One man’s to do list

[Kray007]

I think that Chris Ballard has little doubt that the sands are running out of the hourglass. The time has come for his team to put up and, if it doesn’t, the Irsays, no matter how much they like him, will pull the trigger and move on.

I think that, from top to bottom, from ownership to the guys who clean the locker room, there is a clear belief that this team is far better than their record indicates. They believe that 8-2 was no mirage, and that, except for a rash of injuries at the most important position in all of sports, the Colts would be playing deep into the playoffs. If they didn’t, Chris Ballard would be walking the unemployment line.

Right now, even as we speak, the GM, the coaches, scouts, and ownership are putting the roster under a microscope. I think that, no matter your level of enthusiasm, you have to admit that this team has holes that need to be filled. Ballard said as much at his press conference.

So, entering the off-season, the biggest need might be for Ballard to continue being flexible and less doctrinaire about how he approaches roster building. Free agency, given the lack of a first round draft pick, has got to be a priority. Of course, saying that means little if the Irsays aren’t willing to provide him with the financial wherewithal to be active.

That having been said, the greatest need is to get Daniel Jones signed to a new deal. There were 8-2 with him, 0-7 after he got hurt and went down.

They also need a reliable backup plan, someone not named Anthony Richardson. I don’t mind keeping Richardson around, especially since releasing him gains us no cap relief, and that there are serious doubts about what he would bring should the Colts try to trade him. Riley Leonard may well be a viable Quarterback of the future, but that future has not yet arrived. Guys like Jimmy Garoppolo and Mac Jones can be had for chicken feed, and Ballard shouldn’t have any problem attracting the cream of the crop since he can offer something few of his competitors can… the chance to play for legit Super Bowl contender, the chance to add a ring at the end of their career.

The second priority, in house, is to sign Alec Pierce to a new deal. He show signs of developing into an elite Receiver. If he does, I want it to be here and not somewhere else.

I’m a little torn about Nick Cross. He’s a nice piece at Safety, and if the team is willing to go all in, financially, he’s a priority. But if it comes down to a choice between inking him and wrapping up a bigger need I’m willing to bid him a fond adieu.

That leaves a whole bunch of guys that I’m willing to part ways with. I genuinely like Braden Smith, but.Jalen Travis’s development, makes him superfluous. Kwity Paye hasn’t developed into an answer opposite Laiatu Latu, and I don’t feel much like rewarding him for continuing nonproduction. Ebukam is on the wrong side of 30. Tyquan Lewis never developed.

I might be persuaded to bring back Mo Alie Cox for his blocking and Germaine Pratt because he showed flashes. Everyone else though is expendable.

In free agency, job one has got to be adding a legit pass rusher, someone to create legit sudden pressure. I don’t kid myself into thinking we’re going to add a 24 year-old Dwight freeney, but Trey Hendrickson would look mighty good a Colt uniform. If you don’t like Hendrickson, take your picK at the position, just pick someone.

My second foray into free agency is at Corner…maybe. It all depends on the health of Charvarious Ward. If Ward is healthy, fine and dandy, move on. But, if he can’t play, we need someone better than Johnathan Edwards patrolling the deep third.

If you’re absolutely, positively convinced that Ward is healthy, reach into Jacksonville’s locker room and pry Devin Lloyd loose. The Jags are $10 Million underwater in the cap, and they have a lot of starters to sign.

In the draft, my second rounder is a Linebacker. This draft is supposed to be exceptionally deep at the position, so Ballard should be able to find a day one starter.

In the third round, I want a one technique Defensive Tackle. I’m tired of watching Grover get pushed around and shoved into the face of a linebacker. I don’t necessarily need Dexter Lawrence or Aaron Donald, but I want a Denico Autry or a Tony Siragusa.

After that, fill holes. I’m assuming that DeForest Buckner returns. If he does, we’re set there. We might need a Linebacker to pair with the draftee, but Pratt didn’t look bad, and I wonder if Franklin might be more effective with better line play. Either way, both are expendable.

Nickel corner has been held nicely by Kenny Moore, but the hand of time stops for no man. Finding his replacement might be high on next year’s list.