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Ballard FA Grievances Thread (Merge)


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On 4/1/2022 at 5:36 PM, GoColts8818 said:

Dan Dakich don’t you have radio show to host?  Say hi to Ryan Grigson next time you talk to him.

 

oh by the way I am not a know it all I’ve been wrong plenty of times and have zero problems admitting when I am.

 

I'm actually confident our friend CDGA is talking about me....     he's been using the "know it all" insult on me in several recent posts.     But, to copy a very good comment from you,   I've been wrong plenty of times as well,   and also have zero problems admitting it.     I try to own as much of my poop as possible.     We're all fans on a message board.    Being wrong from time to time just kinda comes with the territory.     Know way of getting around it.....

 

 

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On 4/3/2022 at 11:46 AM, NewColtsFan said:


Seriously?

 

Predicted to be the worst team in the NFL in his rookie season, Luck carried the Colts to three straight 11-5 seasons.   Plus they went a round further in the playoffs his first three years and reached the AFC championship  game in his third year. 
 

That’s not elite?   

 

  Not sure what how they did relative to expectations has to do with wether they were 

  elite.

 

  That said, we may just have markedly different definitions of the word, elite.

 

  From my perspective, elite is multiple seasons within a few years time

  in Conference Championship games or beyond.

 

  

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8 hours ago, indykmj said:

 

  Not sure what how they did relative to expectations has to do with wether they were 

  elite.

 

  That said, we may just have markedly different definitions of the word, elite.

 

  From my perspective, elite is multiple seasons within a few years time

  in Conference Championship games or beyond.

 

  


Fair enough.    I don’t know that I fully embrace your definition of elite, but you made a good and fair argument and that’s all I ever ask.    Good post.   :thmup:

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Regarding when we had Andrew Luck, we weren't elite but that was due to having a bad O.Line, no run game, and an average defense. Andrew was very good to great without debate. 11-5 first 3 years, went to a AFC Title Game, set the rookie record for most passing yards, he also threw for 40+ TD's in a season which only 7 other QB's have done. Andrew carried our butts basically. The only help he really had was Reggie Wayne in his rookie season, TY Hilton was good but not great. The Colts had 1 game where a RB had more than 100 yards in a game from 2012-2014 and we still won 11 games every season, that is a miracle in itself.

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I'm all done complaining about Ballard. Its obvious he has a well thought out plan. He's working hard on improving our draft position for next year's draft. With a top 5 pick, we should get our future QB. Once we get our guy we should be ready to compete with the rest of the league with a 3 year rebuild.

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1 hour ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

I'm all done complaining about Ballard. Its obvious he has a well thought out plan. He's working hard on improving our draft position for next year's draft. With a top 5 pick, we should get our future QB. Once we get our guy we should be ready to compete with the rest of the league with a 3 year rebuild.

 

I would be ok if that was actually the plan. It's being not good enough to be a real SB contender, but not bad enough for a top draft pick that I hate.  Being a mediocre to good team is a waste.

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9 minutes ago, esmort said:

 

I would be ok if that was actually the plan. It's being not good enough to be a real SB contender, but not bad enough for a top draft pick that I hate.  Being a mediocre to good team is a waste.

Well, this roster has several positions that need upgrades  and the depth is gone. I think with a very tough schedule, we will be lucky to win 5 games so maybe we will be in a better draft position.

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11 minutes ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

Well, this roster has several positions that need upgrades  and the depth is gone. I think with a very tough schedule, we will be lucky to win 5 games so maybe we will be in a better draft position.

 

I think they.will win more than that, they might even sneak into the playoffs; but it  will be a waste because that will just be a low draft pick.

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11 minutes ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

Well, this roster has several positions that need upgrades  and the depth is gone. I think with a very tough schedule, we will be lucky to win 5 games so maybe we will be in a better draft position.

broken-record-midia.jpg

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2 hours ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

I'm all done complaining about Ballard. Its obvious he has a well thought out plan. He's working hard on improving our draft position for next year's draft. With a top 5 pick, we should get our future QB. Once we get our guy we should be ready to compete with the rest of the league with a 3 year rebuild.

