Colts' GM Ballard: Team comfortable with Andrew Luck's recovery

The Indianapolis Colts surprised many when they accepted a move down the 2018 draft board in a trade that gave the third overall selection to the New York Jets in exchange for the sixth pick and three second-rounders over the next two years.

Related: Jets acquire No. 3 pick from Colts in blockbuster trade

According to Colts general manager Chris Ballard, the move should be a sign of the team's faith in Andrew Luck, given this year's draft is loaded at the quarterback position.

"We traded the third pick in the draft to move back to six," Ballard said Friday, according to Mike Wells of ESPN. "I think that said we're pretty confident in where he's at."

Luck hasn't played since the 2016 season due to a shoulder injury. While Luck hasn't yet resumed throwing NFL-sized footballs, he and the team are both confident in his progression ahead of the 2018 season.

"(We're) very comfortable (with) where he's at," Ballard said. "(He's) working on his strength part of it, throwing motion. But he's in a good spot, guys. I feel good where he's at, feel good about where he's going. (He just needs to) keep working and getting back to playing football. His health is our No. 1 priority."

The Jets are expected to be targeting one of Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson with the No. 3 pick in hopes of landing their quarterback of the future, but that's a role the Colts clearly feel the 28-year-old Luck can fill for many years to come once fully healthy.