The Last Word, the Colts’ offseason radio show, returns this week with Jeffrey Gorman and Matt Taylor breaking down Chris Ballard’s comments on what Daniel Jones brings to the quarterback room and the competition between Jones and Anthony Richardson. The guys also preview the upcoming NFL Draft with Ryan McCrystal, NFL Draft analyst from Sharpfootballanalysis.com, who discusses the Colts’ biggest draft needs and why selecting an offensive lineman in the first round isn't out of the question.
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Speaker 1 (00:05):
The NFL never sleeps.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
The roster is ever evolving, and it's all about finding
the edge. This is the Last Word, the off season
ham of the Indianapolis Colts. Now here's Jeffrey Gorman and
Matt Taylor.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Welcome into the Last Word, your off season radio home
of the Colts. We're airing inside the Indiana Union Construction
Industry Radio Studio every Friday evening here on ninety three
five one oh seventy five the fan.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Matt Taylor, Voice of the Colts. Glad you're here. Let's
get busy, big man.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
How we doing. How was your week so far?
Speaker 4 (00:39):
So far, so good.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
We've got a i mean, just an influx of out
of towners in town this weekend, invading Lucas Oil Stadium.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
We're gonna break that watching round ball.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
That's it. Yeah, there's no beach time.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
After're taking spring break in Indianapolis. It's either Indiana Dunes,
I guess, yeah, or go down to you know, go
down to Lucas Oil.
Speaker 5 (00:58):
Good hoops, he's a polar plunge down Lake Monroe. I
guess I'm not putting you on the spot.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
On segment three of this show, it's just coming up
in a few, but I'm just saying, hopefully Don Fisher
comes and says hello about this before the end we
give a call. So what I'm saying, Don Fisher, voice
of the voice of the Colts, voice of your Hoosiers
football and basketball. He is not working this time of year,
but hopefully we can catch up with him via Matt Taylor,
my friend, We've got some things coming up because I
(01:24):
want to go back to what Chris Ballard had said
in his season ending press conference. Yeah, talked about the
need to get better. And I'm going to say this,
the man was a you know, a man of his word,
if you will. When this free agency period come on.
Because we heard from Chris Ballard from the first time
on behind the Colts. Yeah, that's free agency driven. Is
obviously behind the look scenes at what the Colts did
(01:46):
and garnering the three four five free agents that they
wanted to get in here kind of took him to
step by step and then we heard Chris Ballard talking
about it and started with Cam Binden. My point is this,
he said the same thing at the end of the
press conference end of the year press conference. He actually
did what he was talking about. Because Chris Ballard's not
spend a lot of money here in past seasons on
free agency, and we've seen that before.
Speaker 5 (02:07):
Matt, Yeah, no question about it. So you look at
Charvarius Ward, cam Bineam, maybe to a lesser degree, Daniel.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Jones, Matt, no, lesser degree, Matt No, no, no, no,
mean didn't heventeen and a half million if the man
I mean all these things I'm saying, sure, spending money
at Jones is a big part of it in my opinion.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
No, that's fair.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
I just meant you didn't hear hi about on the
first day of the NFL free agency. But Chris said
in that piece behind the Colts that hey, if you
want to bring in somebody that fills a need and
makes you better, makes plays and is one of the
top players at his position in NFL free agency, you're
gonna have to pay him, and you're gonna have to
be aggressive. And by all accounts, Charvarius Ward said that
(02:46):
cam Byam said that in the middle of the night
getting ready for free agency in the Philippines, and then
Chris Ballard and this piece said we we had to
be major players if we wanted to get this done,
and they did and It means the Colts targeted these
guys from the beginning, and I think secondary wise, it
makes them so much better on paper going into the season.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Competition will be everywhere come camp in Westfield. I mean,
obviously we know some of the you know, the five
star starters aren't going anywhere. Hello to Forest Buckner's ire Franklin.
But competitions everywhere, and that's at the quarterback position as well.
Here's Chris Ballard on why the Colts chose Daniel Jones
to push Anthony richardson this offseason.
Speaker 6 (03:21):
Competition brings out the best in anybody. It's a competitive league,
not just bringing in anybody. It had to be somebody
who's really going to be able to challenge Anthony, and
I think it's going to go both ways. I think
Anthony will challenge Daniel. Also, between Daniel and Anthony, you're
going to see a really good competition. It's going to
be spirited competition. But I also think it's one that's
going to be where they help each other to grow too.
(03:43):
And so we thought Daniel skill set and Anthony skill set,
there's a lot of similarities there. So offensively, I think
that's going to help you our offensive staff say, Okay,
we don't have to make these wholesale changes with one
guy or the other. We've got to make the best
decision for the team. Whatever the outcome is. The outcome
is based on performance.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Plus I like the new start, the new reset, if
you will press that reset button for Daniel Jones, Matt
it's tough playing quarterback in New York City. It's tough
coming as the sixth overall pick out of Duke to
go in that environment. Sure, and listen to the media
every day. Don't know if he does or he doesn't.
But at the end of the day, here's what he is.
He's a student of the game. He's the first one in,
he's the last one league he's gonna win. He's loaded
(04:23):
with stinking talent.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
No question about it.
Speaker 5 (04:25):
And we talked about this earlier in the week on
our daily updates. But you know, say what you want
about Daniel Jones, his ups and downs and his exit
from New York and all of that stuff, but this
guy is still NFL caliber starting quarterback twice. He's completed
sixty seven percent of his passes for a season, So
he's got the accuracy that this team needs. That they
(04:47):
didn't have last year, and that's where they're trying to
push Anthony Richardson is come in and show us that
you can improve as a passing quarterback at this level.
So from from a Daniel Jones standpoint, he is going
to be really excited to have this chance to legitimately
compete for a starting job and change how people talk
about him and his career to this point in the NFL.
(05:10):
But I think bigger picture than that, Jeffrey. This is
just another reminder right there, that quote from Chris Ballard.
This competition's gonna be fair, it's gonna be legitimate, and
it's going to be the best for the team. You're
gonna have two guys pushing each other to try to
win the job to give this team better quarterback play
than it had the year before. And if Daniel Jones
(05:30):
is the best man for the job and he beats
out Anthony Richardson, he's the guy, right, so be it,
regardless of Anthony Richardson was drafted fourth overall two years ago.
So the skill set component to what Chris Ballard was
talking about, that's important too, because Daniel Jones can't move,
and if he's the starting quarterback. You don't have to
change the dynamics of the offense too much because he
(05:52):
can scoot. He has over twenty one hundred rushing yards.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
I didn't believe that when you said that earlier before
we started on this show. D one hundred rushing yards
in his career for Daniel Jones would never think that.
Speaker 5 (06:04):
No deceptively mobile. He's got the six most rushing yards
among quarterbacks since he broke in the league in twenty nineteen,
averaging over five yards per carry for his career. So
I think that's key, and Chris hit on it. The
offense wouldn't have to change in the running game with
Jonathan Taylor because Jones would still be a threat in
the running game if you're operating out of the shotgun
(06:26):
for sure.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
For sure. Hey, it doesn't end at quarterback when it
comes to competition. You know who we lost, mate, and
so do Colts fans. Ryan Kelly to the Vikings with
Will Fryes, Dioa Dangbo to the Bears, Kylon Grantson's side
with the Eagles. Don't forget EJ Speed, Moley Cox, and
Julian Blackman are all free agents on the open market.
