Chris Ballard loves his picks. The more darts he has to throw at the board, the better in his opinion. In 2026, Ballard is missing his biggest dart after the Indianapolis Colts traded it for Sauce Gardner before last year’s trade deadline. It was a swing for the fences type of move that didn’t pan out as the Colts would have liked. That doesn’t mean it won’t. Gardner could certainly be more than just a consolation prize going forward.
There are two things to consider: Ballard’s track record in the first round and what type of player Gardner is. This marks the third year Ballard doesn’t have a first round pick, having made trades for DeForest Buckner and Carson Wentz. One of these is not like the other. He also traded out of the first in 2019. When he did make a choice, Malik Hooker, Quentin Nelson, Kwity Paye, Anthony Richardson, Laiatu Latu, and Tyler Warren were the selections. That is the definition of a mixed bag, so there is no guarantee with a first round pick that Ballard and his team are going to nail it. That certainly helps soften the blow in a sad, accepting sort of way.
Let’s also consider what Gardner brings to the table because the Colts didn’t simply set their first round pick on fire. Is he worth two first rounders? Maybe not, but let’s make that call after this season at least. A perfect storm of injuries and a historic collapse put a damper on things, but he is still an extremely good player. The two-time All-Pro brings lockdown coverage and rarely lets the opposing player get the best of him. If Charvarius Ward comes back healthy, this will make for a formidable duo. Expect to see a healthy Gardner out there for the Colts make a real difference in 2026.
It’s unfortunate on some level to not have a first round pick. It takes some of the wind out of an offseason that already drags on too long. With less to look forward to and potentially less of an immediate impact player, Chris Ballard and the Colts will have to put in the work to make this year’s haul solid. Regardless of who they draft, they got an All-Pro cornerback in their pocket. There are worse positions to be in.
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