Would you like to place a bet on our draft spot next year?   I will take 32-16 you take 16-1.    You win I give 100 bucks to a charity of your choice I win you do the same.   

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I am not one that says we should sign every big name free agent or every big name "has been" such as Julio Jones or not a true #1 WR like Landry (4.7 40 guy that's been a solid #2 -already have that in Pittman). But honestly, Ballard has let several viable free agents sign with other teams and has not filled many of the obvious holes needed. In fact, we replaced 27 tds and 7 ints with an avg of 23 tds and 13 ints the last 3 years. Glad we jettisoned Wentz but Matty Ice never was Ice (reference taking a sack in SB vs. Pats when just needed to throw out of bounds and kick a FG).  Ngakoue is a solid addition but not enough. Looking at 8-9 or 9-8 with this roster. Our 17th ranked defense certainly isn't scary and is mediocre (14-16th this coming year). Just wish I knew Ballard's plan, or now I honestly wonder if he's just a decent drafting GM, but not a good overall GM. We shall see. But in the mean time the true stars on this team are not getting any younger and wasting good years.

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1 hour ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

Well, this roster has several positions that need upgrades  and the depth is gone. I think with a very tough schedule, we will be lucky to win 5 games so maybe we will be in a better draft position.


Ok….   At least you’re on the record.   Props for that. 
 

Lucky to win 5 games.   That’s your call. 
 

I hope you have the courage of your convictions, because I don’t think your prediction is going to age well.   At all. 
 

For the record,  this past season, when we started off 1-4, this website was melting down.   Fans here predicted our first round pick, which was going to Philly, might be top-5, and probably top-10.

 

I said then — that week — that not only wouldn’t our pick be top-5 OR top-10, it would be no worse than pick 15-18.  I predicted no worse than a 9-8 record.   And what happened?   A 9-8 record and our pick turned out to be 16.    Just what I predicted. 
 

But what do I know?   According to you, I’m just a know it all.   
 

But keep being you.   It’s working out so well for you!     :facepalm:

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On 3/28/2022 at 11:29 AM, stitches said:

You know I'm not the biggest fan of the conservative nature of Reich's playcalling, but I feel like personnel has a bit to do with it too. I also don't think just any speedster would do. There are tons of super fast receiver that are not good players and even though they have speed they can't get open and/or can't locate and catch what's thrown their way. We need good players that can do it all, while being fast. 

 

QB's chemistry and trust with his WRs is important too. Some QBs just refuse to throw to players they don't trust to catch the ball. It's weird because Wentz was actually launching it relatively frequently at least in the beginning of the season. He got really lucky with some late/underthrows where we got DPIs... I wonder if Ryan will develop a good timing and trust with any of our WRs. I really hope the offense won't be as limited as it was with Rivers(although watching Rivers operate was joy for me too... he just seemed to always know what he has to do and where he has to go, he was really impressive for how limited physically he was). Hopefully Matt Ryan gives us some of the same cerebral play but we get some more  big throws downfield too. 

At min, Wentz was highly successful tossing to Pitt. Even with the OL faux passssss... 

We've seen FR's O for a few years. It simply doesn't do deep. 

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13 hours ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

I'm all done complaining about Ballard. Its obvious he has a well thought out plan. He's working hard on improving our draft position for next year's draft. With a top 5 pick, we should get our future QB. Once we get our guy we should be ready to compete with the rest of the league with a 3 year rebuild.

 

 Ballard's plan or lack thereof aside, there are currently (5) teams with two, 2023 1st

 Round picks. (HOU, DET, SEA, MIA and PHIL). At least two, if not four or five, of

 them will likely be looking for a potential starting QB.

 

What are the chances that the Colts will be able to out bid enough of those teams 

 to secure a top-5 pick next April ?

 

 

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2 hours ago, indykmj said:

 

 Ballard's plan or lack thereof aside, there are currently (5) teams with two, 2023 1st

 Round picks. (HOU, DET, SEA, MIA and PHIL). At least two, if not four or five, of

 them will likely be looking for a potential starting QB.

 

What are the chances that the Colts will be able to out bid enough of those teams 

 to secure a top-5 pick next April ?