The Colts are going to replace a handful of contributors
(06:46):
Matt from last year. Okay, so do me this favor.
Which starter from last season? I mentioned them? Man no
longer on the team. What's the hardest to replace?
Speaker 4 (06:55):
I got, I got one.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
I'm gonna wait for years though, of those four guys
I mentioned are potentially more than that. After you're talking
about EJ and Moley and Julian Blackman. Which is the
hardest to replace?
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Great question, my gut, says Will Fryes. Yes, I'm going right,
because he was coming into a h yeah, and he
had remained durable until he wasn't durable right, but that
wasn't on him and he got rolled up in Week
five last year and it cost him his season in Jacksonville.
So I think Matt Gonzalez might have a chance to
play guard next season. You know he's going to be
(07:26):
a strong candidate there. But he's never played guard in
the NFL. Did some in college, but he would be
transitioning to that position in the NFL after starting three
games at left tackle in five games at right tackle
last season. And then the Colts also brought in Dan
Or brought back Danny Piner in free agency, he could
be in the.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Mix as well.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
Maybe DIOI Dangbo because he was durable, gave you a
position flexibility. His arrow was still pointing up. But you
just can't bring back everybody. So I guess if I
have to pick one, it would be Will Fries because
of his durability and he just turned into one of
the best guards in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
And we're if tannor Bordolini is that guy to take
over the center position from Ryan Kelly.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Oh, I think that he can. Yeah, I do too.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I mean he was well in the spot starting that
he had last season. So we're gonna figure it out. Hey,
We've got so much coming up for you if you
want to listen in the Draft is coming up on
April twenty fourth at Colt's Audio Network. We are loaded
wherever you download your podcast. Check it out. We've got
inside the Draft reaching interviews with great guests regarding the
upcoming draft and of course these colts and their biggest
needs in the draft. And also, if you're not busy,
(08:28):
come on down. On April twenty fourth, Lucas Oil Stadium
Ers's throwing a party sponsored by bud Light.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
It's gonna be fun.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
I'm just saying, you know what you missed those part
Oh April twenty fourth, come on down there. It's ten
bucks to get in. You got more information at Colts
dot com slash draft and by the way, twenty one
are over because our friends from bud Light are going
to be there. It's gonna be a pune run. By
the way, five dollars five dollars for Colt season ticket
members down there.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
Mayte, you'll be down there.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
I'll be down there, Showcase Casey, Valie, Lara, Overton, the
whole gang. So again, April twenty fourth, Lucas Oil Stadium.
We'll see you for the NFL Draft party. We don't
go anywhere. We're gonna be talking more about that draft
with Ryan McCrystal from Sharp Footballanalysis dot com, one of
the best in the business. He's going to tell us
who he thinks the Colts are gonna go after in
the first round of the draft and how improved this
(09:12):
Colts team is so far this offseason after free agency.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
Don't go anywhere.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
This is the last word ninety three five, one oh
seven five to the fan.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
We now return to the offseason home of the Colts.
The last word with Jeffrey Gorman and Matt Taylor from
the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
Speaker 4 (09:33):
That's right, mate, is here, folks.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
The last word brought to you by our friends at Meyer,
the official supercenter of the Indianapolis Colts, proud sponsor of
hundreds of local sports teams across the Midwest, Anthem, Blue
Cross and Blue Shield.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
They've teamed up with the Colts.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
They're going to recognize school teachers, administrators, nurses, and staff members.
It's easy nominate yours at Colts dot com slash Classroom Quarterbacks.
May Teke, we got a good one here, and I'm
glad he's here. Ryan McCrystal from Sharp Footballanalysis dot com Man,
Usually we're talking about the quarterbacks in the first round, Ryan,
but this year it's just too in cam Ward and
(10:08):
Shador Sanders. Do you see a third coming off the
board on April twenty four?
Speaker 7 (10:12):
Yeah, it's always fun when we have these kind of
unique quarterback years where you know there's a little bit uncertainty,
so many teams potentially involved, and not enough to go
around for everybody. I'm still leaning towards no to that question.
I think Sanders and Ward are probably the only guys
who sneak in just because so many teams have already
addressed the quarterback position like going out and making some
(10:33):
trades signing the veteran free agents. Not only does that
obviously still needs for those individual teams, but when pretty
much everybody is out there shopping around trying to get
their hands on one of those veterans, it also says
a lot about what the league feels about this quarterback
draft class in general, and the consensus pretty much across
the board. Everybody is telling us this isn't a good
(10:55):
quarterback draft class. You know, we saw this a few
years ago, and the Kenny Picott class up being the
one guy who went obviously mocked. Drafts leading up to
that sometimes had as many as four quarterbacks going in
the first round because we're used to seeing that. But
the league was kind of operating the same way that year,
not really showing a lot of interest and trying to
fill those means elsewhere. And sure enough, you know, only
Picket goes in the first round. Some of the guys
(11:16):
who are mocked in the first round, like Malik Wilson,
fall into those third round. So even kind of re
read between the lines on some of these moves just
sort of gauge what the league feels as a whole.
I think if enough teams felt good about Jackson Dart,
we wouldn't see everybody going out there and trying to
go out and get it one of those quarterbacks in
the free agent or trade markets.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Ryan McCrystal, Draft analysts from Sharp Footballanalysis dot com. Jeffrey
Gorman Here, I'm Matt Taylor. You're listening to the last
word here on ninety three to five and one oh
seven to five the fans. So, Ryan, you're one of
the few mock drafts I've seen lately that doesn't have
the Colts picking a tight end in the first round.
You've got them picking offensive tackle Kelvin Banks junior out
(11:59):
of Texas. So tell us, how did you land on
that pick for the Colts after you had Tyler Warren
going to the Jets at seven and your latest mock draft.
Speaker 7 (12:08):
Yeah, the Colts are kind of been a tricky team
for me to figure out this year. You know, normally,
I feel like I can get a pretty good sense
because Chris Ballad has been there for so long. You know,
these gms, over time, they show us their tendencies, and
we're not going to get to pick right every year
because even the team doesn't know going and sis drafts
who they're going to take. But we can usually narrow
it down when someone like Ballard has been in place
(12:29):
for so long, we get a sense of what the
team wants to do. You know, Ballard has a couple
of tendencies. In particular, he really likes older players. He
likes players that have been in school for at least
four years, which is pretty unique. It's counter to what
a lot of teams do. And he loves elite athletes.
The elite athlete one is probably the one that sticks out.
You know, dating back to twenty seventeen, they made twelve
(12:50):
first or second round picks. Nine of them has been
at least four years in college, so I'm always looking
out for older guys. And then nine of the twelve
have also had a relative athletics score of nine or higher.
Any listeners aren't familiar with that, basically looks at your
combine numbers relative to your height and weight relative to
your position, just a gauge of how elite of an
(13:11):
athlete are you, And so Ballard likes those four year guys.
In college. He likes those elite athletes. This year's been
tricky because there aren't a ton of guys who check
both of those boxes, and typically, you know, his picks
have been at least checking one of them. Actually, all
twelve of those picks have checked at least one of
those boxes, and honestly most of them have checked both. Yeah,
I think I'm going to change my picks from Calvin
(13:32):
Banks in my next mock draft because technically he doesn't
check either one. His relative athletics score is eight point three.
