Main Takeaways From Colts GM Chris Ballard's Press Conference

Ballard is really high on the young guys in the cornerback room. So much so, Darius Rush, the Colts' fifth-round draft pick who Ballard described as “very talented,” was waived. 

When asked what went into cutting Rush, Ballard responded, “That was hard. Jaylon Jones.”

Ballard also said, “Kenny Moore (II) – we think has had a great camp. Tony Brown – I love Tony. Let me just make this known. I love Tony Brown.” 

Jones has definitely outplayed his draft slot of a seventh-round pick and has flashed some real potential in camp, The Colts see him as a guy who can be a long-term starter for them probably sooner rather than later.

As for another corner, Ballard said, “JuJu (Brents) is coming along. I do want to talk about JuJu because I do think the upside is really high.”

Ballard is putting a lot on these young guys, and from the sounds of it, Darrell Baker Jr. and Dallis Flowers will be the first two to get their chance, with Brents and Jones waiting in the wings.

Ballard was also asked about a Grover Stewart contract extension and had this to say, “There’s a lot of guys that are up that are going to be working on their last year. I think we work for it...Those things work out over time.”

He also touched a bit on the roster mechanics, and that was basically why Isaiah McKenzie was cut earlier that day and then brought back. He did say this about the receivers though, “Michael Pittman (Jr.) is a pretty good football player. I still think Alec Pierce has upside and is a pretty good football player. And we really like Josh Downs."

Toward the end of the presser, Ballard was finally asked about Anthony Richardson and could he handle the ups and downs of starting a full season. 

Ballard said, “He’s a pretty cool customer. I stayed on the sidelines this year, which I’ve done a lot, but I’ve done it more. I just wanted to feel it and feel him. Look, when he takes off and runs you can feel him. He’s going to have moments of course. They all do when they’re young. He is really poised, even after a bad play, he’s really got some poise to him that’s unique.” 

Ballard also goes on to talk about how young players have ups and downs and you just have to be patient through the entire process. That point is certainly important. Richardson is really going to have some rough games, but he can’t get down on himself as the quarterback he will be a leader on this team and players will look to see how he reacts during adversity.

Ballard closed out his presser talking about two players: Danny Pinter and Nick Cross.

In regards to the Pinter injury, Ballard said, “He’s one of the really good dudes and one of the really good players and was having a hell of a game and had a really couple good weeks of practice.”

Pinter was expecting to have a big role in this offense. Ballard also said in regards to filling in that void, “We’ve claimed a couple guys that we think are help…I’ve got a lot of faith in Tony (Sparano Jr.) and how he coaches them and what he’s doing. These guys have talent and you’ve just got to grow with them.”

It sounds like Ballard is sticking with the young guys and players he claimed off of waivers as opposed to going to a more proven commodity in free agency.

Ballard also was asked about how well Cross is playing this summer. He said, “Really happy for him. It’s not his fault he was 20 years old when we drafted him.”

Ballard admitted that he messed it up putting such huge expectations on Cross. But now Ballard’s really excited about the versatility Cross has shown at free safety, strong safety, and nickel cornerback. 

This has to be great for news for Cross fans out there after being he was one of the most exciting prospects the Colts drafted last year. After getting benched, Cross has now emerged to become the player the Colts thought he could be when he was drafted.