Colts’ Ballard better draft like it’s 2018

Colts offensive lineman Quenton Nelson, right, with fellow lineman Braden Smith before a game on Nov. 11, takes any affront to a member of the Colts? offense personally. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Quenton Nelson (56) heads onto the field with offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018.Indianapolis Colts Vs Jacksonville Jaguars Nfl Football Photos

Chris “the cat” Ballard. That is an appropriate name given the number of lives he has had with the Indianapolis Colts. Every year seems like his last, yet he keeps going. The hopes are high he will succeed, but the faith meter is low. If he is going to pull a rabbit out of his hat this draft, it will need to resemble his masterclass from 2018. If he is going to replicate that class, he is going to need more than good fortune.

The deck is stacked against him from the jump this year because he has no first-round pick. That makes any draft that much tougher. One must also consider the treasure trove the Colts received for trading back with the Jets. Having four second-round picks and a generational talent at guard put Ballard in the catbird seat. The first five picks were Quentin Nelson, Darius “Shaquille” Leonard, Braden Smith, Kemoko Turay, and Tyquan Lewis. Yes, Turay was a bust and Lewis wasn’t a game changer, but he still made his mark with the team.

Anytime a GM walks away from a draft with two All-Pros, it’s a win regardless of what else happens. Throw in Nyheim Hines in the fourth and Zaire Franklin in the seventh and you have a lot of talent. Of course, every draft can’t be like that but Ballard and his team have to get close in 2026. It will take creativity and shrewdness. There are holes on the roster but with a limited supply, consolidating picks into a few that have the best chance to hit might be the smart strategy. Ballard loves his picks so expect him to do the opposite, but regardless, he has plenty at his disposal to find big time talent. The question is, will he?

He better. That’s all there is to know and say about the situation. Cats don’t live forever. Chris Ballard’s time will come to an end sooner rather than later if he can’t hit on this draft. The Colts will need to win and his picks will need to impact that winning. No matter how good 2018 was, fail to win this year and 2026 will be the last draft for Ballard as GM for the Colts.