So it's like we're in that cusp. Like you could
certainly see them saying, well, there's no one who like
obviously fits for us, and then you know, and then
it's a down year for the draft. Maybe they go
after him. But I you know, Donovan Jackson from Ohio State,
he did his Pro day workout last year and he
(13:54):
was phenomenal. His relative athletics score is now in nine
point six. Now only have that data for him. He
spent four year in college. I think I might shift
towards Donovan Jackson if I decide that they might go
offensive line. Gray is able from North Dakota State. He's
a five year guy. In college, those two guys could fit.
So if I think they're going to go offensive line,
which I think is a possibility, if Warren is off
(14:15):
the board, as you mentioned, he's you know, the most
popular mock draft pick. If he were available, I would
flop him in there as well. I think it makes
total sense. He's also a good athlete, been in college
for five years. It makes perfect sense. I just don't
think it's going to be available. So I've been trying
to piece together, you know, a good explanation for who
they would go if they can't go that direction. But
(14:35):
it's hard. There aren't a lot of players who obviously
check the boxes of you know, multiple year, longer amount
of time spent in college and elite athletes. It's been
a little bit harder to find, just because this isn't
a great draft class.
Speaker 5 (14:48):
You know, Ryan, you're so spot on, You're so right
about the relative athletic scores for the Colts. Did they
very much prioritize that and all of their draft picks
seemingly are freaks and dominate that aspect of being prospects
coming into the NFL. So what's your level of confidence
that the Colts can potentially get a good tight end
pick value on Day two of the draft, And where
(15:12):
do you have tight end need for the Colts on
your list going into this draft.
Speaker 7 (15:17):
As far as the need, I would say it should
be relatively high, assuming that they're prioritizing giving Anthony Richardson
the best chance to still develop, which I think should
be the goal in this draft class. Obviously, they're not
necessarily expecting to compete at like the highest level for
a Super Bowl next year. You know, you hope that
happens if Anthony Richardson takes a big leap, but you
(15:37):
really just want to set him up to take the
next step in his development next year, right, and having
a tight end I think is really the missing piece
of the offense. I really like their receiving corps lock
They've got, you know, pieces who fit very clearly in
defined roles. You know, you got down to the solid
slot receiver Pittman can do a little bit of both,
sort of like the bigger possession guy Pierce. You know,
(15:59):
with size, speed can stretch the field. What you're missing
in the passing game is that really reliable weapon at
tight end. So Tyler Warren is the obvious option if
he's available at the first round, and maybe even Colston
Lovelin out of Michigan. He is the guy who athletically
probably checks the boxes. He hasn't worked out yet this year,
He's gonna do it. He missed Michigan's pro day due
to injury, but he is going to do a private
(16:20):
workout for scouts in early April, I believe. So hopefully
we got some testing numbers on him. But you know,
day two, there's going to be some good tight ends.
You know, I mentioned this isn't a great draft class,
but it is actually a very deep tight end class.
So it's a good year to have that need because
if they miss out on Warren or they don't want
love Lynn in the first round, those good options. Mason
(16:40):
Taylor from LSU, I think would be a pretty obvious fit.
Harold's Fannin from Bowling Green fits as well, just he
was the focal point of the bowling being passing offense,
So playing someone like him in I think would make
a lot of sense because you know, tight ends they
often take a little bit longer to develop. But I
think he's got a better chance to get some immediate
production from the guy who was already the focal point
(17:01):
of his offense. He knows what it's like to be
attracting a lot of tension that you'll see a lot
less attention in the NFL and he saw at Bowling Green. Because,
as I mentioned, the Colts have plenty of o other weapons.
Elijah Royo from Miami or Roddy Gassin some Syracuse like,
there's a lot of options. Even when you get into
Day three, there's gonna be some guys out there who
can come in. You know, you're not going to get
a starter at that point in the draft. With somebody
(17:21):
who can provide some quality depth if you have an
injuries or whatnot, or even just you know, go out
and get one of the elite athletes that they like
to do and try to develop them and plug him
in certain situations where you can create some good matchups
for him. This is such a good tight end draft
class that I would be pretty shocked if the Colts
didn't come away with someone relatively early in the draft.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
Sharp Footballanalysis dot Com, Ryan McCrystal joins us follow him
on Twitter x at sharp FB Analysis Defensive Line. I
want to talk about Day two, Day three, Chris Ballard
loves to stock up those picks on day two and
day three. But I'm hearing the defensive line group in
this upcoming draft, there's some meat there. Do you agree
with that?
Speaker 7 (18:00):
Yeah, definitely. And there's some guys who out in Day
two I think would fit perfectly. We were just talking
about those thresholds of how ballot and tends to late
guys who have been in college for at least four
years with the elite testing numbers. There's two players that
jump off the board that I don't think are going
to sneak into Round one, but on day two would
be obvious targets for the Colts. TJ. Sanders from South
Carolina four years in college, nine points three relative athletics scorer.
(18:24):
Darius Alexander from Toledo five years in college, nine point
one relative athletic scores. Those looking at those numbers that
jumps off the page is like an obvious target for
the Colts on day two, just because they do want
to add some youth to the the defensive line. I
would assume they're not necessarily looking for an immediate starter,
but adding one of those guys who can come in
and provide some immediate depth and then potentially grow into
(18:47):
a starting role of some of the older guys you know,
age out of those positions in a couple of years.
Someone like those guys would fit in really well, and
then there's plenty of depths of position. Defensive tackle is
another one of the positions that has some Day two value,
Ty Hamilton from Ohio State. And another guy who could potentially
fit in Alfred Collins from Texas. He's a different player,
more of a nose tackle type than those others that
(19:08):
I mentioned, but you know, really productive career at Texas.
I could see him sliding in. It's a real you know,
tight end and defensive tackle are really two of the
deeper position groups in this draft class. So it makes
a lot of sense if the Colts don't aren't able
to address that in Round one, which just based on value,
it seems like they might not even though those are
needs plenty of options for them to address both those
(19:30):
positions on Day two, in.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
No doubt about that.
Speaker 5 (19:32):
That's Ryan McCrystal, NFL draft analysts from Sharp Football Analysis
dot Com. Last one for me, Ryan loaded question on
the Colts to close out how improved are the Colts
so far based on their free agency moves to this point,
and how do you think this Colts quarterback battle is
going to go down between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 7 (19:53):
Well as far as how improved, I mean, obviously they
haven't done a ton, but the moves that they've made,
you know, making some moves to address the secondary, I
think they that made a lot of sense. I think
they've done enough to shore up some positions that they
can feel that they're moving in the positive direction. For
as the quarterback battle, I think you've got to go
with Richardson. You've got to give him a really good
chance to take the next step and continue his development,
(20:17):
because if you do hand it off to Daniel Jones,
it's not like that signals to your team in a
strong way that you're trying to win a super Bowl.
Daniel Jones is not winning a super Bowl for you,
So what are you really trying to do if you
hand them off to him just sneak into the playoffs?
Maybe I think that Richardson is the quarterback theoretically down
the road, maybe wins you a super Bowl. So you've
(20:38):
got to give him a really long, hard look, even
if there's more growing pains early in the season. We
just haven't seen enough of him to completely write him
off yet, so I'm still excited to see what he
can potentially do, especially if they're able to add you know,
maybe if they add an offensive lineman to you know,
help out pass protection, help out the run game a
little bit more, that could help them more out of
the tight end. I think they could do enough through
(21:01):
the draft to put him in a better position to
succeed and hopefully give him another longer look.
Speaker 3 (21:05):
At sharp FB analysis on Twitter X that is Ryan McCrystal, Hey,
just really quick, what in the heck is Travis Hunter
going to do in the NFL?
