Colts GM Chris Ballard comments on pair of defensive ‘Day 2’ picks

Colts general manager Chris Ballard didn’t have a ton to say, but did cover each of his latest two picks on Day 2.

After selecting prized Penn State tight end Tyler Warren in Round 1, the Indianapolis Colts got ‘defensive’ in Round 2, selecting Ohio State defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau (Pick #45) in Round 2 and Minnesota cornerback Justin Walley (Pick #80) in Round 3.

Under new veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Tuimoloau should help replace departed versatile defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo, while Walley provides subpackage depth on the outside and inside as a rotational defensive back and special teams depth.

Here’s what Colts general manager Chris Ballard had to say on the two newest Colts during his Friday night post-Day 2 of the NFL Draft press conference:

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JT Tuimoloau, DE Ohio State

“He’s more outside, but they kicked him inside on 3rd down at Ohio State,” said Ballard regarding his newest defensive lineman and his versatility. “I felt really fortunate to get him. I think everyone would tell you that in our (draft) room.”

“There was a 3-game stretch in the playoffs that he was excellent. I think he ended up having like 6.5 sacks between Tennessee, Texas, and Notre Dame, where he was outstanding.”

“He’s got some unique qualities. He’s a big guy. He’s a really good athlete. He can bend. He knows how to rush. He’s got good length. Now we’re excited to get him.”

“[He’s] kind of like (Laiatu) Latu [was] a year ago. He’s got a little more power than Latu had, but when they come into our league, there’s still a developmental curve. I mean there just is, but he’s got a good foundation to sure move forward with.”

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Justin Walley, CB Minnesota

“He’s freaking good,” said Ballard on the Colts’ somewhat surprising 3rd round selection. “He is really good.”

“Let me tell you this. He’s got a wrist (injury) right now. He broke his wrist. So in a time, when people don’t want to work out. I mean we have guys ducking it. He does everything with a (broken) wrist and runs 4.37 with a cast on his wrist. He does everything. He does every drill, and it shows up on tape.”

“You’re talking about a forty game starter in the Big Ten. The USC game is what did it for me. Like at the end of the USC game, he made some game winning stops in coverage.”

“He’s athletic. He’s fast. He can play outside and in. Gives us a lot of flexibility. Plus, he’s got top flight football character. So he was a really good fit for us.”

“Speed. Toughness. Instincts. He’s got good ball skills.”

“I mean I think he’s a really good football player.”

“I don’t care wherever everyone thinks they’re going to go. I don’t. We grade ‘em, and we take ‘em. We think he has a really good chance to be a starting corner in this league.”