Kiper: "Ballard does it again. This is my favorite draft class."

[MikeCurtis]

1 hour ago, Peterk2011 said:

 

After the Campbell pick, Inman won't come back. The roster is already at 90, and Ballard still wants to add 1 or 2 RB-s, so 1-2 guys will have to go already. And if Cain is recovering well, there's no point to bring him back.

 

So, barring injury or a sudden fall-off, Hilton, Campbell, Funches, Cain and Rogers are probably all locks. Yes, Rogers too.

 

I know some ppl do not like Chester. He had some rough games last year yes. But  he is the punt returner, which is an important role. There's no such thing as "KR/PR" any more, kick returns are joke, however punt returns are key to spec. team. A good punt returner requires good vision, sure hands and very good decision making in traffic. Rogers has all these traits, and he's proven it. It's a reason why he got a 2nd round RFA offer (3 mills guaranteed!) from Ballard. Teams keep guys on rosters exclusively for returning punts. If that guy can catch 60 ball for 450-500 yards, as Rogers can, that's a huge plus.

 

Pascal, Johnson, Fountain and the others can battle for the 6th spot. If Ballard will bring 6. (Not sure if he will or not. There's quality depth all around the offense, so whether it'll be OL, TE, RB or WR where he'll decide to keep one less, he'll probably have to let a valuable young guy go. Tough decisions coming in august.)

Ultimately, you may be right........

 

There were PLENTY of games where Inman was the clear number 2, on this team 

 

He and Luck built a chemistry

 

I think he may be back

 

 

[MikeCurtis]

Just now, Lucky Colts Fan said:

 

I think it's like a 100% lock that doesn't happen.

And there is a 50% chance of that........ 

 

Who knows?

 

He will PROBABLY be the Colts starter next year........  Very high probability,  almost for sure......

 

Hows that?

 

 

 

[Coltsfan66]

I feel dirty as Kiper and McShay usually hate Indy's drafts, lol! 

[EastStreet]

2 hours ago, Peterk2011 said:

 

After the Campbell pick, Inman won't come back. The roster is already at 90, and Ballard still wants to add 1 or 2 RB-s, so 1-2 guys will have to go already. And if Cain is recovering well, there's no point to bring him back.

 

From a pure numbers perspective, maybe, but from a position standpoint, Campbell isn't likely an impact to Inman. Campbell played slot/hb at OSU, and many projected him at Z. I do think think he could play at X (Inman's typical position), but doing so would require some crazy fast development. I'd say that Cain's recovery has a lot of impact on Inman though. We already let Grant expire at X and signed Funchess (he could play a lot of big/bully slot though), so there's that impact too.

 

Quote

So, barring injury or a sudden fall-off, Hilton, Campbell, Funches, Cain and Rogers are probably all locks. Yes, Rogers too.

 

I think Rogers is a lock too, but he may be the most impacted by Parris out of the gate. Both Pascal and Inman played plenty of slot last year too. So Inman's departure does open up snaps. Rogers had a pretty darn decent year last year in terms of improvement with Luck back. I could see his snaps decreasing with Funchess and Campbell, but I doubt he'd be let go.

 

Quote

I know some ppl do not like Chester. He had some rough games last year yes. But  he is the punt returner, which is an important role. There's no such thing as "KR/PR" any more, kick returns are joke, however punt returns are key to spec. team. A good punt returner requires good vision, sure hands and very good decision making in traffic. Rogers has all these traits, and he's proven it. It's a reason why he got a 2nd round RFA offer (3 mills guaranteed!) from Ballard. Teams keep guys on rosters exclusively for returning punts. If that guy can catch 60 ball for 450-500 yards, as Rogers can, that's a huge plus.

 

3 of the UDFAs have a lot of return experience/production, one is especially interesting, not to mention fast.

 

Quote

Pascal, Johnson, Fountain and the others can battle for the 6th spot. If Ballard will bring 6. (Not sure if he will or not. There's quality depth all around the offense, so whether it'll be OL, TE, RB or WR where he'll decide to keep one less, he'll probably have to let a valuable young guy go. Tough decisions coming in august.)

