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This Draft will Define Chris Ballard’s Legacy

By Ryan Stano

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, pose for photos during a ceremony retiring Manning's jersey during the halftime of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, pose for photos during a ceremony retiring Manning's jersey during the halftime of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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This will be Chris Ballard’s second draft as a GM, and it will be his second draft as the Colts’ GM. Even though it is just his second draft, it will define his tenure with Indianapolis.

Not to put too much pressure on him, but this draft is huge for Chris Ballard. This is his first opportunity to really put his stamp on the Colts’ roster. He may have been able to have his first draft last season, but he was scrambling then.

This is the first complete season, and off-season, that Ballard has had as GM. He has had a whole year to watch game film and scout prospects. Ballard also has had an entire season to see what the Colts’ roster needs are. He now has an idea of who is valuable enough to stay on the roster, and who needs replaced.

This draft will either propel the Colts back into the success they are accustomed to, or it will keep them in the mediocrity they have been mired in in recent years. Ballard has a multitude of things that should be on his to-do list this draft.

The most important thing should be to protect franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. He has to stay healthy in order for Indianapolis to stay competitive. Ballard needs to help enhance the offensive line. They also need help on defense.

If he can give Luck some protection and some new weapons, consider this draft a success. But the success of this draft won’t be measured for at least another two or three years. The players have to be coached up to reach their full potential. But if Ballard hits a home run, the Colts could potentially be contenders for years to come.

Next: Colts' Biggest Off-season needs: Offensive Guard

Colts fans should watch this draft very carefully, and with some guarded optimism. Ballard seems like a smart guy, and his first draft last year could turn out to be promising as well.

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