 

 

 

You know, this is an excellent point you made. I do not have an answer, I doubt Ballard would either. Matt Ryan or bust for the next 2 years then. :) 

 

 

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9 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

You know, this is an excellent point you made. I do not have an answer, I doubt Ballard would either. Matt Ryan or bust for the next 2 years then. :) 

 

 

We are truly lucky to get Matt Ryan, I am surprised Ballard traded for him with the way we are about the Salary Cap. He at least gives fans hope to win the division. I figured in the end it would be Mariota time Happy Day Running GIF by Harry Styles. At least we had the sense enough to get a good QB.

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2 hours ago, indykmj said:

 

 Ballard's plan or lack thereof aside, there are currently (5) teams with two, 2023 1st

 Round picks. (HOU, DET, SEA, MIA and PHIL). At least two, if not four or five, of

 them will likely be looking for a potential starting QB.

 

What are the chances that the Colts will be able to out bid enough of those teams 

 to secure a top-5 pick next April ?

 

 

Short of a meltdown by Matt....which is not going to happen, the team was looking at 2 years minimum with him under center. Taking a high pick QB next season does not appear to be the case regardless. Well, unless it's the view of fans who feel wronged in some weird manner. 

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Matt is signed for 3 years, i dont think we are trying to get a first round QB next season

 

Colts could win the south, we dont have near the fire power the top teams in the afc have though.  To me WR is the biggest need if we want to go far

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2 hours ago, indykmj said:

 

 Ballard's plan or lack thereof aside, there are currently (5) teams with two, 2023 1st

 Round picks. (HOU, DET, SEA, MIA and PHIL). At least two, if not four or five, of

 them will likely be looking for a potential starting QB.

 

What are the chances that the Colts will be able to out bid enough of those teams 

 to secure a top-5 pick next April ?

 

 

 

  Or, i wonder who a top 15 pick could get us next year. Hypothetically speaking ya know. 

2 hours ago, indykmj said:

 

 Ballard's plan or lack thereof aside, there are currently (5) teams with two, 2023 1st

 Round picks. (HOU, DET, SEA, MIA and PHIL). At least two, if not four or five, of

 them will likely be looking for a potential starting QB.

 

What are the chances that the Colts will be able to out bid enough of those teams 

 to secure a top-5 pick next April ?

 

 

 

  Or, i wonder who a top 15 pick could get us next year. Hypothetically speaking ya know. 

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45 minutes ago, BlackTiger said:

Matt is signed for 3 years, i dont think we are trying to get a first round QB next season

 

Colts could win the south, we dont have near the fire power the top teams in the afc have though.  To me WR is the biggest need if we want to go far


I believe Matt is signed for two more years, not three.   I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong. 

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13 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

I believe Matt is signed for two more years, not three.   I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong. 

I think you are correct, he did say he wanted three years at one point. Looks like they landed on two instead

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32 minutes ago, BlackTiger said:

I think you are correct, he did say he wanted three years at one point. Looks like they landed on two instead


If this goes well, I will not be surprised to see this get extended by a year.    I’m talking it happening after next season. 

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Seems fairly likely that Stroud and Young will be top-5ish guys next year. And there are 

a handful of other prospects (Heaner, etc.) whom have a shot at being 1st rounders.

 

I suppose that, if the Colts are lucky, Ryan works out very well and between the pervasive

young talent at QB right now plus whichever needy teams fill their slots via the draft

next year, there'll be limited competition for whomever the Colts like best in April-2024.   

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For the Ballard is Cheap ppl just as a reference:

 

 

 

 

 

Not a cash flow/escrow prob.

 

Not a "too cheap to pay players" prob.

 

He does not put value in other people's FAs enough to spend big to lure them in.

 

It is almost like he wants to try before he buys....that is Ballard

 

Draft and see how the guy does on a rookie deal. Try him in our system. He excels?...pay him.

 

Trade for a guy we think fits our scheme. If he works, pay him.

 

Sign a guy to a cheaper 1-2 year (normally 1 year) prove-it deal. If he works out and he is a starter?....pay him

 

Still, I admit I was surprised CB is top-10 in guaranteed money spent. Just tries before he buys lol.

