Chris Ballard has already made a key strategic draft move for the future this weekend, as the Colts managed to secure a third 2nd round pick this year; as well as, a 2nd rounder in the 2020 draft. This was likely an easy decision for Ballard, since the Colts hold the second pick of the 2nd round (34th overall). With that selection, they should still be able to target a solid playmaker on their short list. With players like Greedy Williams (Cornerback LSU), Dre’Mont Jones (Defensive Tackle Ohio State), and D.K. Metcalf (Wide Receiver Ole Miss) still available, there wasn’t a pressing need to pull the trigger in the first round. It’s worth noting that the Redskins drafted Mississippi State defensive end, Montez Sweat with the 26th pick. As the Colts await 2nd round action, here are a few options that could happen tonight:
1) Don’t be surprised if the Colts trade back again:
If the move is good for the future of Colts football, Chris Ballard has shown he will at least give trade offers a passing glance. Ballard said last night, “That 34th pick is gonna be really attractive to people…so we’ll see” The 34th overall pick is almost as good as a first round pick, given the talent that is still available. What would a team give to trade up and grab say D.K. Metcalf or maybe an offensive tackle like Jawaan Taylor? Perhaps a team like the Denver Broncos would be interested in jumping ahead to get offensive tackle Cody Ford or maybe even Drew Lock as their quarterback of the future?
2) Expect the unexpected:
On the topic of trading, perhaps the 34th pick has more value than just draft picks. Are there any teams willing to give up a playmaker that Indianapolis needs? The Colts need impact players in the secondary, depth on the defensive line, and another wide receiver probably wouldn’t hurt. Keeping with the Broncos as potential trade partners, Chris Harris Jr. would be an excellent addition to the Colts secondary. Harris is entering the final year of his contract. If Harris were to join Indianapolis and play exceptionally well in a contract year, the Colts are a team that has the cap room to keep him for longer. The question for Indy is, is a 29 year old Chris Harris Jr. worth giving up that 34th pick?
3) Don’t be surprised if Indianapolis drafts a player/s ahead of their projection/s:
Just last year, Colts fans were questioning why Indianapolis took a second guard (Braden Smith) in 3 picks, and a few raised their eyebrows at the Darius Leonard pick, because South Carolina State doesn’t exactly scream football powerhouse. Reich and Ballard like drafting good character guys that love football. That’s the feeling you get when you watch the Colts’ social media clips on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. That’s the culture that they’re building in Indianapolis, so their draft picks have to be able to click with their system. I think a guy like Jaylon Ferguson from Louisiana Tech has the potential to be a great pick. The 6’5″, 270 lb DE/OLB is ranked as the number 63 overall player, and one that I think could creep into the early part of the second round. Perhaps Ferguson’s biggest claim to fame is that he holds the NCAA all-time record for most sacks. The edge rusher compiled an impressive 45 sacks in his 4 year college career. Ferguson is not without his skeletons though. The draft prospect was uninvited to the NFL combine last month, as a background check showed a conviction of simple battery his freshman year at Louisiana Tech, after a fight in a McDonald’s parking lot. That being said, this weekend Ferguson is helping his hometown community clean-up and recover from an EF3 tornado. I’d like to believe that he has matured since the incident his freshman year, and hope to see him go to a team that can utilize his pass rushing talents. The Colts held a private visit with Ferguson last month, as he was one of the more well traveled draft prospects this off-season.
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