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(01/30/23 9:17pm)
The Indiana Pacers have had one of the weirdest seasons in NBA history. The gambling aficionados in Vegas set the Pacers total wins at 23.5 to start the year, which would be the third lowest win total in franchise history. And after starting 1-4, the Pacers rattled off 9 wins in 11 games to get their record to 23-18 at the 41 game mark of the 82 game NBA season, just a half game back of their anticipated total wins. In the 42 game against the Knicks, Tyrese Haliburton got injured with a posterolateral corner (PCL) Sprain, and the team has lost seven games straight, including ten of their last eleven. The team has had some major ups and downs, but part of the team’s success is the return of center Myles Turner.
(11/09/22 12:05am)
Welcome to the third review of my series: An Addict’s Guide to Coffee! Quills Coffee and Hitherto Coffee and Gaming Parlor have previously been reviewed.
(11/07/22 5:46pm)
3-4-1: What Happened?
(10/18/22 5:13pm)
Welcome to the second review of my series: An Addict’s Guide to Coffee! To read the first review on Quills Coffee, please follow the link here.
(10/12/22 6:00am)
My name is Zachary Barnett, and I love coffee, specifically espresso beverages. I have my usual coffee shop: whichever Starbucks is near me. However, I want to spice up my coffee-tasting life by visiting every local coffee shop in Indianapolis. I want to gauge how each coffee shop makes the same beverage and compile a comprehensive list of each stop, rated on taste, size and value.
(05/12/22 10:32am)
For as much flack as the fans give Chris Ballard, we really do have a top 5 general manager and scouting team in the NFL. No draft picks are guaranteed, but with Ballard’s track record, I would say he hits at a 64% clip, which is much higher than the odds of a coin flip. Also, compared to many other GMs over this time, he ranks top 4. Here is a list of a few teams and draft picks made in the past 5 years, as voted on by anonymous GM’s and personnel around the NFL. So why do we doubt him every year? Because he has missed, and his misses have been rough, but let’s look at our 2022 haul, and compare this to years past:
(05/02/22 12:00am)
The Rise and Fall of the Tamika Catchings Era
(04/22/22 1:00am)
Season From Hell You Say…?
(04/10/22 4:56pm)
I was Wrong About Carson Wentz
(03/10/22 10:27pm)
What Indiana Schools were represented at the combine?
Three schools represented Indiana at the 2022 NFL Combine. Notre Dame, after having an electric season at 11-2 had 5 players representing them at the NFL Combine, headlined by the best Safety in the Draft, Kyle Hamilton and quarterback Jack Coan. Indiana University had a rough season, but had 3 players representing them at the combine, headlined by senior wide receiver, Ty Fryfogle. Purdue had a really good season for their program and they had a pair of recruits at the combine, including Indianapolis’ own David Bell. Ten players is about average for Indiana, but there was definitely room for more, in my opinion.
What Indiana Schools Will Mean to the 2022 Draft?
Up to 10 players have an opportunity to be drafted into the NFL from Indiana schools this year. I think 8 will definitely be drafted, and the other 2 will have to fight for the seventh round draft position. Everyone in this draft has a good opportunity to make it at the next level, and these young kids from Indiana have the potential to change the landscape of the league.
History of Indiana School Prospects?
Indiana Schools have put out a mixed bag of prospects over the last several years. Notre Dame has had the most players drafted since 2000 with 100 players drafted, most notably Quinten Nelson who is an All-Pro guard for the Indianapolis Colts. 24 players from the Indiana Hoosiers have been drafted since 2000, including Tracy Porter who is famous for returning an interception for a touchdown against the Colts in the Super Bowl. Purdue has had 47 players taken in the NFL draft, most famously Drew Brees, who is statistically a top 5 quarterback of all time. Ball State has had eight players drafted as well, including Colts’ offensive lineman Danny Pinter.
Even though the draft is not an exact science, there are several players who have been actively bad in the NFL drafted from Indiana schools. Only about 30% of picks actually succeed at the next level and reach a second contract, but I think it is more important we highlight how good some players have been from Indiana.
