John Hammonds
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Posts posted by John Hammonds
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2 hours ago, AKB said:
Championing the Art of Mediocrity
In the realm of NFL management where big splashes and bold moves often steal the spotlight, Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts stands as a beacon of mediocrity—oops, I mean, moderation and stability. Ballard has mastered the art of steering clear of both spectacular success and abject failure, opting instead for a comfortable middle ground where his team consistently hovers around average.
While other GMs chase after flashy signings and high-profile trades, Ballard prefers a more subtle approach. His teams are like the middle child of the NFL—neither the star of the family nor the problem child. Take, for instance, his draft picks: solid, dependable players who rarely make headlines but also rarely make Pro Bowls. It's a strategy that ensures the Colts remain perennially in the hunt for the playoffs without ever seriously threatening to win it all.
Critics may scoff at Ballard's reluctance to swing for the fences, pointing to the lack of marquee names on his roster or the absence of Lombardi Trophies in his trophy case. Yet, Ballard remains unfazed, steadfast in his belief that consistently finishing just outside the top tier is a commendable achievement in itself.
In a league where greatness is often measured by Super Bowl rings and MVP titles, Ballard's Colts serve as a refreshing reminder that there's honor in being consistently okay. While other teams chase after glory, Ballard quietly celebrates the virtues of stability and predictability—a strategy that ensures his team remains perpetually good enough to keep fans interested without ever giving them false hope of a championship.
So here's to you, Chris Ballard, our unsung hero of NFL mediocrity. May our Colts continue to embody the spirit of contentment in a league that sometimes seems obsessed with extremes. Your dedication to the middle ground is a testament to the fact that in a world of winners and losers, there's beauty in just being average.
Our Chris Ballard, the enigmatic mastermind behind the Indianapolis Colts' draft selections, continues to astound with his unconventional approach to player evaluation. Known for his ability to turn perceived draft flops into valuable lessons in resilience, Ballard has elevated the art of optimism in the face of adversity.
Take, for instance, his selection of Quincy Wilson, a cornerback whose career trajectory seemed to follow the path less traveled—straight to the sidelines. Wilson's ability to excel in the role of 'spectator extraordinaire' brought a new dimension to the Colts' bench, proving that even inactivity can be a form of contribution.
Then there's TJ Green, whose ability to redefine the term 'safety' by providing the opposing offense with a false sense of security is a testament to Ballard's commitment to strategic innovation. Green's unpredictable presence on the field undoubtedly kept quarterbacks on their toes, in excitement.
And who could forget Ben Banogu, a defensive end whose knack for demonstrating the art of camouflage by seamlessly blending into the turf has left spectators marveling at his commitment to environmental integration. Banogu's ability to remain inconspicuous during critical moments showcases Ballard's emphasis on adaptability and the importance of being one with your surroundings.
Ballard's genius lies not just in his ability to select players, but in his skillful navigation of the delicate dance between expectation and reality. His selections may not always align with conventional wisdom, but they consistently challenge perceptions and redefine what it means to be a draft bust.
As Ballard continues to forge ahead, his unorthodox approach serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring NFL general managers everywhere, including those perusing fan forums. Because if there's one thing Chris Ballard has taught us, it's that in the unpredictable world of professional football, even the most unexpected outcomes can be reframed as victories in disguise.
AKB
Although I agree that 2017's Quincy Wilson was a bust, and that 2019's Ben Banogu was Ballard's ultimate bust pick, 2016's TJ Wilson was picked by GM Ryan Grigson, not by Ballard.
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Bernard Raimann to Anthony Costanzo. May never make a pro bowl, but solid and dependable.
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This is called "Getting the team off on the right foot"
Way to set the table, Rodgers.
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Unfortunately, LB/S hybrids usually wind up playing Strong Safety rather than Free Safety. A position we already have a lot of. I'll be surprised if they try him at FS. Otherwise, they may have to attempt Cross or Blackmon there.
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49 minutes ago, GoColts8818 said:
There are reports he already signed and due to slotted contracts now he can’t get more than Worthy.
Signing confirmed. Colts just announced.