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Is he going to be defending passes or catching him?
Speaker 7 (21:16):
I think that his best spot is going to be
at cornerback, partially because that's the easiest way to play
him two ways. It's a little bit easier to play
full time at cornerback and then occasionally step in at
receiver because there's just a little bit less preparation throughout
the week. I think at receiver, I think definitely most
coaches will look at it.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
Yeah, that's going to be interesting. He turns into a
gadget guy on offense real quick.
Speaker 4 (21:36):
Doesn't.
Speaker 7 (21:36):
He absolutely, that's a good spot.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Long Ran, appreciate the time today and look forward to
keep reading what you're putting out on Sharpfootballanalysis dot com.
He can't wait for this upcoming NFL draft. Thanks again,
thanks for having me, guys, Maddie. That's a good find
out of you. That's a smart man right there. It
makes me look smart. Ryan McCrystal knows his stuff. That's
a really good website. Obviously, Warren Sharp is the founder
Sharp Football Analysis and than Ryan is covering the draft
(22:02):
and all things in NFL. So yeah, add him to
the list, add him to the repertoire this time of year,
talking to draftnicks to get us smarter and tell us
who some of these prospects are and why they're on
the Colts radar. So really good to have Ryan in
the fold there. So we're gonna mix the men after
the draft as well. Don't forget Colts fans. The Colts
commitment to the growth of high school girls flag football.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
It continues.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
The team's goal is to launch one hundred high school
girls flag football teams by the fall of twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (22:29):
We need your help.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
Colts are helping with ten thousand in resources, So get
your local high school and communities involved. Visit Colts dot
com slash girls flag to learn more. Will we come back.
We're going Basketball Showcase value is gonna come in mayte
You love this time of year. Teams are invading Lucas
Oil Stadium. The Sweet sixteen is here, and I want
to talk about fan basis, So give me something early.
Speaker 5 (22:50):
If you were if you were looking for a staycation
in downtown Minneapolis this weekend, I'm sorry you're sol not
a hotel room to be found nowhere.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
We're gonna give you more and find out about that
was crazy fan bases invading Indianapolis. This is the Last
Word Matt Taylor, Boyce of the Colts t I'm Jeffrey
Gorman coming back with more here on ninety three five
and one oh seven five The Fan.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
This is your weekly fix on Colts football. The Last
Word with Jeffrey Gorman and Matt Taylor from the Indiana
Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Oh, I feel all nice and cozy. Just basketball sound
right there, it's happening.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
You remember when they used to have ring tones?
Speaker 8 (23:29):
This was, I mean an ongoing ring tone for me
long after March.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
No, Kia, yeah back yeah, back in the day. Yeah, no, Kia.
Speaker 8 (23:37):
I used to. I used to my my go to
phone was the Razor back in the day. And this
was the ring tone you called me in October and
this is still going there like it's a little pass
like no, no, no.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
It's never too old for this.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
It's happened in the night.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
At face plate did you have back in the day?
Case it was the silver all yea, I remember the
face plate said a lot about you. Yes it did.
Speaker 4 (23:58):
Hey, don't forget.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
The Colts are going to Germany to play a football game,
and you can go.
Speaker 4 (24:02):
It's simple.
Speaker 3 (24:03):
Go to on location exp dot com slash Colts Germany
for more information. Again, it's another big party happening in Germany.
You can be there on location exp dot com slash Colts.
If Don Fisher, if Don Fisher was working today, if
he was, what would it sound like if he welcomed
in the fan bases of Kentucky, Tennessee, Houston, and of
(24:24):
course right up the road in West Lafayette the boiler Mat.
Speaker 5 (24:27):
It's the crossroads of America, all roads laid to Johntown
and Annapolis for this bull game. Actually two ball games tonight,
Tennessee takes on Kentucky. Purdue takes on the top seed
and the Houston Ball Club, and hopefully Perdue can get
the job done. Brydon Smith from out signed the Big
Ten Player of the Year. Welcome to town.
Speaker 4 (24:49):
How about that.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Fish is Working's no script? That's terrible.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Oh that's pretty good.
Speaker 1 (24:55):
You got this afternoon's bullgame.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Nobody else the four of Pride Union.
Speaker 4 (25:00):
The question of the week.
Speaker 3 (25:00):
Is basketball related. And I know we're a football show,
but it's rolling on this weekend.
Speaker 4 (25:05):
Midwest.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
We have a lot of civic prize. We do.
Speaker 4 (25:07):
We do.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
It's right here in Indianapolis and Midwest region. First matchup Tennessee, UK. Obviously,
if Purdue takes on Houston, you're Billy boiler over there,
cause I know you are. Which fan base is most
represented tonight in that stadium of those four teams?
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Okay?
Speaker 4 (25:23):
Credit Union question week?
Speaker 8 (25:24):
You know the Purdue fan base better than I Yes,
and the Purdue fan base is going to travel but
you know what team always traveled?
Speaker 4 (25:31):
Blue?
Speaker 8 (25:31):
Kentucky, especially being this close, I think is going to
be littered with the Kentucky Blue.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
You're gonna seeing a lot more Blue than anything else.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
Kelvin Samson backers have been known to spend a lot
of money. All right, they're bringing up that oil money.
You're from Houston, like three people wearing a red sweat.
Speaker 4 (25:48):
Right, That's what I'm going following Houston up.
Speaker 5 (25:51):
I'm not saying they have a bad fan base, but
they're not on the They're not on the level of
a team that's coming off a national championship appearance that's.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
An hour away.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
That's the thing for an SEC team or Big Blue Nation,
which is I think in its own league.
Speaker 8 (26:05):
It's bizarre that the number one seed Houston is probably
gonna be least represented here because of where it is.
I mean, do you think of Tennessee, Kentucky and Purdue.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
It's drivable.
Speaker 8 (26:15):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
Let me just say this, Paynter beat Houston and Kelvin Sampson.
Who do you want to see him play?
Speaker 4 (26:19):
To advance?
Speaker 1 (26:21):
I mean, give me give me Kentucky a.
Speaker 4 (26:22):
Loaded question, because both teams are good.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
I'd probably say Tennessee.
Speaker 8 (26:26):
I think I like produce odds over Tennessee, but I
think both of them are very, very cap.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
I think it's gonna be a great game, man.
Speaker 5 (26:33):
I mean the fact that we have all top four
teams in this region and some mega brands too, and
throwing Houston because they've been absolutely darn good for the
last five six years under Kelvin Samson. I think Indianapolis
hit the jackpot in terms of matchups, programs, and then
just crazy fan bases that are gonna drink a lot,
spend a lot of money, and have a good time.
Speaker 3 (26:55):
Doors Fan Forum credit Union section of Coles dot com.
Speaker 4 (26:59):
Go there.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
You can interact with other fans online, post a topic,
and participate in various discussions for Credit Union, helping members
live their financial dreams. Boys, I appreciate the time, glad
to talk football with you, and don't forget let's all
come back Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, I'm the same dial and
give you the Colts update and of course the last
word next Friday. Appreciate your time for Matt Taylor, Casey Valley.
(27:20):
I'm Jeffrey Gorman. This is the last word coming up
next here.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
ESPN Races
The NFL never sleeps.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
The roster is ever evolving, and it's all about finding
the edge. This is the Last Word, the off season
ham of the Indianapolis Colts. Now here's Jeffrey Gorman and
Matt Taylor.
