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Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard held a Zoom video conference with the media today and gave lots of information on a variety of topics. Here’s the top takeaways from the video conference.
Chris Ballard asked if the Philip Rivers signing affects how the team approaches the QB position in the draft.
— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) April 17, 2020
Says QB of the future doesn’t have to be taken now.
“When we decide to take one up that we decide is going to be the future of this franchise, you’ve gotta be right."
Ballard spoke on the quarterback situation. He said that the Colts, who are looking for a franchise quarterback of the future, won’t be forced into picking a quarterback this year and when they do they have to make sure he’s the right guy going forward for the future of the franchise. This is telling as the Colts traded out of the first round likely taking them out of a position to get one of the top four quarterbacks. The Colts could still take a quarterback this year and develop them into a future franchise quarterback.
Ballard: "To be honest with you, I’d like more picks. I feel very confident. I’d like more picks. We’ll see if that happens or not.”
— Andrew Walker (@AWalkerColts) April 17, 2020
Colts currently have seven picks this year, starting with No. 34 overall in the second round.
Ballard then, in Ballard fashion, spoke about wanting more draft picks. The Colts are currently sitting on seven picks, two second round picks, one third round pick, one fourth, one fifth and two sixth round picks. The Colts traded their first round pick for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner so it’s understandable Ballard is wanting to get more picks, Ballard has always liked draft picks especially as he prefers to build through the draft. He could trade back from pick 34, the Colts first pick in the draft and collect more picks. He could also trade a player, for example Jacoby Brissett, for a draft pick too if he wishes to add picks that way.
Ballard said #Colts “dabbled” with a couple WRs in free agency. But nothing worked out.
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) April 17, 2020
Ballard spoke of the Colts free agent endeavours, mentioning that the Colts tried to sign a couple of different wide receivers but nothing panned out. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to fans as it’s clear to see there is an obvious need for the team at wide receiver. The Colts have TY Hilton as the only proven commodity at the position. The Colts have potential at the position with guys like; Zach Pascal, Parris Campbell and Daurice Fountain but are yet to fully breakout.
Closing the presser, Ballard said the #Colts have time to make a decision on picking up the fifth-year option on Malik Hooker’s rookie contract. Those talks will heat up after the draft.
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) April 17, 2020
Ballard closed out his press conference talking about Malik Hooker. The Colts have a decision to make before May 4th on Hooker and whether to pick up his fifth year option or not. Ballard spoke on this topic saying the team hadn’t made a decision yet and that they still had time to make one with those talks likely to heat up after the draft. Malik Hooker’s career for the Colts as been up and down, his ups include exceptional range, ball hawking skills for days and great overall development. However his downs include a bad injury history and mental lapses on the field. Hooker is a great talent and Colts could still pick up his fifth year option but if the team sees a better option in the draft it could lead to the team going in a different direction that doesn’t include Hooker.
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