Colts Bluezone Podcast

It's finally draft week! Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including updates on some receivers rumored to be available via trade. The gang then discusses general manager Chris Ballard's draft history (6:53) and ranks his five draft classes from best to worst (15:13). They then take a look at who national draft analysts have the Colts taking in round 2 (24:25). Next, each member of the trio does a full Colts mock draft and discusses their picks (34:11). The show concludes with bold draft predictions (1:02:00).

We are just one week away from the NFL Draft! Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news before discussing the possibility of Indianapolis trading for star receiver Deebo Samuel (4:28). The fellas then talk takeaways from what Frank Reich and players had to say during their recent media availability (15:56). Finally, the gang wraps up their positional draft primer series by breaking down quarterback (26:58) and tight end (53:13) prospects the Colts could target.

The Colts have agreed to a deal with cornerback Stephon Gilmore, adding a former Defensive Player of the Year to an already impressive defense. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins got together for an emergency podcast to discuss Gilmore and what his addition means for Indianapolis.

Wide receiver is the Colts' biggest area of need as we approach the NFL Draft. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including a significant free agent coming to Indianapolis. The gang then discusses the Colts' interest in drafting a quarterback as the team will reportedly visit with two of the top QB prospects this week (13:37). The fellas then debate Purdue receiver David Bell, who recently attended Indy's local pro day (24:19). Finally, the trio breaks down WR prospects the Colts could target in rounds 2 and 3 of the draft (34:18).

Have the Colts gotten better this offseason, and if so, how much better? Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including a couple significant retirements and more former Colts leaving for new teams. The duo then grades the Colts' offseason thus far (14:42) and explores how Indianapolis should address remaining issues. The fellas kick around the idea of trading for a veteran wide receiver (29:23) and discuss Indy's salary cap strategy/patience in free agency (36:23). Finally, Chappell and Hopkins conclude the show by breaking down this year's offensive tackle draft class and highlight tackle prospects who make sense for Indianapolis (42:42).

Colts owner Jim Irsay had some telling comments this week at the annual NFL owners' meeting. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including some rule changes and a Colts great being added to the Ring of Honor. The fellas then dive into Irsay's comments (15:24), which centered around Carson Wentz, team chemistry and more. Next the trio discusses Indy's approach to free agency and which players the team could target (30:04). To wrap things up, the gang breaks down a few cornerback prospects the Colts could draft in the second or third round.

The Colts have their quarterback. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by breaking down the Matt Ryan trade and what to expect from the veteran quarterback. The duo then gives their thoughts on the Deshaun Watson trade (20:28), which in turn sparks another tangent on Ryan (26:01). The fellas also discuss the Colts' salary cap situation (35:07) and where Indianapolis goes from here with several quality free agents still available (39:03).

The NFL free agency period is officially open, and with it comes non-stop news. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by discussing the moves Indianapolis made Monday and Tuesday. The duo was then in the middle of commenting on the Jaguars' spending spree (12:45) when news broke of the Colts landing DE Yannick Ngakoue in a trade with the Raiders. Mike and Joe give instant reaction on the trade (16:02) and continue to provide updates throughout the show as details trickle in. The fellas then break down the current QB market as Indy continues to search for its next signal caller (19:31) and discuss the best players still available at the Colts' positions of need (37:33).

After just one season, the Colts have agreed to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to Washington. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffith and Joe Hopkins jump right in by breaking down the trade from all angles and discussing possible replacements. The gang also gives their thoughts on Jack Doyle's retirement (41:13), reports that Eric Fisher will test free agency (46:03) and news regarding recent franchise tags and contract extensions for would-be free agents (50:24).

The NFL Combine is upon us! Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including several coaching hires for Indianapolis. The gang then dives into what Chris Ballard and Frank Reich had to say at the Combine (9:30) and highlights some second round draft prospects to keep an eye on (23:29). The fellas also break down the state of the Colts' defensive backfield and examine which free agent cornerbacks Indy may bring in (54:26).

The Colts have six offensive linemen set to hit free agency, including starting left tackle Eric Fisher and guard Mark Glowinski. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week. The gang then provides an update on next week's NFL Combine (7:28) and breaks down Indy's options along the offensive line (19:20) as the Colts decide between re-signing their guys or addressing the positions externally.

Rumors are swirling that the Colts could move on from Carson Wentz after one season in Indianapolis. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show by giving their thoughts on the Super Bowl. The gang then discusses the ongoing turnover within the Colts' coaching staff (6:22), reacts to Reggie Wayne being passed over for Hall of Fame honors (8:52) and dives deep into the drama regarding Wentz and Indianapolis (16:18), including the Colts' options should they part ways with the quarterback.

Whether at wide receiver or tight end (or both), the Colts need more pass-catching weapons. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with some Super Bowl talk and compare the Rams' and Bengals' team-building process to Indy's. The trio then discusses Gus Bradley and other coaching hires in the AFC South (13:24), makes their picks for NFL Honors (20:19) and examines which WRs and TEs the Colts could target in free agency (32:09).

We begin our offseason positional breakdown series by taking a look at how the Colts can make improvements at defensive end, an area that was lacking in 2021. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins kick off the show with news around the league, including the retirement of longtime Colts rival Tom Brady, Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL (8:41) and Washington's new team name (17:32). The gang then highlights prospects to keep tabs on at the Senior Bowl (21:26), discusses Indy's search for a new defensive coordinator (27:46) and examines how the Colts might upgrade defensive end through free agency and/or the draft (37:28).

The Colts have a long list of players with expiring contracts. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including some interesting messages from owner Jim Irsay and the firing of a Colts position coach. The gang then discusses 25 Colts who are set to become free agents (35:38) and debates whether Indianapolis should re-sign them or let them walk.

Before fully shifting into offseason mode, the Blue Zone crew looks back on the wild year that was. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including several members of the Colts' staff interviewing for positions elsewhere. The trio then recaps the 2021 season (16:57) and discusses the strong comments general manager Chris Ballard made during a recent press conference (38:06).

Gather 'round listeners. What happened Sunday in Jacksonville was traumatic, but to move forward we must address the past. Joe Hopkins and Mike Chappell briefly recap the Colts' season-ending loss to the Jaguars before giving their reaction (10:46) to one of the worst losses in franchise history. Bless you for listening.

To make the playoffs, the Colts need a win in Jacksonville, a place where Indianapolis hasn't won since 2014. Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including more COVID updates for the Colts. The fellas then preview Sunday's matchup by discussing injuries (15:16), breaking down this Jaguars team (20:48), detailing keys to the game (44:52) and making predictions (54:56).

With a playoff spot there for the taking, the Colts couldn't get it done against the Raiders. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by recapping the game. The duo then discusses takeaways (18:35) and breaks down the AFC playoff picture (35:08) with just one week left in the season!

The Colts can secure a playoff spot with a win over the Raiders. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with some major news surrounding the NFL's COVID rules and what it means for the players on Indy's ever-evolving COVID list. Chappell then speaks on Ryan Kelly's return to football (16:43). Finally, the gang previews the Colts' matchup with the Raiders by discussing injuries (22:00), breaking down this Las Vegas team (26:31), detailing keys to the game (39:51) and making predictions (45:54).