Indianapolis Colts General Manager Discusses NFL Draft

INDIANAPOLIS–The Indianapolis Colts are getting ready for the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday. Colts General Manager Chris Ballard spoke Monday about things he’s noticed regarding this year’s draft.

Ballard was asked about whether or not his staff tries to rehearse how the draft will go, but he says that’s always a hard thing to predict.

“We have a good idea. Our pro staff does a tremendous job knowing what needs are for each team in front of us and behind us. I mean, that’s what allows you to kind of navigate the board and when you move back or up or what you think you need to do. There’s a set of players that, a group of players that you have them stacked and ranked. Say, ‘Okay, we can move or we need to move up because this is the last really good player that we have ranked at this tier that we think is worth this value.’ I mean, all that comes into play on draft day. We have a good idea going in though,” said Ballard.

The Colts haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, so Ballard knows there’s pressure to win this year and with this draft, but he said he won’t put additional pressure on himself,”

“No. I’ll always do the right thing for the organization and the team. We need to win. But no, I’m not built that way,” said Ballard.

Ballard said he is also encouraged by the offseason work of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The draft is scheduled to be held at Lambeau Field and its adjacent Titletown District in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 24–26, 2025. The Tennessee Titans, who finished with the worst record in the 2024 season, hold the first overall pick.