Conclusion
Even in the short amount of time that Ballard has been running the front office for the Colts, he has made plenty of moves to give us an idea for the draft this month. It’s unpredictable, but we at least know a few things.
- Ballard has traded up just twice in the three drafts but isn’t afraid to move up for a player they like (Tyquan Lewis, Khari Willis).
- He prefers to move around the second round, moving back a few spots but making sure to add a mid-Day 3 pick.
- With those mid-Day 3 picks, Ballard has had some strong hits such as Marlon Mack, Anthony Walker and Jordan Wilkins.
- He’s traded player for pick twice and could be looking to do so again if a team has interest in a player like cornerback Quincy Wilson.
From this, we can take a few things. At No. 34, the Colts have ammo to move up. But the more likely scenario might be Ballard moving back from the No. 44 pick for a team that wants to move up while adding another fifth-round pick in the process.
A player for pick trade also shouldn’t be ruled out, especially if Ballard can find a new home for a player that is likely to be buried on the depth chart or they don’t feel he is a fit for the system.