As many of you already know, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Colts have hired Ryan Grigson as their new general manager. Grigson was the director of college scouting for the Philadelphia Eagles, and fits profile Jim Irsay was looking for in a young personnel executive who has never been a general manager before.
Grigson, who played in the NFL as an offensive linemen, is known for his passion and an eye for detail when scouting college talent. From the east coast-based NFL people I talk to, Grigson is a great football person. Jason Brewer of Bleeding Green Nation texted me about Grigson a week ago and told me he is highly valued within that organization.
Also, Grigson is from Highland, Indiana.
On the surface, this is a very strong hire. My personal bias was for Irsay to hire Marc Ross of the Giants, but within NFL circles Grigson is viewed as favorably as Ross. Unlike Chris Polian, who had little background in college scouting before being handed the Colts G.M. job, Grigson has paid his dues. He has lots of connections with schools in the Midwest and the East Coast.
So, for me, I'm very happy with this hire. Now, let's see if Grigson had bring the Colts into a successful new era.