The Indianapolis Colts used several of their 2019 NFL Draft selections to add depth to the linebacker room. One of those selections was Tarleton State product E.J. Speed.
Though it was a bit of a surprising pick, the Colts vetted Speed heavily both with his on-field production as well as his past issues off the field. When considering everything, general manager Chris Ballard sees a lot of potential for Speed working in the Colts defense.
“He had an unbelievable workout. We started studying him more and we just see a guy that’s got really big upside as an inside backer. We think he can play WILL, MIKE or SAM,” Ballard said following the draft.
Speed’s pro day numbers show he is an incredible athlete and does have upside to work in the middle of a defense that emphasizes speed and athleticism.
Along with Speed being mostly unknown to the public, there is the issue of the prospect being arrested for two counts of organized criminal activity. Ballard said they feel comfortable with the research done to get to the bottom of the issue or else he wouldn’t have been on the board.
“Kids make mistakes. They make mistakes. That doesn’t mean that they’re back kids. It doesn’t mean that they’re bad people,” Ballard said. “Kids make mistakes. He made a mistake. The people he was hanging around – we did our work.”
Speed has some very intriguing measurables that can allow him to compete for a role on the defensive side of the ball while also working on special teams early in his career.
Where he fits in the defense remains to be seen, but the Colts are very intrigued with his upside.
