SI article on Ryan Grigson

[Superman]

http://www.si.com/vault/2015/04/20/106753868/the-prospector

 

Well written piece, but nothing earth shattering here. This part stood out to me:

The door to this office stays locked. Players are never, ever allowed in, and this is why: The chart is color-coded. If a name is in green, Grigson wants to re-sign that player. The ones in blue have character issues. The ones in black are on their way out. Some are labeled IBG. These are Injury Bug Guys.

 

...

 

Grigson thinks of his roster as a bonsai tree. "I am constantly pruning it," he says. During the season, most of his early-morning video watching is of the Colts, so he can decide which names should be green and which ones should be black. Toward the end of the year he starts watching pending free agents from other teams, and eventually he sprinkles in film of college prospects at positions of need.

 

 

Then, something more draft related:

"When I have to talk myself into liking a guy, or when I have to watch six tapes to think I might take him—that's usually when I miss," Grigson says. "You don't want that guy. You want the guys who pop."

 

When a guy pops, Grigson remembers, even if he doesn't draft him. He thinks back to the only time he ever saw a college freshman and wrote, on his report, "He could play in the NFL right now." That was an Illinois cornerback named Vontae Davis. Six years later Davis was struggling with the Dolphins when Grigson dealt a second-round pick for him. Davis did not cede a single touchdown last year, his first as a Pro Bowler.

 

 

[PeterBowman]

and you have to remember he's still growing as a GM...yes he's made mistakes but it's looked like he's learned from them

[Superman]

and you have to remember he's still growing as a GM...yes he's made mistakes but it's looked like he's learned from them

 

There's no question he has to be more consistent in the draft. He said in his interview yesterday that the team needs playmakers, and that's absolutely true. He has to look in the mirror on that one.

 

But I like that he has convictions. He believes in his processes -- evaluations, decision making, etc. -- and sticks to those processes. Doesn't mean that the results are always perfect, but you can't be a high profile, big time decision maker if you're always second guessing yourself. 

[PeterBowman]

and I also like the fact he's not afraid to make mistakes

[GoPats]

Bonsai Grigson-son! 

 

[coltsfanmilyman]

Here's hoping he is pruinng out that horrible run-defense last year!

[PeterBowman]

Bonsai Grigson-son! 

 

Here's to wax on but not too much wax off

[Valpo2004]

Ok explain this to me.  It says Grigs rarely leaves Indy ""because when I leave [indy], something always comes up," he says. "If something comes up on the [waiver] wire when I'm at a school watching tape, I might miss out on a guy that can help us now."

 

So why can't he just call the office with his cell phone (please tell me he has a cell phone) and say . . "yo put in a waiver claim on this guy."

[Superman]

Ok explain this to me.  It says Grigs rarely leaves Indy ""because when I leave [indy], something always comes up," he says. "If something comes up on the [waiver] wire when I'm at a school watching tape, I might miss out on a guy that can help us now."

 

So why can't he just call the office with his cell phone (please tell me he has a cell phone) and say . . "yo put in a waiver claim on this guy."

 

I think the point is that he could be engrossed in a film session, and not realize that someone is available, or not be in position to figure out whether they want to put in a claim or not.

[Valpo2004]

I think the point is that he could be engrossed in a film session, and not realize that someone is available, or not be in position to figure out whether they want to put in a claim or not.

 

Can't someone with half a brain send him notable players that hit the waiver wire.  I mean he can't be the only person there that knows about the roster and the long term plans.

[Superman]

Can't someone with half a brain send him notable players that hit the waiver wire.  I mean he can't be the only person there that knows about the roster and the long term plans.

 

Presumably, some schools bring scouts into a film room where they can watch film, but won't allow phones and recording devices into the film room.

 

Either way, it's just easier to stay on top of fast moving stuff when you're in your office, with access to all your stuff and all your staff. I'm pretty sure that's what the point was. Really, it's the scouts jobs to get out visit schools and players. That's why you have so many of them.

[jmac_48]

"THE PROSPECTOR"

 

I like it!  Love the insight as to how the Man's mind works.

 

Gotta find Gold this year!

[wig]

I like that he sticks by the reasoning behind the Richardson move. I hope he continues to make those deals, knowing they won't hit 100% of the time. The same move netted us Davis. I'd trade our first and second this year for a player of Davis' caliber in a heartbeat, especially with a low cap number.

[ProblChld32]

I like Grigs i think he is an underrated guy. and he he def knows how to evaluate talent. 

[NewColtsFan]

Thanks for this, Supe!

