Ballard drafts - is he as good/bad as people say he is?

[lollygagger8]

Let's look at his drafts starting in 2017 he became GM. I did some opinions on some players, but feel free to agree/disagree. I included some grades from people/groups from those years so you could see how media judged the drafts.  

 

UDFA notables included at end of each year 

 

2017: 

1st round, 15th overall: Malik Hooker, S, (T.J. Watt was still on board) 

2nd Round, 46th overall: Quincy Wilson, CB (JuJu Smith was still on board) 

3rd round, 80th overall: Tarell Basham, EDGE (11 sacks in 8 years w/ 4 diff teams) 

4th round, 137th overall: Zach Banner, OT (terrible pick) 

4th round, 143rd overall: Marlon Mack, RB (good pick) 

4th round, 144th overall: Grover Stewart, DT (fantastic pick) 

5th round, 158th overall: Nate Hairston, CB

5th round, 161st overall: Anthony Walker, LB (fantastic pick and value) 

 

Sport Illustrated graded A, Colts Wire C+, Stampede Blue C 

 

2018

ROUND 1, Sixth overall Quenton Nelson, G (no brainer pick at the time, but Josh Allen was next pick) 

ROUND 2, PICK 4 (36th overall) Darius Leonard, LB (lots of media outlets lambasted him for this pick) 

ROUND 2, PICK 5 (37th overall) Braden Smith, G (great pick) 

ROUND 2, PICK 20 (52nd overall) Kemoko Turay, DE (Jesse Bates was 2 picks later) 

ROUND 2, PICK 32 (64th overall) Tyquan Lewis, DL (still on team, decent player) 

ROUND 4, PICK 4 (104th overall) Nyheim Hines, RB

ROUND 5, PICK 22 (159th overall) Daurice Fountain, WR

ROUND 5, PICK 32 (169th overall) Jordan Wilkins, RB 

ROUND 6, PICK 11 (185th overall) Deon Cain, WR

ROUND 7 PICK 3 (221st overall) Matthew Adams, LB (decent player, but good vaule) 

ROUND 7, PICK 17 (235th overall) Zaire Franklin, LB (incredible pick / value) 

 

Stampede Blue A, CBS B+, Mel Kiper B+ 

 

2019

The Indianapolis Colts decided to trade down out of the 26th-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, sending the selection to the Washington Redskins

in exchange for two second-round picks — one in 2019 (the 46th-overall pick) and the Redskins' 2020 second-round choice

Redskins picked Montez Sweat with the traded Colts #26 pick 

ROUND 2, PICK 2 (34th overall) Rock Ya-Sin, CB (Deebo Samuel was 2 picks later) 

ROUND 2, PICK 17 (49th overall) Ben Banogu, LB (might be worst pick ever made by Ballard...plus A.J Brown was 2 picks later) 

ROUND 2, PICK 27 (59th overall) Parris Campbell, WR (DJ Metcalf was 5 picks later) 

ROUND 3, PICK 26 (89th overall) Bobby Okereke, LB (great pick) 

ROUND 4, PICK 7 (109th overall) Khari Willis, S

ROUND 5, PICK 6 (144th overall) Marvell Tell, CB

ROUND 5, PICK 26 (164th overall) EJ Speed, LB (excellent pick / value) 

ROUND 6, PICK 27 (199th overall) Gerri Green, DE (who? lol) 

ROUND 7, PICK 26 (240th overall) Jackson Barton, T 

ROUND 7, PICK 32 (246th overall) Javon Patterson, C 

UDFA notable: Ashton Dulin WR 

 

Colts Wire B+ , USA Today B+ , Mel Kiper A 

 

 

2020

Traded 1st round pick for Deforest Buckner (excellent move) 

2nd round, 2nd pick (34th overall; from Redskins): Michael Pittman Jr., WR (great player) 

2nd round, 9th pick (41st overall; from Browns): Jonathan Taylor, RB (great player) 

3rd round, 21st pick (85th overall; from Lions via Eagles): Julian Blackmon, S (turning out to be a pretty good safety) Fun fact- Zach Moss was the very next pick 

4th round, 16th pick (122nd overall): Jacob Eason, QB (yikes) 

5th round, 3rd pick (149th overall; from Lions): Danny Pinter, OL (still on team) 

6th round, 14th pick (193rd overall): Rob Windsor, DT (who? lol) 

6th round, 32nd pick (211th overall, from Jets via Chiefs): Isaiah Rodgers, CB (was a excellent pick -too bad about gambling) 

6th round, 33rd pick (212th overall, from Patriots): Dezmon Patmon, WR 

6th round, 34th pick (213th overall, from Patriots): Jordan Glasgow, LB 

UFDA Notables Rigaberto Sanchez K 

 