 

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My biggest beef with Ballard has never been that he doesn't spend money on the FA market. Would I like him to have a bit more strategic FA spending? Sure... but that's not anywhere close to a crucial mistake IMO. I absolutely understand his thinking here. 

 

My biggest grievances have to do with the way he's handled some of the positions of highest value in football. IMO that's what is hindering us from taking the next step to being a legitimate contender. 

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I am listening to a Twitter spaces podcast from the guy from the Indy star and one of the guys from the Blue Stable. I agree with the guy from the blue stable. Why is Ballard so cheap and unwilling to pay a difference maker 5 million more. That is why the Tyrann  stuff confuses him. Its one thing to not overlay a mediocre vet but if the guy is a difference maker pay them a little bit more. 

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24 minutes ago, TaylorTheStudMuffin said:

I am listening to a Twitter spaces podcast from the guy from the Indy star and one of the guys from the Blue Stable. I agree with the guy from the blue stable. Why is Ballard so cheap and unwilling to pay a difference maker 5 million more. That is why the Tyrann  stuff confuses him. Its one thing to not overlay a mediocre vet but if the guy is a difference maker pay them a little bit more. 


Probably because honey badger is at his peak/past his peak so the next contract he is on will be through his decline. So you don’t want to be the team to give a big contract to a big name player just for them to not play up to the contract. 
 

Also while he would be a good addition he isn’t a natural fit for us because his best position is Kenny Moores best spot as well. 

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On 4/5/2022 at 8:35 PM, jvan1973 said:

Would you like to place a bet on our draft spot next year?   I will take 32-16 you take 16-1.    You win I give 100 bucks to a charity of your choice I win you do the same.   

I think we will win 10-11 games And make the playoffs.  However, I will take that bet so money is donated to charity. Deal?  

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On 4/5/2022 at 5:18 PM, cdgacoltsfan said:

Well, this roster has several positions that need upgrades  and the depth is gone. I think with a very tough schedule, we will be lucky to win 5 games so maybe we will be in a better draft position.

I will bet you 100 dollars right now we win more than 5 games. You win the bet if win less than 6. Is it a bet? 

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10 hours ago, Zoltan said:


Probably because honey badger is at his peak/past his peak so the next contract he is on will be through his decline. So you don’t want to be the team to give a big contract to a big name player just for them to not play up to the contract. 
 

Also while he would be a good addition he isn’t a natural fit for us because his best position is Kenny Moores best spot as well. 

Well according to sources they believe he is a perfect fit for Bradley’s system.