 

 

I also liked this passage.....

 

 

If you turn over as many stones as the Colts do, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty. Grigson knows that every Super Bowl champion has employed players whom you wouldn't ask to babysit your kids. He will not draft a player he deems a character risk in the first four rounds. After that he will consider it, as long as the player has the potential to be a starter.

 

"Usually these aren't the cleanest guys, or they don't learn well, or they have some sort of drug issue, or maybe they don't fit in society well," he says. "But between the white lines, they can go all day. That's their sanctuary."

 

 

This explains players he's taken in each of Grigson's first three drafts....

 

2012 -- Levon Brazill         6th R

2013 -- John Boyett          6th R

2014 -- Jonathan Newsome   5th R

2014 -- Andrew Jackson      6th R

 

Let's hope Newsome can continue on the path he set for himself in his rookie year....

 

As for Grigson,   I remain an admirer.   But he really, really has to come through with the 2015 draft.

[DougDew]

Here's hoping he is pruinng out that horrible run-defense last year!

I believe those branches were named RJF, Cory Redding, and Laron Landry

[PeterBowman]

I believe those branches were named RJF, Cory Redding, and Laron Landry

and the run D really wasn't that bad overall.....just against NE for some reason.

 

Wasn't great, but they never really got ran over except against the Patriots.

[Smonroe]

and the run D really wasn't that bad overall.....just against NE for some reason.

 

Wasn't great, but they never really got ran over except against the Patriots.

 

Very true.  And the O didn't help out much in those games, as in keeping the D off the field.

 

I think whenever people say 'We need to improve (any aspect of the game)", we can add "against the Patriots" to the end of the sentence.

[cmgww]

It's in the article but not football related....but there are several references to Cafe Patachou. My boss lives near it, and apparently so does Grigson as he frequents it for coffee. My boss and I often meet there to discuss business plans and such. It's kind of a "granola" eatery, lots of healthy and vegetarian options. But they have great breakfast.

[ColtRider]

Thanks for this, Supe!

 

 

I also liked this passage.....

 

 

If you turn over as many stones as the Colts do, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty. Grigson knows that every Super Bowl champion has employed players whom you wouldn't ask to babysit your kids. He will not draft a player he deems a character risk in the first four rounds. After that he will consider it, as long as the player has the potential to be a starter.

 

"Usually these aren't the cleanest guys, or they don't learn well, or they have some sort of drug issue, or maybe they don't fit in society well," he says. "But between the white lines, they can go all day. That's their sanctuary."

 

 

This explains players he's taken in each of Grigson's first three drafts....

 

2012 -- Levon Brazill         6th R

2013 -- John Boyett          6th R

2014 -- Jonathan Newsome   5th R

2014 -- Andrew Jackson      6th R

 

Let's hope Newsome can continue on the path he set for himself in his rookie year....

 

As for Grigson,   I remain an admirer.   But he really, really has to come through with the 2015 draft.

I wouldn't worry too much about this year's draft, NCF! RG's got this one and many more to come, IMO. (for what it's worth)

[dudeski]

It's in the article but not football related....but there are several references to Cafe Patachou. My boss lives near it, and apparently so does Grigson as he frequents it for coffee. My boss and I often meet there to discuss business plans and such. It's kind of a "granola" eatery, lots of healthy and vegetarian options. But they have great breakfast.

thanks for sharing. So glad I know where you discuss business plans.

[amfootball]

I did not go through the whole article but is there any mention of the Colts scouting department? Grigson is just one guy and he can't possibly keep tabs and evaluate every potential player. So many great finds come from scouts and personnel player execs. putting a bug in the GMs ear about a player to sign/draft. Just wondering how folks feel about the Colts scouting ...

[CanuckColt]

PFT has an article on Grigson's dumpster diving all over the planet to try to find potential football players "with unconventional backgrounds".

[Superman]

I did not go through the whole article but is there any mention of the Colts scouting department? Grigson is just one guy and he can't possibly keep tabs and evaluate every potential player. So many great finds come from scouts and personnel player execs. putting a bug in the GMs ear about a player to sign/draft. Just wondering how folks feel about the Colts scouting ...

 

Pretty sure every team has an extensive scouting department, on top of using independent scouting services. So no, Grigson isn't doing all the scouting on his own. 

[amfootball]

Pretty sure every team has an extensive scouting department, on top of using independent scouting services. So no, Grigson isn't doing all the scouting on his own. 

lol. I was not asking if the Colts have a scouting department but how people feel about the scouting department as no GM works alone and having good scouts and player personnel execs are important in the team building process. I think GMs get too much of the credit and blame when the scouting departments are helping them or hurting them in some cases to be able to do their jobs.

