Colts owner Jim Irsay gives quite the challenge to GM Chris Ballard ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft

Beat reporter Mike Chappell was able to catch up with Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on Friday.  And while the majority of the info shared from Chappell from this conversation was about the owner's health journey over the past couple of months, Irsay did chime in about the upcoming draft. "It's the start of a […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Nov 18, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) checks in as an eligible receiver during the NCAA football game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium.
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Beat reporter Mike Chappell was able to catch up with Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay on Friday. 

And while the majority of the info shared from Chappell from this conversation was about the owner's health journey over the past couple of months, Irsay did chime in about the upcoming draft.

"It's the start of a great year with AR back and Taylor set to go witha full mindset at training camp. If Chris can just figure out how to get Marvin Harrison Jr. here, we'll be set." – Colts Owner Jim Irsay 

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is projected to be the highest-drafted non-QB in the 2024 NFL Draft. And with the Colts slated at pick 15 in round one, that won't get the job done.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport named the Colts a team that could trade up for a WR, but it would take quite the swing for them to have a shot at Harrison Jr. They would likely have to trade into the top five, which would almost certainly cost them a future first and more. 

Harrison Jr. being the top prospect Irsay covets isn't all that surprising, with his father being Colts legend Marvin Harrison. Now, whether Irsay is just joking around with that comment is for you to decide.

Either way, this comment from Irsay makes me feel even better about my takeaways from Chris Ballard's media availability at the Scouting Combine. A big one is that I believe the Colts are targeting a top pass catcher with their first-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.