A decade later and Ballard’s Colts are still chasing their white whale
Maybe this is the year Ballard and the Colts finally get their man.
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images “Thar she blows” or maybe, “Thar she doesn’t blow” is more appropriate when describing the odyssey Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts have been on trying to find a truly impactful defensive end. Just like Captain Ahab, Ballard has been on the hunt.
I’m not sure an edge rusher took his leg but the obsession to find his DE has persisted for 10 years. This saga might just add another chapter in 2026. The Colts might draft a receiver with their first pick in the second round.
Ballard’s track record has been solid in that department. A linebacker would be nice as well, but Ballard might not be able to resist selecting another DE. Like a siren drawing him onto the rocks, they sing.
Tie him to the mast, it doesn’t matter. He will steer straight towards them and crash into the rocks. Each rock has a name: Tarell Basham, Tyquan Lewis, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, etc.