Indianapolis – Since Andrew Luck retired from the Colts on the eve of the 2019 season, Chris Ballard has gone plug and play at the position rather than draft and develop a long term franchise QB. Ballard has been consistent with his philosophy on young QBs as well, staying true to this quote from 2020:
Chris Ballard on the QB outlook in draft: “You can’t force that. It’s got to the be right guy and the right fit for our org. I don’t know when that’s going to happen. It might be this year. It might not… But I’m not going to force it.”
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 17, 2020
While Matt Ryan on paper has the potential to be the best QB for the Colts since Andrew Luck, the 37 year old will not be expected to be the starter under center for another 5 years. With 2 years remaining on Ryan’s current contract, it’s expected that the Colts look to draft and develop a long term QB within the next two years. Will this be the draft Ballard pulls the trigger?
The 2022 QB class isn’t considered very strong at the top, which may end up helping the Colts if they have their eye on player. Chris Ballard has been doing his due diligence though and one name has been linked to Indianapolis so far. Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder.
Source: The Colts made the short drive today to visit and work out Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder and a number of Bearcats receivers in Ohio. Interesting one, given that Indy’s already moved up in the second round.
The Colts’ first pick is 42nd overall.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 15, 2022
During his show on 107.5 The Fan Monday afternoon, JMV asked Jake Query whether or not there is any way the Colts don’t draft a WR with their first pick. Jake speculated that Ridder would be one name to watch if he was still available at #42:
“I don’t think the Colts are going into this draft thinking they are going to address QB. But I think if there is a QB there at #42 and they don’t move up, they’re going to be tempted. I think Desmond Ridder can tempt them.”
With the Colts in “win now” mode because of the talent on their roster and bringing in a veteran QB like Matt Ryan, how would Colts fans view a QB being drafted with their first pick? To hear JMV’s full thoughts on the Colts options and who he would like them to take if he’s still available at #42, listen to the podcast below!
