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New York Times
26-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
After spending big on defense in free agency, Colts continue to invest in revamped unit
INDIANAPOLIS — JT Tuimoloau knew he was in rare air. As a teenager at East Side Catholic High School in Seattle, his dream was to play in the NFL. But unlike most teenagers, his talent at the prep level put him in rooms few others his age could enter. Before the Indianapolis Colts selected Tuimoloau with the No. 45 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night, the blueprint was laid before him years prior when he crossed paths with Seahawks legends Cliff Avril and Bobby Wagner — and an underdog still trying to prove himself at the highest level. Advertisement That underdog? Zaire Franklin, the Indianapolis Colts' second-team All-Pro linebacker. But back then, he was a recent seventh-round pick training at Ford Sports Performance in Seattle with Avril and Wagner. Tuimoloau was there, too, having already soaked up a few years of knowledge from the two Super Bowl champs, and he was eager to learn from Franklin, as well. Neither could've predicted that one day they'd call each other NFL teammates, but that day came Friday. 'It's crazy I was able to train with Zaire Franklin,' Tuimoloau said. 'We always made it a point because I wore No. 44 (at Ohio State), and he did (as well in the NFL), and he was just always saying, 'Make sure you rep the number well!'' Tuimoloau represented it so well that Colts GM Chris Ballard made him their top defensive draft pick in this year's class and another significant piece to Indianapolis' revamped defense. The 21-year-old earned three straight first-team All-Big nods and capped his college career with 12.5 sacks during the 2024 season, with 6.5 of them coming in the Buckeyes' four College Football Playoff games that culminated with their first national title in a decade. 'It's a long ride, but, man, I'm just blessed I was able to go through this,' Tuimoloau said. 'I've always said I'd be doing my younger self a discredit if I wasn't grateful for this moment.' Three months ago, the Colts opted not to re-sign defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and replaced him with Lou Anarumo, who was the Bengals' defensive coordinator for the past six years. Indianapolis' defense was porous under Bradley, finishing 28th in the NFL in points allowed per game in 2022 and 2023, and 24th in 2024. Those results led to wholesale changes, including a more aggressive approach in free agency from Ballard. He secured impact free-agent additions in cornerback Charvarius Ward and free safety Cam Bynum, yet their acquisitions have flown a bit under the radar thanks to the Colts' ongoing QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Advertisement Whoever is named the starter, Ballard gave them a talented target to throw to by selecting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren on the first day of the draft. But on Day 2, he was back to retooling his defense. Tuimoloau helps fill the void that starting defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who played the most snaps of any Colts defensive linemen in 2024, left when he joined the Chicago Bears in free agency. Similar to Odeyingbo, Tuimoloau can play inside or outside, Ballard said, and his short-area explosiveness paired with his violent hands should help him make an immediate impact. 'You can never have enough,' Ballard said of drafting edge rushers. 'You just can't, especially as the season gets (going). It's 17 games. … That's a long season. You gotta have as many defensive linemen that (you) can.' Apparently, that same logic can be applied to cornerback, since 35 picks after taking Tuimoloau off the board, Ballard drafted Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley at No. 80. The 22-year-old had a sixth-round grade, per The Athletic's lead draft analyst Dane Brugler, and he's undersized for what Ballard typically looks for in a cornerback. But Ballard said he couldn't care less about rankings outside of those he composes alongside his scouts, and he was sold on Walley's speed, ball skills and versatility. 'I've played every single coverage you can play,' a giddy, yet confident Walley said Friday. 'I feel like I do got a very consistent level. I feel like I prepare myself to be able to go on the field and play all of the different positions very consistently. That's playing man, that's playing the deep path, the flat — no matter what it is, I feel like I can pretty much do it all.' Walley started 42 of the 49 games he appeared in at Minnesota, playing on the boundary and in the slot. He racked up 34 passes defensed and seven interceptions, highlighted by 12 passes defensed and two interceptions en route to a second-team All-Big Ten nod in 2024. Advertisement The most impressive part? Walley played through a wrist injury during his final college season, but his film hardly looked like it. That mentality carried over to his pre-draft process, where Ballard appreciated his grit. 'In a time when people don't want to work out, I mean, we have guys ducking it,' Ballard said. 'He does everything with a wrist (injury) and runs 4.37 (40-yard dash), with a cast on his wrist. He does everything, every drill, and it shows up on tape.' Holes still remain as Ballard and the Colts shift their focus to Day 3 of the draft, most notably at right guard, weakside linebacker and backup running back. But Ballard has been particularly aggressive this offseason attacking the team's need areas. I'd expect more of the same on Saturday. (Photo of Tuimoloau: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)
New York Times
28-03-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Colts 2025 NFL Draft big board: 10 prospects for Indy to consider on Day 2
