Smonroe

To be clear, I'm not saying we should pick a QB in the first round. I'm just saying you could make that case. For all of the reasons you and I stated. The position is so important that you want to minimize your risk there. I think AR has it all, but that's a guess at this point. I bet that Jayden Daniels has a higher rating this year than AR did last year on the Colts board. It's possible he could be there at 15. But I think Ballard will live or die with AR.

No problem. Here it is: The QB is the most important position. Your franchise success is dependent on him. (For the sake of brevity I won’t go into reasons. We all know it starts with the QB). The Colts have a rookie QB that finished two games. He is still an unknown, both health wise and performance. If the Colts can get a QB at 15 that they rate higher this season than AR was last year, the chances of franchise success doubles. They compete for the starting job. Loser is a cheap(er) backup. Again, I’m not advocating it, I’m saying a case can be made for it. You can disagree, but then you’re saying we should put all the eggs in one basket.

The more you drink, the smarter I sound.

You’re mixing up your argument. Yes, I said the odds are that Ballard won’t select a QB. Obvious. Then I gave the legitimate case if he did select one. capisci?

Probably a million to one. But that wasn't what I said. I said you could make a case for any position being one of need, including the QB. Who could argue that we really don't know what we have in AR, both health wise and talent. To be clear, I think he's the real thing. I love his attitude and the little we saw of him on the field. But he's yet to prove himself in both of the areas I just mentioned.

You could make a case for a player at any position fitting a need. Including QB.

He didn’t have a choice last year. The Ballard thing to do (and probably the right thing) would be to trade back and get a couple good players to improve the team. The “fan”thing to do would be to stay put or even trade up for a stud WR. I’m a fan.

I know, logically, we need a stud CB or edge rusher. But I’m in the camp that says - give AR more weapons. So if a top WR is available, I’d love to take him. But we all know Ballard…

Stays and picks the BPA. But what if the BPA is Jayden Daniels?

IDK, last year was just a bad dream.

I hope it works out. He and Woods showed so much promise. But, as they say, availability…

I’ll say it again, losing AR was the worst thing that happened. Worse than any loss. On a different note, I was watching this video and it reminded me of how good Ogletree was looking. What’s the latest on him? Is he still a Colt?

Good way to put it. Both of their jobs are on the line. AR looks like the real thing to me, I love his personality and (in a very limited amount) his play. But until he shows he can last a season, he's not a sure thing by far. IMO, no matter how AR plays next season, or how much, Shane is safe. The job he did with Minshew and a very mediocre defense speaks for itself. As a Buckeye I'd love to have MHJ but it's not meant to be. There are a few WRs that will be available at our pick who can make a difference. I think we should do everything we can to build around Richardson, even to the detriment of adding better D players. Just MHO.

I agree. I can understand the 'play conservative, let them screw up' strategy when playing bad and inexperienced QBs. But any decent QB eats that D for lunch. And I think it has as much to do with the skill of our CBs as it does coaching.

Losing AR. Hands down. Not even close.

You sir, are reading me right. I was glad when he left. I wouldn't have been upset if Bradley left either. Just MHO.

I’m not trying to defend Bradley. I would love a more modern and aggressive D. But here’s what I wonder - if you’re the DC for the Colts and you see your defense get lit up in practice by Gardner Minshew and our WRs when you go press (or any non conservative variation), would you chance that in a real game? None of us knows if that’s the case or not, but it kind of rings true to me.

We were 5th in the NFL in sacks. I say this not as a reason that we shouldn’t bring somebody in. I wholeheartedly agree we should. It would make Bradley’s D at least bearable. I say this because come FA time, this is what we’ll be hearing as to why we didn’t make a run at Chase, or any of the guys brought up in this thread. We know Ballard, he’s not going to change his spots.

@jskinnz your posts always make sense, but I’m having trouble with this one. I totally agree that the Bradley D gives up waaaay too many 3rd and longs. But I don’t see how you can take his personnel out of the equation. To me, it’s a matter of trust in balancing the aggressiveness of the D. Was Flus any better? IMHO, he was worse.

I like listening to Rick, very insightful. But we have to remember what Gus had to work with and how well he’s done. Yes, I’d love a more modern attacking D. Not sure if the team is there yet. And Rick doesn’t exactly have a stellar career as a coach either. Glass houses.

As Bowen always points out - he ain’t no USC pretty boy. He’s one tough mutha. Needs a new helmet or chinstrap though.

He does. To Me, Mahomes is the gold standard. He great at scrambling but doesn't take near the amount of hits that Lamar or Allen take. This is the first time in three years that Lamar has played more than 12 games. So he's doing better. Allen still seems to be taking hits regularly.

Love that kid! Anyone notice he never really answered the first question? Smart.

Also, we played a lot of weak teams. Still did great with the sack totals. But are any of our guys in the “fear them” group?

I whole heartedly agree...however...we know Ballard well enough. I do hope they sign MPJ, Grove, and Kenny. But with a QB on a rookie deal, now is the time to put some money into a difference maker on defense IMHO. Pretty sure Ballard doesn't agree.