Locked On Colts

Thanks to all of the listeners for a great turnout with our second installment of the LOC mailbag! Ranging from Twitter to r/Colts, all of your questions are answered.Many were wondering about the pursuit of Gerald McCoy. Would you be willing to go above $11 million per year for a rotational piece? McCoy would be more so a luxury, but would make the Colts' defense even more formidable.How about the skill positions on both sides of the ball? We dive deep on the WR and DB groups, and how many Indianapolis may keep on the roster. Will the Colts only keep five WRs?Chris Ballard really hasn't made much missteps yet, but which ones stand out? The 2017 draft class featuring Zach Banner and Tarrell Basham takes the cake, but he replaced them with Braden Smith and Ben Banogu so he's doing alright.All of this, plus much more, are featured in Mailbag 2.0. Tune in to hear your questions answered! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode, we dive deep into Parris Campbell's career at Ohio State with Buckeyes beat writer Dan Hope.Campbell is blowing away Colts staffers during rookie minicamp and OTAs, but how did it go in Columbus? Hope answers all the questions surrounding the Colts' No. 59 overall pick, including his utilization within Urban Meyer's spread offense.Indianapolis' final second-round pick is garnering a lot of buzz not only locally, but nationally as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who were the shining stars from the most important eras of Indianapolis Colts football? It's time to settle that on today's episode with Stampede Blue's Zach Hicks as we discuss the top five players drafted during the Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck eras.Bill Polian is in the Hall of Fame for a reason, especially when you realize all the homegrown talent that succeeded long-term in Indianapolis. From Manning to a dynamic receiver and pass rush duo, the Colts were at the peak of their powers with all the firepower on both sides of the ball.During Luck's career with the Colts, it didn't start off well with elite talent surrounding him as Ryan Grigson fumbled away the first five or so years of his career before Chris Ballard saved the day. Outside of Luck and T.Y. Hilton, who makes the cut for best selections during this timeframe?Follow along with your own lists for both eras and leave them wherever you're listening at! This was definitely a fun episode to reminisce on the good old days. Learn more about your ad

If you want to learn everything about the Colts' top draft pick in Rock Ya-Sin, this is the episode for you as we continue our rookie 360 series. Presbyterian head coach Tommy Spangler joins to discuss Ya-Sin from all angles, including his recruitment and journey to the NFL.Ya-Sin was a state champion wrestler, but only played two years of football before ending up at Presbyterian. Spangler details Ya-Sin's journey and his rapid development with the Blue Hose football team over three years.How did Ya-Sin end up going from Presbyterian to Temple? If not for the Blue Hose going down a level, he likely stays and still gets drafted from this small school due to his rare talent.Colts GM Chris Ballard raved about Ya-Sin, and Spangler believes his mentality to be great on and off field personifies everything they are looking for in their players. After speaking with Spangler, the Ya-Sin selection makes even more sense than before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode we play a fun game of over/under for all the listeners out there. If you want to follow along, here are the topics with the number attached. Leave a review with your answers so we can talk about it on the next episode!Andrew Luck = 40.5 TDsMarlon Mack = 1000.5 rushing yardsParris Campbell = 850.5 scrimmage yardsEric Ebron = 9.5 TDsTY Hilton = 1200.1 receiving yardsDevin Funchess = 7.5 TDsJack Doyle = 65.5 receptionsColts O-Line = 15.5 sacks allowedDarius Leonard = 160.5 tacklesJustin Houston = 10.5 sacksMalik Hooker = 3.5 INTsColts Wins = 9.5Also, we ran through some quick prop bets on who we expect to make more starts and put up more numbers at various position battles. (Ex: Who finishes as the primary backup to Mack -- Spencer Ware or Nyheim Hines?)It's the offseason, so it's time to have some fun with the Colts! Tune in and make sure to follow along with your own personal over/under predictions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part II of our rookie 360 series drops as we hone in on TCU EDGE/LB Ben Banogu. During his tenure with the Horned Frogs, Banogu racked up 17 sacks in 27 games on his way to also destroying the NFL Scouting Combine with a unique speed and power blend.Brett Yarris, CEO of BiokinetiX Fitness, worked with Banogu during the pre-draft process refining his pass rushing techniques. Yarris tells you all you need to know about Banogu not only with his work ethic, but also his true genuine character.Within the Colts' defense, Banogu's trainer suggests he's someone who will be utilized all over. Whether it's moving to the EDGE on pass rushing downs or playing SAM linebacker, Indianapolis loves the versatility Banogu possesses.Drew Davison, TCU beat writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, stopped by during the second half of the episode to provide his perspective of Banogu. After watching him up-close at every game, what is Davison's main takeaways? Don't be surprised if Banogu is a perfect match in Matt Eberflus' scheme

