Under the previous regime, the Colts had some trouble developing some of their players. But early returns suggest that has changed.
The Colts have historically been pretty good drafters. Bill Polian did a great job as GM in drafting players and finding hidden gems. But perhaps more importantly, the coaching staff did a good job developing those players into good starters and productive members of the team.
After Polian was fired and Ryan Grigson was brought in, that changed. Grigson drafted bad players, and Chuck Pagano’s coaching staff didn’t do the greatest job of developing players. It’s hard to say who is more to blame with that, but I would say Grigson is.
Now that the Colts have Chris Ballard as GM and Frank Reich as head coach, the development phase has improved. Even though Ballard only has two drafts under his belt, the players he drafted two years ago have shown encouraging signs in their development.
Player development is the single most important thing a team can do. If they can develop their homegrown talent, then that team is poised to be in the run for a championship every year. Good drafting and development go hand-in-hand.
The Colts seem to understand this. They have two guys who work well together in Ballad and Reich. That dynamic helps players develop in a good environment. It also fosters trust between the two most important figures in the organization.
Only time will tell if Reich can show that he is truly a good player developer. But if his first season is any indicator, the Colts are in good hands in that regard.