 

Colts Wire B+, Sports Illustrated A, Mel Kiper A-

 

2021

The Colts acquired Wentz from Philadelphia in March 2021 by sending the Eagles a 2021 3rd round draft pick and a 2022 1st rounder

First round, 21st overall: Michigan DE Kwity Paye 

Second round, 54th overall: Vanderbilt DE Dayo Odeyingbo (hurt first year didn't play) 

Thirds round pick sent to Philly for Wentz (ouch) 

Fourth round, 127th overall: SMU TE Kylen Granson (decent TE for 4th rd) 

Fifth round, 165th overall: Florida S Shawn Davis (who? lol) 

Sixth round, 218th overall: Texas QB Sam Ehlinger (still on the team somehow) 

Seventh round, 229th overall: Charleston WR Mike Strachan (Mega Strachan didnt work out) 

Seventh round, 248th overall: Penn State OG Will Fries (current starter - excellent pick/value) 

 

NFL B+ , Yahoo C , CBS C

 

2022 

The Colts on Wednesday acquired three draft picks from the Washington Commanders in exchange quarterback Carson Wentz and two draft picks.

In exchange for Wentz, a 2022 second-round pick (No. 47 overall) and a 2022 seventh-round pick (No. 237), the Colts will receive the Commanders' 2022 second-round pick (No. 42 overall), third-round pick (No. 73 overall) and a 2023 conditional third-round pick.

1st round pick traded to Philly for Wentz 

Second round, 53rd overall (from Minnesota): WR Alec Pierce

Third round, 73rd overall (from Washington): TE Jelani Woods

Third round, 77th overall (from Minnesota):  OT Bernhard Raimann (turning out to be excellent pick /value) 

Third round, 96th overall (from Denver):  S Nick Cross

Fifth round, 159th overall:  DT Eric Johnson

Sixth round, 192nd overall (from Minnesota): TE Andrew Ogletree

Sixth round, 216th overall (compensatory selection): DT Curtis Brooks

Seventh round, 239th overall (from Philadelphia):  CB Rodney Thomas II (for a 7th rounder, this was a good pick) 

UDFA Notable: Dallas Flowers, CB

 

Sports Illustrated A, PFF B+, Yahoo B+ 

 

2023

Round 1: No. 4 - Anthony Richardson, QB

Round 2: No. 44 (from ATL) - Julius Brents, CB

Round 3: No. 79 (from WAS) - Josh Downs, WR

Round 4: No. 106 - Blake Freeland, OT

Round 4: No. 110 (from TEN through ATL) - Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL

Round 5: No. 138 - Darius Rush, CB

Round 5: No. 158 (from MIN) - Daniel Scott, S

Round 5: No. 162 (from BUF) - Will Mallory, TE

Round 5: No. 176 (from DAL) - Evan Hull, RB

Round 6: No. 211 (from MIN) - Titus Leo, LB

Round 7: No. 221 - Jaylon Jones, CB

Round 7: No. 236 (from TB) - Jake Witt, OT

UDFA Notable: Emil Ekiyor OL

 

NFL.com A, PFF A+ , Fox Sports A- 

 

I'll reserve too much judgement for 2022, and 2023 drafts as it typically takes about 3 years to judge accurately. 

 

What do you guys think? Is Ballard as good or as bad as people say he is? 

 

 

[cdgacoltsfan]

17 minutes ago, lollygagger8 said:

Let's look at his drafts starting in 2017 he became GM. I did some opinions on some players, but feel free to agree/disagree. I included some grades from people/groups from those years so you could see how media judged the drafts.  

 

UDFA notables included at end of each year 

 

2017: 

1st round, 15th overall: Malik Hooker, S, (T.J. Watt was still on board) 

2nd Round, 46th overall: Quincy Wilson, CB (JuJu Smith was still on board) 

3rd round, 80th overall: Tarell Basham, EDGE (11 sacks in 8 years w/ 4 diff teams) 

4th round, 137th overall: Zach Banner, OT (terrible pick) 

4th round, 143rd overall: Marlon Mack, RB (good pick) 

4th round, 144th overall: Grover Stewart, DT (fantastic pick) 

5th round, 158th overall: Nate Hairston, CB

5th round, 161st overall: Anthony Walker, LB (fantastic pick and value) 

 

Sport Illustrated graded A, Colts Wire C+, Stampede Blue C 

 

2018

ROUND 1, Sixth overall Quenton Nelson, G (no brainer pick at the time, but Josh Allen was next pick) 

ROUND 2, PICK 4 (36th overall) Darius Leonard, LB (lots of media outlets lambasted him for this pick) 

