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Originally Posted by Chromeburn
How did he kick the can down the road? Teams start rookies, there isn’t enough depth or roster space to not start rookies. How is this different than any other team?
Who plucked Autry out of his team and gave him a contract in the first place? Yeah, it happens, they knew they were going to draft several at the position. Same with CB this year. Bradley wanted his type of CBs, so they brought in a bunch of young guys that fit the mold. You have to do that at position groups. Not every position group is going to be perfect every year. It’s impossible with the cap today.
How do you assemble a good team?
So you must not be in favor of resigning Quinton, Leonard, or JT. It’s like you want to punish him for drafting all-pros but not at the positions you prefer. How dare he draft JT, why couldn’t he just draft a mediocre RB. That sounds so incredibly petulant. Most GMs don’t even draft multiple all-pros. And Leonard impacts games with turnovers which is the most valuable thing you can do on defense.
The GM doesn’t set the depth chart, the coach does.
When he got here we had a QB and a LT. Since then he has drafted replacements at those positions.
He’s drafted multiple DEs and signed a few more. Unless you have a top ten pick, great DEs are hard to find.
He’s drafted multiple receivers. But until you have good QB play it’s never going to be great.
CB is a de-emphasized position of importance in Eberflus’ scheme. We will see how it goes with Bradley’s guys.
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I typed out a point by point response and lost it on the damn mobile app. I’ll just say we simply disagree and we’ll see how Ballard builds from here. I’ve conceded he’s a pretty good talent evaluator, but I also recognize there is some degree of positional value that matters. I’d give him credit if he drafted an All Pro punter. I also recognize that’s less valuable than a really good but sub pro bowl level DE.
On the contracts - In general, no I don’t think setting the market at LG, off-ball LB, and RB is a real path to greatness. Admittedly there isn’t a formula though and each situation is different. Individually after spending a 6 on Nelson they had to pay him, no complaints on that contract. I understand why they wanted to pay Leonard, but I’ve also said they will likely regret the contract. And I think they are right in being cautious with Taylor. I wouldn’t give him what he’s reportedly asking for.
Ultimately my issues with Ballard boils down to philosophy. You asked how to properly build a team. My first thing would be determining where you are - rebuilding or winning mode. Ballard’s moves have bounced between these two categories. He’s signed and traded for aging QBs (win now moves) and then treated the rest of the roster like he’s in a rebuild. Ignoring critical positions, and gifting positions to rookies and raw players with little vet competition. The Colts have been in no man’s land with Ballard at the helm. Irsay becoming involved IMO is a result of exactly what I’m saying. And as much as I wish Jim would shut up and stay out of everything, he is the reason the team now has hope - whether that was his intent with the whole Saturday move or not.
If AR pans out we’ll get to see what Ballard can do. He’s had the crutch of no QB to help justify anything he does. This is Ballard’s 7ths season in charge. I see individual good pics, admittedly better than many. I don’t see anything particularly impressive in the overall roster and certainly not in the outcomes of those seasons. I think half the GMs in the league could have steered the Colts to as an impressive of a roster and record as Ballard currently has. I’m sure you disagree and honestly I hope you are right - maybe we’ll finally see the dynasty Chaka kept telling me Ballard was building when we had these same discussions.
Edited to add: I’ll also admit that if a few particular young guys at key positions (QB, LT, DE, WR) hit this could be a really good team and I’ll need to eat some crow. But in that case Ballard would be drafting at an extremely impressive clip and I believe most things show even great talent evaluators tend to come back closer to the pack over time.