The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to draft Sam Ehlinger in April was regarded as a bit of surprise among fans considering they spent a fourth-rounder on Jacob Eason last year.
However, GM Chris Ballard is as good as they come in the NFL as far evaluating talent (and character), and that alone convinced fans to endorse the pick.
It remains to be seen what Indy’s plans are for Ehlinger’s rookie year. Will they redshirt him like they did with Eason last season? Or will they actually give the Texas product a chance to compete for the backup job and utilize his athleticism in goal line situations?
Whatever ends up happening, there’s no need to speculate on Ehlinger’s role just yet. In the meantime, fans should continue listening to scouts rave about his fit with the Colts.
Last week, Matt Terpening, the Colts’ assistant director of college scouting, waxed poetic about the front office’s decision to draft the former Longhorn. Now, we have area scout Anthony Coughlan praising Ehlinger for being a “no-brainer” fit.
Colts fans will love that another scout is raving about Sam Ehlinger.
Needless to say, Ehligner isn’t a perfect quarterback prospect and has to refine a couple aspects of his game. However, in terms of commitment to his improving his craft and overall mental fortitude, the Colts are loving what they’re seeing from the rookie QB thus far.
"“We got a chance to interview him at the Senior Bowl. And really everything lined up with how the school vouched for him. Really, he was like a blue-collar guy for us,” Coughlan told reporters. “I thought he was a no-brainer Horseshoe fit, even from the Zoom calls over the summer in training camp with their staff, everybody just lights up about the kid, his competitive spirit, work ethic, mental toughness, physical toughness.”"
Isn’t this great news for the Colts’ quarterback room? At the very least, he has the knowledge and necessary attitude to provide each and every week even if his on-field abilities aren’t there. This can be said for the entirety of the roster, but it’s become evident during Ballard’s tenure as general manager that character is a huge part of the pre-draft evaluation process.
Given that Ehlinger has received yet another ringing endorsement from the Colts’ scouting department, it’s clear he passed that test in street shoes.
We’re obviously not going to go overreact to these quotes and claim Ehlinger is now the prohibitive favorite to win the backup job over Eason. However, we can definitely picture a scenario in which the 2021 sixth-rounder gives the former Washington product a run for his money for the No. 2 spot once the competition gets underway at the start of training camp.
If that ends up happening, Ehlinger was unequivocally the right pick for the Colts.
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