sport news Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard says to swap draft picks, 'it's got to be a ... trends now
The Indianapolis Colts have some rebuilding to do this offseason...and it starts with general manager Chris Ballard deciding whether to keep the No. 4 pick in next month's NFL Draft, or move up in hopes of acquiring a franchise player.
Speaking from the Colts' Lucas Oil Stadium at the scouting combine on Wednesday, Ballard told reporters that he is certainly considering both options, though he isn't predicting a sudden change of heart in regards to making last minute pick swaps.
Asked what it would take for Indianapolis to land a rookie quarterback in the mold of Alabama's Bryce Young, who's predicted by many to be the first quarterback taken, the 53-year-old executive took a pragmatic approach in his response.
'That we were just convicted that is no freaking doubt the guy,' he told ESPN.
The Colts could also move up the draft for Kentucky's Will Levis, who noticeably led his team to victory over No. 15 Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, or Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, who finished third in the race for this year's Heisman trophy after losing to Georgia in the Peach Bowl.
Colts GM Chris Ballard has some thinking to do ahead of the first day of the NFL draft, April 27
Indy currently has the No. 4 pick overall but could swap to get top QB prospect, Bryce Young
Florida's Anthony Richardson is also predicted to be selected as a first-round pick this year after helping lead the Gators to an upset over No. 7 Utah in September.
However, Ballard remains sensible amid a plethora of young, talented quarterbacks, who've got nothing to lose in front of NFL scouts and coaches at this year's combine, including the Colts.
'I know all the speculation out there,' he said. 'To move up, there's got to be a guy worthy of it. ... Everybody has just automatically stamped that you've got to move up to [No.] 1 to get it right. I don't know if I agree with that.'
'But that's going to be the narrative, and that's OK.'
Just a few seconds later, Ballard backpedaled, clarifying: 'If, when we meet as a staff and we say, ''OK, this is what we need to do. This is the guy for the next 10 to