Cliff Avril, Defensive End, Purdue Boilermakers
Cliff was the 92nd overall pick in 2008, and was one of the most physically imposing players in the recent NFL seasons. He won a super bowl, had a season with 11.5 sacks, and made a pair of pro bowls. While retiring in 2017, cut his career short, his accomplishments on and off the field truly showed how great of a value he was for the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.
Harrison Smith, Safety, Notre Dame
Smith was taken 29th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, and has had an absolutely illustrious career. He has already played 10 seasons for the Vikings, and has led the team in tackles twice. He is a truly versatile tackler and can make many receivers and tight ends’ lives absolute hell. He is on pace to average 90 tackles a season over the course of his career. He signed a 4 year contract extension last season, and will most likely retire a Minnesota Viking.
Trent Green, Quarterback, Indiana Hoosiers
Trent Green was truly great against all odds being drafted in the 8th round with the 222nd pick in the 1993 NFL draft. His college career was average, at best, but in the pros, he helped lead Kansas City back to relevance and even made two pro bowls along the way. He finished with almost 30,000 passing yards, and is one of the best late round picks of all time.
Danny Pinter, Offensive Lineman, Ball State University
Pinter has been a blessing for the Colts, being the 149th pick in the 2020 draft. He has appeared in 29 games in his career and has been one of the best backup offensive lineman, and has been an amazing fail-safe for a team that always has injury issues. He caught his first career touchdown this past season and has an opportunity to make a long career in the NFL.
Indiana Kids Mock Draft 1.0:
Every pick from an Indiana school can be broken down into 3 categories: Among the best, Middle of the Pack, Fighting for a spot. All of these players, in my opinion, should get drafted, and have a big opportunity to make an impact at the next level.
PICK 4 Kyle Hamilton, Safety, ND, Among The Best
In my opinion, Kyle Hamilton should be the number one pick in the draft. He is by far the highest upside safety since Ed Reed in 2004. Many people say you can’t take a safety in the top 5 of a draft, but when you have an opportunity to get a game-wrecker, Hamilton will do that. He only played 6 games in 2021, but was on pace for 80 tackles and 8 interceptions. His knee injury may make some teams shy away, and if he slips past the top 5, then a team is going to get the steal of the draft.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’4”
220 lbs
21
1 S, 1 Ovr
4.59 sec
30
38.0”
131.0”
PICK 15 George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Purdue, Among The Best
George flew up draft boards this season with some excellent edge work. The Athens, Greece native, really showed out this season for the Boilers, and was a big reason why the team finished above .500 for the first time in years. He will be a force at the next level, and has an opportunity to have a Ryan Kerrigan level impact at the next level, and may even be a top 10 pick if the dominos fall his way on Draft day. No chance he goes later than 25, and if he does, then he is certainly a steal.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’4”
266 lbs
21
4 DE, 11 Ovr
4.70 sec
21
38.0”
121.0”
PICK 55 Kyren Williams, Running Back, ND, Middle of The Pack
Williams has been a very intriguing prospect out of Notre Dame since he averaged 5.4 yards per carry as a sophomore. While his per carry splits went down in 2021, he showed better athletic performances as a slot receiver, and as a pass-blocker. He will be one of the better running backs taken in this draft, but sadly, running backs are getting drafted later and later with every draft. Had this been 5 years ago, he would’ve been a top 10 pick, but will be great value in the second round.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
5’9”
194 lbs
21
2 RB, 41 Ovr
4.61 sec
24
32.0”
116.0”
PICK 71 David Bell, Wide Receiver, Purdue, Middle of the Pack
David Bell may have made a mistake working out at the combine. Going into the event, he was slated as a top 40 pick, but after a poor performance in the explosiveness drills, he may slip into the 3rd or 4th round. His career at Purdue can’t go understated, but he lacks the speed that it will take to separate from defenders at the next level and the height to go win 50/50 balls. He is still good in the open field, and I anticipate him being drafted in day two, but he will need to show out on his pro day.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’1”
212 lbs
22
13 WR, 64 Ovr
4.65 sec
N/A
33.0”
118.0”