Chris Ballard wasn't messing around. The Indianapolis Colts GM hinted that he needed to be more aggressive in free agency, and his actions backed that up once the new league year began earlier this month. On the first day of free agency, the Colts landed cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum, two big-time playmakers on the backend. Neither player came cheap, as Bynum inked a four-year, $60 million deal and Ward netted a three-year, $60 million pact with $35 million guaranteed. Advertisement Indianapolis' free agency pursuit continued with the addition of QB Daniel Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million contract to join the team. He'll challenge 2023 No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson for the starting job, which may not only affect the trajectory of the season but also the direction of the franchise. 'We gotta make the best decision for the team,' Ballard said of Indy's quarterback competition via the 'Behind the Colts' video series. 'Whatever the outcome is, the outcome is based on performance.' As next month's OTAs creep closer, marking the first time Richardson and Jones will compete head-to-head, the 2025 NFL Draft is on the horizon as well. Ballard's big spending in free agency didn't fill all of the Colts' roster holes, and there are still several positions to address. We've talked a lot about Indianapolis' options in the first round, but for this big board, I took a look at 10 prospects who could be good fits for the team on Day 2 of the draft. As a reminder, Indianapolis has seven picks, one in each round, starting with the No. 14 selection. TE Gunnar Helm, Texas Many mock drafts have Indianapolis selecting Penn State's Tyler Warren or Michigan's Colston Loveland in the first round, but those aren't the only tight ends Indianapolis should consider when trying to upgrade at that position. Helm is a player that came up a few times during my conversations at the combine. His 6-foot-5, 241-pound frame, coupled with his body control and reliable hands, could make him an impact player right away in the Colts' offense. The 22-year-old totaled 60 receptions for 786 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2024 season. TE Mason Taylor, LSU Football is etched in Taylor's family history. As the son of Jason Taylor and the nephew of Zach Thomas — both of whom are Pro Football Hall of Famers — the younger Taylor has always had big shoes to fill, and he's become a standout player in his own right. The 20-year-old finished his college career with the most catches (129) and receiving yards (1,308) of any tight end in LSU history. Taylor built a reputation as a clutch catcher and chain mover, and if he's able to translate those traits to the NFL, he could elevate the Colts' offense – or another team's – during his rookie season. Advertisement TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami The biggest knock on Arroyo is his medical history. He tore his ACL during the 2022 campaign and the recovery lingered into the 2023, which limited him to just 11 games across two seasons. However, he bounced back in 2024 with a breakout season that helped him emerge as one of the top tight ends in the country and a legitimate Day 2 draft prospect. Arroyo registered 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven TDs. His route running and ability to stretch the field should sound like music to the ears of the Colts brass, so long as his medical records check out. OT/G Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona If the Colts were to draft an offensive lineman in the second round, that wouldn't be the sexy pick, but adding Savaiinaea could be the smart pick. After losing starting right guard Will Fries to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, the theory right now is that 2024 third-round pick Matt Goncalves would move inside from tackle to guard. However, it would be naïve to rely on Goncalves alone, and it can't hurt to at least consider bringing Saviinaea into the mix. Similar to Goncalves, Saviinaea started at tackle in college, though many draft analysts believe he projects as a guard in the NFL. His size, spatial awareness and experience (with over 2,400 collegiate snaps) could turn him into a Day 1 starter at the next level. RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State Day 2 may be too early for the Colts to draft a running back, especially since they signed Khalil Herbert to a one-year deal in free agency. But every time I watch tape of Henderson stonewalling a defender in pass protection or catching the ball out of the backfield, I convince myself that he may be worth it. Henderson's skill set marries perfectly with the Colts' main bell cow, Jonathan Taylor, and his presence would add another level of explosiveness to an offense that should still be pretty run-heavy in 2025. The former Ohio State star averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 10.1 yards per catch in 2024. LB Carson Schwesinger, UCLA The Colts still need to bolster their linebacker room, and Schwesinger could be the ideal fit. If Indianapolis were to draft him, he'd presumably replace E.J. Speed, who was the team's starting weak-side linebacker in 2024 and remains a free agent. Speed really struggled in coverage last year, which is Schwesinger's bread and butter. The Athletic's NFL draft guru, Dane Brugler, described Schwesinger as being in 'perpetual chase mode' when he's on the field. His sideline-to-sideline speed, paired with his quick processing once the ball is snapped, could make him another versatile player for new Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to toy with. LB Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss Paul is a bit undersized for the next level, standing 6 foot 1 and weighing 222 pounds, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with his motor. He's a fluid athlete, which should help him in pass coverage in the NFL, and his closing speed and violent nature ensures that opponents feel his presence whenever he's near the ball. Paul was also productive as an occasional pass rusher, notching 9.5 sacks combined over his last three seasons. He's another player whose versatility would be welcome in Anarumo's often multifaceted defensive schemes. Advertisement CB Darien Porter, Iowa State Make no mistake about it, Porter is a big-time athlete. The question is: Can he