ROUND 2, PICK 5 (37th overall) Braden Smith, G (great pick) 

ROUND 2, PICK 20 (52nd overall) Kemoko Turay, DE (Jesse Bates was 2 picks later) 

ROUND 2, PICK 32 (64th overall) Tyquan Lewis, DL (still on team, decent player) 

ROUND 4, PICK 4 (104th overall) Nyheim Hines, RB

ROUND 5, PICK 22 (159th overall) Daurice Fountain, WR

ROUND 5, PICK 32 (169th overall) Jordan Wilkins, RB 

ROUND 6, PICK 11 (185th overall) Deon Cain, WR

ROUND 7 PICK 3 (221st overall) Matthew Adams, LB (decent player, but good vaule) 

ROUND 7, PICK 17 (235th overall) Zaire Franklin, LB (incredible pick / value) 

 

Stampede Blue A, CBS B+, Mel Kiper B+ 

 

2019

The Indianapolis Colts decided to trade down out of the 26th-overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, sending the selection to the Washington Redskins

in exchange for two second-round picks — one in 2019 (the 46th-overall pick) and the Redskins' 2020 second-round choice

Redskins picked Montez Sweat with the traded Colts #26 pick 

ROUND 2, PICK 2 (34th overall) Rock Ya-Sin, CB (Deebo Samuel was 2 picks later) 

ROUND 2, PICK 17 (49th overall) Ben Banogu, LB (might be worst pick ever made by Ballard...plus A.J Brown was 2 picks later) 

ROUND 2, PICK 27 (59th overall) Parris Campbell, WR (DJ Metcalf was 5 picks later) 

ROUND 3, PICK 26 (89th overall) Bobby Okereke, LB (great pick) 

ROUND 4, PICK 7 (109th overall) Khari Willis, S

ROUND 5, PICK 6 (144th overall) Marvell Tell, CB

ROUND 5, PICK 26 (164th overall) EJ Speed, LB (excellent pick / value) 

ROUND 6, PICK 27 (199th overall) Gerri Green, DE (who? lol) 

ROUND 7, PICK 26 (240th overall) Jackson Barton, T 

ROUND 7, PICK 32 (246th overall) Javon Patterson, C 

UDFA notable: Ashton Dulin WR 

 

Colts Wire B+ , USA Today B+ , Mel Kiper A 

 

 

2020

Traded 1st round pick for Deforest Buckner (excellent move) 

2nd round, 2nd pick (34th overall; from Redskins): Michael Pittman Jr., WR (great player) 

2nd round, 9th pick (41st overall; from Browns): Jonathan Taylor, RB (great player) 

3rd round, 21st pick (85th overall; from Lions via Eagles): Julian Blackmon, S (turning out to be a pretty good safety) Fun fact- Zach Moss was the very next pick 

4th round, 16th pick (122nd overall): Jacob Eason, QB (yikes) 

5th round, 3rd pick (149th overall; from Lions): Danny Pinter, OL (still on team) 

6th round, 14th pick (193rd overall): Rob Windsor, DT (who? lol) 

6th round, 32nd pick (211th overall, from Jets via Chiefs): Isaiah Rodgers, CB (was a excellent pick -too bad about gambling) 

6th round, 33rd pick (212th overall, from Patriots): Dezmon Patmon, WR 

6th round, 34th pick (213th overall, from Patriots): Jordan Glasgow, LB 

UFDA Notables Rigaberto Sanchez K 

 

 

Colts Wire B+, Sports Illustrated A, Mel Kiper A-

 

2021

The Colts acquired Wentz from Philadelphia in March 2021 by sending the Eagles a 2021 3rd round draft pick and a 2022 1st rounder

First round, 21st overall: Michigan DE Kwity Paye 

Second round, 54th overall: Vanderbilt DE Dayo Odeyingbo (hurt first year didn't play) 

Thirds round pick sent to Philly for Wentz (ouch) 

Fourth round, 127th overall: SMU TE Kylen Granson (decent TE for 4th rd) 

Fifth round, 165th overall: Florida S Shawn Davis (who? lol) 

Sixth round, 218th overall: Texas QB Sam Ehlinger (still on the team somehow) 

Seventh round, 229th overall: Charleston WR Mike Strachan (Mega Strachan didnt work out) 

Seventh round, 248th overall: Penn State OG Will Fries (current starter - excellent pick/value) 

 

NFL B+ , Yahoo C , CBS C

 

2022 

The Colts on Wednesday acquired three draft picks from the Washington Commanders in exchange quarterback Carson Wentz and two draft picks.

