Jim Irsay did not mince words when he addressed the media on Tuesday, potentially leaking the Colts’ draft plans in the process. After introducing Indianapolis' new head coach Shane Steichen to the media, the Colts owner let slip that the team is intending to develop a young quarterback during the offseason.
Irsay went as far as to compliment potential No. 1 pick and Alabama star Bryce Young, who could very well be one of the Colts’ targets with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft.
Irsay’s loose-lipped approach to the press conference appeared to catch general manager Chris Ballard off guard, who likely would have preferred to keep Indy's cards closer to his chest.
“Although the Alabama guy doesn’t look bad, I’ll tell ya,” Irsay said, via Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer.
For the Colts to actually land Young in the draft, they’ll most likely need to trade up. Irsay isn’t doing himself any favors in future negotiations by openly expressing the team’s interest in the coveted quarterback.
With draft season fully underway, Young and Ohio State star CJ Stroud have emerged as the top two quarterbacks in the draft and potentially the first two picks off the board.
While the No. 4 pick isn’t anything to scoff at, Irsay just made it clear the Colts are looking for a quarterback—and that may have raised the price on a potential trade with a team like the Bears, who sit atop the order at No. 1.
