Colts Feeling The Love After Trade With Jets

INDIANAPOLIS — Both sides got exactly what they wanted.

The New York Jets badly wanted to move into the top-three picks in April’s NFL Draft, quite possibly to draft their quarterback of the future

The Indianapolis Colts, already with plenty of talent at the quarterback position, badly wanted to stockpile more quality, early-round picks in the upcoming draft.

So on Saturday, after a few days of discussions, the two teams worked out a huge trade: the Jets would acquire the Colts’ No. 3-overall pick this year; Indy acquired New York’s No. 6-overall pick, its two second-round selections this year (37th and 49th overall) as well as its second-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft.

After sitting on the sidelines for the most part during this week’s start of free agency — outside of acquiring defensive end — Ballard on Saturday showed exactly how he plans on staying true to his ultimate goal of building the roster through the draft.

So what was the immediate reaction to this huge trade news? Let’s check in with Twitter:

Chris Ballard, we are sorry for ever doubting you.

Colts pull off HUGE trade ahead of the draft ⤵️https://t.co/wd9m2V7AkW pic.twitter.com/GbLLdSaPIM
— 1070 The Fan (@1070thefan) March 17, 2018

As I've mentioned before, Chris Ballard committed to building Colts roster same way Bill Polian did. Draft. Develop. Re-sign. Free agency is a last resort.
Of course, that means Ballard must hit on his draft picks, especially in rounds 1-3.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) March 17, 2018

It’s very apparent that #Colts are building this roster exaclty the opposite of how they built it from 2013-2015. And that’s what Chris Ballard sold Jim Irsay on when he interviewed. Patience will pay off, they believe.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 17, 2018

By the way this is also a GREAT trade for Chris Ballard and the Colts.... I still think at 6 they can get Chubb or Nelson... QBs will be flyin off the board.
— Rudy Carpenter (@rudygcarp12) March 17, 2018

Chris Ballard is balling out #colts #jets https://t.co/siW4N7pUUy
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 17, 2018

I LOVE that move by Chris Ballard. Wow. There was risk of moving back too far in a trade. He threaded the needle well. Colts have tons of options now with that capital.
— Collin McCollough (@cmccollo) March 17, 2018

Colts will probably end up with Chubb or Nelson at number 6. The QBs will fly off the board. Great trade by Ballard!
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 17, 2018

What a difference 24 hrs makes. Colts GM Chris Ballard was getting roasted yesterday for sticking to what he said he was going to do all along. Now he’s highly praised for pulling off a hell of a trade.
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 17, 2018

Not to fly my own freak flag, but I told you all month the @Colts would trade down with the Jets. Great move. Ballard getting it done!
— Kent Sterling (@KentSterling) March 17, 2018

What a tremendous deal for the Colts though who don't need to draft a QB. They got a ton from the Jets just to move 3 picks.
— Jake Brown (@JakeBrownRadio) March 17, 2018

A win-win? With the No. 3 overall pick, the @nyjets are all in for a quarterback, but @Colts fans aren’t complaining. https://t.co/YNWeyXoVr2
— Twitter Moments (@TwitterMoments) March 17, 2018

Jets trading up to 3 to take QB helps Browns. Browns need Darnold at #1 and then best player left at 4. And oh by the way, Colts won that trade. With healthy Luck, they could build real contender with all those picks. @wkyc
— John Anderson (@johnWKYC) March 17, 2018

Brilliant move by #Colts who need lots of incoming talent. That’s a haul and a half for #Jets to pay to move up 3 spots. https://t.co/09m7DhUWtG
— PCreight (@PCreighton1) March 17, 2018

And it should be noted that the Colts feel like they got two foundation pieces atop the draft last year, in S Malik Hooker and CB Quincy Wilson. https://t.co/QL3ulhxq0n
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 17, 2018

It’s a ridiculous haul for Colts. Three second-rounders to drop from 3 to 6 means four potential starters instead of one. Has nothing to do with Bucs ... https://t.co/PhYCDQUwqG
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 17, 2018

Colts will now draft four starters on day one w all thier picks. Solved several holes. Regardless of who they get at six. Many great players.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) March 17, 2018