In exchange for Wentz, a 2022 second-round pick (No. 47 overall) and a 2022 seventh-round pick (No. 237), the Colts will receive the Commanders' 2022 second-round pick (No. 42 overall), third-round pick (No. 73 overall) and a 2023 conditional third-round pick.

1st round pick traded to Philly for Wentz 

Second round, 53rd overall (from Minnesota): WR Alec Pierce

Third round, 73rd overall (from Washington): TE Jelani Woods

Third round, 77th overall (from Minnesota):  OT Bernhard Raimann (turning out to be excellent pick /value) 

Third round, 96th overall (from Denver):  S Nick Cross

Fifth round, 159th overall:  DT Eric Johnson

Sixth round, 192nd overall (from Minnesota): TE Andrew Ogletree

Sixth round, 216th overall (compensatory selection): DT Curtis Brooks

Seventh round, 239th overall (from Philadelphia):  CB Rodney Thomas II (for a 7th rounder, this was a good pick) 

UDFA Notable: Dallas Flowers, CB

 

Sports Illustrated A, PFF B+, Yahoo B+ 

 

2023

Round 1: No. 4 - Anthony Richardson, QB

Round 2: No. 44 (from ATL) - Julius Brents, CB

Round 3: No. 79 (from WAS) - Josh Downs, WR

Round 4: No. 106 - Blake Freeland, OT

Round 4: No. 110 (from TEN through ATL) - Adetomiwa Adebawore, DL

Round 5: No. 138 - Darius Rush, CB

Round 5: No. 158 (from MIN) - Daniel Scott, S

Round 5: No. 162 (from BUF) - Will Mallory, TE

Round 5: No. 176 (from DAL) - Evan Hull, RB

Round 6: No. 211 (from MIN) - Titus Leo, LB

Round 7: No. 221 - Jaylon Jones, CB

Round 7: No. 236 (from TB) - Jake Witt, OT

UDFA Notable: Emil Ekiyor OL

 

NFL.com A, PFF A+ , Fox Sports A- 

 

I'll reserve too much judgement for 2022, and 2023 drafts as it typically takes about 3 years to judge accurately. 

 

What do you guys think? Is Ballard as good or as bad as people say he is? 

 

 

He's hot and cold like every other GM. To insinuate he could of drafted certain players ( like Josh Allen for example) is ridicules . We had Andrew Luck at the time Q was drafted. Remember? Everyone was complaining about lack of Oline talent.

[BeanDiasucci]

My general take in looking at all of his draft picks is that Ballard hasn't shown enough emphasis or effectiveness in drafting first-rate playmakers in the passing game on offense or defense. Hopefully, the 2023 draft indicates a change with the picks of Richardson, Brents, and Downs.

[DougDew]

Describing his drafting in a nutshell, I would say that he favors RAS, traits, and "ceiling" too often over production.  Everybody wants ceiling, I just think its a bigger component of his decision making than maybe other more successful GMs.

 

If you look at the players he's drafted that have had good college production, he has done well.

 

Nelson: Two year player at ND. nevertheless, was thought to be NFL ready day 1

Smith: 4 year starter at Auburn in various oline spots.

Leonard:  Great production even though it was a small school

Taylor:  Came into the NFL with some mileage on him...IOW..lots of production.

Pittman: Full time starter at USC with some PT as a junior (sophomore?...can't remember if he was a junior-declared).

Granson:  A bit one dimensional, but I believe had solid production in college

 

Even overall less talented players like Anthony Walker had lots of production in college.

 

I'm sure there are exceptions to this pattern.

 

Ballard's "ceiling" guys have tended to not have reached the ceiling that was expected....and have probably been drafted a round or two too early.

 

I've never called Ballard a bad GM, but I think his approach needs some adjusting.  A little less RAS, more emphasis on production (being a "real" football player), and better appreciation for high value vs lower value positions. 

 

I wish he would adjust rather than the Colts finding someone else.

[chad72]

Middle of the road drafting equates to middle of the road team performance.

 

He isn't as bad as some make him to be. But he isn't great as some make him to be. He is good in certain areas but not good enough to give us the playmakers to put us over the top. Hence mediocre overall as a GM, objectively.

 

When we did have Luck and Rivers as QB, we made the playoffs and until he hits on that QB performance, his roster won't make the playoffs again. Forget division titles for now. The roster is not good enough to elevate an above average QB and make the W column look good but it is good enough to piggyback on a good QB to make the playoffs and make the W column look very good (double digit wins is what I define as very good), that is it.

[Rhodelesstraveled]

His drafts and personal moves for the roster were questionable.  

[KB]

Let's compare to Grigsons. For fun.

[coming on strong]

Middle of the pack gm and Average overall  drafting 

[coming on strong]

Just now, KB said:

Let's compare to Grigsons. For fun.

