Everybody knows Chris Ballard wants to select the Indianapolis Colts future franchise quarterback with his first 2020 draft pick.
Whether that means moving up in the order or hoping someone falls to the 13th slot.
With the 13th pick in the 2020 Big Blue Center Follower Mock Draft the Indianapolis Colts select
QB Jordan Love, Utah State@kevindcapps with the pick pic.twitter.com/ZDBoirIsAC
— The Big Blue Center (@BigBlueCenter18) March 13, 2020
Except we haven´t heard Ballard say any such a thing.
Plenty of draft day scenarios stand ready to sabotage the best-laid plans of many GMs.
There is no guarantee the Indianapolis Colts can outbid all the other teams trying to move up the board.
What happens if Ballard´s quarterback choice is already gone when the Colts go on the clock?
Will he reach for his second or third choice?
Indianapolis could change gears and secure a stud wide receiver.
If four quarterbacks are gone, one of the top-rated safeties could be available.
Or maybe, Ballard bolsters his favorite position group and walks away with a defensive lineman?
Someone like Javon Kinlaw, Derrick Brown, or… Neville Gallimore.
Isn´t That Neville Guy a Canadian Football Player?
Neville Gallimore graduated from a prep school in Ottowa, Canada.
But he received 30 offers to play football in the United States.
He was the first Canadian to play in the army-sponsored All American Bowl.
Gallimore chose to attend Oklahoma, fulfilling a dream to play Division I football.
Ottawa native Neville Gallimore aims to seize opportunity at NFL combinehttps://t.co/L2CaWCnIRi pic.twitter.com/W71Fu8aUNQ
— Marc Gagnon (@marcjgagnon1) March 4, 2020
Transitioning to the American game was not difficult.
By the end of his redshirt freshman year, Gallimore was contributing on gameday.
His skill-set and knowledge increased in subsequent seasons, culminating in a first-team All-Big-12 selection.
In 14 games, Gallimore had 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and forced 2 fumbles.
He made his presence felt in the Senior Bowl.
Gallimore was already expected to play in the NFL.
Then he had a very impressive combine performance.
Gallimore suddenly found himself mentioned with Brown and Kinlaw as first-round draft candidates.
How Impressive is Gallimore?
Despite carrying 302 pounds on his 6´2″ frame, Gallimore ran a 4.79-second 40-yard dash.
He followed that up with excellent times in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.
In the game films, Gallimore´s speed, quickness, and balance stand out.
Neville Gallimore’s speed and pursuit here are ridiculous. #Chargers #BrawlNetwork
— Jake Hefner (@JakeTHefner) March 9, 2020
He always had a high motor, but his hand skills improved dramatically in his senior year.
Playing mostly in gaps, he can bounce out of a closed opening to find another.
His 50 stops offer a sign of good leverage and instincts in finding the runner.
Gallimore is proud of his swim move, arm-under, and spin ability.
But he loves utilizing his bob-and-swat technique.
IDL Neville Gallimore, at the zero tech, is just too fast for the center on this play. He gets an explosive get-off on the snap and follows the initial contact with a deadly spin move through the A gap.
This 304-pound man moves with a sense of urgency; 4.79 at the combine. pic.twitter.com/zdPEMW3ytY
— Jason Truitt (@TruittJasonNFL) March 9, 2020
The Pride of Ottowa received his bachelor’s degree and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Relations.
He is smart enough to follow an NFL playbook and coachable enough to pick up its nuances.
Scouts say his versatility allows him to play in several spots along the defensive line.
But Gallimore is aware of his biggest deficiency.
He can be stood up if he meets a blocker straight on.
But his power and technique will only improve with NFL-level training and coaching.
Gallimore is motivated to learn and master his game.
He is a Ballard-type of player.
In What Scenario is Gallimore a Future Colt?
Indianapolis´defensive line was not a liability in 2019.
If the Colts don’t re-sign Jabaal Sheard or a free agent, a defensive end is more of a need.
But Ballard makes no secret of his feelings about interior defensive linemen.
Disrupting the middle of an offense is how he believes defenses win games.
Indianapolis did not generate a lot of sacks and pressures from inside last season.
Gallimore´s versatility and intelligence make him an easy sell.
But what about the quarterback and wide receivers?
NFL free-agent negotiations begin one week from today, and I am STILL not convinced the Colts are going to make a splashy QB move (in free agency, not the draft).
Carry on.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 9, 2020
Free agency might offer a clue to Ballard´s plans.
Signing a bridge veteran might indicate Ballard plans to select his future quarterback further down the draft.
Someone like Jacob Knipp, Jake Fromm, or FIU´s James Morgan doesn´t warrant first-round capital.
NFL’s official website predicts Colts to snag QB steal in third round of the NFL Draft: https://t.co/LkYfKIMDxp
— Indiana Sports Coverage (@IndyCoverage) March 8, 2020
Ballard is not likely to pick a wide receiver until later, especially with the depth available this season.
Gallimore projects as a late first-rounder.
Ballard could trade down a bit and still get his man.
Especially if Kinlaw and/or Brown are still on the board.
Ballard loves draft picks as much as interior defensive linemen.
And crazier things have happened.
NEXT: Colts Are Showing Interest In Boise State OL Ezra Cleveland