PICK 107 Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, DT, ND, Middle of the Pack
A productive senior year and a good showing at the combine helped out the Notre Dame grad quite a bit. He will probably take a year or two to develop fully, as he is a little undersized for a defensive tackle in the NFL. He is a good run stopper, but struggles bringing down physical backs, and may struggle some against the pass. He is athletic enough to get up and block kicks and knock down passes, so his ceiling is pretty good, and may be considered a steal if he continues on his trajectory.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’2”
262 lbs
22
14 DE, 111 Ovr
4.81 sec
21
29.0”
115.0”
PICK 147 Ty Fryfogle, Wide Receiver, Indiana, Fighting for a Spot
Fryfogle missed a golden opportunity to show off this season. After Whop Philyor left IU, Ty had a chance to show the NFL community that he was worthy of a second round grade coming into the season. Inconsistent QB play and a case of the drops may cost him millions, however. I think he will be a fine third or fourth wide receiver for a team, and has an opportunity to be a big playmaker for a team if given the opportunity. If he goes undrafted, it will be a travesty, but I wouldn’t be shocked.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’1”
204 lbs
22
24 DE, 151 Ovr
4.53 sec
N/A
39.0”
171.0”
PICK 153 Kevin Austin Jr., Wide Receiver, ND, Fighting for a Spot
With an excellent frame and a good season in South Bend, I look for big things to come from Kevin Austin. He had an excellent combine, with stellar interviews and a good 40-time. This receiver class is stacked, but he can fly with the best of them. He had a case of the drops in his biggest games, and he struggles with physical corners who play press coverage, but if he gets outside, goodnight. Going to be elite at the next level with the right system. Will be a steal in the 5th round.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’2”
215 lbs
21
21 WR, 161 Ovr
4.43 sec
21
39.0”
132.0”
PICK 154 Jack Coan, Quarterback, ND, Fighting for a Spot
Coan had a unique career in college. He started at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where he struggled in the offense. Once he transferred to Notre Dame, he blended well with what the Irish were trying to do. He will probably never be more than a career backup, but players who are always ready like Brian Hoyer have made millions holding a clipboard and staying ready. He throws hard, but misses deep, but with a bad QB draft, he could easily go in the third or fourth round.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’3”
218 lbs
23
11 QB, 171 Ovr
4.90 sec
N/A
33.0”
115.0”
PICK 171 Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana, Fighting for a Spot
The two-time defensive captain of the Hoosiers is going to be a difficult sell to most GMs. He is a little big for his 6’2” frame, and isn’t the quickest to the ball. Overall, he may struggle with the size and speed of the NFL, but his leadership on the field will make him an intriguing prospect in later rounds. Special teams may be his future in the NFL, but I think if he gets an interior role on a defense, he may be able to keep his spot, because his work ethic will shine brightly.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’2”
232 lbs
23
14 LB, 163 Ovr
4.79 sec
21
N/A
N/A
PICK 196 Peyton Hendershot, TE, Indiana, Fighting for a Spot
If Hendershot could keep his head on straight, he would be a much higher pick in this draft. His off the field struggles, and multiple stupid penalties throughout the season really has made it difficult to justify drafting him. A 6th or 7th round pick isn’t a big price tag to pay for the physicality of this Tight End. He has slow speed but his blocking and possession is pretty nice. His speed isn’t elite, and his jump off the ball is nowhere near as quick as he needs to be.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’4”
255 lbs
21
17 TE, 211 Ovr
4.80 sec
N/A
32.5”
117.0”
What to watch out for?
The New Orleans Saints have a former Notre Dame QB, and no definitive future for their quarterback, so I could see them going after Kevin Austin Jr to pair him with Ian Book. I also really like Karlaftis and think he has top 5 player abilities. To me, however, Kyle Hamilton is the best player in the draft. He will be exceptional for years to come, and will make whatever team takes him very happy. This draft is bad for quarterbacks, but the wide receivers are going to benefit immensely from a deep draft, I imagine David Bell could easily still sneak into the second round, because his potential is absurd.
The future is bright for Indiana schools’ football programs, and these programs will continue to put out great value for the NFL and make teams better.
