3 best moments from Colts behind-the-scenes Draft series: With the next pick

Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks to the
Mar 1, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks to the / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Colts, Josh Downs
Sep 24, 2022; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Josh Downs / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Colts emotional phone call with Josh Downs

Just like Richardson, Indianapolis entered the draft knowing they wanted wide receiver Josh Downs. However, it seemed like Indy wasn’t going to be able to get him. After selecting Richardson in the first round and Julius Brents in the second, the Colts spent 30 minutes trying to trade up for Downs.

Downs was expected to be off the board way before pick No. 79. Indianapolis thought that was going to happen, and Downs probably did as well. That’s probably why the call was so emotional when Downs ultimately fell to Indy. The moment when Downs and his family witnessed his dream come true was beautifully captured and it brought all the feelings.

As Josh Downs was on the phone with Indy crying, his family was erupting in praise around him. Chris Ballard, on the other end of the phone, heard all of the passion and joy that was coming through the line and all he could do was smile. He knew that he just got a passionate player that was ready to give his all to the organization.

That's what the draft is all about. Emotional moments where people get to celebrate with their family as their dreams come true.

READ MORE: Grading all 12 draft picks for the Colts