The NFL Draft has evolved into a must-watch event, but even the league's biggest fans know it can drag on. This year, the league took a major step to speed things up—and Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is all for it.

For the first time in 2025, the first-round clock was shortened from 10 minutes per pick to just eight. The result? A faster, more electric night that kept viewers glued to their screens without the usual mid-round lulls. Ballard, appearing on "The Rich Eisen Show," didn't hold back his enthusiasm—even though the Colts didn't have a first-round pick this year.

"Yes, it was great, because we were not there 'til midnight," Ballard said. "I mean, we can get it done. We know what we're gonna do. Teams know what they're gonna do. And if we're gonna make a trade, there's been enough talk beforehand, and when we get on the clock, we can get it done."

But Ballard didn't stop there. He's pushing for an even faster pace, suggesting the NFL trim the first-round clock down to just five minutes per pick.

"I'm all for cutting it to five if we can do it," Ballard said. "I'm alright with it."

For context, the draft wasn't always this streamlined. What began as a multi-day marathon in the 1990s eventually shifted to its current Thursday-through-Saturday format. The first round once allowed teams a leisurely 15 minutes to make their selection, which was slashed to 10 minutes in 2008. This year's eight-minute limit is the latest step in a long push to keep the action moving.

Ballard's point is solid: with the explosion of game film, scouting reports, and mock drafts available year-round, most teams know exactly who they want well before their name is called. Trades, too, are often discussed for days in advance. So why wait?

For fans, a faster first round means more picks, more drama, and fewer commercial breaks in prime time. For teams, it means less stress and more efficiency. And for the Colts' GM, it means getting home before midnight—something every football fan can appreciate.