Speaker 3 (00:23):
Welcome into the Last Word, your off season radio home
of the Colts. We're airing inside the Indiana Union Construction
Industry Radio Studio every Friday evening here on ninety three
five one oh seventy five the fan.
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Matt Taylor, Voice of the Colts. Glad you're here. Let's
get busy, big man.
Speaker 1 (00:38):
How we doing. How was your week so far?
Speaker 4 (00:39):
So far, so good.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
We've got a i mean, just an influx of out
of towners in town this weekend, invading Lucas Oil Stadium.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
We're gonna break that watching round ball.
Speaker 4 (00:49):
That's it. Yeah, there's no beach time.
Speaker 3 (00:51):
After're taking spring break in Indianapolis. It's either Indiana Dunes,
I guess, yeah, or go down to you know, go
down to Lucas Oil.
Speaker 5 (00:58):
Good hoops, he's a polar plunge down Lake Monroe. I
guess I'm not putting you on the spot.
Speaker 3 (01:02):
On segment three of this show, it's just coming up
in a few, but I'm just saying, hopefully Don Fisher
comes and says hello about this before the end we
give a call. So what I'm saying, Don Fisher, voice
of the voice of the Colts, voice of your Hoosiers
football and basketball. He is not working this time of year,
but hopefully we can catch up with him via Matt Taylor,
my friend, We've got some things coming up because I
(01:24):
want to go back to what Chris Ballard had said
in his season ending press conference. Yeah, talked about the
need to get better. And I'm going to say this,
the man was a you know, a man of his word,
if you will. When this free agency period come on.
Because we heard from Chris Ballard from the first time
on behind the Colts. Yeah, that's free agency driven. Is
obviously behind the look scenes at what the Colts did
(01:46):
and garnering the three four five free agents that they
wanted to get in here kind of took him to
step by step and then we heard Chris Ballard talking
about it and started with Cam Binden. My point is this,
he said the same thing at the end of the
press conference end of the year press conference. He actually
did what he was talking about. Because Chris Ballard's not
spend a lot of money here in past seasons on
free agency, and we've seen that before.
Speaker 5 (02:07):
Matt, Yeah, no question about it. So you look at
Charvarius Ward, cam Bineam, maybe to a lesser degree, Daniel.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Jones, Matt, no, lesser degree, Matt No, no, no, no,
mean didn't heventeen and a half million if the man
I mean all these things I'm saying, sure, spending money
at Jones is a big part of it in my opinion.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
No, that's fair.
Speaker 5 (02:23):
I just meant you didn't hear hi about on the
first day of the NFL free agency. But Chris said
in that piece behind the Colts that hey, if you
want to bring in somebody that fills a need and
makes you better, makes plays and is one of the
top players at his position in NFL free agency, you're
gonna have to pay him, and you're gonna have to
be aggressive. And by all accounts, Charvarius Ward said that
(02:46):
cam Byam said that in the middle of the night
getting ready for free agency in the Philippines, and then
Chris Ballard and this piece said we we had to
be major players if we wanted to get this done,
and they did and It means the Colts targeted these
guys from the beginning, and I think secondary wise, it
makes them so much better on paper going into the season.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Competition will be everywhere come camp in Westfield. I mean,
obviously we know some of the you know, the five
star starters aren't going anywhere. Hello to Forest Buckner's ire Franklin.
But competitions everywhere, and that's at the quarterback position as well.
Here's Chris Ballard on why the Colts chose Daniel Jones
to push Anthony richardson this offseason.
Speaker 6 (03:21):
Competition brings out the best in anybody. It's a competitive league,
not just bringing in anybody. It had to be somebody
who's really going to be able to challenge Anthony, and
I think it's going to go both ways. I think
Anthony will challenge Daniel. Also, between Daniel and Anthony, you're
going to see a really good competition. It's going to
be spirited competition. But I also think it's one that's
going to be where they help each other to grow too.
(03:43):
And so we thought Daniel skill set and Anthony skill set,
there's a lot of similarities there. So offensively, I think
that's going to help you our offensive staff say, Okay,
we don't have to make these wholesale changes with one
guy or the other. We've got to make the best
decision for the team. Whatever the outcome is. The outcome
is based on performance.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
Plus I like the new start, the new reset, if
you will press that reset button for Daniel Jones, Matt
it's tough playing quarterback in New York City. It's tough
coming as the sixth overall pick out of Duke to
go in that environment. Sure, and listen to the media
every day. Don't know if he does or he doesn't.
But at the end of the day, here's what he is.
He's a student of the game. He's the first one in,
he's the last one league he's gonna win. He's loaded
(04:23):
with stinking talent.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
No question about it.
Speaker 5 (04:25):
And we talked about this earlier in the week on
our daily updates. But you know, say what you want
about Daniel Jones, his ups and downs and his exit
from New York and all of that stuff, but this
guy is still NFL caliber starting quarterback twice. He's completed
sixty seven percent of his passes for a season, So
he's got the accuracy that this team needs. That they
(04:47):
didn't have last year, and that's where they're trying to
push Anthony Richardson is come in and show us that
you can improve as a passing quarterback at this level.
So from from a Daniel Jones standpoint, he is going
to be really excited to have this chance to legitimately
compete for a starting job and change how people talk
about him and his career to this point in the NFL.
(05:10):
But I think bigger picture than that, Jeffrey. This is
just another reminder right there, that quote from Chris Ballard.
This competition's gonna be fair, it's gonna be legitimate, and
it's going to be the best for the team. You're
gonna have two guys pushing each other to try to
win the job to give this team better quarterback play
than it had the year before. And if Daniel Jones
(05:30):
is the best man for the job and he beats
out Anthony Richardson, he's the guy, right, so be it,
regardless of Anthony Richardson was drafted fourth overall two years ago.
So the skill set component to what Chris Ballard was
talking about, that's important too, because Daniel Jones can't move,
and if he's the starting quarterback. You don't have to
change the dynamics of the offense too much because he
(05:52):
can scoot. He has over twenty one hundred rushing yards.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
I didn't believe that when you said that earlier before
we started on this show. D one hundred rushing yards
in his career for Daniel Jones would never think that.
Speaker 5 (06:04):
No deceptively mobile. He's got the six most rushing yards
among quarterbacks since he broke in the league in twenty nineteen,
averaging over five yards per carry for his career. So
I think that's key, and Chris hit on it. The
offense wouldn't have to change in the running game with
Jonathan Taylor because Jones would still be a threat in
the running game if you're operating out of the shotgun
(06:26):
for sure.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
For sure. Hey, it doesn't end at quarterback when it
comes to competition. You know who we lost, mate, and
so do Colts fans. Ryan Kelly to the Vikings with
Will Fryes, Dioa Dangbo to the Bears, Kylon Grantson's side
with the Eagles. Don't forget EJ Speed, Moley Cox, and
Julian Blackman are all free agents on the open market.
The Colts are going to replace a handful of contributors
(06:46):
Matt from last year. Okay, so do me this favor.
Which starter from last season? I mentioned them? Man no
longer on the team. What's the hardest to replace?
Speaker 4 (06:55):
I got, I got one.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
I'm gonna wait for years though, of those four guys
I mentioned are potentially more than that. After you're talking
about EJ and Moley and Julian Blackman. Which is the
hardest to replace?
