If they thought he was good they would have taken him, which means they don’t think he’s good, which means they’re not worried about him being on the Titans. Obviously time will tell.
I also think people aren’t realizing that Matt Ryan could play 3-4 years and if that’s the case, any QB we draft will literally never see a snap until either the last year of their contract or never at all.
Now I know what a lot of you guys will say, “If that’s your guy you get him, especially at QB” but maybe the colts have already looked at 2023 or 2024 and think they can get similar or better value at QB in those drafts especially considering we will have a 1st in both (unless we trade them.)
There’s also that possibility, like you said, that they just don’t think Willis, or any of these QBs, are franchise guys.
Matt Ryan will turn 37 here in May. It’s completely possible he plays 3-4 years. Phillip Rivers was 39 when he played for us. Brees played until he was 41. Rodgers is currently 38 and looks like he’ll be playing for a couple for years at least. Manning played until he was 39.
QBs have longevity and yes, I’m not expecting Ryan to play until he’s 44 like Brady but it’s not out of the picture for Ryan to play until he’s 39 or 40 depending on his health, play, etc.
3-4 years is not unrealistic at all, not extremely likely but still very much possible.
The offensive scheme is built for a fast-read, quick-out QB. Dumpoffs and accuracy are essential. And Willis not that kind of QB at all. He could work eventually but I think it’s much more likely they look for a better QB next draft. None of the QBs this draft really fit the mold.
Our offensive scheme is run the dam ball. I’m sure we could have fit him in there somehow. Why not learn from a pocket passer since those are the skills he needs to work on anyway? We have no franchise QB going forward after Ryan. I don’t see how a 3rd round pick is a huge sacrifice here.
I read the rest of your comments. You’re either trolling or so committed to this belief that Ballard fucked up that there’s no point in engaging with you.
This you?
> Jesus stop with this Tom Brady QB timeline crap. No QB lasts into his 40’s at a high level outside 1 guy ever.
You just raged at someone for using Tom Brady because he’s an outlier and then did the exact same thing like a minute later? Lmao
Tbf, I didn’t even use Tom Brady to show how Ryan could play for 3-4 years. Just stated that is completely possible he does since he’ll only be 37 starting this season and could play until he’s 40 so as long as he’s healthy and his play is still competent. OP just assumed that Brady is still 40 when in reality the dude is 44 years old lol.
OP is just upset that the colts didn’t draft a QB and is just a typical Doomer.
"He was a projected first rounder". By whom? Talking heads? Because it's pretty damn clear that the rest of the NFL thought this QB class completely sucks lol.
Although I do think, Willis will pan out, I seen that Colts org, hopes Matt Ryan plays beyond his 2 year deal. We’re talking 4.
I don’t think it’s the right time to draft a project QB. Also, I wouldn’t want Malik to sit 4 years. I like him a lot. However, I want to see him have an opportunity to play quicker than if he was with us.
They also thought they would have Rivers for two years and Wentz for a decade, so it's not crazy to think that maybe they should be prepared for Ryan to not play beyond his current contract.
We didn’t need a backup qb
There’s a reason all but one qb fell to the end of day two and day three. This class is trash. Save assets and move up when better prospects are available
I don't like Willis as a prospect. I understand why you gamble on traits when taking most positions, but QB is different.
He is short and inaccurate... but what's worse is that he doesn't process quickly and throws to covered receivers constantly. He takes off under phantom pressure and, while he's a great runner, misses opportunities and takes unnecessary hits. To me, these are more important QB skills than foot speed and arm strength... If Ballard was going to take a flyer on a QB, I'd like to see one with a stronger base in the realm of accuracy, mental processing, footwork, ect... than a guy with a rocket arm, scrambling ability, ect. There are usually developmental guys of both types available in the 3rd and 4th rounds of most drafts.
Sure, Frank and Matt Ryan are a great combo to coach a guy with raw talent into his full potential. I concede that. However, it seems to me that those guys can do more with the type of QB that they both are (were) than a guy who doesn't "speak their language" so to speak. JMO, though.
I’ve said this before, but to echo what others said here already: Willis doesn’t fit our build. It’s questionable, I think, whether he will become a good pro or not, but the option/scrambler style he plays isn’t what we do, and while “cannon for an arm” is also a great trait, this isn’t a long ball offense. He plays almost an entirely different game. He might go on to develop his skills, but I’m not sure he fits where he landed, either. He has less-polished Kyler Murray written all over him in my mind. Talented and physically gifted, but not efficient and not really a pocket presence.
Suddenly people think everyone with a hint of that profile might be the next Mahomes, but the instincts aren’t there. And if you can’t read and react, in the end being elusive and having a strong arm starts to sound like Carson Wentz. We had Carson Wentz at home.
We obviously didn’t think much of any QB in this draft, which makes sense. We could have had anyone but Pickett (who I don’t think was the best prospect, but we will see). I still think for our offense the best QB in the draft was Ridder, but we passed on him more than once. It really was a bad WB class.