That is why people love Ballard because grigson was so bad . Comparing Ballard to polian is the true test to how far off Ballard is from the best .

[throwing BBZ]

He likes draft picks but has poor production (development) results overall.

Grade D

[cjwhiskers]

His drafting has been fine, above average. It's the QB position that has plagued him and this team. Look at the years with Ballard and a competent QB. Playoffs with Luck & Rivers in spite of Frank Reich. 

 

If we had better QBs during Ballards tenure (his own fault), I don't think people would question the other talent on this team as much. 

 

I would still take him and his staff over the majority of other team front offices. His clock has been reset with Richardson, interested to see how this team looks over the next 2-4 years. 

[KB]

Just now, coming on strong said:

That is why people love Ballard because grigson was so bad . Comparing Ballard to polian is the true test to how far off Ballard is from the best .

I'd say part of that is true. I see his hits and know it's very possible to go through multiple drafts and not get a single hit like Grigson's drafts and Jaguars for most of the 2000s and 2010s. Ballard hits on at least 2 players a draft. That dosnt sound good but that's about right for most GMs. The drafting part of his job is not a concern.

 

The roster part has weaknesses (like all teams) and this year's injury riddled group is not an indication of his roster being bad. CB4 and 5 starting on any team will result in one/both getting cooked. Top that with an injured QB1 and the last couple weeks should be exactly what was expected.

[KB]

The biggest concerns for Ballard are getting star playmakers, handing undeserving players starting spots without competition, and his HC choices will always be questioned after wanting McDaniels. He relies alot on developing players, which is good, but not doing it for a whole roster. You need DeForest Buckners along with Grover Stewarts.

[csmopar]

I think he’s done better than over half the GMs in the league. Is he the best, no, but we could do far worse. 

[csmopar]

And for those that need it, go look at the Chiefs history for the decade before getting Andy Reid as HC, and Mahomes at QB… you’ll see a similar trend to ours. And similar stats

[DougDew]

26 minutes ago, KB said:

Let's compare to Grigsons. For fun.

Let it go man.    I would compare Ballard to the other GMs in the NFL over the past 7 years.   A more relevant era.

[coming on strong]

29 minutes ago, KB said:

I'd say part of that is true. I see his hits and know it's very possible to go through multiple drafts and not get a single hit like Grigson's drafts and Jaguars for most of the 2000s and 2010s. Ballard hits on at least 2 players a draft. That dosnt sound good but that's about right for most GMs. The drafting part of his job is not a concern.

 

The roster part has weaknesses (like all teams) and this year's injury riddled group is not an indication of his roster being bad. CB4 and 5 starting on any team will result in one/both getting cooked. Top that with an injured QB1 and the last couple weeks should be exactly what was expected.

My problem with Ballard is he misses on key spots . We pumped so much draft capital into corner and defensive end safety and have nothing to show for it . Plus the wr core for 7 years has been average to below average at times . 

[coming on strong]

26 minutes ago, csmopar said:

And for those that need it, go look at the Chiefs history for the decade before getting Andy Reid as HC, and Mahomes at QB… you’ll see a similar trend to ours. And similar stats

The chiefs before Mahomes were still a good playoff team . From 2013 to 2017 they were good every year without elite Qb play . 

[coming on strong]

30 minutes ago, csmopar said:

I think he’s done better than over half the GMs in the league. Is he the best, no, but we could do far worse. 

That means he is average to slightly above average .   At some point he has to take the blame . This year I’ll give him a slight pass because of corner injuries and Richardson being hurt . Now next year if the colts defense still stinks and we don’t have a better wr core I think Ballard should go .  
 

my problem with Ballard this year has nothing to due with the colts record . With a backup quarterback I understand we will lose games . It’s the complete picture of how the wr core defensive ends and secondary look so bad . 

[csmopar]

7 minutes ago, coming on strong said:

That means he is average to slightly above average .   At some point he has to take the blame . This year I’ll give him a slight pass because of corner injuries and Richardson being hurt . Now next year if the colts defense still stinks and we don’t have a better wr core I think Ballard should go .  
 

my problem with Ballard this year has nothing to due with the colts record . With a backup quarterback I understand we will lose games . It’s the complete picture of how the wr core defensive ends and secondary look so bad . 

while we need a game changer at WR, our corp isn’t exactly terrible. Downs is a stud, Pittman, while I’d like to see more, Is a solid WR2. We just need a WR1.

 

DE wise, Dayo and Paye are still developing and even the great Bill Polian said it took 3-4 seasons for an edge rusher to really

round into shape. We’re seeing that now with Dayo who keeps consistently flashing and Paye who’s very solid as an edge setter. The problem is, they’re just not being asked to blitz much. When they do, they’re in the backfield a lot. See the ravens game. That should be our standard package if you ask me.

