Build-A-Ballard: Who the Colts may target at wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft
Which wide receivers in the 2021 draft fit Ballard’s preferred mold?
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
One of my favorite and most successful series with Stampede Blue is back for another run in 2021. Yes, it’s the return of the Build-A-Ballard series where we look at common themes and traits in past Chris Ballard draft picks and see which players for the upcoming NFL Draft fit the mold for the Colts.
The goal is to use Ballard’s time in Kansas City (where he was the the Director of Player Personnel or Director of Football Operations from 2013 to 2016) and his time in Indy to figure out who he may covet come draft time.
2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Josh Imatorbhebhe, WR, Illinois
Could Imatorbhebhe fit in the Colts’ offense?
Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A fan-favorite series is coming back to the site as it is officially prospect interview season. For anybody new to the site or for people who need a reminder, every draft season I sit down with prospects that are going to be in the upcoming NFL Draft to talk with them about their off-field accomplishments and some film aspects on the field. While I don’t always talk to star players, I have been able to talk to a few players who eventually ended up with the Colts such as Khari Willis, Marvell Tell III, and Rock Ya-Sin.
Q&A With Josh Imatorbhebhe: Favorite CFB Moments, Illinois’ Coaching Change, NFL Expectations
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 09: Josh Imatorbhebhe #9 of the Illinois Fighting Illini catches a fourth quarter fourth down pass to keep the drive alive between Xavier Henderson #3 and Shakur Brown #29 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 09, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Illinois Fighting Illini won the game 37-34. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
While there’s plenty of praise going around to wide receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and DeVonta Smith, NFL scouts should have Illinois wideout Josh Imatorbhebhe on their radar.
Imatorbhebhe is an exceptional athlete, and although the Fighting Illini didn’t have a high-flying offense, he still managed to make plays in his two seasons with the program.