This time last year, the buzz was high. The Indianapolis Colts coveted Tyler Warren, but signs pointed to him being off the board much sooner. Things worked out, and the Colts got their man. The excitement Warren generated before and during the season was palpable. This year? This year feels totally different. As we near the draft, excitement will surely increase, but there are too many factors going against the Colts this year to deliver the same level of hype.
Let’s start with the obvious. The Colts don’t have a first-round pick. The biggest names will be gobbled up before they make their first selection which makes it a harder sell for many fans to take interest. Some people will still nerd out and have all seven rounds figured out. That is great because rosters aren’t built solely on first-rounders, but for many, the first round holds a mystique and excitement of which the Colts won’t participate.
We can pretend the Colts have a first round pick, but even with that, something is off. First of all, they shouldn’t be picking mid-pack. Their selection should be in the high twenties at worst. Instead of making a deep playoff run off the back of a historic start, the Colts made another kind of history and crumbled down the stretch which sent their draft pick tumbling. Their position is a painful reminder of what could have been.
Now, let’s get to the belle of the ball, Chris Ballard. It’s his time to shine, and while I love the pre-draft prep and war room videos of the selections being made, if you go back and watch them now, it’s depressing. Ballard’s team is cheering and high-fiving over players who didn’t make an impact or even last their whole first contract with the team. Faith in his ability should be at an all time low. He has had some hits, but seeing how many duds were applauded and salivated over should make one question what they are truly witnessing.
Yes, this is a negative take, but the feel seems different. The buzz just isn’t there like it has been in the past. I have no qualms about the Sauce Gardner trade at this point. That was the first round pick for 2026, and I will gladly live with it. Midseason moves take the wind out of the sails of the draft, however. Couple that with the disappointment from last year and Ballard’s inability to consistently hit on picks and it will take some more time and convincing to change the vibes.
See More:
