“Thar she blows” or maybe, “Thar she doesn’t blow” is more appropriate when describing the odyssey Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts have been on trying to find a truly impactful defensive end. Just like Captain Ahab, Ballard has been on the hunt. I’m not sure an edge rusher took his leg but the obsession to find his DE has persisted for 10 years. This saga might just add another chapter in 2026.
The Colts might draft a receiver with their first pick in the second round. Ballard’s track record
has been solid in that department. A linebacker would be nice as well, but Ballard might not be able to resist selecting another DE. Like a siren drawing him onto the rocks, they sing. Tie him to the mast, it doesn’t matter. He will steer straight towards them and crash into the rocks.
Each rock has a name: Tarell Basham, Tyquan Lewis, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, etc. The list goes on, and while each player might not have been a total bust, they fall well below the hope and expectation that a premium pick holds. Laiatu Latu is the last siren song. While he doesn’t appear to be a capsizing rock, he probably won’t be the long sought after white whale either. The need is still present as the hole hasn’t been filled. Ballard might just take one more swing at it while he has the opportunity.
I mixed two different stories, but the story for the Colts over the last decade has been the same; use a premium pick on a pass rusher only to watch them flounder. The hope is that Latu will buck the trend and prove to be worth his selection. As a top pick, a giant, Cyclops- type leap will be needed, but there is still time. Will Chris Ballard follow the lure again and select a defensive end? If so, he better hope it doesn’t turn out to be a rock because it will be the last time he crashes with the Colts.
