Takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard’s NFL Combine Press Conference

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: General manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts addresses the media following a press conference introducing head coach Frank Reich at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 13: General manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts addresses the media following a press conference introducing head coach Frank Reich at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 13, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Colts general manager Chris Ballard took the podium at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, and he provided some insight on what the team will do this offseason.

Most of the NFL’s most influential general managers and coaches will speak at the Combine this week, and Colts GM Chris Ballard took his turn on Wednesday afternoon.

Here were some of the main takeaways from Ballard’s comments on the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium:

When asked about the

running back position

, Ballard said that he likes the running backs

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they have right now specifically listing Marlon Mack, Matt Jones, and Josh Ferguson.

  • Ballard went on to say he likes some of the late-round running back prospects in this draft class, which could be where the front office looks to address that position in the draft. He also said that Saquon Barkley’s talent is pretty self-evident.
  • He also said he liked the interior offensive linemen in this draft class, which is a major need for the Colts.
  • Ballard went on to say he saw some promising mid-round defensive line prospects.

  • He also said that pass rushers are almost impossible to find in free agency, which may be a hint that he would like to take one in the draft. But he did mention that you can find quality pass rushers in the middle rounds of the draft saying, “I don’t think you have to take a first-round guy just to get a pass rusher.”
  • When asked about trading back in the draft, Ballard said that the Colts are open to it, but there are a lot of factors involved in making that decision.
  • Ballard answered questions about the wide receiver position by saying they have some unproven guys, but he did have some kind words about Chester Rogers’ future. Ballard continued by saying that that the organization will take a look at addressing that position this offseason.
  • Ballard said that he felt the Colts were kind of just waiting for Andrew Luck to come back during the 2017 season, and that affected their performance.

  • Regarding Rashaan Melvin’s free agency, Ballard said they will let the market dictate what his value is.
  • I think we learned a lot about what Chris Ballard thinks about some specific positions in this draft class, and he provided some insight on where the Colts’ roster stands heading into the offseason.

    Next: 3 Worst Contracts on the Colts Roster

    With Ballard’s comments in mind, Colts fans should take a look at the interior offensive linemen in this draft class, the mid-round defensive linemen prospects, and some possible sleeper prospects at the running back position.

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