Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard puts a premium on character whenever he drafts players. However, he also separates major mistakes from minor ones.
The Athletic Indianapolis Colts writer Bob Kravitz discussed this in greater detail in his April 29 article.
“Frank (Reich) and I, I don’t think either one of us can emphasize enough how important (character) is to us,’’ Ballard said. “Y’all have been in there; it a special group of men, and you don’t want to upset the apple cart in terms of who you bring into the building; they have to stand for the same things you stand for.
“Does it mean that we won’t at some point take some shots? No, it doesn’t. Because once that locker room is the way it is, you hope you can absorb somebody (with some baggage).”
Ballard drafted Colts players who have made an impact. These include safety Malik Hooker, running backs Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines, guard Quenton Nelson, right tackle Braden Smith, and linebacker Darius Leonard. Leonard won the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
This year, Ballard's top pick was cornerback Rock Ya-Sin from Temple University. He drafted nine other players including linebacker Ben Banogu and wide receiver Parris Campbell.
Ballard has had a successful track record in terms of drafting players. This season should be no exception. He's a master draft board manipulator and judge of character. Expect the Colts' rookies to make a significant impact during the 2019 NFL season.
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