Thanks to everyone for participating in this week's mailbag, which was our first one ever! You can participate over on Twitter @LockedOnColts.There were plenty of awesome questions thrown out about the Colts.- Which position battles are going to have the most competition? Hint: Ballard has built a monster, so a lot of spots.- How will the depth chart shake out at wide receiver?- Will the UDFA streak continue in Indianapolis?- Is Jalen Collins going to make the team?- What is an ideal comparison for Rock Ya-Sin?- Will Eric Ebron break Rob Gronkowski's record?All of this, plus much more, in this one where we answered around 15-20 questions. Tune in, and don't forget to send some tweets our way next time if you want in on Mailbag 2.0! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode, George Bremer of The Herald Bulletin stops by to dish out the latest Colts thoughts. Bremer, who's been the Colts beat writer spanning over two different regimes now, updates us on plenty of topics.- Rookie minicamp check-in: Parris Campbell is way bigger in-person than Bremer originally assumed + Rock Ya-Sin and Quincy Wilson will have a fun training camp battle for CB2.- What stands out the most covering the Ballard era Colts compared to the Grigson era Colts? Character stands out in that locker room.- How will the Colts maneuver 2020? Eric Ebron, Jack Doyle and Anthony Castonzo are the headliners who will be unrestricted free agents. Bremer says if you perform, Ballard will pay his own.- Can this offense be the best in the NFL? Absolutely.All of this, plus much more, with Bremer so don't miss out on this one! (Note: George called in and it sounds like from his car. If it's static at points on either end, that is why. Apologies.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com

In Part I of our Colts rookie 360 series, Michigan State's Khari Willis goes under the microscope. Willis was a two-year starter and captain for the Spartans at safety being used in a variety ways as a Swiss Army Knife of sorts. Willis racked up the numbers on the field, but also displayed amazing character traits off the field too.Wil Hunter of Locked On Spartans stopped by first to go in-depth on Willis' strengths along with how he fits in Indianapolis alongside Malik Hooker. What are some of the best moments from Willis' career in East Lansing? Wil has plenty that will make you excited for what he brings to the Colts' secondary.Then, Willis' B1G 10 Luncheon speech is played in full. This showed off the man Willis is off the field, one Chris Ballard and Co. obviously fell in love with trading up on the beginning of Day 3.Finally, we bring on two of Khari's brothers, Terrence (older) and Bobby (younger). This was an awesome chat with two of Willis' siblings about when they knew he would be a special player,