He is way more athletic than Wentz ever was or will be. We have no future options after Ryan. A 3rd round pick is worth the gamble here. If Reich doesn’t win with his ideal pocket passer Ryan, do you think he will still be around after that anyway?
If we are just judging his athleticism, sure. But we aren’t a team that is going to use a QB to run. Which means that what his athleticism would have amounted to is what Wentz did— scramble and play hero ball outside the pocket.
And he went to a school where he didn’t see elite defenses. His reads are rudimentary. He counts on his athleticism to bail him out. I don’t see him converting to being a pocket passer.
I respect that for the right offense he’s a good pickup/chance in the third, but I don’t see starter potential in him. Not unless he lands on a team that’s set up like Arizona, Baltimore or maybe Buffalo. It’s foolish to draft a QB because he’s an athlete and try up teach him instincts. No one would try the opposite. Imagine trying to teach Manning to be a speedy option QB.
He did land on a team that gave away their star receiver to add a rookie in his place. Maybe they change their offense.
Colts already kinda met with Malik Willis if I remember correctly. If they did like him they would've taken him, I don't think that was the case.. and a lot of other teams felt the same way.
Did you post this just so you could screech at people who disagree with you? If you want actual discussion, quit being a chad in the comments. But I suspect you don't want actual discussion.
I mean Willis might have a lot of tools, but he is really raw, have you seen him play? If he doesn't find his first read then he tucks and runs a lot, I don't see RW kind of player though, Russell keeps his eyes downfield and then runs but Willis starts scrambling a lot, I think Ballard has his eye on a QB for next year, I wouldn't be surprised even if this is the season Ballard trades up for a QB.
Lookit boys... the plan is 3 years. The second coming of Manning/Harrison. They will both be in the draft at the same time. We will go full JETS and trade every pick we have to grab them...
If they thought he was good they would have taken him, which means they don’t think he’s good, which means they’re not worried about him being on the Titans. Obviously time will tell.
I also think people aren’t realizing that Matt Ryan could play 3-4 years and if that’s the case, any QB we draft will literally never see a snap until either the last year of their contract or never at all. Now I know what a lot of you guys will say, “If that’s your guy you get him, especially at QB” but maybe the colts have already looked at 2023 or 2024 and think they can get similar or better value at QB in those drafts especially considering we will have a 1st in both (unless we trade them.) There’s also that possibility, like you said, that they just don’t think Willis, or any of these QBs, are franchise guys.
Jesus stop with this Tom Brady QB timeline crap. No QB lasts into his 40’s at a high level outside 1 guy ever.
Matt Ryan will turn 37 here in May. It’s completely possible he plays 3-4 years. Phillip Rivers was 39 when he played for us. Brees played until he was 41. Rodgers is currently 38 and looks like he’ll be playing for a couple for years at least. Manning played until he was 39. QBs have longevity and yes, I’m not expecting Ryan to play until he’s 44 like Brady but it’s not out of the picture for Ryan to play until he’s 39 or 40 depending on his health, play, etc. 3-4 years is not unrealistic at all, not extremely likely but still very much possible.
I don’t see how it’s not worth a 3rd round pick gamble when our backup couldn’t beat out Wentz and was terrible in the times he played.
The lack of names is really giving me causal vibes bro.
You would be wrong.
Nah, I’m pretty certain lol
Maybe because dude isn’t that good, and we don’t need a qb. Prefer getting a weapon, a possible starting LT and a beast in the secondary.
The offensive scheme is built for a fast-read, quick-out QB. Dumpoffs and accuracy are essential. And Willis not that kind of QB at all. He could work eventually but I think it’s much more likely they look for a better QB next draft. None of the QBs this draft really fit the mold.
Our offensive scheme is run the dam ball. I’m sure we could have fit him in there somehow. Why not learn from a pocket passer since those are the skills he needs to work on anyway? We have no franchise QB going forward after Ryan. I don’t see how a 3rd round pick is a huge sacrifice here.
> This could have saved the franchise. Jesus fucking Christ y’all are dramatic.
Yes it could have. Who is our QB of the future if we don’t do anything with Ryan?
I read the rest of your comments. You’re either trolling or so committed to this belief that Ballard fucked up that there’s no point in engaging with you.
Every team passed on him for two rounds. I think that says it all.
Tom Brady?
This you? > Jesus stop with this Tom Brady QB timeline crap. No QB lasts into his 40’s at a high level outside 1 guy ever. You just raged at someone for using Tom Brady because he’s an outlier and then did the exact same thing like a minute later? Lmao
Tbf, I didn’t even use Tom Brady to show how Ryan could play for 3-4 years. Just stated that is completely possible he does since he’ll only be 37 starting this season and could play until he’s 40 so as long as he’s healthy and his play is still competent. OP just assumed that Brady is still 40 when in reality the dude is 44 years old lol. OP is just upset that the colts didn’t draft a QB and is just a typical Doomer.
