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The fact that any NFL roster can undergo dramatic changes – for better or worse – through both free agency and the draft makes the NFL offseason one of the most intriguing “dead times” in sports. With big change comes big speculation as to how things will go when football resumes.

Take the Indianapolis Colts, a team coming off a 7-9 season and looking for a sense of direction. Quarterback and interior d-line were two huge question marks heading into 2020 – questions that general manager Chris Ballard thinks he may have answered in a big way.

ESPN’s Field Yates joined Jeff Rickard and Big Joe Staysniak on The Fan Morning Show to examine Ballard’s offseason as a whole.

“I would say it’s gotta be in the ‘A’ range,” Yates said. “Listen, football is unpredictable. What happens during the course of the season can play a dramatic impact on how we reflect back on the acquisitions, but from a process standpoint – and I’m not saying this because I’m on a local radio station in Indianapolis – I’ve long believed that Chris Ballard is about as solid as there is amongst general managers. I think he just sort of gets it.”

Many have criticized the Colts’ lack of spending in recent offseasons, but 2020 seems to signify a turning point in Ballard’s philosophy.

“I think [Ballard] has been more aggressive and audacious in spots that people would’ve thought he might’ve been a little bit less so. But between the first round trade for DeForest Buckner, the one-year deal for Philip Rivers, those two moves (combined with higher than usual cap spending and other large moves in free agency)…have set [the Colts] up really, really well I think.”

The Colts have constructed a roster they believe can win now. In one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, they will definitely be put to the test.

“I would say the job that [Ballard] has done has been exemplary. I just think he has a certain common sense to him that I think is really impressive and smart. It’s a patience, but it’s also a foresight, right? It’s being selectively aggressive. It’s understanding value. It’s being able to balance what you need right now with what you need going forward.”

Indianapolis is in good hands with Chris Ballard calling the shots. Yates mentioned that he loves the Pittman, Jr. and Taylor draft picks, selections that could go a long way in making the Colts a serious playoff contender.

“Once you get into the dance, it’s who knows,” Yates told Jeff and Joe. “If the pass rush can be great, then this team’s got a real chance.”

 

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