Following the 2019 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts look to be in a better position across the board with added playmakers on both sides. Alex and Jay from the Draft Indy podcast stopped by to collaborate on plenty of hot topics.Parris Campbell looks to be the most exciting prospect thus far. How should we expect Campbell to be utilized in Frank Reich's system? Jay, the one who spoke Campbell to Indianapolis into existence, is very high on his upside as are the rest of us.We also go over the trade back from No. 26 with Washington. Would we have played the board differently? Some intriguing names were still there, but Ballard looked to play the draft right as always.What other rookies should we expect to contribute from Day 1? No surprise, but every single selection from rounds 2-4 fall into that category.This was a really fun one, so make sure to tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2019 NFL Draft was filled with surprising and interesting storylines. Thor Nystrom runs through it all on today's episode while also diving into his biggest winners and losers. Hint: He believes the Arizona Cardinals made a mistake replacing Josh Rosen with Kyler Murray and believes the Miami Dolphins got a huge steal.Don't shoot the messenger here, but Thor was lower on the Indianapolis Colts' draft than most. He explains his reasoning while also going over why GM Chris Ballard has been so successful thus far.This was a very fun back-and-forth conversation all across the NFL with some Colts content sprinkled in throughout. Thor knows his stuff when it comes to college football over at Rotoworld with his big board going over 500 prospects deep. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you are a smart organization, winning tends to arrive quicker than expected. That's what happened last season with the Colts, and now they are planning to exceed expectations once more in 2019-20.Following another strong draft haul where depth was added across the board to a team returning 21/22 starters, grades are unanimously high for Indianapolis. Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) joined the show today to discuss the Colts' draft class even further while also explaining why they will be a force to be reckoned with.Rock Ya-Sin and Ben Banogu are great pieces into their defense while Parris Campbell has superstar upside to be more than what he showed scouts at Ohio State. Also, other selections were scattered throughout Forbes' top 100 big board.All of this talent leads to this question: Is Andrew Luck a top MVP candidate for next season? Absolutely. Forbes expects Luck to thrive with weapons like T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, Deon Cain, Eric Ebron, Jack Doyle, Marlon Mack and Campbell alongside him. Learn mo

Wow, what a haul from the Indianapolis Colts during the NFL Draft. Walking out of Nashville with Rock Ya-Sin, Ben Banogu, Parris Campbell, Bobby Okereke, Khari Willis, Marvell Tell III, and more speaks to the vision Chris Ballard has for this team long-term.Stampede Blue's Zach Hicks stopped by to go in-depth on their selections. Ya-Sin's wrestling background and physicality will make him a Day 1 starter, as will Banogu's rare blend of athletic traits for someone who is 250 pounds.Campbell was arguably the most exciting selection, though, because he has the highest 'star' upside. Pairing this dynamo of a receiver alongside T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, Deon Cain, Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle makes Indianapolis' offense even scarier. The 4.31 speed of Campbell will take the top off opposing defenses.All of the Colts' selections fit the qualities they covet: physicality, athleticism, leadership, and production on tape. All 10 provided glimpses of these skill sets, which could be refined even further with solid coac

The 2019 NFL Draft is finally upon us! In celebration, it's time to do our second and final mock draft!Running through picks 1-34 with predictions for trades. Trust me, it got pretty wild after the first few selections.From the Colts' perspective, the board ending up breaking in a realistic and maybe different direction than most anticipate. How did it end up shaking out for Indianapolis with their picks at 26 and 34? For some, it might have you doing backflips.This was a fun exercise to close out draft season. Stay tuned as we'll have live reaction pods minutes after selections are made from the Colts. Enjoy the draft! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are the Colts going to pull off a draft week stunner by acquiring 25-year-old EDGE rusher Frank Clark from Seattle? According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Colts and Chiefs are the top suitors for Clark.First off, is Clark worth the No. 26 pick? Matt and I analyze that before diving into Clark's profile on and off the field. With the Colts' cap space and a connection between Clark and Assistant GM Ed Dodds, Matt believes Indianapolis could have their best pass rush since the Freeney/Mathis days pairing him with Justin Houston.Being a former scout for Pittsburgh and Cleveland, I asked Matt about traits he looks for in prospects along with how to navigate through smokescreen season.Finally, we close things out with an AFC South whip around. The Colts are the heavy favorites, but how does Houston, Jacksonville and Tennessee currently stack up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our first returning guest to Locked On Colts as Kevin Bowen of 1070 The Fan stops by to analyze the 2019-20 schedule for the Indianapolis Colts, plus some draft quick hitters.This will be the first time the Colts have consecutive road games to open the season in a decade-plus. The season opener against the Chargers looms as one of the most important games.Primetime games on the road against the Chiefs, Texans and Saints have led many to ask why no love for Indianapolis in receiving a night game in their own building? Well, Kevin says why would the schedule makers want to have any of these games on primetime? And I agree with him when you realize there's a strong chance they go 8-0.What are the most underrated games to follow along with this year? Will the Colts finally win the AFC South for the first time since 2014? We answered all of those questions, and more, before going into the draft.Is Kevin's dream scenario at No. 26 an interior defensive lineman, and is that the same thought for Chris Ballard?Finally

