INDIANAPOLIS – The common denominators were impossible to ignore.
With his first three picks in the NFL Draft, Chris Ballard stayed in the Big Ten and went with experienced prospects.
- Round 1: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who started 31 of 56 games.
- Round 2: Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau, who started 42 of 55 games.
- Round 3: Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley, who started 42 of 49 games.
“It kind of worked out that way,” Ballard said as Day 2 of the NFL Draft wound down Friday night. “I wish I could say that was some master plan, but it just kind of worked out that way.
“The Big Ten, that’s really good football. I mean, you’ve got the national champion (Ohio State). You had Penn State playing in the playoffs. And Minnesota had a good football team.
“It just kind of worked out that way.”
There was a historical twist as the Indianapolis Colts added a versatile tight end, a disruptive edge rusher and a speedy corner with their first three picks.
It marked just the third time in franchise history they used their first three picks in the draft on Big Ten prospects, and the first since 2005.
In ’05, it was Iowa safety Bob Sanders (round 2), Ohio State tight end Ben Hartsock (round 3) and Purdue linebacker Gilbert Gardner (round 3).
The only other occasion was 1967 with Michigan State defensive end Bubba Smith (first overall pick), Michigan back Jim Detwiler (round 1), and Michigan defensive back Rick Volk (round 2).
The commonalities aside, Ballard is optimistic he added quality on Friday.
Tuimoloau’s resume includes 23.5 sacks, 43.5 tackles for loss, 12 passes defensed and two interceptions. He was a catalyst during the Buckeye’s championship run with 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
“There was a three-game stretch in the playoffs that he was excellent,’’ Ballard said. “Between Tennessee, Texas and Notre Dame he was outstanding.’’
The 6’4″, 264-pounder should help deflect the loss of Dayo Odeyingbo. Tuimoloau primarily played on the edge at Ohio State, but occasionally moved inside on third down.
“I felt really fortunate to get him. I think everybody would tell you that in our room,” Ballard said. “He’s got some unique qualities. He’s a really good athlete. He can bend. He knows how to rush. He’s got good length.
“We’re excited to get him.”
Walley lacks ideal size – 5’10”, 190 pounds – and is on the mend from a broken wrist. But his athleticism and upside were impossible to pass up.
Ballard noted Walley ran a 4.3 40 with a cast on his wrist.
“He’s freakin’ good. He is really good,” Ballard said. “He’s a 40-game starter in the Big Ten. He’s athletic. He’s fast. Hye can play outside and in(side). Gives us a lot of flexibility, plus he’s got top-flight football character.
“Speed, toughness, instincts, got good ball skills.”
Ballard expects Walley to participate at some level during the Colts’ offseason work and to be medically cleared for full work at training camp.
The Colts considered trading back in rounds 2-3 to amass additional picks, but resisted the urge.
“Yeah, it was a good night for us,’’ Ballard said. “Kind of stayed put. Had some chances to move back, but just kind of looking at the board and guys that were in that spot, we decided to just go ahead and stick and take ‘em.
“(They) fit everything we wanted in terms of character and history of play time and talent.”