Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard met with the media Friday, holding his usual press conference ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
While Ballard has never been one to show his cards before the draft, he discussed the quarterback position and some of the stronger position classes in this draft. He also touched on the Stephon Gilmore trade and other additions they’d like to make to the roster in free agency.
Here’s a quick look at the main notes from Ballard’s pre-draft press conference on Friday:
Nobody knows how 1-2-3 will go
Ballard says he doesn't think anybody knows what's happening at 1-2-3.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2023
Everybody's lying
Everybody's lying. I'm probably too honest.
I'm dancing right now. https://t.co/Axzbrsfm5w— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 21, 2023
In-division trade not being ruled out
Ballard says he wouldn't rule out trading within the division.
(This was not a Texans-specific question)
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2023
Impressed with Jim Bob Cooter
Chris Ballard's been highly impressed with Jim Bob Cooter so far.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2023
They feel prepared with the work they've done
Chris Ballard on his lack of "angst" leading up to the NFL Draft next week: "When you do the work, the pressure’s not as great as people make it out to be."
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) April 21, 2023
17 first-round grades
Colts have 17 players in this class with first-round grades.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) April 21, 2023
Not targeting just one prospect at No. 4
Ballard says there’s not one guy the #Colts have targeted at 4.
Seems to confirm the thinking throughout this process that there are several players grouped closely together in consideration for that first pick.— George Bremer (@gmbremer) April 21, 2023
On the Stephon Gilmore trade
Ballard says the Stephon Gilmore deal was “good for both us.”
Got a pick for a guy in the last year of his contract and Gilmore got a nice landing spot.#Colts still looking for corners in the draft and free agency.— George Bremer (@gmbremer) April 21, 2023
CB is always a need
Ballard acknowledges that CB's a position of need and that there are still some guys out there in free agency that Indy might go get if they need to.
Gus Bradley seemed highly interested in the draft class the other day.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2023
Wants Indy to host a Super Bowl
Off the wall from Ballard: "I don't know why Indy hasn't gotten a second Super Bowl. Has any city done it better?''
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 21, 2023
Good draft for OL and TE
Ballard on the OL: "We'd like to add some depth."
"It's a good OL draft. Tight end's about as good as I've seen. Secondary, CB, in particular, really good depth."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2023
Dismisses pre-draft reports
Chris Ballard dismisses pre-draft chatter about the Colts will covet next week: "Like, who’d that come from? It didn’t come from me. Who’s telling them who we love and who we don’t love?"
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) April 21, 2023
