Colts head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard talked to the Indianapolis Star about their incoming free agents.
The Colts didn’t acquire any of the big names that fans may have wanted to see in Indianapolis next season, but Frank Reich and Chris Ballard are excited about the talent they were able to bring in this offseason.
You can check out our article with in-depth analysis Reich’s comments about how he is planning to utilize Eric Ebron in the Colts’ offense next season.
In the next few slides we’ll take a look at what Reich and Ballard had to say about the rest of the free agent class.
Defensive Lineman Denico Autry
Chris Ballard’s comments about the acquisition of Denico Autry revealed that he has heard some of the outcry from Colts fans over their quiet free agency period. However, you can tell that he expects Autry to be a very solid addition to the roster.
"“I’d seen him (when I worked) in Kansas City. He’s a good player and he’s going to help our front. What you see is the defensive line is going to be one of the engines that drives us going forward. You need seven or eight guys that can get that done. And Autry is a good example. We think we got a good player at a fair market value for the player. We know we have some voids to fill. But people have to let us work,” Ballard told Stephen Holder."
Autry was a necessary addition to replace Johnathan Hankins in the Colts’ new 4-3 scheme under Matt Eberflus.
Wide Receiver Ryan Grant
The Colts desperately needed to add some playmakers at wide receiver this offseason, but Ryan Grant’s name wasn’t at the top of many fans’ wish lists heading into free agency.
Nonetheless, Frank Reich had absolutely glowing praise for his new wideout with an extremely detailed description of why he’s excited to work with Grant.
"“Ryan’s tape is really good. Excellent route runner, strong hands, really good at contested catches, good separation at the top of his routes, really good in and out of his breaks, (has) position versatility, (is) productive outside and inside. I did a little homework on him even after we signed him and talked to a couple coaches who coached him and guys who played with him. I talked to one guy who had definite inside information. He said, ‘This guy will run every inside route at full speed, no matter what. He works his butt off in practice.’ That’s the kind of player we’re looking for,” said Frank Reich."
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Reich and Ballard were expected to be pumped about all of their new players, but you can tell Reich really thinks the Colts got a steal in Ryan Grant.
Offensive Lineman Matt Slauson
Chris Ballard brought up the fans’ reaction once again in his comments regarding the addition of Matt Slauson. The Colts needed to upgrade their offensive line to keep Andrew Luck upright in 2018, and Ballard believes they’ve solidified that unit a bit by signing Slauson.
Next: Assessing the Colts Losses in 2018 Free Agency
"“We want our fans to know that we’re serious. Signing Matt Slauson was a good one for us. He’s a 32-year old. And his presence and what he’s going to bring to the O-line room, I don’t think you can put a price on. He’s the ultimate pro and he’s going to bring a level of toughness to that room that I think is going to be really good for everybody in it,” said Ballard."
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This was not the free agent class that Colts fans were hoping to see this offseason, but Reich and Ballard’s analysis of these new players should make the fanbase a bit happier with what they managed to acquire.