Free agency 2023

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Chromeburn

I’m suggesting the coach says what types of players he wants. Ballard and the scouts then identify what players they think will fit into that style of play. For example, coach says he wants big tall receivers and TEs that can go up and get jump balls and deep balls. Scouting staff says “hey we look at college guys all day so we will tell you who we think is best.” I think when they bring a selection the coaching staff looks at them and weighs in as well. Then they organize their board and draft.

I don’t understand what you’re saying about the QB or whatever you’re trying to catch me in. I think Reich had the final say in what QB’s he wanted to play with. I think Ballard did like Fields and was leaning towards drafting a rookie. But Reich wanted Wentz and there was a logical argument for Wentz, just as there was an argument for Ryan as well. The Ryan move was seen in a positive light around the league. No one was panning the move.

We completely agree on the first part. That’s essentially what my reply to your initial comment was saying. Coach and GM collaborate on the types of players a coach prefers and to some degree the importance of positions in certain schemes. However how much to use free agency and how aggressive to be in trades is not typically driven by the coach. The Colts conservative, build by the draft philosophy is Ballard’s and won’t change based on the coach.

The second part is simply pointing out what I see as an inconsistency in your defense of Ballard. It requires Reich to believe in QBs enough to push to acquire them (which I believe) but not enough to think they can win with them now (which I don’t believe). I believe not pushing to win has nothing to do with believing they can win with that QB, I believe it has to do with Ballard sticking to his philosophy. I don’t believe he will ever sacrifice the future for the now.