(03/10/22 3:50pm)
Ballard’s Dangerous Dance
Day one of the Coaches and General Manager press conferences went off without a hitch, unless you are Colts GM Chris Ballard or Colts Coach Frank Reich. I attended these press conferences live and after each of them, there are only more questions, specifically about Carson Wentz. Neither were willing to let anything slip about the future Wentz has in Indy, and neither got any other questions besides those.
Let’s start with Ballard. After giving up a third round pick in last year’s NFL Draft and a First round pick in this year’s, Ballard and Colts Owner Jim Irsay were all in on this past season.
“This pick was supposed to be at best 24, and should’ve been much later,” a Colts media personnel said on Tuesday while waiting on Ballard to take the podium.
Immediately when Ballard stepped up his smile and southern charm shined through, the questions began firing from all angles.
“...We’re still working through it, and I know I will get a lot of questions about Carson right now, and I don’t have a direct answer for you. We’re working through it. Jim, Mr. Irsay, Frank and I will sit down over the next ten days to try to figure out where it’s going. We are going to do the best thing for the Colts, both in the Short term and the long term.”
“...There’s good discussion. You can have a great relationship and disagree. Frank Jim and I are all trying to do what is best for the team and for the city by and large, and the discussions are happening.”
Ballard continued to “dance with the devil” and tiptoed around the answer to Carson Wentz’s future. There were some damning moments that I think highlight the negative vibes in the locker room over the last few games of the season, and overall everyone involved is very disappointed with how the season ended. That being said, he said multiple times that discussions would continue and only time will tell about the Carson Wentz decision, which needs to be made by March 18th, 2022, when the second half of his $30 million contract is Guaranteed.
Reich’s Neck Wrung
While this press conference was going on, Frank Reich was at the Colts practice facility trying to disseminate information from practice with Wentz and his wide receivers. He was working on making sure the team makes an informed and correct decision for the future of the team. After “sticking his neck out” for Carson, there are lots of questions that Reich and the Colts need answers to.
“... Carson did a lot of good, our team did a lot of good, and I think Carson will continue to do good,” Reich said during his 4 PM presser. He later added “ I believe we have a lot of cards for the league, and our draw is going to be important to see if we can get a few extra cards.”
“... Continuity is ideal. You can grow together. Is there a side for the long term of that? That’s just the hand we’ve been dealt.”
“... Carson and I went back a couple of days ago just to watch a ton of film and it’s up to me Chris and Mr. Irsay to make our decisions and have good dialogue, and at the end of the day we believe in each other and come together in support of whatever decision is made…”
Reich added that he “stuck his neck” out for Carson, and he still believes in him. He thinks he will still have success in the NFL.
“...You play good football and nobody questions you anymore. You instill confidence in you, confidence in the coach, confidence in the team.”
Overall, Reich definitely seemed to speak more highly of Carson than Ballard, and especially more than Jim Irsay who has been irked with Carson since he went out with covid-19, after choosing not to be vaccinated. His expressed frustration, paired with two losses in must-win games, has really driven a nail in Wentz’s coffin in Indianapolis.
If I Am Ballard For The Day, This is What I do
I don’t see a path forward where getting rid of Carson Wentz is a net positive for the Indianapolis Colts. I think Wentz is a slightly above average quarterback, but on a decent deal, just 10th overall for a quarterback cap hit, and $15 million is his dead cap, the figure the team would be required to pay him. So unless the Colts can get Russell Wilson, then Wentz should continue being the guy going forward. Many people in the NFL media group take shots at Wentz constantly, while forgetting that he had a 3.75 touchdown to interception ratio at 27 to7. Giving him another year, when his cap hit would be zero, is huge.
So assuming that I keep Carson Wentz, what do we do in the draft? I think the Colts have some major holes, starting at playmaker. Boasting one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, behind stud Jonothan Taylor and perimeter playmaker Nyheim Hines, the Colts contrast with one of the league’s worst passing attacks. Being 26th in the NFL in passing is not a recipe for success as the teams in the AFC and NFC Championships were all top 12 in total passing. That is why I look at a lot of Wide receivers in this draft. There is a lot of speed and talent in this wide receiver class, and that is one aspect the team is missing, a player who can torch a defense for 70 yards and be a deep threat. In addition to wide receiver, the team has a few holes in depth positions for Offensive line, Safety, Tight End and Edge Rusher. If the Colts drafted a Quarterback or Running Back in the later part of the draft, I wouldn’t be shocked, but with the way the roster is currently set up with Sam Ellinger and a copious amount of backup Running Backs, I didn’t predict any of those positions taken.