also be a big-time player? The 6-foot-3, 195-pound cornerback ran a 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, and that sort of athleticism is hard for any NFL team to overlook. However, Porter spent six years at Iowa State and didn't really break out until his final campaign, snagging three interceptions. Since he's already 24, Porter may not get as much time to develop as his younger draft-mates. If the Colts roll the dice on him, he must be ready to compete for a starting role from Day 1. CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss The first thing that jumps out on film regarding Amos is his success as a press-man cornerback in college. His footwork at the line of scrimmage and his violent hands often gave him an advantage before a receiver could even get up the field. That skill set could make Amos a favorable prospect for the Colts, who are expected to player tighter coverage under Anarumo. Amos also thrived once the ball was in the air, totaling 13 passes defensed and three interceptions during the 2024 season. DT C.J. West, Indiana Colts starting defensive tackles DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart aren't getting any younger, and we saw how bad Indianapolis' run defense looked when Buckner missed five games last year with a high ankle sprain. West could be a smart contingency plan, as well as an eventual successor to Indy's defensive stalwarts. The 6-foot-1, 316-pound defensive lineman has exceptional get off in the trenches that helped him become a constant headache for opposing offensive lines in college, especially those who dared to try to run the ball directly up the middle.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
2025 NFL free agency: With Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones in house, where do Colts go from here?
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen's assessment caught the scouting combine audience off guard. A quarterback competition? After less than two full seasons of evaluating quarterback Anthony Richardson, whom they selected with the fourth overall pick? 'It's got to be the right guy to create real competition, but we want to create real competition,' Ballard said Feb. 27. 'I think it's good for the team. I think it's good for Anthony.' Steichen echoed: 'Competition at any position, whether it's the quarterback position or wherever it may be, I think it makes everyone better.' There was, and is, reason to question the Colts' public skepticism in the quarterback they'd previously committed to developing along a rollercoaster ride. [Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem is back: Enter for a shot to win up to $50K] But there's also reason to believe that Indianapolis' approach didn't catch Richardson by the same surprise it caught much of the league. Because seven weeks before Ballard and Steichen took the podium, Richardson was asked in an end-of-season locker interview: Would he welcome a quarterback on the roster to compete with him? How would he process that? Richardson didn't flinch or dismiss the idea. 'I'm a natural competitor,' he instead replied. 'I've been competing all my life. I love competing. So if the team feels like that's the right direction they want to go in, then I'm all for it. I'm competing. If not, I'm still here competing.' The Colts chose Door 1 this week when they signed former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year deal worth $14 million. The deal is a slightly more expensive version of Sam Darnold' 2024 Minnesota Vikings contract ($10 million), suggesting the club knows a similar outcome could follow: Jones starting. Darnold's opportunity came after a season-ending injury to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. But Richardson has missed time in both seasons due to injury, and also time last year due to his play. He knows what's on the line. 'You can lose your job in a day,' he said Jan. 6. 'I just got to make sure I'm on point, doing everything I can to make sure I'm helping this organization go in the right direction. And the rest is up to God.' Through two seasons in Indianapolis, Richardson has played just 15 games. He underwent shoulder surgery for an AC joint sprain after four games his rookie year and was benched last season after controversially tapping out of a game. Critics around the league say Richardson's professionalism and work ethic is unlikely to change after two seasons of evidence. But supporters ask: Is a player's first season back from an injury – much less a throwing injury for a quarterback – representative of their ceiling going forward? Richardson's performance from four games as a rookie to 11 in his second campaign dipped. In Year 1, he completed 59.5% of passes for three touchdowns to one interception, also rushing for four touchdowns and 136 yards. A year later: Richardson's completion percentage dropped 11.8 points to 47.7%, his 1,811 yards now accompanying eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 11 games. A year after clocking an 87.3 passer rating in a small sample size, Richardson fell to 61.6. Cue the Colts signing Jones. 'We drafted Anthony high knowing it was going to take some time and we knew there was going to be some hiccups along the way,' Ballard said at the combine. 'I know we all want a finished product right now… but as he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition I think will help up everybody's game.' The best-case scenario for Indianapolis is that adding a player who has started the last six seasons lights a fire in Richardson psychologically while an additional year's passage from his shoulder injury smooths his mechanics physically. Ballard acknowledged the rehabilitation limitations for Richardson between Year 1 and 2, and the time away from development that rehabilitation took. Quarterbacks returning from throwing arm injuries must increase their load and intensity gradually, as a runner recovering from a sprained ankle must walk and jog before sprinting. Richardson should be able to amass reps of abrupt and aggressive throws this year in a way he could not last year, focusing more on timing and form in hopes of improving his accuracy and passer rating from their league-worst numbers among 43 starting quarterbacks. 