Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, entered the NFL draft weekend with two main goals in mind.
He aimed to strengthen his defense and provide better support for second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.
To achieve this, Ballard kicked off the draft by selecting UCLA’s pass rusher Laiatu Latu in the first round. In the second round, he added Adonai Mitchell from Texas, potentially adding a deep threat to the receiving corps. For the remaining picks, Ballard focused on filling gaps in the offensive line and secondary.
Coach Shane Steichen expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes, particularly praising Latu’s potential impact on the defensive front.
Instead of opting for flashy moves on the first day or adding more cornerbacks early on, Ballard took a different approach.
He prioritized Latu, who despite overcoming neck surgery, showcased impressive performance in college, boasting 23 1/2 sacks over his last two seasons. If Latu can maintain this level of play, he could significantly bolster the team’s pass rush, benefiting the secondary as well.
