Chris Ballard quickly became one of the most respected and acknowledged GMs in the NFL. It took him less than 2 years to change an unhealthy environment and move an organization into the right path. Heck, they’ve already taken quite a few big forward steps on that path in 2018.
That’s not any surprise to anyone who knew Chris Ballard before he became the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts after the end of the 2016 season, and the departure of former GM, Ryan Grigson. He’d been with the Chiefs for 4 years, 2 as Director of Player Personnel, and after receiving a promotion 2 as Director of Football Operations. He had a huge part in building one of the most competitive roster in the National Football League, with players like Eric Fisher, Dee Ford, Marcus Peters, Chris Jones or Tyreek Hill.
Ballard never stopped watching tape and looking at players with the eyes of a scout. Which he was, in fact, a southeast regional scout for 12 years for the Chicago Bears. He found some gems during his time, and was part of a long-time successful organization. Just a quick look at his resume, some players he had part drafting for the Bears: Charles Tillman, Nathen Vasher, Matt Forte, Johnny Knox.
Obviously John Dorsey, who’s turning things around in Cleveland with the Browns now, was the GM at the Kansas City Chiefs, he had the final word for personal decisions. But based on every report I’ve read about Ballard and his first two years with the team I get the feeling that he had an important part in the decision making during those drafts he had with the Chiefs.
