Under Chris Ballard, a player’s character has been critical in helping to shape the draft board. This is highlighted by the fact that former Green Beret Brian Decker is Director of Team/Player Development due to his unique talents in identifying players with the type of internal makeup it takes to be successful in high-pressure game situations and to thrive through the grueling, year-long training and rehabilitation process NFL player experience.
One player the Colts identified as an excellent fit in the 2019 NFL Draft was small school linebacker E.J. Speed out of Tarleton State. He checked off every physical mark Chris Ballard targets, in that he is a long and athletic linebacker with speed and range to play sideline to sideline.