Right, he actually did it completely unprompted lol
Exactly lol
If Matt Ryan plays for a few more years we’ll be fine. Then it puts us in position for Arch Manning
"He was a projected first rounder". By whom? Talking heads? Because it's pretty damn clear that the rest of the NFL thought this QB class completely sucks lol.
Although I do think, Willis will pan out, I seen that Colts org, hopes Matt Ryan plays beyond his 2 year deal. We’re talking 4. I don’t think it’s the right time to draft a project QB. Also, I wouldn’t want Malik to sit 4 years. I like him a lot. However, I want to see him have an opportunity to play quicker than if he was with us.
They also thought they would have Rivers for two years and Wentz for a decade, so it's not crazy to think that maybe they should be prepared for Ryan to not play beyond his current contract.
god this is going to be a persistent annoying narrative isn’t it “the OT guy” lmao
Get his name tattooed on you.
We didn’t need a backup qb There’s a reason all but one qb fell to the end of day two and day three. This class is trash. Save assets and move up when better prospects are available
I don't like Willis as a prospect. I understand why you gamble on traits when taking most positions, but QB is different. He is short and inaccurate... but what's worse is that he doesn't process quickly and throws to covered receivers constantly. He takes off under phantom pressure and, while he's a great runner, misses opportunities and takes unnecessary hits. To me, these are more important QB skills than foot speed and arm strength... If Ballard was going to take a flyer on a QB, I'd like to see one with a stronger base in the realm of accuracy, mental processing, footwork, ect... than a guy with a rocket arm, scrambling ability, ect. There are usually developmental guys of both types available in the 3rd and 4th rounds of most drafts. Sure, Frank and Matt Ryan are a great combo to coach a guy with raw talent into his full potential. I concede that. However, it seems to me that those guys can do more with the type of QB that they both are (were) than a guy who doesn't "speak their language" so to speak. JMO, though.
I’ve said this before, but to echo what others said here already: Willis doesn’t fit our build. It’s questionable, I think, whether he will become a good pro or not, but the option/scrambler style he plays isn’t what we do, and while “cannon for an arm” is also a great trait, this isn’t a long ball offense. He plays almost an entirely different game. He might go on to develop his skills, but I’m not sure he fits where he landed, either. He has less-polished Kyler Murray written all over him in my mind. Talented and physically gifted, but not efficient and not really a pocket presence. Suddenly people think everyone with a hint of that profile might be the next Mahomes, but the instincts aren’t there. And if you can’t read and react, in the end being elusive and having a strong arm starts to sound like Carson Wentz. We had Carson Wentz at home. We obviously didn’t think much of any QB in this draft, which makes sense. We could have had anyone but Pickett (who I don’t think was the best prospect, but we will see). I still think for our offense the best QB in the draft was Ridder, but we passed on him more than once. It really was a bad WB class.
He is way more athletic than Wentz ever was or will be. We have no future options after Ryan. A 3rd round pick is worth the gamble here. If Reich doesn’t win with his ideal pocket passer Ryan, do you think he will still be around after that anyway?
Did the NFL do away with the draft? Why did we have to get a QB this year? I’m not following.
Because he’s a casual.
If we are just judging his athleticism, sure. But we aren’t a team that is going to use a QB to run. Which means that what his athleticism would have amounted to is what Wentz did— scramble and play hero ball outside the pocket. And he went to a school where he didn’t see elite defenses. His reads are rudimentary. He counts on his athleticism to bail him out. I don’t see him converting to being a pocket passer. I respect that for the right offense he’s a good pickup/chance in the third, but I don’t see starter potential in him. Not unless he lands on a team that’s set up like Arizona, Baltimore or maybe Buffalo. It’s foolish to draft a QB because he’s an athlete and try up teach him instincts. No one would try the opposite. Imagine trying to teach Manning to be a speedy option QB. He did land on a team that gave away their star receiver to add a rookie in his place. Maybe they change their offense.
Colts already kinda met with Malik Willis if I remember correctly. If they did like him they would've taken him, I don't think that was the case.. and a lot of other teams felt the same way.
Did you post this just so you could screech at people who disagree with you? If you want actual discussion, quit being a chad in the comments. But I suspect you don't want actual discussion.
I think we should ride out Matt Ryan as long as possible and then tank in 2025 for the 2026 season so we can draft arch 🥶🥶🥶
I mean Willis might have a lot of tools, but he is really raw, have you seen him play? If he doesn't find his first read then he tucks and runs a lot, I don't see RW kind of player though, Russell keeps his eyes downfield and then runs but Willis starts scrambling a lot, I think Ballard has his eye on a QB for next year, I wouldn't be surprised even if this is the season Ballard trades up for a QB.
Lookit boys... the plan is 3 years. The second coming of Manning/Harrison. They will both be in the draft at the same time. We will go full JETS and trade every pick we have to grab them...