Speaker 5 (07:05):
Great question, my gut, says Will Fryes. Yes, I'm going right,
because he was coming into a h yeah, and he
had remained durable until he wasn't durable right, but that
wasn't on him and he got rolled up in Week
five last year and it cost him his season in Jacksonville.
So I think Matt Gonzalez might have a chance to
play guard next season. You know he's going to be
(07:26):
a strong candidate there. But he's never played guard in
the NFL. Did some in college, but he would be
transitioning to that position in the NFL after starting three
games at left tackle in five games at right tackle
last season. And then the Colts also brought in Dan
Or brought back Danny Piner in free agency, he could
be in the.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Mix as well.
Speaker 5 (07:44):
Maybe DIOI Dangbo because he was durable, gave you a
position flexibility. His arrow was still pointing up. But you
just can't bring back everybody. So I guess if I
have to pick one, it would be Will Fries because
of his durability and he just turned into one of
the best guards in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
And we're if tannor Bordolini is that guy to take
over the center position from Ryan Kelly.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Oh, I think that he can. Yeah, I do too.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
I mean he was well in the spot starting that
he had last season. So we're gonna figure it out. Hey,
We've got so much coming up for you if you
want to listen in the Draft is coming up on
April twenty fourth at Colt's Audio Network. We are loaded
wherever you download your podcast. Check it out. We've got
inside the Draft reaching interviews with great guests regarding the
upcoming draft and of course these colts and their biggest
needs in the draft. And also, if you're not busy,
(08:28):
come on down. On April twenty fourth, Lucas Oil Stadium
Ers's throwing a party sponsored by bud Light.
Speaker 4 (08:33):
It's gonna be fun.
Speaker 3 (08:34):
I'm just saying, you know what you missed those part
Oh April twenty fourth, come on down there. It's ten
bucks to get in. You got more information at Colts
dot com slash draft and by the way, twenty one
are over because our friends from bud Light are going
to be there. It's gonna be a pune run. By
the way, five dollars five dollars for Colt season ticket
members down there.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
Mayte, you'll be down there.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
I'll be down there, Showcase Casey, Valie, Lara, Overton, the
whole gang. So again, April twenty fourth, Lucas Oil Stadium.
We'll see you for the NFL Draft party. We don't
go anywhere. We're gonna be talking more about that draft
with Ryan McCrystal from Sharp Footballanalysis dot com, one of
the best in the business. He's going to tell us
who he thinks the Colts are gonna go after in
the first round of the draft and how improved this
(09:12):
Colts team is so far this offseason after free agency.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
Don't go anywhere.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
This is the last word ninety three five, one oh
seven five to the fan.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
We now return to the offseason home of the Colts.
The last word with Jeffrey Gorman and Matt Taylor from
the Indiana Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
Speaker 4 (09:33):
That's right, mate, is here, folks.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
The last word brought to you by our friends at Meyer,
the official supercenter of the Indianapolis Colts, proud sponsor of
hundreds of local sports teams across the Midwest, Anthem, Blue
Cross and Blue Shield.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
They've teamed up with the Colts.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
They're going to recognize school teachers, administrators, nurses, and staff members.
It's easy nominate yours at Colts dot com slash Classroom Quarterbacks.
May Teke, we got a good one here, and I'm
glad he's here. Ryan McCrystal from Sharp Footballanalysis dot com Man,
Usually we're talking about the quarterbacks in the first round, Ryan,
but this year it's just too in cam Ward and
(10:08):
Shador Sanders. Do you see a third coming off the
board on April twenty four?
Speaker 7 (10:12):
Yeah, it's always fun when we have these kind of
unique quarterback years where you know there's a little bit uncertainty,
so many teams potentially involved, and not enough to go
around for everybody. I'm still leaning towards no to that question.
I think Sanders and Ward are probably the only guys
who sneak in just because so many teams have already
addressed the quarterback position like going out and making some
(10:33):
trades signing the veteran free agents. Not only does that
obviously still needs for those individual teams, but when pretty
much everybody is out there shopping around trying to get
their hands on one of those veterans, it also says
a lot about what the league feels about this quarterback
draft class in general, and the consensus pretty much across
the board. Everybody is telling us this isn't a good
(10:55):
quarterback draft class. You know, we saw this a few
years ago, and the Kenny Picott class up being the
one guy who went obviously mocked. Drafts leading up to
that sometimes had as many as four quarterbacks going in
the first round because we're used to seeing that. But
the league was kind of operating the same way that year,
not really showing a lot of interest and trying to
fill those means elsewhere. And sure enough, you know, only
Picket goes in the first round. Some of the guys
(11:16):
who are mocked in the first round, like Malik Wilson,
fall into those third round. So even kind of re
read between the lines on some of these moves just
sort of gauge what the league feels as a whole.
I think if enough teams felt good about Jackson Dart,
we wouldn't see everybody going out there and trying to
go out and get it one of those quarterbacks in
the free agent or trade markets.
Speaker 5 (11:37):
Ryan McCrystal, Draft analysts from Sharp Footballanalysis dot com. Jeffrey
Gorman Here, I'm Matt Taylor. You're listening to the last
word here on ninety three to five and one oh
seven to five the fans. So, Ryan, you're one of
the few mock drafts I've seen lately that doesn't have
the Colts picking a tight end in the first round.
You've got them picking offensive tackle Kelvin Banks junior out
(11:59):
of Texas. So tell us, how did you land on
that pick for the Colts after you had Tyler Warren
going to the Jets at seven and your latest mock draft.
Speaker 7 (12:08):
Yeah, the Colts are kind of been a tricky team
for me to figure out this year. You know, normally,
I feel like I can get a pretty good sense
because Chris Ballad has been there for so long. You know,
these gms, over time, they show us their tendencies, and
we're not going to get to pick right every year
because even the team doesn't know going and sis drafts
who they're going to take. But we can usually narrow
it down when someone like Ballard has been in place
(12:29):
for so long, we get a sense of what the
team wants to do. You know, Ballard has a couple
of tendencies. In particular, he really likes older players. He
likes players that have been in school for at least
four years, which is pretty unique. It's counter to what
a lot of teams do. And he loves elite athletes.
The elite athlete one is probably the one that sticks out.
You know, dating back to twenty seventeen, they made twelve
(12:50):
first or second round picks. Nine of them has been
at least four years in college, so I'm always looking
out for older guys. And then nine of the twelve
have also had a relative athletics score of nine or higher.
Any listeners aren't familiar with that, basically looks at your
combine numbers relative to your height and weight relative to
your position, just a gauge of how elite of an
(13:11):
athlete are you, And so Ballard likes those four year guys.
In college. He likes those elite athletes. This year's been
tricky because there aren't a ton of guys who check
both of those boxes, and typically, you know, his picks
have been at least checking one of them. Actually, all
twelve of those picks have checked at least one of
those boxes, and honestly most of them have checked both. Yeah,
I think I'm going to change my picks from Calvin
(13:32):
Banks in my next mock draft because technically he doesn't
check either one. His relative athletics score is eight point three.
So it's like we're in that cusp. Like you could
certainly see them saying, well, there's no one who like
obviously fits for us, and then you know, and then
it's a down year for the draft. Maybe they go
after him. But I you know, Donovan Jackson from Ohio State,
he did his Pro day workout last year and he
(13:54):
was phenomenal. His relative athletics score is now in nine
point six. Now only have that data for him. He
spent four year in college. I think I might shift
towards Donovan Jackson if I decide that they might go
offensive line. Gray is able from North Dakota State. He's
a five year guy. In college, those two guys could fit.
