Go behind the curtain for a glimpse of the process.
The media team for the Indianapolis Colts does some really good work. The videos they produce of game days, highlights, mic’d players, etc. is always top notch. Fans have come to expect a draft journey video, and this year’s didn’t disappoint. Seeing Chris Ballard and his team go through their processes and evaluations which culminated in the NFL draft is must see content. This year’s draft day special is finally out on places like YouTube.
What used to be branded as “With the Next Pick” now falls under the general umbrella of Colts content, “Behind the Colts”. Either way, the content and quality is the same. Fans were treated to the excitement the scouts and coaches had when Tyler Warren fell to them in the first round. Watching him break down tape and Warren seeming to be excited to join the Colts was fantastic watch. There was such a good feeling Warren would be a Colt that one scout made the bold prediction he would be heading to Indianapolis which is something he has only publicly done with Quenton Nelson.
Hearing the emotion in J.T. Tuimoloau and Jalen Travis’ voices as Ballard was reaching out to them is what this series is all about. Who can forget the emotion on display from Josh Downs a few short years ago. The Colts captured that perfectly and produced chills. Getting to see how determined Ballard was to get Justin Walley was interesting as well. He even made a comment that he was going to be in a bad mood if they didn’t get him. Luckily, the Colts did, and it sounds like Walley is going to bring some much needed physicality to the team.
Fans also got to see how much communication went into the QB out of Notre Dame. From Pro-Day to a sit down at the Combine, the Colts did their due diligence on Riley Leonard. Hey, the last time the Colts picked a “Leonard” things turned out pretty well. It doesn’t mean players like Leonard are going to make it with the Colts, but this series gets you pumped for every player. It allows fans see just a little bit more and root for them on another level.
That is the beauty of this series. It is always anticipated because it delivers a unique perspective and gets the fans into the middle of the draft action. It serves as a great cap to the draft and an excellent launching point going forward; energizing the fan base and gearing them up to want to see more from the rookies going forward. It will be another year before the next series, but if you haven’t seen this year’s already, check it out.