INDIANAPOLIS – The annual pre-draft press conference had been going on for about 15 minutes and the question was another inquiry about contingency plans for the virtual craziness surrounding things in 2020.
As Chris Ballard’s answer reached its end, the GM felt the need to interject a thought that had hardly anything to do with the question being asked.
“To be honest with you, I would like more picks…I’d like more picks,” Ballard said.
“We’ll see if that happens or not…”
Hearing Ballard say that isn’t a shock.
He ‘loves them picks’ and only has 7 (as of now) in this year’s draft.
In three previous drafts as Colts GM, Ballard has chosen 8, 11 and 10 players.
But trading away No. 13 overall for DeForest Buckner (a ‘very easy’ decision Ballard says), having no compensatory picks and getting nothing in return for moving Nate Hairston has the Colts sitting with 7 selections leading into the 2020 Draft.
Ballard has made 9 draft day trades in his 3 previous drafts at the helm of the Colts. Only 2 of those has seen the Colts move up for a player (Tyquan Lewis in 2018, Khari Willis in 2019).
However, this situation Ballard faces in 2020 is unlike any of his previous drafts.
The Colts do not have a first-round pick, and are coming off a month of March in which they were ultra-aggressive.
So what would possible trade scenarios look like?
Possible Trade Up
-Trade No. 34 + No. 75 for No. 22 (Bills): If that quarterback does fall on Thursday night, could we see the Colts make a surprising move up? This specific scenario would get the Colts one spot ahead of the QB needy Patriots. Again, a trade up is unlikely, but it’s not like Chris Ballard would be tipping his hand for such a huge move. As Ballard ended his pre-draft presser last week, he did joke about possibly talking to the media again on Thursday, following a trade back into Round 1.
-Trade No. 34 + No. 122 for No. 31 (49ers): Giving up a 4th round pick to move up just 3 spots might seem a bit pricey. But trading again with San Francisco would get the Colts back into Round 1, where teams then get players on a contract that includes that valuable 5th year team option. Even if the Colts aren’t getting a quarterback here, that allure of a 5th year option is enticing, no matter the position. The 49ers pick at No. 13, No. 31, and not again until No. 156, so they appear to be a team that would be in the market for another pick or two (the Saints are another team drafting late in Round 1 with just 5 total picks).
Possible Trade Back
-Trade No. 34 for No. 41 + No. 115 (Browns): We know Ballard would probably like to add a little more draft capital in 2020. Here, the Colts are getting an early 4th round pick while still staying in the top half of the 2nd round. This move would give the Colts five total picks in the 41-122 range. The top of the second round is going to bring plenty of trade calls on Friday, so the Colts should have some offers for No. 34 overall (as long as they stay there on Thursday night).
-Trade No. 34 + No. 197 for No. 55 + No. 86 + No. 128 (Bills): We have added one more trade for Friday night flavor. This move back with the Bills would up the Colts total number of picks to 8 this year. It would also put the Colts with 7 of those selections in the 44-128 range. The Colts have had pretty good success in Round 2 and Round 4 under Chris Ballard. Well, here’s two picks in Round 2 (No. 44 and No. 55), Round 3 (No. 75 and No. 86) and Round 4 (No. 122 and No. 128) by moving back 21 spots in Round 2.
-Trade No. 34 for No. 120 + 2nd rounder in 2021 (Jets): While this move would still keep Ballard at 7 picks in 2020, and actually significantly lessen the team’s pick value this year, it would give the Colts a critical piece for next year’s draft. And that means a whole lot if you’re talking about a team seeking out a long-term quarterback answer. Remember, the Colts are hoping to not be drafting in the top-half of every round again, and (as of now) they don’t have that extra 2nd round pick for 2021. Well, if they need to make a substantial move to find a young franchise quarterback in ‘21, some more draft capital will be needed. That’s where this move would make sense, especially if they don’t take a QB in 2020.