 

now the secondary, I completely and utterly agree. No excuse ther

[lollygagger8]

2 hours ago, cdgacoltsfan said:

He's hot and cold like every other GM. To insinuate he could of drafted certain players ( like Josh Allen for example) is ridicules . We had Andrew Luck at the time Q was drafted. Remember? Everyone was complaining about lack of Oline talent.

It's meant anecdotally. I know we aren't going to draft Josh Allen and I even said drafting Big Q was a no brainer 

 

[lollygagger8]

2 hours ago, KB said:

Let's compare to Grigsons. For fun.

 

Why compare Apples to Oranges? 

 

Cmon man. Griggles was trash and we all know it. 

[Solid84]

As @cdgacoltsfan said, he’s hot and cold like every other GM. Problem is that’s not good enough for a guy who won’t bring in gamechangers at positions of need in FA. 
 

He definitely has his “type” and he sticks to it. I can respect that, I just don’t agree with it. I think he overvalues RAS and traits and undervalues production. 
 

ESPN wrote this article, Link, about players worth a first round pick in a trade. The Colts had one (according to them) - Anthony Richardson. Not saying I 100% agree, but it’s worth considering because it’s from an outsider looking in. 

 

So in short, he’s not a good enough drafter to not bring in high value gamechangers in FA. 
 

Edit: I don’t know ESPN and if they’re usually extremely biased against the Colts. Just saw the article and thought it would be worth adding to the discussion. 

[John Waylon]

I’m going to say slightly below average. He can find day 3 steals. If there was a “day 3 talent evaluator” position he might be one of the best in the NFL. But his day 1 and 2 record are spotty at best. 
 

I have absolutely no faith in him to ever scout an elite pass rusher. Paye is the best of the bunch and he’s just… okay. Not dominant, not an impact player, just a guy who makes a play every now and then. He’s a good compliment to a real game changing pass rusher, but he is not one himself and I don’t think he ever will be. 
 

Likewise I don’t have a lot of faith in him to scout WRs. I don’t dislike Pittman but I don’t drool over him. He’s a really low-end #1 or a really good #2. Like Paye. He’s not a game wrecking guy. Downs looks like the best WR he’s drafted and the scuttle we heard from that was how adamant Reggie Wayne was about about him. If Reggie were spending his retirement on the beach instead of W 56th street would Downs still be here or would Ballard have passed on him as well? This is after all the guy that drafted Ben Banogu over AJ Brown, so I don’t think it’s a reach to ponder it at all. 
 

He’s really good at evaluating the RB position. Marlon Mack looked like a dog before the injury bug bit him, then he found Taylor. For depth he’s been able to bring in guys like Hines and Moss, and even when we’ve had to turn to guys like Wilkins and Jackson in the past they have excelled overall. 
 

He seems to be able to evaluate LBs fairly well. He brought in Leonard, and even if he never gets back to what he once was Ballard still knew he was a good one. Okereke, Franklin, even Anthony Walker have all been good picks. 
 

Ultimately, however, it’s hard to build a winning team with day 3 gems. Those are nice, but the day 1 and 2 whiffs stymy those gems because ultimately we’re missing out on high-impact game changing players, which is exactly what this team lacks. That’s why he’s 48-57 as a GM with no division titles and a whole bunch of struggle to show for it.

 

Finally, he doesn’t seem to care to attempt to correct his draft whiffs via free agency or making trades, which makes his reliance on building through the draft even more fatal when he blows a pick on some schlub who never contributes in any meaningful way. 
 

He’s not awful, but is he a guy that can build this team into a dynasty or even a perennial contender?

 

[sb41champs]

Let's not "pile on" Chris Ballard!!

 

Honestly - the NFL Draft is nothing but "a big ole' crap shoot"!!

 

You find players like QB Tom Brady in the 6th round.

 

You find busts like QB JaMarcus Russell & QB Ryan Leaf drafted in the top of the first round.

 

You have players like QB Baker Mayfield who is on his FOURTH TEAM since being drafted in the first round.

 

You find *S who will trade first round picks for RB Trent Richardson - AND - draft DL Bjorn Werner in the first round.

 

Yep - it's a "crap shoot" FOR SURE!!

 

And NO ONE is at fault - because the ONLY resume a player has is as a COLLEGIATE player.  Not everyone can transition to the NFL and be as successful as they were in college.

 

This conjures up images of QB Tim Tebow - GREAT collegian - below average NFL QB!!

 

[ShuteAt168]

48-57-1 

 

[Indianapolis-Colts-Fan]

Every year I am less of a fan of Ballards mentality. 