You've heard about the hype surrounding Ole Miss' four offensive playmakers with three wide receivers (D.K. Metcalf, A.J. Brown and DaMarkus Lodge) and their tight end (Dawson Knox). Zach Berry of SB Nation's Red Cup Rebellion has watched every snap of these players, so we invited him on to discuss Metcalf, Brown, Lodge and Knox.Kicking things off with a discussion on Metcalf, who Mel Kiper Jr. has going to the Colts at No. 26 in his latest mock draft, Berry believes too many holes are being poked in his game. If he ends up with a coach like Frank Reich, he could be an All-Pro.Brown has all the swagger you need from a wideout with the production to back it up as well. If he's on the board at No. 34, don't be surprised if Brown ends up in Indianapolis..Lodge is being slept on, but is arguably the best scheme fit for the Colts. Likely to be selected on Day 3, Lodge could be a bargain for Indianapolis. Berry actually compared Lodge to T.Y. Hilton, and an ideal partner alongside him.Knox is a name at tight end wh

Playing off Daniel Jeremiah's scouting tool of 'Red-star players' used on NFL Network, I debut the Blue Star Prospects Colts fans should keep their eye on with arguably the most respected name in the draft business: Dane Brugler. Currently with The Athletic, Brugler just released his 2019 draft guide. Go get that if you haven't already with inside knowledge from a former NFL scout.Brugler and I hit on all the following position groups featuring Blue Stars while also answering listener questions on certain prospects: TE, RB, WR, iDL, CB/S.Closing things out, Brugler tells us an incredible Chris Ballard story showing how incredible of a person he is alone before mentioning what he expects Indianapolis to do on draft night.This is a must-listen show if you want to be prepared for the NFL draft next Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode of Locked On Colts, Travis Wingfield of Locked On Dolphins joins the show to run through a hot theory with some Colts fans right now: Should they seriously consider trading up in the draft from No. 26?Based off doing their intel with Rashan Gary recently in Ann Arbor -- and Florida State EDGE rusher Brian Burns saying on Chris Simms' podcast that the Colts are showing the most interest in him -- they are doing due diligence on prospects likely to go in the top 15.GM Chris Ballard also recently said on Adam Schefter's podcast they believe this class has depth, but the elite crop falls after the first 14 or so picks. With them positioned to make a Super Bowl run, is moving up the board for an impact defender in the cards?Before we went into that, we run through a quick mock draft alternating back-and-forth through the top portions 1-12. Also, are the Dolphins intentionally tanking games this year? Travis says yes, and they already have their eyes on Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.This was

On today's episode of Locked On Colts, Evan Silva of Rotoworld NFL stops by for a wide-ranging discussion on the why the Indianapolis Colts are on the fast track to long-term success.- 2018-19 season overview- Why Devin Funchess and Justin Houston will thrive in Indianapolis- The unreal turnaround of Andrew Luck and the Colts' offensive line- Who are some prospects who Colts fans should keep their eye on, plus should they trade up? Silva wants the draft to come to Indianapolis instead of being too aggressive- Is Chris Ballard and Frank Reich the best GM-Coach duo in the league?- Expectations for Colts in 2019-20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices