Colts' Ballard Targets: Size, Speed, and College Snaps

0:00On April 22nd, the Bill Day Ballad series is firing up again right before the 2026 NFL draft, just under a week away. This time, it's zeroing in on offensive tackles that match the Indianapolis Colts' vibe under Chris Ballard. He's got a short but solid track record at the position, hitting big with guys like Braden Smith and Bernhard Raymond, who became starters fast. Ballard swings include misses like Zach Banner, who flamed out quick and Blake Freeland, who's fighting for his spot after injuries. Jalen Travis looks ready to step up a right tackle. Now they're blending in coach Tony Spirano Jr's preferences from past teams, like big athletic types from Alabama and Florida. Fans and scouts are buzzing because the Colts need depth up front, especially with Smith gone to Houston. Ballad's archetypes screams size around 6 foot 6, 310 pounds, with arms at least 34 inches long plus speed under 5, 0.15 in the 40 and explosive jumps over 30 inches vertical.

1:01New thresholds also demand over 2,300 college snaps and senior bowl invites for upper-classmen. Top fits lead with the Mitrius Crown over from Texas A&M, a massive former tight end like Travis, then Austin Barber and Diego Pounds for there. Power and testing pops. Keep an eye on day 3 flyers like Riley Maulman from Wisconsin or Khalil Benson from Indiana. They got the size and traits to surprise. Ballard's molding his picks to fit the staff so these could lock down the line for years. This has been NFL News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.