[#12.]

Had Luck not retired, Ballard's drafting method would have worked well - the Patriots method where Ballard fills out a balanced team, top-to-bottom, and Luck makes every weapon look better than they are.  The Wentz team could have won a Super Bowl with Luck.  Luck + Taylor and that running game would have been lethal.

 

As is, without the QB, it's not working.  I go back and forth on Ballard.  He's certainly had a long list of bad luck.  He probably deserves and will get one more year to see what happens with Richardson.  

[lollygagger8]

I do think Ballard finally got a good coach in Steichen.

 

Even though it hasn't been a year, and the jury is still out, his play design is light years better than anything we've had since prob Tom Moore. I think Sirianni was up there, but Frank called the games.

 

 

Also I'm not giving Ballard an out, but listening to previous coaches about who to draft (on some players) was to his detriment. 

 

 

 

 

[RollerColt]

1 minute ago, lollygagger8 said:

I do think Ballard finally got a good coach in Steichen.

 

Even though it hasn't been a year, and the jury is still out, his play design is light years better than anything we've had since prob Tom Moore. I think Sirianni was up there, but Frank called the games.

 

 

Also I'm not giving Ballard an out, but listening to previous coaches about who to draft (on some players) was to his detriment. 

 

 

 

 

That, is what good GMs usually do. They listen to not only their scouts but the coaches as well on who would be a good fit for the team. 
 

I’m lukewarm on the whole thing at this point. I’m willing to see what the next two years bring… 

[Nickster]

3 hours ago, KB said:

The biggest concerns for Ballard are getting star playmakers, handing undeserving players starting spots without competition, and his HC choices will always be questioned after wanting McDaniels. He relies alot on developing players, which is good, but not doing it for a whole roster. You need DeForest Buckners along with Grover Stewarts.

 

Everyone wanted McDaniels when Ballard hired him.  That's revisionist history IMO.  

 

What I think he deserves the most criticsim for and I think it's obvious.  He's done very little with the most important positions in the game.  His "hits" are in positions that the level of play between players in that group isn't nearly as wide as LG, ILB, and RB.

[chad72]

3 hours ago, coming on strong said:

That is why people love Ballard because grigson was so bad . Comparing Ballard to polian is the true test to how far off Ballard is from the best .

 

Grigson still had a lot of the Polian leftovers in Wayne, Mathis, McAfee, Anthony Castanzo, Vinatieri etc. to leverage. 

 

Polian was indeed ahead of the times with his skill position drafting to help the marquee franchise player as much as possible and drafting 2 HOF pass rushers. He emphasized football production in college over giving the edge to RAS in his drafting. It showed on the field, IMO. Polian managed to put together a good OL, despite using later round draft picks for them, like Ryan Diem, Jake Scott etc. and got 2 Undrafted gems in Jeff Saturday and Ryan Lilja.

 

Having said that, Polian's Top 22 on O and D on most days trumped Grigson and Ballard's Top 22. But Ballard's top 11 on special teams trumped Polian's and Grigson's, IMO. That is truly the one thing I give Ballard and in general, Polian's LBs were lesser than that of Ballard's overall. 

 

 

[LJpalmbeacher2]

Well his job title is General Manager NOT draft mgr.....and since his record after nearly 8 seasons is well below .500 with no division titles and only 1 playoff win a weak division. So I would say he's Definitely Failing as a.GM.

 

But on topic as a drafter he hasn't been any better than average.

[#12.]

1 minute ago, chad72 said:

Polian was indeed ahead of the times with his skill position drafting to help the marquee franchise player as much as possible and drafting 2 HOF pass rushers. 

 

It didn't work as well as we wanted it to then, but would work beautifully today.  That's how our luck goes.  With the way pass defense is officiated today, that team would be unstoppable.  

[DougDew]

3 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

Grigson still had a lot of the Polian leftovers in Wayne, Mathis, McAfee, Anthony Castanzo, Vinatieri etc. to leverage. 

 

Polian was indeed ahead of the times with his skill position drafting to help the marquee franchise player as much as possible and drafting 2 HOF pass rushers. He emphasized football production in college over giving the edge to RAS in his drafting. It showed on the field, IMO.

I think that was always the formula.  When you draft the "franchise" you also supply him with weapons to help him.  I don't know if Ballard thinks the existing WRs we have supply AR with weapons...Pitt and AP, so the formula is a little backwards than normal since the weapons are already in place waiting for the franchise QB.  

 

Edge and Addai supported PMs passing.  They supported PM with pass blocking and receiving ability...and frequency.  The running back got rushing yards because of the passing game.  Edge being a truly elite RB however.  