So if I think they're going to go offensive line,
which I think is a possibility, if Warren is off
(14:15):
the board, as you mentioned, he's you know, the most
popular mock draft pick. If he were available, I would
flop him in there as well. I think it makes
total sense. He's also a good athlete, been in college
for five years. It makes perfect sense. I just don't
think it's going to be available. So I've been trying
to piece together, you know, a good explanation for who
they would go if they can't go that direction. But
(14:35):
it's hard. There aren't a lot of players who obviously
check the boxes of you know, multiple year, longer amount
of time spent in college and elite athletes. It's been
a little bit harder to find, just because this isn't
a great draft class.
Speaker 5 (14:48):
You know, Ryan, you're so spot on, You're so right
about the relative athletic scores for the Colts. Did they
very much prioritize that and all of their draft picks
seemingly are freaks and dominate that aspect of being prospects
coming into the NFL. So what's your level of confidence
that the Colts can potentially get a good tight end
pick value on Day two of the draft, And where
(15:12):
do you have tight end need for the Colts on
your list going into this draft.
Speaker 7 (15:17):
As far as the need, I would say it should
be relatively high, assuming that they're prioritizing giving Anthony Richardson
the best chance to still develop, which I think should
be the goal in this draft class. Obviously, they're not
necessarily expecting to compete at like the highest level for
a Super Bowl next year. You know, you hope that
happens if Anthony Richardson takes a big leap, but you
(15:37):
really just want to set him up to take the
next step in his development next year, right, and having
a tight end I think is really the missing piece
of the offense. I really like their receiving corps lock
They've got, you know, pieces who fit very clearly in
defined roles. You know, you got down to the solid
slot receiver Pittman can do a little bit of both,
sort of like the bigger possession guy Pierce. You know,
(15:59):
with size, speed can stretch the field. What you're missing
in the passing game is that really reliable weapon at
tight end. So Tyler Warren is the obvious option if
he's available at the first round, and maybe even Colston
Lovelin out of Michigan. He is the guy who athletically
probably checks the boxes. He hasn't worked out yet this year,
He's gonna do it. He missed Michigan's pro day due
to injury, but he is going to do a private
(16:20):
workout for scouts in early April, I believe. So hopefully
we got some testing numbers on him. But you know,
day two, there's going to be some good tight ends.
You know, I mentioned this isn't a great draft class,
but it is actually a very deep tight end class.
So it's a good year to have that need because
if they miss out on Warren or they don't want
love Lynn in the first round, those good options. Mason
(16:40):
Taylor from LSU, I think would be a pretty obvious fit.
Harold's Fannin from Bowling Green fits as well, just he
was the focal point of the bowling being passing offense,
So playing someone like him in I think would make
a lot of sense because you know, tight ends they
often take a little bit longer to develop. But I
think he's got a better chance to get some immediate
production from the guy who was already the focal point
(17:01):
of his offense. He knows what it's like to be
attracting a lot of tension that you'll see a lot
less attention in the NFL and he saw at Bowling Green. Because,
as I mentioned, the Colts have plenty of o other weapons.
Elijah Royo from Miami or Roddy Gassin some Syracuse like,
there's a lot of options. Even when you get into
Day three, there's gonna be some guys out there who
can come in. You know, you're not going to get
a starter at that point in the draft. With somebody
(17:21):
who can provide some quality depth if you have an
injuries or whatnot, or even just you know, go out
and get one of the elite athletes that they like
to do and try to develop them and plug him
in certain situations where you can create some good matchups
for him. This is such a good tight end draft
class that I would be pretty shocked if the Colts
didn't come away with someone relatively early in the draft.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
Sharp Footballanalysis dot Com, Ryan McCrystal joins us follow him
on Twitter x at sharp FB Analysis Defensive Line. I
want to talk about Day two, Day three, Chris Ballard
loves to stock up those picks on day two and
day three. But I'm hearing the defensive line group in
this upcoming draft, there's some meat there. Do you agree
with that?
Speaker 7 (18:00):
Yeah, definitely. And there's some guys who out in Day
two I think would fit perfectly. We were just talking
about those thresholds of how ballot and tends to late
guys who have been in college for at least four
years with the elite testing numbers. There's two players that
jump off the board that I don't think are going
to sneak into Round one, but on day two would
be obvious targets for the Colts. TJ. Sanders from South
Carolina four years in college, nine points three relative athletics scorer.
(18:24):
Darius Alexander from Toledo five years in college, nine point
one relative athletic scores. Those looking at those numbers that
jumps off the page is like an obvious target for
the Colts on day two, just because they do want
to add some youth to the the defensive line. I
would assume they're not necessarily looking for an immediate starter,
but adding one of those guys who can come in
and provide some immediate depth and then potentially grow into
(18:47):
a starting role of some of the older guys you know,
age out of those positions in a couple of years.
Someone like those guys would fit in really well, and
then there's plenty of depths of position. Defensive tackle is
another one of the positions that has some Day two value,
Ty Hamilton from Ohio State. And another guy who could potentially
fit in Alfred Collins from Texas. He's a different player,
more of a nose tackle type than those others that
(19:08):
I mentioned, but you know, really productive career at Texas.
I could see him sliding in. It's a real you know,
tight end and defensive tackle are really two of the
deeper position groups in this draft class. So it makes
a lot of sense if the Colts don't aren't able
to address that in Round one, which just based on value,
it seems like they might not even though those are
needs plenty of options for them to address both those
(19:30):
positions on Day two, in.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
No doubt about that.
Speaker 5 (19:32):
That's Ryan McCrystal, NFL draft analysts from Sharp Football Analysis
dot Com. Last one for me, Ryan loaded question on
the Colts to close out how improved are the Colts
so far based on their free agency moves to this point,
and how do you think this Colts quarterback battle is
going to go down between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson.
Speaker 7 (19:53):
Well as far as how improved, I mean, obviously they
haven't done a ton, but the moves that they've made,
you know, making some moves to address the secondary, I
think they that made a lot of sense. I think
they've done enough to shore up some positions that they
can feel that they're moving in the positive direction. For
as the quarterback battle, I think you've got to go
with Richardson. You've got to give him a really good
chance to take the next step and continue his development,
(20:17):
because if you do hand it off to Daniel Jones,
it's not like that signals to your team in a
strong way that you're trying to win a super Bowl.
Daniel Jones is not winning a super Bowl for you,
So what are you really trying to do if you
hand them off to him just sneak into the playoffs?
Maybe I think that Richardson is the quarterback theoretically down
the road, maybe wins you a super Bowl. So you've
(20:38):
got to give him a really long, hard look, even
if there's more growing pains early in the season. We
just haven't seen enough of him to completely write him
off yet, so I'm still excited to see what he
can potentially do, especially if they're able to add you know,
maybe if they add an offensive lineman to you know,
help out pass protection, help out the run game a
little bit more, that could help them more out of
the tight end. I think they could do enough through
(21:01):
the draft to put him in a better position to
succeed and hopefully give him another longer look.
Speaker 3 (21:05):
At sharp FB analysis on Twitter X that is Ryan McCrystal, Hey,
just really quick, what in the heck is Travis Hunter
going to do in the NFL?
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Is he going to be defending passes or catching him?