'We know he's training well,' Ballard said. 'Last offseason Anthony spent a lot of time rehabbing. So now he can focus on time training and developing and getting better fundamentally, which will be fun to watch.' The Colts have indicated twice that Jones will be in serious contention for their starting position. The first indication was Ballard and Steichen's willingness to say they'd let a free-agent acquisition compete with their 2024 first-rounder. The second is Jones' $14 million salary in 2025. This isn't the clear 'pole position' that the Pittsburgh Steelers gave Russell Wilson a year ago. But it's money where their mouth is that Jones is important to the Colts' 2025 plans. Jones is scheduled to make the 20th-most cash of quarterbacks, per Over The Cap, at a position in which 32 players start. That ranking requires context, as rookie wage scales often drive down the contract values of quarterbacks in their first four-plus years. But even setting aside Jones outearning players like C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels and his own teammate in Richardson, Jones' salary will far exceed the backup pool that often makes closer to $2-$3 million. Right now, the only healthy quarterback who's scheduled to make more and not start is Kirk Cousins, a year after the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a $100 million deal and then drafted Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. Cousins is unlikely to start in Atlanta, but could still start if he and the Falcons find a trade partner in a market where demand outweighs supply. Jones arrives after two down seasons and his own 2023 injury in New York, which released him last November and cleared the way for Jones to finish the season with the Minnesota Vikings. In New York, he played 70 games with 69 starts. Jones completed 64.1% of passes for 14,582 yards, 70 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. Jones also rushed for 2,179 yards and 15 scores. His best year was 2022, with running back Saquon Barkley still on the roster and Brian Daboll in his first year as head coach. Jones' passing numbers weren't electric that year – 67.2% completion rate, 200.3 yards per game – but his efficiency included a league-best 1.1% interception frequency. He threw 15 touchdowns to five interceptions, rushing for seven more and 708 yards. Jones and Barkley powered a zone-read game to a playoff berth. The style was not unlike what the Colts could envision for Richardson or Jones alongside Jonathan Taylor this year. Who will win out? The Colts will likely tip their hand on how true of a competition this is as soon as late spring. If Richardson and Jones are given the same chance to prove themselves going forward, they should receive the same number of reps and first-team reps over the course of an offseason segment, running the same plays to smooth direct comparisons. Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and quarterbacks coach Cam Turner should chart their progress in that scenario. A quantitative analysis of on-field work should complement a qualitative analysis of the quarterbacks' meeting presence, film work, interaction with teammates and leadership. 'You have to trust and listen to your leaders,' said a former offensive coordinator, who coached a quarterback battle. 'Who do they feel most comfortable with, if it's close?' Richardson's opportunity to be their answer appears intact but fragile. 'I can't really control everything that comes with the NFL,' he said. 'But I know I can control what I can and I'm going to do my part. 'Be the best version of myself for this organization.'
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
3 Top free agent targets for Colts at cornerback
The cornerback position is a massive need for the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, so who are some of the top available free agents to target? As GM Chris Ballard said after the season, the Colts have to get better in the secondary. While we saw some growth from young players like Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack, overall, the play on the back end wasn't good enough. Indianapolis' pass defense would finish the regular season ranked in the bottom 10 in completion rate, passer rating, pass deflections, and yards per pass attempt, according to Pro Football Reference. Making additions via free agency hasn't been Ballard's M.O. as we all know. However, Ballard would call his roster building approach last offseason a 'mistake,' and cited the need for more competition throughout the roster. Salary cap-wise, the Colts have just over $28 million in available space. This likely won't be enough to get through an entire offseason, but they do have the ability to create more room. With help from Pro Football Focus' free agent rankings, here are the top available options at cornerback: DJ Reed, New York Jets This past season, Reed allowed a completion rate of just 58% when he was targeted and a modest 12.3 yards per catch. He's been a capable run defender and has good ball production with 23 pass breakups and two interceptions over the previous two seasons. Charvarius Ward, 49ers Ward had an excellent 2023 season where he allowed a completion rate of only 54% and had a whopping five interceptions and 17 pass breakups. This past season, he would miss some time, and gave up a completion rate of 61% at 13.3 yards per catch with four pass breakups. Ward's overall body of work in his career has been impressive and includes a 55% completion rate and a passer rating of 82.9. Carlton Davis, Lions Davis missed the final three games of the 2024 season with a jaw injury, but overall, he allowed a completion rate of 59% with the Lions, surrendering 13.6 yards per catch with two interceptions and six pass breakups. Quarterbacks also had a below average passer rating of 87.9 when targeting him. His career completion rate surrendered is 58% and Davis also has four seasons of 11-plus pass breakups.