[ColtsFanMikeC]

"In Grigson's first season, after he took Luck with the No. 1 pick, the Colts shocked the league by improving from 2--14 to 11--5. But after their playoff loss to the Ravens, Grigson looked down on the field and thought, for the only time in his career, that his team couldn't win. Luck could barely set his feet before getting hit. After the team flew home, Grigson went to his office and wrote "PROTECT 12" on a piece of paper. It is still on his desk."

 

I am glad "PROTECT 12" is still on his desk.

 

I believe Grigs is correct in saying he thinks about creating a dynasty because we have a QB who is good enough to lead a dynasty.  I admire Luck's toughness and ability to take a hit.  However, as one gets older, hits can start adding up and become more serious.  While we have obvious needs at safety and could use help with the rest of the defense, I really hope to see us continue to address our OL (with the addition of Herreman's, we might be good on the interior - I was impressed with Holmes when he was healthy, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy, and Mewhort and Harrison should improve -- but where I'm most concerned is RT as I don't foresee Gosder making a full recovery or being able to sustain health if he does recover).  I cringe every time I see Luck take a hit, and tend to think if we want Luck to be around and healthy enough to be our 'dynasty QB', we need to continue to lessen the amount of hits he is taking.

[CR91]

i loved learning about the color-coded board. thats awesome

[BOTT]

lol. I was not asking if the Colts have a scouting department but how people feel about the scouting department as no GM works alone and having good scouts and player personnel execs are important in the team building process. I think GMs get too much of the credit and blame when the scouting departments are helping them or hurting them in some cases to be able to do their jobs.

Well, the gm hires the scouts

[Superman]

lol. I was not asking if the Colts have a scouting department but how people feel about the scouting department as no GM works alone and having good scouts and player personnel execs are important in the team building process. I think GMs get too much of the credit and blame when the scouting departments are helping them or hurting them in some cases to be able to do their jobs.

 

I doubt Grigson actually drafts players that he hasn't personally watched and convinced himself can play in the NFL. But in my mind, the scouts tell him 'these are the guys that you should look at, all these other guys aren't worth your time,' and then senior staff goes from there. Scouts also gather information so the team can arrange their board and try to figure out what's going to happen during the draft.

 

So I do think it comes back to the main decision makers, but obviously, they're relying on a team of scouts and information gatherers to help them make good decisions. End of the day, though, it's the GM pulling the trigger. 

[Superman]

i loved learning about the color-coded board. thats awesome

 

Yeah, kind of puts a little more meaning into some of Grigson's comments about Khaled Holmes when he was on the bench. He was very likely labeled IBG.

[TrueBlue12]

I really question the pro player scouting. There were 18 NFL games worth of film on TRich and more than that on LaRon Landry. The scouts had all kinds of film. Yet they made the mistakes anyway. TRich and LaRon didn't suddenly become different players when they joined the Colts.

 

I can better understand a miss on a Bjoern Werner or a Josh Chapman. Scouts are projecting from college to pro.

[BleedBlu8792]

I really question the pro player scouting. There were 18 NFL games worth of film on TRich and more than that on LaRon Landry. The scouts had all kinds of film. Yet they made the mistakes anyway. TRich and LaRon didn't suddenly become different players when they joined the Colts.

 

I can better understand a miss on a Bjoern Werner or a Josh Chapman. Scouts are projecting from college to pro.

 

Eh... Grigson thought with the addition of Richardson, he could take some of the heat off of him by pairing him with Luck. Richardson had a decent year in Cleveland with no QB. I thought the same thing with him playing next to Luck, in that Trent would be able to take advantage of lighter boxes. Losing that first round pick hurt, but I don't think it was a complete detriment to the team though. The good thing was that Richardson was a cheap risk in terms of money, but again, it would have been nice to see what that first rounder we gave up for Trent would have netted us in the draft.

 

Landry was coming off a pretty good year for the Jets, so I see why Grigson went after him. However, Rex Ryan is so good with scheming in his secondary and his defense as a whole, he can make a lot of players (excluding Revis) look so much better than they are. Manusky nor Pagano are on Rex's level in terms of scheming and getting the best out of a defense. I personally think with Rex, this defense would easily be top-10 and our past games with the Patriots being much more competitive.

