Why Jacksonville Jaguars must pursue Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds

Edd Dodds’ success should get the Jacksonville Jaguars’ attention.

Before the Colts hired Chris Ballard to be their general manager early in 2017, the organization had a hard time finding playmakers. After that year’s draft, Ballard made the decision to bring in Edd Dodds. At the time, he was part of the Seattle Seahawks’ front office and was unsure whether he should stay in Seattle or move to Indianapolis.

In the end, Dodds joined Ballard’s staff in 2017. The following year, the team drafted guard Quentin Nelson in the first round and All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard in the second. However, they weren’t the only impact players ‘Indy’ took in 2018’s Player Selection Meeting. They also chose linebacker Kemoko Turay, defensive Tyquan Lewi. Last year was no different and they took safety Khari Willis. All of them are still with the team and core players on their defense.

The Colts drafted well once again in 2020 and added wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr, running back Johnathan Taylor, and safety Julian Blackmon. Indianapolis’ current 10-4 record is due in part to Ballard and Dodds infusing their roster with difference-makers.

Ballard has no problem acknowledging Dodds has had a big role in the team’s roster-building, as the former credits the latter with targeting defensive end Denico Autry in free agency and claiming undrafted free agent Kenny More. Moreover, other teams have taken notice too. Earlier this year, the Colts granted the Cleveland Browns permission to interview their assistant general manager. However, he declined, as he felt there he had unfinished business in ‘Indy’.