Originally Posted by albany ed (Post 318045)

Ryan Kelly has been the Colts center for 9 years and in only 1 of those seasons has he played in every game. This past year he played in just under 60% of the games. He was a great center, but his body has taken a toll and I expect that if he doesn't retire, he won't play in even 50% of his games next season. I can't see bringing him back.

Originally Posted by ChoppedWood (Post 318025)

On MacAfee just now they had a bit on Payton's decision of picking Nix and their confidence in him. 3 GREAT statements stood out:

1- We don't want to pick linebackers that can't tackle
2- We don't want WR's that can't catch
3- We don't want a QB that isn't accurate. Accuracy is everything.

Then went on to talk about the huge # of passes they had him throw for them. Started talking about how EVERY short pass he threw, which are the passes that have to be accurate were on the correct shoulder and they knew they had the guy they wanted.

Imagine this same conversation with Ballard:
1- We don't really think tackling is the main trait in a linebacker. We like guys that are really focused on mic skills. If they can spit a good game, then they are gonna be good backers. We want guys with personality, guys that make a lot of noise about themselves. Self Promotion is a trait we really value in our guys!
2- WR's, catching is probably a bit overrated. We have a guy in mind, during the draft prep he told us he liked to check out chicks on IG as a priority, and who doesn't, and he also said he thought his catching skills were good and we believe him, so we're pretty sure he is our guy.
3- Well QB accuracy, that's something I think people USED to worry about. I don't think accuracy is something we are really gonna put a lot of value on in the QB analysis. We are looking for big guys with big arms and big holes that we will never be able to fill.

The current time is 1:00 PM ET
Gus Bradley remains the Colts DC

FUCK YOU JIM IRSAY!

Originally Posted by Kray007 (Post 318055)

I don’t see Speed as a long term answer, but I don’t want to spend much draft capital on the position…this year. If I sign him, it’s to a short term deal at a minimum number. I might feel differently if there was a lot of depth at LB.

As far as Kelly is concerned, bringing him back might be moronic, but I’m not foolish enough to depend on Tanor Bartolini making the leap, being ready to step up and play at a high level.

Originally Posted by Kray007 (Post 318017)

4 year deal structured so that he can be cut after year 2 with little pain. $10 Million signing bonus with a minimum first year salary. First year cap hit around $4 Million. 2nd year cap hit $6 Million, 3rd year $8 Million, 4th year $12 Million.

To prettify it up and pad the value to make it look more lucrative, toss in a few workout bonuses, guarantee the first year and year 2 for injury, add a bonus for making the pro bowl, and a roster bonus in year 4.

In total, a partially guaranteed $40 Million over 4 years. In reality, 2 years $16 Million.

Originally Posted by omahacolt (Post 318074)

I understand what you are saying. its just what your saying is moronic and nobody should want to do what you are saying.


any lbers can replace speed. carlies is already here to do it. Kelly is old, hurt a lot and is marginally, if at all, a better player that bortolini

Originally Posted by Kray007 (Post 318092)

So, you’re saying we entrust a starting LB position to a player who missed half his rookie year to injury; a guy who, in the one full game he played, got a run D grade of 38?

Originally Posted by rm1369 (Post 318097)

For me the point is that accepting mediocrity just become someone is “our guy” is stupid and just breeds more mediocrity. That’s what Ballard keeps doing and what retaining Speed would be. Speed isn’t good enough, so why reward his play? His level of performance is easily replaceable. Replace him with someone who either has a chance to grow or someone who is on the down swing that brings an intangible that Speed clearly doesn’t - like leadership or professionalism. The culture in that locker room sucks. They need to quit rewarding mediocrity for the sake of continuity.

Originally Posted by rm1369 (Post 318097)

For me the point is that accepting mediocrity just become someone is “our guy” is stupid and just breeds more mediocrity. That’s what Ballard keeps doing and what retaining Speed would be. Speed isn’t good enough, so why reward his play? His level of performance is easily replaceable. Replace him with someone who either has a chance to grow or someone who is on the down swing that brings an intangible that Speed clearly doesn’t - like leadership or professionalism. The culture in that locker room sucks. They need to quit rewarding mediocrity for the sake of continuity.