 

I think the locks are TY, Campbell, Cain, Funchess, and Rogers. We bounced several to the practice squad last year and kept them, so I can see us dong the same this year. I think they'll give Fountain another year as they knew he was long term developmental guy coming in. He's been played up as working hard in the off season trying to improve. Pascal showed flashes as well so I think he'll likely be back. Not sure about the rest.

[Rally5]

2 hours ago, SouthernIndianaNDFan said:

 

Not sure how long you've been around this forum, I browsed for years before finally joining and bashing each other, belittling, and negativity are like the trusses of this building lol. It gets ridiculous at times, and I'll admit that I fall victim to it at times. Anyways, they hit this one out of the park. They're to a point with this team, last years win streak being an example, where they can fine tune it a bit. Getting guys that fit key schematic areas, and guys that may be package specialists is a luxury when you've gotten this far with your lineup. I feel like they're getting close to where they wanna be, and the KC loss gave them the blueprint to get over the top (hopefully). KC exploited a few areas where we obviously needed improvement, areas that can be exploited by the elite coaches in the league (Reid, Belichick). I feel like Ballard really got some guys that will shore up some of those areas. Really excited to see their plan, and how these guys equate within that towards future successes. 

A lot of GM's draft based off of their last loss. 

[King Colt]

Grading teams performances in the draft is kind of stupid because teams draft for different reasons and you pick what is left when it's your turn. If one team is drafting to win now and another is building for two-three years down the road how then do you compare? Does a  team draft well when the selection turns out to be a bust?

[throwing BBZ]

4 hours ago, rockywoj said:

It might be just me, but with Cain & Fountain coming hard for their 2nd training camp, and now adding Campbell in the draft and having added Funchess in free agency, I am not so sure that Rogers’ spot on the roster is as assured as a lot of people seem to be saying.   Time shall tell and it’s going to be a very interesting training camp for the receiver crew. 

 

 Hmmm! Can't help but wonder how long this list of Roger's is assured of a roster spot list is post draft. And don't bet the house all the guys you list will be healthy come final roster time.
 Of course the real fun is how unimportant Rogers is to the equation. 

[throwing BBZ]

33 minutes ago, Irish YJ said:

From a pure numbers perspective, maybe, but from a position standpoint, Campbell isn't likely an impact to Inman. Campbell played slot/hb at OSU, and many projected him at Z. I do think think he could play at X (Inman's typical position), but doing so would require some crazy fast development. I'd say that Cain's recovery has a lot of impact on Inman though. We already let Grant expire at X and signed Funchess (he could play a lot of big/bully slot though), so there's that impact too.

 

 

I think Rogers is a lock too, but he may be the most impacted by Parris out of the gate. Both Pascal and Inman played plenty of slot last year too. So Inman's departure does open up snaps. Rogers had a pretty darn decent year last year in terms of improvement with Luck back. I could see his snaps decreasing with Funchess and Campbell, but I doubt he'd be let go.

 

 

3 of the UDFAs have a lot of return experience/production, one is especially interesting, not to mention fast.

 

 

I think the locks are TY, Campbell, Cain, Funchess, and Rogers. We bounced several to the practice squad last year and kept them, so I can see us dong the same this year. I think they'll give Fountain another year as they knew he was long term developmental guy coming in. He's been played up as working hard in the off season trying to improve. Pascal showed flashes as well so I think he'll likely be back. Not sure about the rest.

 

 Rogers is more likely throw in trade capital. JMO

[jameszeigler834]

2 hours ago, Luck 4 president said:

Did I say we had a bad draft? I just don’t like Kiper at all. The guy takes bribes from agents to talk up their players and put them high on his draft board. 

No you didn't but there are some people out there not to mention names that have said don't care for that pick and so on this draft if even half work out it was a successful draft.

[EastStreet]

1 minute ago, throwing BBZ said:

 

 Rogers is more likely throw in trade capital. JMO

IDK. We tendered him as a 2nd so he'll make 3.1M IIRC. If we had designs on trading him, I think we would have tendered him lower instead of setting the value high (for an UDFA). Now getting PC may have changed that though. I just don't see us getting rid of our starting slot and returner. He had a career year, and had the best separation stats on the team. While he may not be a T1 stud, he was plenty reliable and is somewhat cheap and knows are system.

 

If anyone came after him, that's another story, but don't see that happening. I'd happily part with him for the right trade though.

[EastStreet]

2 hours ago, Luck 4 president said:

Did I say we had a bad draft? I just don’t like Kiper at all. The guy takes bribes from agents to talk up their players and put them high on his draft board. 

I'm in the same place. There's so many things not to like about Kiper. The multiples reports of his taking bribes and greasing pockets, his huge wiffs, his broken promises, his feuds, his mocks suck, etc... 

 

Speaking of his whiffs, check this out. It's LOL worthy. Wish he would have kept his promise about Clausen.

 

https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/mel-kipers-top-10-nfl-draft-blunders.html

[Luck 4 president]

1 hour ago, Irish YJ said:

I'm in the same place. There's so many things not to like about Kiper. The multiples reports of his taking bribes and greasing pockets, his huge wiffs, his broken promises, his feuds, his mocks suck, etc... 

 

Speaking of his whiffs, check this out. It's LOL worthy. Wish he would have kept his promise about Clausen.

 

https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/mel-kipers-top-10-nfl-draft-blunders.html

The clausen one is a classic  

[EastStreet]

5 minutes ago, Luck 4 president said:

The clausen one is a classic  

yup. wish he would have kept his promise lol.

love the scuffle with Tobin as well. trev alberts was a bust due to injury, but i'm happy we didn't take dilfer. dilfer was totally meh, and was happy to have a few years with captain comeback and then draft peyton

 

[NDcolt]

Who the Hell is Chris Ballard?  Let me bend that ear for a minute, He’s a top 3 GM in the NFL and soon to be #1!  

[Peterk2011]

4 hours ago, MikeCurtis said:

Ultimately, you may be right........

There were PLENTY of games where Inman was the clear number 2, on this team 

He and Luck built a chemistry

I think he may be back

 

I'm positive. Inman was a great asset last season, and I like him very much. Actually, when I saw his interview (ESPN I think) talking about how much he liked it here and how much he wants to come back my immediate reaction was, "Chris (Ballard), sign him right now. We need him". My opinion didn't change, I respect him, I like him.

 

However ... I liked John Simon too. And liked Henry Anderson. And liked Jonathan Hankins. And saw them all walk out. Hankins was our best dlineman in 2017, and he was still cut. It doesn't really matter why. Because not being scheme fit, or because we have a younger alternative in-house, or a better-younger alternative signed in free agency, or drafted, or whatever.

 

My point is, Inman is 30, and Ballard builds the team for the long term. He signed him when the Colts had a dire need of a pass catcher during the season. He would've probably signed him, if he missed the FA and missed to draft someone. But he didn't. He brought in a young FA, and drafted another young guy.

 

The team is no longer in dire need of a pass catcher. And because there is no dire need, Ballard will go with the young guy. I believe five players are locks already. And when it comes to the possible sixth, he'll rather choose for example Pascal (who has similar traits as Inman does), than sign Inman. Even if right now, Inman is the better player. Thats my take on Ballard's approach, that's why I don't think Inman will come back, despite the fact, that I like him very much.

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

There is no room for Inman. I would be shocked if he was brought back. 

[Buck Showalter]

31 minutes ago, Peterk2011 said:

 

I'm positive. Inman was a great asset last season, and I like him very much. Actually, when I saw his interview (ESPN I think) talking about how much he liked it here and how much he wants to come back my immediate reaction was, "Chris (Ballard), sign him right now. We need him". My opinion didn't change, I respect him, I like him.

 

However ... I liked John Simon too. And liked Henry Anderson. And liked Jonathan Hankins. And saw them all walk out. Hankins was our best dlineman in 2017, and he was still cut. It doesn't really matter why. Because not being scheme fit, or because we have a younger alternative in-house, or a better-younger alternative signed in free agency, or drafted, or whatever.

 

My point is, Inman is 30, and Ballard builds the team for the long term. He signed him when the Colts had a dire need of a pass catcher during the season. He would've probably signed him, if he missed the FA and missed to draft someone. But he didn't. He brought in a young FA, and drafted another young guy.

 

The team is no longer in dire need of a pass catcher. And because there is no dire need, Ballard will go with the young guy. I believe five players are locks already. And when it comes to the possible sixth, he'll rather choose for example Pascal (who has similar traits as Inman does), than sign Inman. Even if right now, Inman is the better player. Thats my take on Ballard's approach, that's why I don't think Inman will come back, despite the fact, that I like him very much.

Good post & I assume your line of thinking isnt far off...

I've not heard anything specific about any negotiations between Ballard & Inman, but I feel like Inmans case isnt the best example of supporting the competition/earn your spot mentality that Ballard preaches. Just thought the guy showed up when the Colts needed him, so hearing his desire to return isn't reciprocated (again not knowing any specifics, maybe he was made an offer & declined) is somewhat disappointing...

 

[EastStreet]

12 minutes ago, Chloe6124 said:

There is no room for Inman. I would be shocked if he was brought back. 

wouldn't count him totally out though. we could easily have TY, Funchess, Cain, Parris, Rogers, and Inman, and still keep 2 or 3 on the practice squad. we had 2 or three WRs last year i think. I can see them keeping fountain there for another year if he's improving, but not yet ready for prime time. 

 

IIRC, you can have 10 practice squad players who have not been in the league for more than 2 years. there's some type of exception you can use for up to 4 players to get past the 2 year limit.

[JPFolks]

9 hours ago, Two_pound said:

Kiper gives thoughtful, rational explainations for his analysis and you guys still bash him? The negativity on this forum is mind numbing. I think we had a great draft, not because Kiper or anyone else on tv said so, it is my opinion. Rock and Okereke are probably going to start. Campbell will be on the field a lot at wr along with Hilton, Funchess, Rogers, and Cain. That is a mix of 5 recievers that will be tough to defend all over the field, and we may even bring Iman back yet.  Depth,depth, depth, competition, competition, competition, what is not to like about it?

I'd be all for bringing in SUPER reliable Inman to compete with Rogers and Cain.  Let's make the final WR cut BRUTAL! I hope we're okay at TE, injury was a major factor last year which many people seem to forget.  I hope they get some good UDFAs and perhaps some Vetern FA's into camp to compete.   I'd like us to keep 4 TE's close at hand.  What are your thoughts on the TEs as they stand? 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

9 minutes ago, Irish YJ said:

wouldn't count him totally out though. we could easily have TY, Funchess, Cain, Parris, Rogers, and Inman, and still keep 2 or 3 on the practice squad. we had 2 or three WRs last year i think. I can see them keeping fountain there for another year if he's improving, but not yet ready for prime time. 

 

IIRC, you can have 10 practice squad players who have not been in the league for more than 2 years. there's some type of exception you can use for up to 4 players to get past the 2 year limit.

Would we really keep 6 WR on the roster. I just don’t see enough balls to go around. Especially with Doyle and Ebron. Pascal is still competing also.

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

2 minutes ago, JPFolks said:

I'd be all for bringing in SUPER reliable Inman to compete with Rogers and Cain.  Let's make the final WR cut BRUTAL! I hope we're okay at TE, injury was a major factor last year which many people seem to forget.  I hope they get some good UDFAs and perhaps some Vetern FA's into camp to compete.   I'd like us to keep 4 TE's close at hand.  What are your thoughts on the TEs as they stand? 

I think we are fine at TE. It looks like they have a plan to bring Doyle and Ebron back since we didn’t look at TE in the draft. I believe cox is a FA next year so maybe next year we look at one. Hopefully Doyle and Ebron will both stay healthy next year. 

[ReMeDy]

It's a good thing we ranked 1st so we could read the entirety of his opinion on us.

[Two_pound]

JPFolks, I don't know if you directed that question at me specifically or everyone in general, but I like Ebron, Doyle, Allie-Cox, Travis is coming back, and I think Swope is still in the mix. That is a solid group in my opinion, it would be nice to have one guy who would be faster. I thought Allie-Cox really improved his blocking as the season went on.

[Legend of Luck]

5 hours ago, Coltsfan66 said:

I feel dirty as Kiper and McShay usually hate Indy's drafts, lol! 

Gotta remember that's mainly from the Grigson Era...and..well..they were ultimately right lol.

[EastStreet]

19 minutes ago, Chloe6124 said:

Would we really keep 6 WR on the roster. I just don’t see enough balls to go around. Especially with Doyle and Ebron. Pascal is still competing also.

6 is pretty standard. we had 6 last year on the roster plus two on the practice squad (pretty sure we rotated another too). i'm sure it fluctuates, and likely depends on injury too. 

 

We averaged 2.6 or 2.7 WRs on the field during standard O snaps last year, so were typically in 3 WR sets more than half the time. If that's the case, you really want each position (X, Z, slot) to have a backup. Several WRs flexed to slot, so you really don't have too have a two deep for all three, but you also need to account for PR and KR out of that bunch too.

 

From a pure numbers perspective (11 on O, 11 on D, plus K, P, LS) we have 25 starters. With a 53 man roster, every starter could theoretically have a backup with 3 extra to float. If you have 2.7 WR on average "starting", so that's a need of 5.4 on average. 

 

here's a high level "anatomy of an nfl roster" article if interested. it list WR at 6 as well.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1640782-the-anatomy-of-a-53-man-roster-in-the-nfl

[Reidm]

6 hours ago, Buck Showalter said:

Lol...

"I may not play football, but I wear a hair helmet everyday!!!"

 

@Mel Kiper's Hair  Are you gonna take this from them?

[BluHorzhu]

It's great to get praise from an analyst, but if 2019 Mel Kiper was a baseball player, he's clearly lost his fastball. 

[Stephen]

1 hour ago, Chloe6124 said:

There is no room for Inman. I would be shocked if he was brought back. 

He will only come back if we have more injuries 

[shasta519]

1 hour ago, Buck Showalter said:

Good post & I assume your line of thinking isnt far off...

I've not heard anything specific about any negotiations between Ballard & Inman, but I feel like Inmans case isnt the best example of supporting the competition/earn your spot mentality that Ballard preaches. Just thought the guy showed up when the Colts needed him, so hearing his desire to return isn't reciprocated (again not knowing any specifics, maybe he was made an offer & declined) is somewhat disappointing...

 

 

Agree with that. Inman was crucial to this teams success down the stretch. Luck had an absurd passer rating when targeting him. If you are giving $3M to guys like Farley and Rogers...I would think Inman could get that as well. Age isn’t really important when looking at next season.

 

Wish we knew more details. Outside of Hunt, you won’t find a guy that “earned it” like Inman.

[shasta519]

Kiper had some guys matched up on the board if I recall.

[Coltsfan66]

57 minutes ago, Legend of Luck said:

Gotta remember that's mainly from the Grigson Era...and..well..they were ultimately right lol.

No, it goes waaay back.  I have been a Colts fan for almost 50 years...

[superrep1967]

11 hours ago, Two_pound said:

Kiper gives thoughtful, rational explainations for his analysis and you guys still bash him? The negativity on this forum is mind numbing. I think we had a great draft, not because Kiper or anyone else on tv said so, it is my opinion. Rock and Okereke are probably going to start. Campbell will be on the field a lot at wr along with Hilton, Funchess, Rogers, and Cain. That is a mix of 5 recievers that will be tough to defend all over the field, and we may even bring Iman back yet.  Depth,depth, depth, competition, competition, competition, what is not to like about it?

Yeah, Funchess drops a lot passes in practice he'll be out and Campbell will be in. 

[superrep1967]

1 hour ago, shastamasta said:

 

Agree with that. Inman was crucial to this teams success down the stretch. Luck had an absurd passer rating when targeting him. If you are giving $3M to guys like Farley and Rogers...I would think Inman could get that as well. Age isn’t really important when looking at next season.

 

Wish we knew more details. Outside of Hunt, you won’t find a guy that “earned it” like Inman.

He'll probably catch the ball more than Funchess will for that reason I want him back. 

[superrep1967]

3 hours ago, NDcolt said:

Who the Hell is Chris Ballard?  Let me bend that ear for a minute, He’s a top 3 GM in the NFL and soon to be #1!  

I totally agree!!!!!