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3 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:
Oh, Dear God….
Here’s why Irsay doesn’t ask for a refund. Because he’s an involved owner and has signed off on every major decision the team has made. Irsay doesn’t learn about the Colts from reading the Indy Star or watching/listening to local news.
He was in meetings with Ballard and Reich and agreed with most of the decisions. As for money back, well Frank got fired and so did a number of assistants. So they paid a price.
Besides, if we wanted to bring up Irsay-sponsored decisions vs Ballard-sponsored decisions, we could always bring up Jeff Saturday. 😉
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Andy Reid was asked what does he say if women in the building come to him with players speaking ill of women in general:
“Yeah that hasn’t happened I don’t think he (Butker) was speaking ill to women. He has his opinions and we respect that. I let you guys (Reporters) in this room and you have a lot of opinions I don’t like.”
Funny. And a great way to dismiss what really amounts to a whole lot of sound and fury signifying nothing.
(Thanks, Mister Shakespeare, for the reference.)
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There are 6 games that they ought to win: Bears, Steelers, Vikings, Jets, Patriots, Giants.
There are 3 games they will absolutely lose: at Texans, Lions, Bills.
Possible to win both home and away vs Titans, and split with the other divisional teams.
I think the season comes down to 4 games: home opener vs Texans, at Broncos, home vs Dolphins, and season ending home vs Jags. For both total wins and tie breakers.
I predict 10 wins and a playoff berth. Barely.
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3 minutes ago, JediXMan said:
It’s about the bigger cities that’s why NYJ have 7 games.NFL front offices will all projectile vomit at the same time when Aaron Rodgers gets injured in game one again.
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1 minute ago, CR91 said:
One primetime game. One. The NFL can go bleep themselves. Stroud has one good season that put up similar numbers to Love and they get 3. Bleep this dumb league
Well, at least our season closer against JAX is TBD. If we're both battling for a playoff berth, they may give us a good slot.
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Zero monday night games
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Ok, here's my prediction.
Both Flacco and Ehlinger will be on the team this year. And for similar reasons.
- Flacco is here expressly to lead the team to the playoffs as a seasoned veteran quarterback, in case AR5 gets injured again.
- Ehlinger is here in case both quarterbacks go down, if they just need somebody to play.
Next year?
- Flacco will probably not be here, simply because of his age.
- Ehlinger will probably not be here, simply because there's no reason to give him a contract beyond his rookie deal.
I predict that next year, we will sign yet another seasoned veteran quarterback. To do the exact same thing that Flacco is here to do. Lead the team to the playoffs in case AR5 is hurt.
And I also predict we draft another mid-round quarterback. For the same reason Ehlinger is here. To be an inexpensive guy to play the position just in case both quarterbacks go down.
Who is my veteran quarterback for next year? I'm guessing Andy Dalton. No, he's not my choice for starter. But if I needed a guy to back up AR5, who's a "been there, done that" kind of guy, to play just in case... Yeah, I would think so.
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Just now, NewColtsFan said:
Thanks John. This is really good work. Top notch. And you may want to bookmark it so you can retrieve it whenever you want. This the type of content you can re-post twice a year or as need be. Thanks again!
I have an excel file that has the entire team's cap values for each year, sourced from overthecap.
Wanted to get an idea of who would still be with us year by year, if their current contract was never extended.
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Defensive Line:
DT DeForest Buckner signed through 2027
DT Grover Stewart signed through 2026
DE Kwity Paye signed through 2025
DE Samson Ebukam signed through 2025
DE Tyquan Lewis signed through 2025
DT Raekwan Davis signed through 2025
DE Dayo Odeyingbo signed through 2024
DT Adetomiwa Adebawore rookie deal through 2026
DE Laiatu Latu rookie deal through 2027 (and maybe 2028)
DT Jonah Laulu rookie deal through 2027
DE Titus Leo signed through 2026
DT Eric Johnson signed through 2025
DT Taven Bryan signed through 2024
DE Isaiah Land signed through 2024
DE Genard Avery signed through 2024
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Re: Adonai Mitchell vs Josh Downs and the #1 jersey
If I were sitting down with the both of them, I would offer this piece of advice to each:
For Downs -- Do not change your number. It's bad luck. Doesn't matter how much anybody offers you in order to take your number. Just. Don't. Do. It.
For Mitchell -- They say that the definition of Greatness is someone who doesn't remind us of anyone else. They say, "he reminds me of Jerry Rice" or "he reminds me of Reggie Wayne". Don't be the guy who is compared to someone else. Be the guy who defines the standard by which others are compared to you. The first step -- take a jersey number that nobody else uses. Make it your own. Write your own legacy. (Take jersey #0)
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8 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:
My hunch is no. I think they’ll explain to him that they let Pittman play out his rookie contract and the Colts re-signed him to 3/70. They’ll tell him they want him to be a Colt for many years and he’ll also have the freedom to shop himself in a year to other teams which will only maximize his deal.
So I’m guessing no, with the understanding Paye will ultimately be a Colt for years to come.
I agree. I don't think they'll do it. It leaves them greater options. They can still sign him to an extension before the season is out. They can let him test free agency. Or they can walk away from him, depending on how things work with Latu. Or keep him if Tyquan or Dayo get injured (again). It's just more options. I don't think they'll do it today.
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7 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:
For those still wondering about Latu instead of Dallas Turner I’d offer this.
Latu: 6’5” and 260
Turner: 6’4” and 245
The Colts already have a player Turners size, Ebukam. The extra inch and especially the extra 15 pounds for Latu are important for the Colts no matter who the DC is long term.
Latu's addition also tells me that Gus is not doggedly adhering to his historical "Cover-3 Leo" defense. Latu is not a Leo. He's not the undersized wide-9 OLB type playing in a 4-3. He's a bona fide 4-3 DE. I'm expecting Gus to even further move away from his historical base defense. (I never believed that he was going to cling to it come h3ll or high water. That his coverages last year were simplified perforce, due to the inexperience of the guys he had on the field.) I'm excited to see what we look like defensively with the new guys inserted.
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@Scott Pennock made his rundown of the draft, it is excellent! And @Yoshinator gave me props for comments I made before the draft. (Thanks, dude!) So, I feel compelled to give my own review of this year's draft.
Round 1 / Pick 15 -- Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA [MY GUYS Player]
Colts had about 7 players targeted for their pick at 15, and by the time we got to the pick, 6 of them were still on the board. We had our choice of anyone. This draft is not deep at DE. I expected us to take a WR or a CB. Instead, we take the best DE in the draft. Latu is the double-digit sack artist that we haven't had since Mathis. We're talking guys like Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby, Montez Sweat. If it wasn't for his injury, he would be a top-5 pick. It was a steal. The pick comes with a downside. He's a day one starter. And we already have two starters. Each with accomplishments. It's a problem of riches. It's a good problem to have, true. But it's a problem. But there's also a background reason. Ebukam has 2 years left on his contract. This year is Kwity's final year of his rookie deal, and there's no guarantee we do his 5th year option. One of the enduring principles of drafting is that you are hopefully not drafting for your needs this year. You are drafting for what the team looks like a couple years from now. Latu is what the DL looks like a couple years from now.
Round 2 / Pick 52 -- Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas [MY GUYS Player]
For those fans (like me) who desperately wanted us to draft an offensive weapon in the first round, we got one in the second round. Make no mistake -- Adonai Mitchell is a First Round Talent. He has rare combination of length, speed, quickness. He's been in five post season games, and scored a touchdown in every one. He has rare ability to separate at the top of the route. This guy is a day one starter. Seriously. What made him slip was his reputation of poor dedication when the play isn't designed to go his way. His poor interviews at the combine. He's got diabetes, and when he's out of whack, it adversely affects his mood. And consequently, his performance. Reggie Wayne has his work cut out for him. And I envision his talk with Mitchell to resemble Proximo's talk with Maximus: "You're good, Spaniard, but you're not that good. You could be magnificent." Funny, but true. My own advice for "Lord" Mitchell is that of Tyrion Lannister: "Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor. And it can never be made to hurt you." So he has diabetes. And? I say, immediately approach the Snickers people and volunteer to do a commercial spot for them. "Hey, AD, you need a Snickers? Why? Because you play like a jerk when you don't have one! Better? Better!" Heck, yeah.
