COLTS SQUAD SHOW: Pass Rush PROS | Which Rookie Could Fill Indy's Edge Need Alongside Laiatu Latu?
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The Locked On Colts 'Colt Squad Show' dives deep into the Indianapolis Colts' pressing need for a pass rusher ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with host Derek Schultz and analysts Zach Hicks and Jake Arthur dissecting second-round prospects like Malachi Lawrence, Gabe Ackes, Zion Young, and Keldrick Falk. The episode critically examines Chris Ballard’s decade-long track record at drafting edge rushers, acknowledging his evolving approach—from hyper-athletic, projectable types like Quiddy Pay to more NFL-ready players like Laiatu Latu—but lamenting the lack of consistent results despite heavy investment. The discussion shifts to the broader strategic dilemma: should the Colts prioritize high-upside, high-ceiling prospects or safer, more immediately impactful players given their lack of a first-round pick and urgent need for starters at edge, linebacker, and wide receiver? The hosts debate the myth of 'depth' in the NFL, arguing that with only 53 roster spots, teams must prioritize starters over backups. The episode concludes with a caution against overreliance on national media leaks, emphasizing the value of local, insider knowledge and the unpredictability of the draft process.
The Colts need a starting-caliber edge rusher immediately, not just a developmental project, due to their lack of a first-round pick and urgent roster needs.
Chris Ballard has tried multiple approaches to drafting edge rushers over 10 years—projectable athletes, NFL-ready players, and high-impact college stars—but has yet to land a true franchise-defining pass rusher.
The draft class offers several viable second-round options, but none are perfect fits; the decision comes down to 'pick your flavor'—high upside vs. immediate readiness.
Building depth is a fallacy in the NFL; with only 53 roster spots, teams must prioritize starters over backups, especially when facing multiple starting-level holes.
The Colts’ draft strategy should be guided by the head coach’s scheme and immediate needs, not just general manager preferences, though Ballard has shown flexibility in recent years.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Colts' Edge Rusher Crisis: A 10-Year History
“It's just unfortunate that a lot of the misses have come at such a premium position.”
Second-Round Pass Rusher Options: High Upside vs. Immediate Impact
“You want to swing for that high upside pass rusher, but you have to defend the run nowadays, and you can't have liabilities at defensive end.”
The Myth of NFL Depth: Why Starters Matter More Than Backups
“You're not going to have that in NFL. So what you need are players in the NFL. And I think Jake, you hit it right on the head. You're looking for starters.”
The Draft Process: GM vs. Head Coach Influence
The hosts debate whether Chris Ballard should have final say on draft picks or if head coach Shane Steichen should have more input, especially given the importance of scheme fit and immediate impact.
The Reality of Draft Projections: All Players Are Guesses
The episode emphasizes that every draft pick is a projection—whether first overall or 256th—and that no player is guaranteed to succeed, making the draft inherently unpredictable.
“Chris Ballard would rather shoot one of his scouts in the head than let one of them leak information to anybody.”
“You want to swing for that high upside pass rusher, but you have to defend the run nowadays, and you can't have liabilities at defensive end.”
“You're not going to have that in NFL. So what you need are players in the NFL. And I think Jake, you hit it right on the head. You're looking for starters.”
Host
Guests
indianapolis colts
other
chris ballard
person
jake arthur
person
zach hicks
person
derek schultz
person
laiatu latu
person
locked on colts
media
alan pinkett
person
shane steichen
person
malachi lawrence
person
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