[MikeCurtis]

4 hours ago, Peterk2011 said:

 

I'm positive. Inman was a great asset last season, and I like him very much. Actually, when I saw his interview (ESPN I think) talking about how much he liked it here and how much he wants to come back my immediate reaction was, "Chris (Ballard), sign him right now. We need him". My opinion didn't change, I respect him, I like him.

 

However ... I liked John Simon too. And liked Henry Anderson. And liked Jonathan Hankins. And saw them all walk out. Hankins was our best dlineman in 2017, and he was still cut. It doesn't really matter why. Because not being scheme fit, or because we have a younger alternative in-house, or a better-younger alternative signed in free agency, or drafted, or whatever.

 

My point is, Inman is 30, and Ballard builds the team for the long term. He signed him when the Colts had a dire need of a pass catcher during the season. He would've probably signed him, if he missed the FA and missed to draft someone. But he didn't. He brought in a young FA, and drafted another young guy.

 

The team is no longer in dire need of a pass catcher. And because there is no dire need, Ballard will go with the young guy. I believe five players are locks already. And when it comes to the possible sixth, he'll rather choose for example Pascal (who has similar traits as Inman does), than sign Inman. Even if right now, Inman is the better player. Thats my take on Ballard's approach, that's why I don't think Inman will come back, despite the fact, that I like him very much.

You may be right...... the Colts may havent even spoken to Inman, which would be surprising

 

I hope they bring him back. He will no longer be number 2, but could be number 4 or 5.

 

He caught EVERYTHING last year

 

 

 

[Farns01]

On the ESPN special tonight Mel predicted the Colts going to the Super Bowl.  All the other analysts calling Ballard A brilliant GM.

[Coltivated]

In my opinion we will have to trust the scouts and Ballard i mean they have done fantastic so far. I believe they reached a hair on some guys but it doesn’t matter because they will be at a higher floor in our scheme. They are targeted guys for our style of football. It’s up to the coaches to develop the talent. In this class the athletic profiles are jumping of the page. Bleacher report’s own Matt Miller gave it an A+ calling Indy’s front office the best in the game. I will personally wait till Ballard let’s me down to give any negative opinions especially hypothetical criticisms.

[ColtStrong2013]

9 hours ago, indyman411 said:

You mean Chester?

 

You know what's really sad... I just came home from a longg weekend of work, and browsing through this thread that Carlos bit caught my eye. I sat here for at least two minutes trying to convince myself his name wasn't carlos. My mind is so fried right now that this guy had me convinced I was crazy and that his name is Carlos Rogers... 

[WoolMagnet]

I saw this.  Does Kiper really agree?  Is he just getting on board the Ballard train?  I don't care, personally.  I'll take the good mojo from "the hair".  

  Like last year, except for a couple guys, the names mean nothing to me.  This draft seemed very void of as many household names as in past drafts.

  Anyone look into what the media thinks?  I'd like to hear Cowherds comments.

[WoolMagnet]

14 hours ago, Two_pound said:

Kiper gives thoughtful, rational explainations for his analysis and you guys still bash him? The negativity on this forum is mind numbing. I think we had a great draft, not because Kiper or anyone else on tv said so, it is my opinion. Rock and Okereke are probably going to start. Campbell will be on the field a lot at wr along with Hilton, Funchess, Rogers, and Cain. That is a mix of 5 recievers that will be tough to defend all over the field, and we may even bring Iman back yet.  Depth,depth, depth, competition, competition, competition, what is not to like about it?

This is what i see as well.  Many are surprised by Ballard ignoring DL, but there was an early run and the value wasnt there by the time we picked.

  What i see is 

1. Added a legit wr #2 

2. Added OL depth/development

3. (Most importantly). Added CB,S,LB speed and measureables to help with those RB TE and slot plays that are tearing up the league. (Think chiefs game)

 After last year's draft i felt our LB corps was our weakness. I still think it was but we got more out of them (especially Leonard) than expected.  I remember thinking i hoped this draft was stocked with LBs.  

  But yes, added competition at WR, LB, S, and CB.

And i expect a few more changes after cuts again.

Ballard seems to onow exactly what he wants and what role needs to be filled.  NE has been successful doing this for decades.

Its in the money-ball realm.  And.... its common sense really.