Round 3 / Pick 79 -- Matt Goncalves, OL, Pitt
To tell the truth, I was looking for us to address our DB needs with this pick. I wasn't expecting an offensive lineman. I initially wanted to be disappointed. The more I read about this guy, the more encouraged I got. I still can't help but look back at those terrible 2021 and 2022 seasons, when we made terrible attempts to address our offensive line through washed up veteran free agents who couldn't play anymore. Some of them couldn't play to begin with. I liked the Blake Freeland pick. And I'm liking Goncalves, too. More for who he is than what he is. Just listen to his live phone call with Chris Ballard when he got picked. That's the kind of energy you want in the huddle, on the field, in the locker room. This is a Good Guy. He's still got work to do. He's got very short arms (nothing he can do about that) but he also had terribly few reps on the bench press. He can do something about that. Get in there, get to work, and compete for playing time.
Round 4 / Pick 117 -- Tanor Bortollini, OC, Wisconsin
What? When are we going to pick one of the DB's I had flagged for our team? Here's a thing: Bortollini broke Jason Kelce's combine record for the 3-cone shuttle. He ran a 4,95 40. He can play any position on the line. And let's not fool ourselves. No matter how much Ryan Kelly says he wants to continue playing, there comes a time in every player's career when the ball club is ready to move on before you are. I like this player. Seriously. Him and his outrageous mullet. No, he's not the position I wanted. But I like him.
Round 5 / Pick 142 - Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State
Quite frankly, I was surprised we drafted another WR after taking Mitchell. And another player who is a quick, undersized slot receiver. We already have one in Downs. What do we need another one for? But after watching film on him, I can see what they see. This guy is going to be our punt returner. Geez, he looks small. But he's listed at 5-11. Still looks tiny. I'm gonna enjoy watching him. Clarence Verdin 2.0? Anybody?
Round 5 / Pick 151 - Jaylon Carlies, LB/DB, Missouri [MY GUYS Player]
Love the pick. This is one of the guys I had on my own list. I studied the new Vic Fangio "Cover 6" hybrid defense that everyone was beginning to use vs the modern 3-by-1 offensive formations. And I came away from that experience certain that a new, different kind of player is going to be required in the modern game. A guy who could play safety, nickel, and linebacker all at once. Why? Because of what genius coaches like Shane Steichen have been doing against it. They line up in 3-by-1. So the defense goes into Cover 6. Then one of the 3 WR's goes in motion across the field to make a 2-by-2. The defense reacts by switching over to Quarters coverage. That motion receiver then quickly circles back around to the other side of the field. And the defense needs to react back again. How quickly can they do it? How quickly can the players understand just which coverage they're doing? Do they have the right personnel on the field to play either coverage? Ah ha!!! What is needed is a player that can stay on the field regardless of what coverage is being called. Carlies is that player.
Round 5 / Pick 164 - Jaylin Simpson, DB, Auburn
We finally address our issue at Free Safety. Our starter at that position was a good story. Ivy League player picked in the 7th round made good. Works his way into the starting lineup. Great story. Problem was, Rodney Thomas really isn't that good. He may be the best FS we have. But that's not saying much. Both Julian Blackmon and Nick Cross are Strong safeties. True, they can both line up at FS. But it doesn't mean they're all that suited for it. Jaylin is a CB/FS hybrid that had 7 interceptions at Auburn. He's a thin, wiry guy. He's not going to help you tackle guys running at you. But in today's 4-wide offenses? Oh, yeah. He can play.
Round 6 / Pick 201 - Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall
I don't know much about Abraham. My only attachment to this pick is that I have a close friend who was at college at Marshall when the tragedy happened to their football team. Also, Chris Ballard has a thing for turning over every rock to find an unpolished gem off the beaten path. We'll see how he works out. What he does. I would expect that his first stop (if he makes the team) will be special teams.
