Latest news with #ChrisBallard
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Indianapolis Colts' OTAs: The big question at wide receiver
The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Rather than only doing individual drills as the Colts have been doing, they will now be permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team drills, although no live contact is allowed. Advertisement So with this important part of the offseason schedule about to begin, I wanted to highlight one big question facing each position group. Up next are the wide receivers. Below you can find our previous position previews. Indianapolis Colts big question at wide receiver: Can AD Mitchell make a big jump in Year 2? After the Indianapolis Colts' 2024 season ended, GM Chris Ballard noted that AD Mitchell had some "really strong moments" during his rookie season, but ultimately, more consistency was needed moving forward. Mitchell would finish his rookie season catching just 23-of-51 targets (45.1%) at 13.6 yards per catch with no touchdowns. At times, he and the quarterback weren't on the same page. There were also dropped passes and the timing of routes were off. Advertisement However, we also saw flashes of the big-play potential that he brings, along with Mitchell's ability to create separation, specifically against man coverage. With his combination of speed and nuanced route-running abilities, Mitchell has the potential to win at all levels of the field and make an impact in a variety of ways. But the majority of his targets last season came on downfield throws. In order to get more of those opportunities in other parts of the field, refinement and consistency are needed. The challenge for Mitchell is that the Colts aren't lacking options in the passing game. He's currently the fourth option on the receiver depth chart and likely the fifth option overall with Tyler Warren now in the mix. Earning more of those pass-catching opportunities this season and having the chance to impact the game in different ways starts with the consistency he shows as a route runner and pass-catcher during OTAs, training camp, and the preseason. Advertisement "That he's exactly who we drafted," said Reggie Wayne about Mitchell's ability to create separation. "A guy that can constantly get open. A guy that's a threat and is special when it's man-to-man. The next step is finishing catches. Making sure you're on the same page as the quarterback. I think we spread it pretty evenly. Everybody contributes a certain way, but different from everyone else." This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' OTAs: More consistency needed from WR AD Mitchell
New York Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Jim Irsay, longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts, dies at 65
Jim Irsay, the eccentric, outspoken, sometimes controversial and largely successful owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who away from the field battled personal demons for decades and later became a fierce champion of addiction awareness and mental health advocacy, died Wednesday. He was 65. Irsay's oldest of three daughters, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, is expected to assume principal ownership duties of the team, though Irsay long preferred all three of his daughters with ex-wife Meg Coyle — along with Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson — would work collectively as co-owners. Chief operating officer Pete Ward and general manager Chris Ballard will also continue their active roles running day-to-day operations of the organization. Advertisement Irsay passed away peacefully in his sleep, the team said in a statement. 'Jim's dedication and passion for the Indianapolis Colts in addition to his generosity, commitment to the community, and most importantly, his love for his family were unsurpassed,' the statement continued. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 21, 2025
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Indianapolis Colts among teams to vote against 'Tush Push' play
Indianapolis Colts among teams to vote against 'Tush Push' play The Indianapolis Colts were among the 22 teams that voted to eliminate the 'Tush Push' play. The Indianapolis Colts were not among the 10 teams that voted to keep the 'Tush Push' play for the 2025 NFL season. Instead, they were among the 22 that voted to have the play banned. On Wednesday, the NFL's 32 owners voted on the proposed ban, which was initiated earlier this offseason by the Green Bay Packers. The NFL needed 24 votes to ban the play, but ended up with only 22. Here are the 10 teams that voted against the 'Tush Push' ban Philadelphia Eagles Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns Detroit Lions Jacksonville Jaguars Miami Dolphins New England Patriots New Orleans Saints New York Jets Tennessee Titans It's a little bit surprising that the Colts weren't on the above list. During the NFL owners meetings back in March, both Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard voiced their support of the 'Tush Push' play. Steichen also coached in Philadelphia under head coach Nick Sirianni. However, since then, the Packers changed the wording around the potential rule change, which did sway some of the voters. Originally, 16 teams were in favor of the rule change, and on Wednesday, it was up to 22. This proposed change was voted on only by the 31 NFL owners and Packers' President Mark Murphy. (Please note that this article will be updated.)