[crazycolt1]

Can't someone with half a brain send him notable players that hit the waiver wire.  I mean he can't be the only person there that knows about the roster and the long term plans.

That is his job. He must feel the need to be hands on with every move. I see nothing wrong with him being dedicated and in control.

[crazycolt1]

I really question the pro player scouting. There were 18 NFL games worth of film on TRich and more than that on LaRon Landry. The scouts had all kinds of film. Yet they made the mistakes anyway. TRich and LaRon didn't suddenly become different players when they joined the Colts.

 

I can better understand a miss on a Bjoern Werner or a Josh Chapman. Scouts are projecting from college to pro.

  There are or will be 90 players on the Colts up coming roster. You want to single out one player who didn't work out. Pretty narrow minded I think. Every GM has hits and misses.

[crazycolt1]

For those who might be interested the Colts have 13 scouts. There was a couple of comments made about the scouting department so I thought I would put this info out.

[amfootball]

I doubt Grigson actually drafts players that he hasn't personally watched and convinced himself can play in the NFL. But in my mind, the scouts tell him 'these are the guys that you should look at, all these other guys aren't worth your time,' and then senior staff goes from there. Scouts also gather information so the team can arrange their board and try to figure out what's going to happen during the draft.

 

So I do think it comes back to the main decision makers, but obviously, they're relying on a team of scouts and information gatherers to help them make good decisions. End of the day, though, it's the GM pulling the trigger. 

Yeah, I only asked because the Pats scouts are mentioned during this time of year as well as Nick Caserio. Back in the early '00s when the Pats were winning their championships Scott Pioli (Belichick's best friend) got a lot of credit for the construction of those teams. What is interesting though is the Pats had some horrible drafts during Pioli's tenure and when he left, Bill has had some great drafts. I have always wondered about the role of the scout team, personnel people and the GM. I think with Bill, one of his best qualities as GM that rarely gets mentioned is how he surrounds himself with smart football people and let's them do their job. The media likes to make Bill the centerpiece for obvious reasons but he understands what he can't do as well as what he does not know. I think this is what has made him so successful as a roster builder and a coach too. So, I was just wondering what the thoughts were from the Colts perspective on Grigson's relationship with his scouting staff and folks he has surrounding him to help him build the team.

[Valpo2004]

Thanks for this, Supe!

 

 

I also liked this passage.....

 

 

If you turn over as many stones as the Colts do, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty. Grigson knows that every Super Bowl champion has employed players whom you wouldn't ask to babysit your kids. He will not draft a player he deems a character risk in the first four rounds. After that he will consider it, as long as the player has the potential to be a starter.

 

"Usually these aren't the cleanest guys, or they don't learn well, or they have some sort of drug issue, or maybe they don't fit in society well," he says. "But between the white lines, they can go all day. That's their sanctuary."

 

 

This explains players he's taken in each of Grigson's first three drafts....

 

2012 -- Levon Brazill         6th R

2013 -- John Boyett          6th R

2014 -- Jonathan Newsome   5th R

2014 -- Andrew Jackson      6th R

 

Let's hope Newsome can continue on the path he set for himself in his rookie year....

 

As for Grigson,   I remain an admirer.   But he really, really has to come through with the 2015 draft.

 

Maybe I missed something but was Newsome a character risk?  I mean I know he transferred schools but wasn't it voluntary?

[NewColtsFan]

Maybe I missed something but was Newsome a character risk?  I mean I know he transferred schools but wasn't it voluntary?

 

Nope,  you didn't miss anything.    You're correct,  but perhaps to a somewhat lesser degree.

 

I think the story was he and a friend got busted for trying to steal viagra from a drug store.

 

But, yes,  5th round would put Newsome on Grigson's list for OK to take after the 4th round.

 

Good catch.....    

[lollygagger8]

Here I thought "The Prospector" was going to be this: 

 

 

Excellent article! 

[Valpo2004]

Nope,  you didn't miss anything.    You're correct,  but perhaps to a somewhat lesser degree.

 

I think the story was he and a friend got busted for trying to steal viagra from a drug store.

 

But, yes,  5th round would put Newsome on Grigson's list for OK to take after the 4th round.

 

Good catch.....    

 

Actually you may be right, I googled "Jonathon Newsome arrest" and found a couple hits.  He was arrested for pot possession and apparently tried to steal the referenced pills but I'm not sure if he was ever charged or convicted of that.  

 

So a few question marks in his record.  Don't see anything violent or anything like that.  And these days a player getting arrested 1 time for pot possession, a lot of pro teams wouldn't even flag that now.