Colts' Chris Ballard Liked Quicker Draft, But Pushes Further

Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard discussed the team's selection of Georgia linebacker CJ Allen. (video via Jake Arthur/ColtsRoundtable)

The NFL is always looking to tweak things to maximize the entertainment value of each event.

When it comes to the annual draft, it always got attention, but it was known for being too long of a process that dragged on and lost attention. Eventually, it was transformed into the experience we know today, with the first round being on a Thursday night, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday night, followed by the remaining four rounds beginning on Saturday at noon.

The next hurdle was how long each day took, particularly the first round, which gave each team 15 minutes to pick. In 2008, it was slashed to 10 minutes per pick in the first round, and for the first time this year, eight minutes.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, who was a guest this week on "The Rich Eisen Show," was a big fan of this year's change, despite the fact that his team did not have a pick in the first round.

"Yes, it was great, because we were not there 'til midnight," Ballard told Eisen. "I mean, we can get it done, we know what we're gonna do. Teams know what they're gonna do. And if we're gonna make a trade, there's been enough talk beforehand, and when we get on the clock, we can get it done."

💻 Chris Ballard

The First Round was shortened from 10 minutes to eight this year and the @Colts GM told us he'd like it even shorter! No, really:#NFL#NFLDraft#ForTheShoepic.twitter.com/C3cGcnuLYX

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 30, 2026

Ballard then took it a step further, suggesting the NFL continue to shorten the countdown for each first-round pick from eight minutes to five.

"I'm all for cutting it to five if we can do it, I'm alright with it."