Round 7 / Pick 234 -- Jonah Laulu, DT, Oklahoma
Again, I don't know much about him. But I do know that we can now legitimately do a Polynesian haka with our defensive line. My advice to him is the same speech that the Colts make to all rookies. You're here now. It doesn't matter where you were drafted. It doesn't matter if you were drafted. It's now up to you to show the coaches what you can do, and beat the guy in front of you.
My overall draft grade: B+
I love the first two picks, and we have three guys from my MY GUYS list. I wish we could have addressed DB earlier in the draft than where we did. But I'm not going to complain. Our needs coming into this offseason were at free safety, wide receiver, consistent pass rush, top end corner, and prime cover corner. We not only addressed nearly all of them, but addressed them well. If we splurged in the next two weeks and gave Justin Simmons a bunch of money to play FS for us, I'd drive over to west 56th street and kiss Chris Ballard myself.
I'm feeling good about this team, and about this season. The new theme I have chosen for this year is "NO MORE EXCUSES". Let's go do it.
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Jaylon Carlies is on my MY GUYS list. Projected as a coverage linebacker. Fits the mold of new-age defense guy who doesn't come off the field, regardless of what coverage is called. You want him to play safety? Sure. Nickel? You bet. Linebacker? No problem. Doesn't just cover, he can also hit. Hard.
Downside is that he doesn't project well as a run-support linebacker. Difficulties shedding blocks. You don't really want this guy in the phone booth. He needs to roam freely and cover in the open.
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1 hour ago, NewColtsFan said:
I’ve never heard of this website. Why would it have any credibility with you? What did you see that makes you say “look terrible”. ???I go to NFL Draft Buzz all the time. It's an interesting place to find alternative assessments, rather than the cookie-cutter truncated stuff you see all the time elsewhere. And I like their graphic presentation of player stats.
And what they said about Goncalves is a combination of what a lot of people have been saying. He's stout, has leadership, and is steady. But he's also got short arms and needs to get stronger. He can play outside, but probably needs to play inside. He had an injury his senior year that limits his exposure for evaluation. He may not be a pro bowler, but he's a guy you'll want next to you in battle. He's a rascal. I'm gonna watch for him in camp. Gonna be interesting.
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3 minutes ago, NFLfan said:
You're here.
Yup. And long since time for this old bear to go to bed.
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And there went Wilson. Too bad nobody is online to mourn.
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Oh, hurrah. Goncalves is recovering from an injury suffered in September.
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Just now, Colt Overseas said:
Sounds like a swing guard / tackle. Depth at G is needed.
Give some competition to Will Fries
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Chris Ballard: Redfining what Success means in the NFL
in Colts Football
Posted
Hi Colts fans,
Yeah, I know, I know. I was just as surprised as you were. No clue why my good friend Jim Irsay would call me up and offer me the head coaching job. I had to remind him. Dude, I said, you do know that I've never coached at all at the NFL level. Not coordinator. Not even position coach. Nothing. It didn't seem to matter. It was as if all that was required was for me to be good friends with the owner, and -- bazinga! -- I could be a head coach.
It was awkward, you know. That first coaches meeting. There was Gus Bradley. And there was John Fox. Both of them had been head coaches. Heck, both of them had coached in a Super Bowl! Yet here I was, promoted to be their boss, having never coached before. Ever.
But, you know, Bud Grant did it. So, why not? Remember, I have a way of doing things.
Ok, sorry, I couldn't help but giggle. I have a way of doing... what, exactly? Things? Things like coaching? I have a way of coaching? And how did I develop that way? By actually, you know, coaching?
Anyway, I'm glad you have a new head coach. One who has actually coached before. And his experience doing that is bearing fruit. I'm just glad I'm already in the Ring of Honor. Because after what happened, I doubt that I would ever be accepted in by the fans, regardless of how I was as a player. Heck, they would have put Andrew Luck in before they would even consider me.
In the meantime, I'm back at ESPN, attempting to "un-burn" bridges. It can happen. I heard Bud Grant did that once....
Regards,
Jeff Saturday