Chris Ballard on Colts linebacker position; how big of a need is it?
Chris Ballard on Colts linebacker position; how big of a need is it? GM Chris Ballard discussed the linebacker position in his pre-draft press conference. How big of a need do the Colts view it as?
On paper, linebacker appears to be a good-sized need for the Indianapolis Colts. However, do the Colts view it as a pressing need?
Based on GM Chris Ballard's pre-draft press conference, it doesn't sound like it.
The reason that linebacker could be a somewhat big need is that the Colts lost EJ Speed and Grant Stuard in free agency. So, at a minimum, depth at this position should be added--although that probably doesn't reach the level of urgent.
However, what is more urgent is the potential need to create competition for that starting role next to Zaire Franklin.
Ballard said after the season ended that he wanted to infuse competition throughout the roster to help elevate the level of play overall. So, with that, assuming that Jaylon Carlies, who has 242 defensive snaps, can seamlessly transition into that starting role comes with some risk.
But, with that said, the Colts really like what Carlies gave them last season.
"When we took (Carlies) and moved him from safety to linebacker, we thought the transition was really, really good," Ballard said on Monday via the Indy Star.
At the NFL Owners' meetings, Ballard would also call Carlies an "ascending" player. As a rookie making a position change in 2024, Carlies was immediately the Colts' third linebacker in their base 4-3 defense and started when Speed was injured.
His coverage ability as a former safety was on display as he held opponents to only 6.0 yards per catch, according to PFF. Carlies was a willing tackler as well.
Ballard would add that Carlies did have offseason shoulder surgery, but that he expects him to be ready for training camp.
Beyond being optimistic about Carlies, the Colts also have a strong track record of developing the linebacker position. Franklin, Speed, and Stuard are just a few examples. That developmental ability as an organization could negate the need to spend an early-round pick on the position.
'It's a position we've been pretty good drafting and developing. I give our coaches and scouts a lot of credit for that," Ballard said. "Don't forget now, E.J. Speed, it wasn't like he came on right away. No, it took him a little time. Zaire Franklin did not come on right away. Great special team player but eventually became a linebacker that was a good player."
Now, linebacker is still on Ballard's radar when it comes to the draft--the need isn't non-existent--but as we see mock drafts having the Colts spending a second-round pick on the position, I'm not sure that's in play for them.
"We've got some young players we like, and we think the draft's got some good players," Ballard said. "So, we'll add some depth and competition hopefully in the draft.'
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