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Davis (Illinois) - The New Mexico Lobos ran a zone-scheme concept 318 times in 2023 and Davis was on the field for 316 of those snaps where he helped the team earn a 91.5 rushing grade with 58 explosive runs.  Davis is well-rounded earning a 78.6 inside-zone run grade and a 78.4 outside-zone run grade.  See how well Davis does after transferring the Big 10 this season.  Overall, 82.4 run-blocking grade in 2023.  Comparison Illinois Isaiah Adams was drafted #71 by Arizona and was ranked 8th best zone OL in 2023 and Davis was 5th best.  In 2022 Davis earned a 66.8 overall PFF grade and in 2023 had an 87.1 pass-blocking grade.  If the Colts do trade/cap release Braden Smith than Davis is a high target to hopefully take early to replace him.   Round 4 TE Jalin Conyers (Texas Tech) - In 2022 Conyers forced 21 missed tackles which led all TEs in the country.  Plus, ranked 4th in receiving yards after contact (170).  As a redshirt freshman in 2021 had a 73.5 pass-blocking grade while playing at Arizona State.  Conyers can be elusive with the ball in his hands.  In his first season was used heavily as a run-blocker (2021) and excelled as a blocker ranking him 4th in the Pac-12.  Back in August 2023 Rick Spielman said he may be the best run-blocking TE in the class behind Cade Stover.  Considered a true Y TE efficient at run-blocking and can catch with run-after ability.  Spielman said last year would have had a Late Day 2 grade, while Ryan Wilson says Rounds 3-4.  Potential to be a red zone monster in the NFL if he continues to grow his game.  Last year Round 4 was where tight ends were drafted and expect the same again in 2025.  Replaces Mo Alie-Cox.   Round 5 Edge/RDE Anton Juncaj (Arkansas) – 2023 College Football FCS All-America Team while at Albany.  2022 PFF grade of 75.1.  2023 final defense grade of 91.3, run defense 87.4, pass rush 90.6 and 68.5 coverage grade and racked up 55 tackles (34 solo), 21.5 TFL, 15 sacks, 3 PD and forced 5 fumbles.  Key matchups against RB Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma St) the Reigning Doak Walker Award Winner from 2023 and projected first rounder LT Kelvin Banks Jr (Texas).   Round 6 Rover/SLB-SAF Justin Barron (Syracuse) - 2023 College Football All-ACC Team.  Defensive Captain. 6’4” 231 pounds had 0.5 sacks, 3 *, 1 FR, 1 INT, and 8 PDs in 2023 (81.4 PFF grade).  In 2022 had 64 tackles and 5 TFLs.  Reminds me of Jaylon Carlies whom the Colts just drafted in Round 5P151.  Key matchup versus Cal and RB Jayden Ott.  WR Eric Singleton Jr (Georgia Tech), WR Kevin Concepcion (NC State), WR-X Ricky White (UNLV), RB Desmond Reid, TE Justin Joly (UConn).  Solid in zone coverage.   Round 7 SS Mishael Powell Miami (FL) – Powell transferred from Washington.  In Week 8 he clocked 21.0 mph.  In 876 snaps in 2023 Powell played 477 in the slot, 165 in the box, and 122 at FS finishing with a strong 73.9 coverage and 69 defensive grades.   Potential UDFAs ·         QB KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) - 2023 PFF TOW 2 honors ·         R3-UDFA RT Jalen Travis (Iowa State) 6’7” 310 pounds - While at Princeton finished with an overall 80.7 PFF Grade and 9th best OT in D1 (89% pass blocking and 75% run blocking grades). – Much like OT Tyler McLellan (Campbell) signed with Chargers, project to UDFA in 2025.  See how he does at Iowa State against better competition as he graded slightly behind Kiran Amegadjie (Yale) who was drafted in Round 3 P11 by the Bears in 2024 NFL draft.  Listed as backup behind Tyler Miller. ·         LT Adam Karas (Air Force) - After 9 weeks Karas has an 83.9 run-blocking grade and an overall PFF grade of 87.4.  Overall, 86.3 PFF grade with just one penalty and 1 QB hurry on 296 total snaps.  Decent height 6’4” ·         RT Josh Fryar (OSU) - 2023 earned college football midseason all-America Honorable Mention.  Fryar finished 2023 with a 70.8 overall PFF grade.  Great height 6’6”.  Finished with a 70.8 PFF grade.  Gave up a team high 5 sacks but did earn a 77.2 run blocking grade and a 71.2 pass blocking grade. ·         LG Rush Reimer (Cal) – In 2023 Reimer earned first-team All-Big Sky Conference at LG with an overall 75.8 PFF Grade (D1-T8) at Montana State.  See how he does against better CFB competition.  Project goes UDFA much like Jake Kubas (7) (NY Giants), Ross Palmer (3), and (2) Donny Ventrelli (Bears).  Could be the next Mason McCormick (6) drafted by the Steelers P119 in the 2024 NFL draft.  Montana State used a lot of Inside Zone runs.  