 

Is JT, AP, and Pitt the kind of weapons a franchise QB needs?  I can't say that I understand how Ballard is thinking about the offense.

[Flash7]

If we look at Ballard from a broader team building perspective, he may be below average. I actually think he does fairly well in the draft, but drafting players is only one way to acquire talent. Aside from the draft, Ballard hardly ever participates in free agent acquisitions or trades (with the rare exception of Buckner).

 

Ballard's philosophy basically means that he cannot miss on the draft because he will not participate in FA to make up for those misses. He will not trade to build the team, so we are heavily reliant on the draft.

 

Ballard is an average GM. He' may even be a good GM. But I've always said with Ballard, he's good and "good" is the enemy of greatness. Ballard will NEVER take this team to greatness because he's afraid to take the necessary chances at greatness.

[KB]

9 minutes ago, Nickster said:

 

Everyone wanted McDaniels when Ballard hired him.  That's revisionist history IMO.  

 

What I think he deserves the most criticsim for and I think it's obvious.  He's done very little with the most important positions in the game.  His "hits" are in positions that the level of play between players in that group isn't nearly as wide as LG, ILB, and RB.

I wouldn't say everyone. I wasn't excited personally when we got him. I remember there always being a group of people who thought that McDaniels wasn't all that great. I don't even think he was a great OC. He had Brady. Has done nothing without him.

 

Ballards hits are at underwhelming spots as far as LG and Will. I won't say having one of the best RBs even with how the league is today makes it underwhelming. Hits are still hits though. When Nelson and Leonard came in and were playing their best we really needed playmakers at those specific spots. Our line and LB core were garbage until those two were brought in. Now neither of them plays as well as they used to, Leonard worse than Nelson, but those groups are still playing well with the talent brought in as a whole. That's something I'll always see as a positive to having Ballard. Last year was horrendous on the oline but with the same pieces were seeing it wasn't the talent.

 

Now the key positions yeah that's a hit on his time here. Just got a QB so we have to give that time. Downs looks like a steal. Got a so far so good LT in the third. Still needs time. He has taken has shots but nothings fully stuck. Pittman is his best receiver drafted and he isn't a star receiver. Good one but not a star. Literally 1 more receiver that's marginally better than Pittman and we have an outstanding WR core.

[Nickster]

4 minutes ago, KB said:

I wouldn't say everyone. I wasn't excited personally when we got him. I remember there always being a group of people who thought that McDaniels wasn't all that great. I don't even think he was a great OC. He had Brady. Has done nothing without him.

 

Ballards hits are at underwhelming spots as far as LG and Will. I won't say having one of the best RBs even with how the league is today makes it underwhelming. Hits are still hits though. When Nelson and Leonard came in and were playing their best we really needed playmakers at those specific spots. Our line and LB core were garbage until those two were brought in. Now neither of them plays as well as they used to, Leonard worse than Nelson, but those groups are still playing well with the talent brought in as a whole. That's something I'll always see as a positive to having Ballard. Last year was horrendous on the oline but with the same pieces were seeing it wasn't the talent.

 

Now the key positions yeah that's a hit on his time here. Just got a QB so we have to give that time. Downs looks like a steal. Got a so far so good LT in the third. Still needs time. He has taken has shots but nothings fully stuck. Pittman is his best receiver drafted and he isn't a star receiver. Good one but not a star. Literally 1 more receiver that's marginally better than Pittman and we have an outstanding WR core.

 

Correction.  Almost everyone wanted JM.  

 

Nelson was one of 3 guys brought in on the line.  Good player with a couple great years to start off.  His first couple seasons were off the charts for a G.  But there is a law of diminishing returns of sorts in play there at the G positions. But his level of play past a certain point doesn't increase win probablitity that much.  

 

I'm one of a group that think Leonard was overrated from the beginning.  He was in a WILL friendly system.  He got good TO a couple of years.  Other than that, he was a high volume angle tackler who was mediocre in coverage.  

[twfish]

I would like to see him compared to other GM's in the league over the same stretch of years. I still believe he is a top 10 G.M in terms of drafting. This past draft was a bit of a strategy change really going after high R.A.S but I believe the entire organization was well aware this was a developmental year so we will see if some of these guys pay off. Some I feel like are flashing between Brents, Mallory, and Jones. Downs was the only none high R.A.S score guy funny enough.

[NewColtsFan]

4 hours ago, coming on strong said:

That is why people love Ballard because grigson was so bad . Comparing Ballard to polian is the true test to how far off Ballard is from the best .

Look at Polian’s last 5 drafts.   Pretty much terrible.   Even a first ballot Hall of Fame GM has his missed.  And his last 5 drafts were not so good.