The Colts will have 8 draft picks in this upcoming NFL draft, Including the 47th overall pick. With so many holes, and few picks to use, here is my Indianapolis Colts Mock Draft 1.0:
PICK 47 TRADED To Atlanta for Picks 58 and 112
Chris Ballard has always loved draft day trades to get extra compensation, and this draft has a lot of mid-to-late round potential, the perfect draft for Ballard and the Colts to flex their scouting muscles and make educated moves for more picks.
PICK 58 Bernard Raimann, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
Raimann has been climbing up draft boards all season long, and for a non-power school, Central Michigan had a great Offensive Line. Raimann is explosive, strong and projects to be a 10 year starter in the NFL if he can get a couple of years watching. He is the best projected offensive lineman available, and will definitely be worth a second round pick in a year and a half when he is shutting down defensive ends, and protecting the blindside of the quarterback on the left side of the line.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’6”
303 lbs
24
6 OT, 56 Ovr
5.68 sec
30
33.2”
117.5”
Pick 71 Traded To Indianapolis from Chicago for Picks 112 and 120
Chris Ballard has always loved draft day trades to get his guys too. He traded up for Jonathan Taylor, and this time he is trading up to get his receiver, his vertical threat.
PICK 71 John Metchie III, Wide Receiver, Alabama
If Metchie doesn’t get hurt, Alabama wins the College Football National Championship. His draft stock has tanked since his injury, but he has such high potential and is one of those guys who can flat out fly. He has been an absolute deep ball threat for Alabama, and will be a huge upgrade to the Indy receiving core. His injury, while significant, should be fully healed come August, and he will be a burner next to Michael Pittman Jr.
Due to injury, not all workouts are reported.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
5’11”
187 lbs
21
9 WR, 59 Ovr
4.36 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
PICK 82 George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Georgia
The Colts definitely need a lot of help on the outside, so having them take back-to-back wide receivers makes sense. Ballard, however, is not a GM who usually takes weapons back to back, but in this case, it’s obvious: take the best player available. Another exceptional route runner, with stellar possession and hands. He struggles burning by players, but his route running will get him on the field and keep him as one of the best players in the deep wide receiver class.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’3”
196 lbs
21
10 WR, 78 Ovr
4.47 sec
N/A
33”
125”
PICK 158 Qwuantrezz Knight, Safety, UCLA
The Colts have a good safety from the Pac-12 already in Julian Blackmon, but his injury history makes you question his long term fit, and in the later rounds of the draft, it’s time to start looking at best player available, and Knight is a hard hitting safety who has made some highlight hits over his six-year career. His hands are rough at best, but he breaks passes up better than most players and is really willing to put his body on the line to put a lick on a player.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
5’11”
199lbs
24
14 S, 146 Ovr
4.50 sec
N/A
36”
114”
PICK 177 Dylan Parham, Offensive Guard, Memphis
The Colts have depth issues on the offensive line, especially if they choose not to re-sign Mark Glowinski and Eric Fisher. Parham has rushed up the board of offensive line candidates, and has been a great starter for a Tiger roster that needed all the help they could get on the Offensive Line. He has some issues getting off the ball, but his strength and protection are second to none. He would be an absolute steal in the draft if the Colts are able to draft him in the 5th round with 51 career starts.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’3”
313 lbs
22
18 OG, 148 Ovr
4.98 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
PICK 217 Mike Tafua, Edge Rusher, Utah
The Colts have always taken chances on later round pass rushers, historically under Ballard.Tafua has high upside with a productive senior season and showing pretty good speed off the ball. His intelligence is also unmatched in this draft and he has shown the ability to beat almost anyone off the ball. He struggles against the run, but in a run stopping system like Indianapolis, I think they should be fine if he just pins his ear back and takes the quarterback down.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’3”
256 lbs
22
47 DL, 176 Ovr
4.74 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
PICK 237 Lucas Krull, Tight End, Pittsburgh
Several great players have been taken in the 7th round. Marques Colston, Donald Driver, and Shannon Sharpe stick out as pass catchers in the 7th round. With Lucas he is a possession receiver and red zone threat, and with decent size can be an absolute matchup nightmare. His footspeed is decent for a tight end, and can make linebackers struggle covering him downfield. His biggest knock is blocking, but a system like the Colts, will allow him to make big plays for the team in the Red Zone.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’6”
254 lbs
23
13 TE, 224 Ovr
4.65 sec
N/A
N/A
N/A
PICK 238 Cameron Dicker, PlaceKicker, Texas
When the Colts got rid of Rodrigo “Hot Rod” Blankenship, my heart broke. Their kicking was inconsistent down the stretch of the season, and using your final seventh round pick on a kicker is not always the worst decision teams can make. It will be hard to find a player as efficient at kicks as Dicker in any draft, and with a career long of 57 yards, he has a good leg. He missed 4 extra points his career, and was 4 for 8 of kicks longer than 55 yards.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’0”
219 lbs
23
1 PK, 214 Ovr
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Where Do We Go From Here?
