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As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the NFL Supplemental Draft on July 11th, Chris Ballard continues to leave no stone unturned in attempt to build this roster. There are a few pretty solid talents available this year in the same draft that gave the NFL such players as Cris Carter, Brian Bosworth, Jamal Williams (not Jamaal) and more recently Ahmad Brooks and Josh Gordon.
Players who enter this avenue to the league typically have either personal, legal or academic issues that have resulted in their collegiate ineligibility. This year that holds true as well. The Colts have already met with Adonis Alexander (CB | Virginia Tech) — who does have some of the personal issues in his past — and have now attended the workout of Mississippi State defensive back Brandon Bryant.
Bryant’s situations is reportedly due to academic issues and doesn’t pose the personality risk of Alexander — as far as we know. There were 13 other teams in attendance to watch the hopeful’s workout in which he posted the following: (Via Gil Brandt)
- 40-Yard Dash — 4.45 and 4.52
- Vertical — 34 inches
- Broad Jump — 10-foot-3
- 3-Cone — 7.26 and 7.52
- 20-Yard Shuttle — 4.23
According to Chase Goodbread (NFL.com’s college football writer), Bryant stated that among all of the teams who pulled him aside at one point or another the Colts and Baltimore Ravens were his favorite interviews.
“Those teams really stuck out to me the most. I had a great conversation with those guys,” Bryant said. “But wherever I get drafted or if it’s as a free agent, I just need an opportunity and I’ll make the most of it.” — Brandon Bryant
In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Bryan posted 157 total tackles, 7 passes defensed and 5 interceptions. With the Colts failing to sign one of the talented free agent veterans available, the Colts could be looking to risk the 2019 draft pick should they feel Bryant brings enough to the table, and contribute sooner rather than later.
Bryant will be battling Alexander and Western Michigan DB Sam Beal for the attention of NFL teams in just over two weeks and, thus far, Ballard and the Colts are clearly testing the possibly of making a move due to the supplemental draft’s unusual amount of talent this year.
The Colts could certainly use more quality, young talent, but weighing how they feel about surrendering a 2019 pick in July won’t be taken lightly, and would be an interesting conversation to be a fly on the wall for.