’s if the Colts choose to carry 4 tight ends again. They both could be out as well in some situations.

I understand but I guess we will see if he becomes the TE1 or not. For now I will hope he can resume his career and make the team and build upon his 9 receptions and 147yds in 12 games while getting the 3rd most snaps of the position while missing who many feel was the possible TE1 in Woods for the year. I get I could be totally wrong but I feel the odds of Ogletree not making the roster next year are higher than him separating himself as the #1 option in the group. He will be battling for a roster spot in my opinion. Should be interesting to see it all unfold.

Thank you for sharing. Looks like he did have a good first half of the season. Also looks like he was steadily regressing(or possibly others were ascending) during the second half. Playing time wise he was the TE3. I personally think he would have been TE4 if Woods was available. I believe the Colts kept 4 TEs last year. Will be interesting to see if MAC is retained, Woods returns healthy and Mallory/Ogletree battling it out for the possible last roster spot should be really good. Maybe they both stay on the roster if MAC is cut and no TE is drafted in the early rounds. As always, I will wait and see what happens.

I understand. Just my opinion I’m sharing on a message board after watching him play. He could tear it up and be an all pro. People all the time gauge potential of players, especially this time of year. The entire draft and the order they are selected is them being judged on their potential. I believe he was a 6th round pick who played roughly 30% of the snaps. Potential TE2 or 3 seems like a fair assessment of a ceiling in my eyes. He could also not even make the team just on talent alone if Woods returns healthy and they retain MAC and like Granson and Mallory more. Your view may be different and that is fine.

Not sure this really means much for the team. Ogletree seems to be just above a practice squad player. They obviously see potential in him but likely as a TE2 or 3 ceiling if all goes right. Still, if Woods was healthy Ogletree may have been the odd man out. Im happy he gets to put this behind him and hopefully resume his career.

I hope not but my gut is telling me MPJ may get 25m a year. I think it goes for 100m even at 4yrs. Maybe a slight yearly discount if it’s 5yrs. Just my opinion but I don’t see us getting a team friendly deal beyond it being front loaded with possible outs the last year or two.

Mike Evans signed for 26m a year in Tampa. I’m guessing that will drive MPJs price up a little. Evans has obviously had a great career but at this point they are closer in talent level. I don’t think he will get more but will probably want to be close

I doubt the team would bring him back. If I’m recalling correctly, I believe Hines requested to be traded out of Indy. I understand anything is possible but that probably was the end of his time with Indy for good. I expect someone to take a chance on him. Maybe the eagles?

On my list I would only consider Ben Banogu and Quincy Wilson bust. The rest have reasons such as injury, slight underachievement or there is still time. Those on the list aren’t an indication of my personal opinion of them but an objective try to see both sides. They are all up to personal reasons why someone grades a player so very subjective. I will say I’ve been very pleased except the DE position. That one I grade Ballard out as average between his drafting and FA. That’s pretty darn good in my book if that’s your “black eye”. The QB spot I put on Reich. I said the moment they went the veteran route someone would ultimately lose their job over this…I think we saw who did and why. Always enjoyed discussing topics with you even when on opposite sides. Always respected your positions and look forward to your responses. I hate echo chambers and enjoy a bit of push back with others ideas and opinions with hobbies, work and personal life.

I don’t think he is a bust or wasted pick either. I do think he has underperformed but not by much. Why I added underperformed part. If he was a 2nd round pick I would have left him off the list. I will admit I value first round picks heavily and recognize that is my opinion only.

I listed them bc I think they are each underperforming by about a round each. I’m interested to see if Paye has his option picked up. Usually if it isn’t people consider that a failure. I made sure to add underperforming bc I don’t think they are failures. Main reason why I said Dayo is still undecided is bc I’ve been very vocal about not wanting him. I recognize my bias on him and I can’t objectively rate him with any fairness. Also the whole injury perspective is always in the the eye of the viewer if that counts against the GM or not. I take the position it’s not the GMs fault but ultimately their responsibility so take it with a grain of salt. There are so many angles to discuss this group of players. There are arguments from both sides. I respect both positions but did add that I feel overall Ballard has done well. Finally, coaching can be the main cause of a lot of this.

Failures or not meeting expectations for their draft slot 1st: Malik Hooker, Paye and trade for Wentz. Would have to look deeper into the 2 other trades out of the first round to see what that actually turned into. 2nd: Turray, Banogu, Rock, Paris, Pierce, Dayo, Wilson, Lewis These are all players I feel have under performed for all types of reasons including injuries and scheme. I believe Lewis could be viewed either way depending on the person. He had a great year as a rotational guy. Will also say the jury is still out on Dayo and Pierce. This year is pivotal for both of them. I may have missed some players bc I’m not that invested in this. I don’t think Ballard has been bad in the first two rounds but I do think it’s top heavy with the Nelson, Leonard, MPJ, Taylor and Smith picks. He really knocked it out of the park with those. 5 stars and 9-11 so so to bad picks. It really depends on the person if they view that as acceptable. I get both sides. Personally, stars win games and those 5 players are/were studs and that matters. Wish we could have found an answer at DE with all the draft capital spent but overall I think Ballard drafts very well.