A philosophy that many general managers in the NFL have adopted is the idea of taking the best player available. While team needs and positional depth are definitely factors, most teams will draft players based on the most overall talented guys at that spot.
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Many teams will reach in the draft and grab a guy to fill an immediate need, even though the player may not be worth the pick. Whatever decisions were made in the past, Chris Ballard has nailed most of his draft picks whatever round they may be in.
Ballard said in his press conference on Friday that the urge to draft the best player available does not scare him. When asked about how he learned not to reach in the draft Ballard said, “I’ll tell you one. Everybody won’t say it now but taking Quenton Nelson. I mean everybody said you can’t take a guard at six. I mean, I even heard it – I mean I heard it in a lot of different spots. But you take the best player man.”
Ballard went on to praise Nelson and how much he has changed the culture in Indianapolis.
“Quenton Nelson was the best freaking player at that point in the draft. I’m not sure if he wasn’t the best player in the entire draft. That to me, solidified it and said ‘I don’t care what position he’s at. Take the best player.’ I think we know the impact that kid has had.”
Whether it was grabbing Nelson at No. 6, Leonard in the second round or trading draft picks out of the first round, Ballard has always wanted high value for draft picks. This year will be interesting as the Colts hold the Nos. 34 and 44 picks in the second round. Both picks are highly anticipated to fill some big holes in a young roster.
But Ballard is also open to trading back given his desire to add more picks.
There may be some surprises coming as the 2020 NFL Draft opens up on Thursday. One thing is for sure though, Chris Ballard and the rest of the front office will not be reaching on any player, no matter the pick.
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