Takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard’s annual pre-draft press conference

#Colts GM Chris Ballard says they’re open to drafting a TE early:

“I do know this, though… when you end up chasing a need … that’s when you make mistakes.”

“How we have it stacked vs. how the outside world has it stacked, I promise you is not the same. It’s not. …”

Colts pic.twitter.com/B8lWryeXaB

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 21, 2025

On tight ends, Chris Ballard said you’d love to find a guy who can play all three downs and “can affect the middle of the field.”

He talked up Jack Doyle’s ability to be so consistent that the defense had to account for him.

“Three downs” is the big emphasis.

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) April 21, 2025

Chris Ballard used Jack Doyle to exemplify what the team is looking for at TE:

“[Doyle] was somebody that can be consistent & be a guy the defense has to account for…be able to play all 3 downs, be functional in run game, make plays at critical times & be an option in the MOF.” pic.twitter.com/cAHKkhSbZz

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) April 21, 2025

#Colts GM Chris Ballard says it’ll be a collective decision, including owner Jim Irsay, to decide who’s QB1 between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones:

“You don’t want to begin with an end in mind. … Look, if I’m a betting man … at some point both of them will help us.” pic.twitter.com/wUOfE6vx0x

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 21, 2025

Not as many high-end players, but a lot of depth. Sounds like there will be value in later rounds. https://t.co/edh9Cv3EI8

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 21, 2025

#Colts GM Chris Ballard says releasing Matt Gay had more to do with Spencer Shrader’s upside than Gay. He still plans to bring in another kicker, as they usually do during the offseason.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 21, 2025

Jaylon Carlies had offseason surgery, Chris Ballard says, on his shoulder, but Indy expects him to be ready for camp.

Colts remain high on Carlies as a developmental linebacker.

“We’ll add some depth and competition in the draft.”

— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2025

#Colts GM Chris Ballard reaffirms his importance of the trenches when asked about the d-line:

“You can never have enough. You think you know my views on the front — both OL/DL. You can never have enough. You cannot. You can never have enough. You can never have enough OL/DL.” pic.twitter.com/im4zgi9wDg

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) April 21, 2025

Ballard says that when they’ve missed in the draft, it’s either come down to a miss on (football) character, or the player’s football instincts, how they react and process in the moment.

— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) April 21, 2025

Opens with words of support for long-time scout Matt Terpening and his family for loss of wife Coral. ‘It was a very tough week. They’re in my daily prayers.’ https://t.co/edh9Cv3EI8

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 21, 2025