Indy star on Ballard
 

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Colts' Chris Ballard is the top drafting GM according to the NFL Network
Jonathan X. Simmons
Indianapolis Star
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With the NFL draft just 10 days away Colts fans should be resting comfortably knowing they have the best drafting general manager in the NFL in Chris Ballard according to a recent NFL network power ranking.

Known for being one of the premier drafters in the NFL, Ballard's 2018 draft class of Quenton Nelson, Darius Leonard, Braden Smith and Nyheim Hines separated him from the pack. The way the 2020 class was able to come in and have an instant impact on both sides of the ball despite not having a typical NFL offseason only further cements Ballard's status as the cream of the crop.

Having been in the position for just five years is beneficial for Ballard but more drafts means more potential for mistakes -- and there have been a few in Zach Banner and Quincy Wilson. But, with six draft picks in 2021, as well as the addition of quarterback Carson Wentz during the offseason, Ballard could put the Colts in position for a major post-season run.

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Colts general manager Chris Ballard.
Here's what nfl.com's Gregg Rosenthal wrote about Ballard:

1) Chris Ballard, Colts

Best pick: Quenton Nelson | Round 1 (No. 6), 2018

Worst pick: Quincy Wilson | Round 2 (No. 46), 2017

Ballard's reputation as one of the league's best drafters is well earned, especially after coach Frank Reich joined him in Indianapolis. Ballard will be dining off the 2018 draft for years, with two All-Pros (Nelson and Darius Leonard), another great starter ( Braden Smith) and a terrific role player Nyheim Hines all in the same class. The 2020 crop of Michael Pittman, Jonathan Taylor and Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Julian Blackmon is proof you don't need a first-round pick for a draft class to make a huge impact. Ballard benefits in this exercise from having the job for just five years, because the more you draft, the more mistakes are bound to happen.

While I understand Nelson being best pick he was far more a no brainer. You could easily argue Leonard as the best pick. He was picked in the 2nd round and considered a huge reach at the time. Numerous people gave a grade anywhere between a B- to a C+ for picking Leonard in that spot. Hindsight being 20/20. He would be an A++ pick.

If we can hit on Edge, OT and CB this year that would be great!

I would be happy with OT and DE alone. Anything else would gravy.

Definitely

Colts are not far away now, provided Wentz proves worthy and Ballard has a good draft. As for Ballard, he's done great so far, but if he can find a few gems at our key position needs, the team will go far this year.

I am not even that bothered about this year's draft picks, I want to see continued improvement from the draft picks from the last couple of years...that is what is going to help this team out the most. For previous drafts to really come to fruition.