The Colts need to make the Carson Wentz decision ASAP. There are too many moving parts if he is moved or not moved. After that they have some free agency questions. They will have almost $40 million in projected salary cap space, and that leaves them with several options to make the team better. If they want to bring back Eric Fisher, it will probably cost them around $12.5 Million a year. T.Y. Hilton is almost 33, and will be by the time the season comes around, therefore I find it unlikely that he returns for anything more than $5 to 6 million. Mark Glowinski and Xavier Rhodes both could be back on decent deals, around the $5 million a year mark. They then have a ton of decisions to make on Zach Paschal, Moe Allie-Cox, and defensive lineman like Al-Quadin Muhammad, Kiemoko Turay, and Tyquan Lewis. I don’t anticipate a ton of other action with other free agents, as a lot of these players are going to be outside looking into the organization. As far as players I want the Colts to target, I would love J.C. Jackson, Carlton Davis, Allen Robinson, and even Marcus Maye brought in, if the price is right.
Where The Team Actually Went?
Just a week after all of the ambiguity and bleakness of the responses that Chris Ballard gave, Carson Wentz was traded to the Washington Commanders. They accrued two additional 3rd round picks for the 2022 and 2023 drafts respectively. The pick next season can become a second round pick if Carson plays over 70% of the offensive snaps for the Washington Commanders. Given how interesting Sam Ehlinger is, I don’t know that I would go out and draft a quarterback. I think I would try to sign Mitchell Trubisky to a 2 or 3 year contract and let Frank Reich and our offensive coaches work with him. He has shown immense flashes of athleticism and confidence in the pocket behind a bad offensive line in Chicago. If the Colts do decide to draft someone there are two guys I think Could make some sense:
PICK 36 Desmond Ridder, Quarterback, Cincinnati
I love Desmond Ridder. The NFL Community is going to love Desmond Ridder. He helped lead a mid-major program in Cincinnati to a CFP Bowl Game, and while they didn’t win, he was a big reason why they kept the game close. He has elite poise in the pocket, and may even find himself going late in the first round. He will be a project at the next level, but his athleticism and short-range and mid-range pass accuracy is unparalleled in this, pretty weak, quarterback class.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’3”
211 lbs
23
4 QB, 54 Ovr
4.52
N/A
36”
127”
PICK 146 Carson Strong, Quarterback, Nevada
Drafting a Carson may leave some scars for people in Indianapolis, but Carson Strong can flat out ball. His medical history is terrible, but his good games, when healthy, remind many of Phillip Rivers in college. Definitely not capable of being a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but working with Reich will be beneficial to his development, and his character and leadership will help him become a top talent eventually. If they go here, I imagine we will see a two-year rental of a free agent QB.
Height
Weight
Age
Position Rank
40-Yd Dash
Bench Press
Vertical
Broad
6’4”
226 lbs
24
9 QB, 154 Ovr
4.81
N/A
36”
127”