Ballard and Steichen are coming back

[YDFL Commish]

Originally Posted by IndyNorm

Agreed. It's certainly plausible that Ballard thought Jones would be better than what both fans and other GMS thought he'd be, but there's no way Ballard thought Jones would be as good as he has been. If Ballard had then he would have been chomping at the bit to trade for or sign Jones when NYG kicked him to the curb last year.



Gotta call BS on this. It was obvious that Ballard was very high on AR and all in on him. Just watch the post draft video that shows our war room when we're almost on the clock in '23. Ballard looks like he's about to burst into tears when it's announced a team has traded up to #3 and then jumps for joy in elation after it's announced that it was HOU that traded up. Also, you have to remember that prior to '24 Ballard drafted based on traits first and other things 2nd. I wouldn't be surprised if Ballard had AR #1 on his draft board that year, and in fact I'd be almost willing to bet the farm on it.

I remain convinced that the drafting of AR was largely a Jim Irsay decision. Ballard was elated because he achieved JI's wishes.

I can tell you right now, that Bill Polian wouldn't have touched AR with a 10 foot pole.