Speaker 7 (21:16):
I think that his best spot is going to be
at cornerback, partially because that's the easiest way to play
him two ways. It's a little bit easier to play
full time at cornerback and then occasionally step in at
receiver because there's just a little bit less preparation throughout
the week. I think at receiver, I think definitely most
coaches will look at it.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
Yeah, that's going to be interesting. He turns into a
gadget guy on offense real quick.
Speaker 4 (21:36):
Doesn't.
Speaker 7 (21:36):
He absolutely, that's a good spot.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Long Ran, appreciate the time today and look forward to
keep reading what you're putting out on Sharpfootballanalysis dot com.
He can't wait for this upcoming NFL draft. Thanks again,
thanks for having me, guys, Maddie. That's a good find
out of you. That's a smart man right there. It
makes me look smart. Ryan McCrystal knows his stuff. That's
a really good website. Obviously, Warren Sharp is the founder
Sharp Football Analysis and than Ryan is covering the draft
(22:02):
and all things in NFL. So yeah, add him to
the list, add him to the repertoire this time of year,
talking to draftnicks to get us smarter and tell us
who some of these prospects are and why they're on
the Colts radar. So really good to have Ryan in
the fold there. So we're gonna mix the men after
the draft as well. Don't forget Colts fans. The Colts
commitment to the growth of high school girls flag football.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
It continues.
Speaker 3 (22:24):
The team's goal is to launch one hundred high school
girls flag football teams by the fall of twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (22:29):
We need your help.
Speaker 3 (22:30):
Colts are helping with ten thousand in resources, So get
your local high school and communities involved. Visit Colts dot
com slash girls flag to learn more. Will we come back.
We're going Basketball Showcase value is gonna come in mayte
You love this time of year. Teams are invading Lucas
Oil Stadium. The Sweet sixteen is here, and I want
to talk about fan basis, So give me something early.
Speaker 5 (22:50):
If you were if you were looking for a staycation
in downtown Minneapolis this weekend, I'm sorry you're sol not
a hotel room to be found nowhere.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
We're gonna give you more and find out about that
was crazy fan bases invading Indianapolis. This is the Last
Word Matt Taylor, Boyce of the Colts t I'm Jeffrey
Gorman coming back with more here on ninety three five
and one oh seven five The Fan.
Speaker 2 (23:10):
This is your weekly fix on Colts football. The Last
Word with Jeffrey Gorman and Matt Taylor from the Indiana
Union Construction Industry Radio Studio.
Speaker 3 (23:20):
Oh, I feel all nice and cozy. Just basketball sound
right there, it's happening.
Speaker 1 (23:26):
You remember when they used to have ring tones?
Speaker 8 (23:29):
This was, I mean an ongoing ring tone for me
long after March.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
No, Kia, yeah back yeah, back in the day. Yeah, no, Kia.
Speaker 8 (23:37):
I used to. I used to my my go to
phone was the Razor back in the day. And this
was the ring tone you called me in October and
this is still going there like it's a little pass
like no, no, no.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
It's never too old for this.
Speaker 4 (23:48):
It's happened in the night.
Speaker 1 (23:49):
At face plate did you have back in the day?
Case it was the silver all yea, I remember the
face plate said a lot about you. Yes it did.
Speaker 4 (23:58):
Hey, don't forget.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
The Colts are going to Germany to play a football game,
and you can go.
Speaker 4 (24:02):
It's simple.
Speaker 3 (24:03):
Go to on location exp dot com slash Colts Germany
for more information. Again, it's another big party happening in Germany.
You can be there on location exp dot com slash Colts.
If Don Fisher, if Don Fisher was working today, if
he was, what would it sound like if he welcomed
in the fan bases of Kentucky, Tennessee, Houston, and of
(24:24):
course right up the road in West Lafayette the boiler Mat.
Speaker 5 (24:27):
It's the crossroads of America, all roads laid to Johntown
and Annapolis for this bull game. Actually two ball games tonight,
Tennessee takes on Kentucky. Purdue takes on the top seed
and the Houston Ball Club, and hopefully Perdue can get
the job done. Brydon Smith from out signed the Big
Ten Player of the Year. Welcome to town.
Speaker 4 (24:49):
How about that.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
Fish is Working's no script? That's terrible.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Oh that's pretty good.
Speaker 1 (24:55):
You got this afternoon's bullgame.
Speaker 3 (24:57):
Nobody else the four of Pride Union.
Speaker 4 (25:00):
The question of the week.
Speaker 3 (25:00):
Is basketball related. And I know we're a football show,
but it's rolling on this weekend.
Speaker 4 (25:05):
Midwest.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
We have a lot of civic prize. We do.
Speaker 4 (25:07):
We do.
Speaker 3 (25:07):
It's right here in Indianapolis and Midwest region. First matchup Tennessee, UK. Obviously,
if Purdue takes on Houston, you're Billy boiler over there,
cause I know you are. Which fan base is most
represented tonight in that stadium of those four teams?
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Okay?
Speaker 4 (25:23):
Credit Union question week?
Speaker 8 (25:24):
You know the Purdue fan base better than I Yes,
and the Purdue fan base is going to travel but
you know what team always traveled?
Speaker 4 (25:31):
Blue?
Speaker 8 (25:31):
Kentucky, especially being this close, I think is going to
be littered with the Kentucky Blue.
Speaker 1 (25:37):
You're gonna seeing a lot more Blue than anything else.
Speaker 3 (25:40):
Kelvin Samson backers have been known to spend a lot
of money. All right, they're bringing up that oil money.
You're from Houston, like three people wearing a red sweat.
Speaker 4 (25:48):
Right, That's what I'm going following Houston up.
Speaker 5 (25:51):
I'm not saying they have a bad fan base, but
they're not on the They're not on the level of
a team that's coming off a national championship appearance that's.
Speaker 1 (25:59):
An hour away.
Speaker 5 (26:00):
That's the thing for an SEC team or Big Blue Nation,
which is I think in its own league.
Speaker 8 (26:05):
It's bizarre that the number one seed Houston is probably
gonna be least represented here because of where it is.
I mean, do you think of Tennessee, Kentucky and Purdue.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
It's drivable.
Speaker 8 (26:15):
Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (26:16):
Let me just say this, Paynter beat Houston and Kelvin Sampson.
Who do you want to see him play?
Speaker 4 (26:19):
To advance?
Speaker 1 (26:21):
I mean, give me give me Kentucky a.
Speaker 4 (26:22):
Loaded question, because both teams are good.
Speaker 1 (26:25):
I'd probably say Tennessee.
Speaker 8 (26:26):
I think I like produce odds over Tennessee, but I
think both of them are very, very cap.
Speaker 1 (26:32):
I think it's gonna be a great game, man.
Speaker 5 (26:33):
I mean the fact that we have all top four
teams in this region and some mega brands too, and
throwing Houston because they've been absolutely darn good for the
last five six years under Kelvin Samson. I think Indianapolis
hit the jackpot in terms of matchups, programs, and then
just crazy fan bases that are gonna drink a lot,
spend a lot of money, and have a good time.
Speaker 3 (26:55):
Doors Fan Forum credit Union section of Coles dot com.
Speaker 4 (26:59):
Go there.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
You can interact with other fans online, post a topic,
and participate in various discussions for Credit Union, helping members
live their financial dreams. Boys, I appreciate the time, glad
to talk football with you, and don't forget let's all
come back Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, I'm the same dial and
give you the Colts update and of course the last
word next Friday. Appreciate your time for Matt Taylor, Casey Valley.
(27:20):
I'm Jeffrey Gorman. This is the last word coming up
next here.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
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