Dobbinblitz

FYI, for anyone that did not already see this: Ballard.s Pre-Draft Press Conference is tomorrow at 12:00 PM on Colts.com

SportsBetting. listed their betting odds for which positions are most likely to be selected by each of the 32 NFL teams in the first round next Thursday. So, what do they think is most likely to happen for the Colts? Cornerback: +120 Wide Receiver: +250 Tight End: +275 Defensive Line/Edge: +700

Dejean ran a 4.43 at his recent pro day. I agree that he may be better suited for Safety in the NFL due to tight hips.

After the first round, would not be surprised if Texas A&M linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is not high on Ballard's draft Board. He has a similar wiry build as Leonard ( 6'3" 230lbs ) with a good wingspan, very good sideline to sideline speed (4.51 -2nd fastest among pure linebackers), and excellent lateral movement.. Has eight pass break-ups over the last 2 seasons. Has a 9.34 RAS score which ranked in the top 10% of all LB's since 1987. Impressed in interviews as someone smart and mature. He is considered a solid tackler with good football instincts. He allowed 14 pass completions for the entire 2024 season, 17 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks for an under performing A&M team n the SEC. Colts desperately could use a coverage / blitz capable linebacker to replace the production of Okereke. Cooper appears to be a Ballard type pick who would fill a big need.

Yeah, could possibly be preparing to take on a contract in order to facilitate getting something done trade-wise

I don't think Red Zone Mo will be with the team once the young TE's are competent in the offense and blocking schemes on a full-time basis, and the team sees what it really has in a healthy Woods. I think Mallory will continue to surprise - I thought he was a great pick.

Well, it appears Ballard will have fluid monies available to jump on a post June cut, or swing a deal in August if AR's progression is promising. We also may see a sizable UFA signings post draft. Interesting departure for Ballard for sure. I had to read it twice!

I know most are focused on the first round pick, but is anyone else concerned that we come out of this draft with a quality outside coverage linebacker. This is not a great draft for LB's. I think this is an enormous need for the Colts defense.

The closer we are getting to the draft the more I see Turner being projected outside the top 10. Still, Latu is a gamble - he was medically retired after his sophomore season and told he would never play football again due to a neck injury, Transferred to UCLA and was eventually cleared. He just seems like the type of player who has the goods, but will fall in the draft due to health concerns.

Today, NFL.com writer Schrager projects Colts move six slots up in a trade with Chicago, and selects LSU's Nabers. The Cost - a future 2nd.

Ballard needs his third Triplet, but I fully expect him to trade back. Just do not see him parting with the amount and quality of draft capital needed to move up, based on what he has said, and more importantly done here a Colts GM. There is a lot of pre-draft smokeT but -this leopard keeps his spots.

Interesting that the latest PFF mock has moved CB Mitchell to the 22nd pick, and DE Turner to the 23rd pick in the draft. They predict Verse is the first DE off the board to the Falcons at #8, and Arnold as the first CB off the board to the raiders at #13. PFF, like may other mocks PFF has Bowers to the Jets at #10 and Dejean to the Colts as the 2nd CB off the board. They have 4 QB's taken before the Colts pick. WR's - Harrison #4, Nabors #6, Odunze #11 Seems to be much more noise this year about the number of teams possibly moving their position in round one than in years past; with a rarity, the Colts among them. Sure, it is all just speculation. but also a little more interesting this year.

Interesting the Patriots are bringing Penix in for a visit. Makes you wonder if they are open to a trade back from #3, or are not all- in on QB’s currently ranked higher QB’s. Either way, it could initiate a very active 1st round of movement.

Yep it’s a good debate for sure. I just hate seeing the run game stifled in part due to a lack of a deep threat. And, this coming from a guy who loves defense first.

An elite WR would provide the best overall impact the team at this point. Not only would it give AR another weapon, it would help Pittman and Taylor. It would go a long way towards keeping defenses honest by not cheating the line of scrimmage and loading the box with regularity -that we have seen in the past few seasons. If we are measuring potential impact to team, not sure a CB selection could match this.

From the Horseshoe Huddle on the Colts potentially drafting a Cornerback in round one ( A case against using the first pick on a CB - from an early impact standpoint): "After impressive performances last season, largely from Jones and Flowers, inserting a first-round pick into the lineup ahead of these two may not create as major of a difference as fans would expect in year one." Three Colts performed better than the average first round draft pick in Yards After Catch. The first round average was 4.11. Jones was 1.84, flowers 2.64, and Brents 2.78. Yards per coverage snap was another strong area for the Colts Young Cornerbacks. Jones also beat the first round cornerback average for Reception Percentage (Avg. 60.63%) Jones came in at 54.4% "If Jones can sustain his performance next season while allowing two or three fewer touchdowns and getting his hands on one or two interceptions, that would end up being a season that would rival anything you could expect from a rookie cornerback, even a first-rounder." Ballard on Jones "I thought Jones played really good football last year and did it against some very talented wideouts and never once backed down."

Yeah, I think the QB class will help drive it. Next years QB class is not close this class.

The CBS mock today projects an early run on Offensive Tackles and leaving Bowers on the board when the Colts select. The other scenario that may benefit the Colts at #15 is if a team wants to take a shot at drafting the 5th QB inside the top 15 such as Bo Nix or Penix Jr.

Great Trade -Yes. Crosby would cost more than Buckner did. I think obtaining Buckner was Ballard's best trade to date, but I would not categorize the move as swinging for the fences. The cost was straight up pick 13. I don't believe the Colts would ever get Crosby for the 15th pick. Crosby is still only 26.

Yes, a real difference-maker for the defense. The issue would be a 27 million cap hit in both 2025 and 2026, 24 mil in 2024. Also, have not seen a swing for the fences move by Ballard for a non roster player in his time with the Colts.

You have provided a lot of very good information on this board - keep posting!

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman mock today has 5 QB's being selected prior to the 15th pick. He has Penix Jr. going at #13 to the Raiders. If that were to happen it would certainly be good news for the Colts. As many others do, he has Terrion Arnold being selected by the Colts. He speculates that Turner, Mitchell, Thomas , and Bowers all being selected before the Colts pick.

I agree that Dejean is just flat out very good, productive, and versatile football player. He does have an unofficial RAS of 9.33. I think he will thrive in the box at 230 lbs, If he did return kicks I believe it would punt returm. Ballard however, has been targeting players with length for the secondary, and Dejean ran a 4.50 as well.. He is tight in the hips and will struggle if he has to play man. I like him a lot as well, just not sure he fits Ballard's mold for a CB.

Overall this is a weak draft class for Safety, Linebacker, interior offensive line, and running back. Strengths of this draft are Wide Receiver, offensive Tackles, followed by Quarterback. Ballard will most likely have a top rated CB sitting there at 15, Quinyon Mitchell did post a 9.75 RAS score. I think this is setting up for a trade back and a late round one WR selection. BTW, Adonai Mitchell posted a 9.99 RAS. Thomas had a 9.82, and Worthy posted a 9.40

Yep. I agree. I don't think SI is the definitive source for much of anything, I did think, if that is the outcome of a trade back scenario, it would be a good one for the Colts and worth doing. Personally. I hope the Colts keep the pick and draft a potentially pro-bowl caliber player. I think there is a real possibility to draft a premier talent with up to 4 QB's off the board before the Colts pick.