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Breaking down Indianapolis Colts' 2025 seventh-round pick: LB Hunter Wohler
In the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Wisconsin safety turned linebacker Hunter Wohler. Let's break down the pick, and if you missed our other recaps, you can find them below. Advertisement Hunter Wohler's profile Height: 6-02 Weight: 213 Age: 22 College profile Breaking down the Indianapolis Colts' pick Wohler played safety at Wisconsin, accumulating over 1,800 defensive snaps across four seasons, which included being a starter the final two years. Throughout his career, he's been a very reliable tackler, and that, of course, has made him a strong run defender. In coverage this most recent season, Wohler held opponents to a completion rate of 59% on 27 targets, giving up 11.8 yards per catch, while forcing six pass breakups. As we saw the Colts do last season with Jaylon Carlies, Wohler is going to play some linebacker in Lou Anarumo's defense. During his career at Wisconsin, the bulk of Wohler's snaps came near the line of scrimmage, either down in the box or lined up in the slot. Advertisement So playing closer to the line of scrimmage and helping out in the run game won't be uncharted waters for him, and as a safety, he can add some more coverage ability to the linebacker position for the Colts. While the Colts will list Wohler as a safety, Chris Ballard wasn't going to pigeon-hole him to that position either, adding that Wohler could still see snaps at safety, specifically when the Colts are in dime, which we will see a lot more of under Anarumo. Wohler gives the Colts flexibility in Anarumo's versatile scheme because he can handle a variety of roles, and he provides some needed depth at the linebacker position. Wohler's greatest impact in Year 1 may end up coming on special teams, where he has his share of experience. Hunter Wohler's scouting report Lance Zierlein: "Two-year starting safety whose activity level reaches beyond what his athletic capabilities can handle at times. Wohler spent much of his time as an add-on run defender who rushed in to be part of the action. He's a run-and-hit tackler in space but a lack of burst and top-end speed causes him to lose pursuit angles and miss out on tackles. He can cover tight ends but doesn't have the range to play over the top or the open-field athleticism to survive against NFL receivers in space. Special teams play could be the key to Wohler maintaining a roster spot as an NFL backup at strong safety." They said it Tyler Hughes, area scout: 'With Hunter, the versatility was the key thing, especially later in the draft," said Hughes via the Indy Star. "He's played a lot of down linebacker, he's played strong safety, he's played free safety, he was the punt returner this year, which shows that he's a reliable dude and coaches trust him. Super smart. He's going to be a great special teams player for us. Advertisement 'With how much sub-package we're in, in the NFL nowadays, that dime linebacker role is nice for him, but that's not going to limit him to play strong safety or free safety. He has the frame to play all of them.' Hunter Wohler's athletic profile This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Colts' pick of LB Hunter Wohler
USA Today
06-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Updated look at Indianapolis Colts unsigned free agents after 2025 NFL draft
Updated look at Indianapolis Colts unsigned free agents after 2025 NFL draft Following the 2025 NFL draft, which of the Indianapolis Colts' own unrestricted free agents from this offseason still remain unsigned? Following the 2025 NFL draft, which of the Indianapolis Colts' unrestricted free agents from this offseason still remain unsigned? The Colts began free agency in mid-March with a hefty 21 of their own unrestricted free agents. GM Chris Ballard has re-signed a few, but with this roster needing a jolt after missing the playoffs once again, the majority of the Colts' own free agents either remain unsigned or have signed elsewhere. In fact, of those 21 free agents, only five have been re-signed and will be back for the 2025 season. After allocating most of the team's salary cap space to retaining their own free agents in 2024, Ballard was much more aggressive when it came to making outside additions this offseason, signing one of the best available cornerbacks in Charvarius Ward and one of the best available safeties in Cam Bynum, along with bringing in Daniel Jones at quarterback. This has been a much different offseason for the Colts compared to 2024, with Ballard needing to get this team to the playoffs. So, of the Colts' 2025 unrestricted free agent class, which players have already signed elsewhere, and who remains available in free agency? With help from Over the Cap, let's take an updated look at where things now stand. Colts' free agents re-signed Colts' free agents who signed elsewhere Colts' free agents still available