Cal has Reimer listed as backup LT for 2024. ·         RT/OG Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) 6’6” 296 pounds.  Zabel finished 2023 with an overall 79.3 PFF Grade as an OG.  Finished 10th among other listed tackles last season.  As a guard would have been 4th best D1.  Zabel started all 15 games in 2023 with 3 at guard and 12 at RT. ·         RB Harrison Waylee (Wyoming) – In 2023 clocked 21.8 mph in Week 4 T18 fastest player. ·         RB/KR Lan Larison (UC Davis) finished 2023 tied 7th overall FCS RB with an overall 89.2 PFF Grade (R5) in D1.  On 178 carries rushed for 1101 yards scoring 13 TDS while adding two more through the air on 21 REC for 198 yards.  Larison was the 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year.  In 2021 averaged 29.91 yards as a kick returner and 21.9 yards in 2022. ·         SWR/RB/KR/PR Chris Tyree (ND) 4.29s-forty speed excellent 3.95s shuttle (HS) and 38” vertical (HS).  In 2023 Week 9 clocked 21.0 mph. ·         WRX/Z Bo Belquist (North Dakota) 2023 overall 88.6 PFF Grade.  For D1 graded out as one of the top 10 WRs behind Hayden Hatten 86.1 whom the Seahawks added as an UDFA. ·         SWR Jacob De Jesus (UNLV) – best PR/KR #3 in PR and #13 in KR.  De Jesus was a top nomination to win the Jet Award in 2023 who was given to Zachariah Branch (USC). ·         WR-X Dymere Miller (Rutgers) – 2023 College Football FCS All-America Team with Monmouth.  Miller finished as the best receiver (D1) in 2023 with a 92.3 PFF grade (only behind Nabers).  Monmouth ran an inside zone with three different concepts in its base A gap zone.  Also pinched in as a kickoff returner with success (13.67 and 12.5 avgs). ·         WR Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas) – Great Midwest American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and received Honorable Mention All-American.  Strengths are ball tracking, hands, athleticism, 50/50 extraordinaire. ·         LEdge Aaron Lewis (Rutgers) - 2022 PFF Weeks 6 and 12 honors.  A disappointing 2023 season compared to 2022 grading 10 points lower.  (75.9 in 2023 compared to 85.5 in 2022).  Poor run-defense grade of 59.8 but was still an elite pass rusher.  His 91.5 pass-rushing grade since 2022 ranks 10th among all FBS edge defenders and his 18.7% pass-rush win rate places 11th in Power Five.  Needs to improve his run game. ·         Jack OLB/RDE Steve Linton (Baylor) – Linton transferred to Baylor from Texas Tech.  Injury prone, in 2023 suffered a broken thumb in August, sprained ankle in Big 12 opener vs West Virginia, aggravated it the following week then missed the last four games of regular season with back problems.  72% tackling, 88% pass rush, 61% run defense, 72% coverage.  Decent 4.62s-forty speed and 6’5” 235 pounds. ·         NCB Yam Banks (Ole’ Miss) - Made 2022 PFF College All-America Second Team while playing at South Alabama.  For 2024 listed as backup.  In 2022 Banks was a first-team All-Sun Belt pick and third team in 2023.  In 45 games, Banks racked up 147 TOT, 7 INT (6 in 2022 T3 in nation). ·         LCB Tommi Hill (Nebraska) – 4.55s forty speed.  In 2023 had an outstanding QB rating when targeted of 38.6.  With another solid year Hill could move up.  ·         FS Saiku White (Lafayette) - In 2023 White moved from SS to FS and had a career year with a final 2023 defense grade 91.4 best for 2nd, pass rush grade 74.4, a 90.7 coverage grade 4th best, and an 80.7 run defense grade 98th.   Team Captain. Achieved a 3.75 GPA in 2023. ·         LS Byron Floyd (PITT) – Floyds 81.7 grade this season leads all FBS LS.  Of his 41 LS on both punts/kicks only one has been charted as off-target.  Does have ties to Colts new DL coach.  Luke Rhodes, age 32, signed a 4-year contract extension on 09/23.  ·         LS Nick Barcelos (Nevada) - 2023 college football midseason all-America Second Team as a long snapper – Luke Rhodes signed a 4-year extension with the Colts September 8th, 2023.
    • FWIW:   Richardson, who was drafted weighing 244, admitted today on the Pat McAfee show that he played last year at 250 and now weighs 255 which is what he expects to weigh this season. 
    • Larry Allen, Hall of Fame OG/OT, passed today. He is arguably the greatest Offensive Linemen of all-time. He could play right or left Guard or Tackle. He won a SB with the Cowboys in 1995. He is also known for having the NFL bench press record, when he benched 700 pounds down to chest and up once. I am shocked this hasn't been bigger news around the league.    RIP big fella.
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