Colts select Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida (Merge)

[masterlock]

1 hour ago, James said:

Great pick by Ballard.

 

Good situation for Mack to learn from Frank.

Judging from his highlight reel, it looks like he already knows enough to be dangerous.

 

[krunk]

With the addition of Marlon Mack I'm hoping the stretch play comes back to Indy. I miss the good ole days. The Peyton Edgerrin stretch play was always a staple of our offense. Hope to see it come back with Luck and Mack.

[ricker182]

4 minutes ago, krunk said:

With the addition of Marlon Mack I'm hoping the stretch play comes back to Indy. I miss the good ole days. The Peyton Edgerrin stretch play was always a staple of our offense. Hope to see it come back with Luck and Mack.

That requires a good, athletic OLine.

[KB]

Since he's gonna be rb3 I wonder if he will return some kicks. 

[oldunclemark]

2 hours ago, BlueShoe said:

5'11" 213

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/marlon-mack?id=2558123

 

Lot of happy Colts fans right now.

My favorite pick so far

[oldunclemark]

1 hour ago, masterlock said:

Judging from his highlight reel, it looks like he already knows enough to be dangerous.

 

except for the low rent rap music, this is very impressive

[dodsworth]

Looks like he has good vision and uses

the stiff arm well.

[Stephen]

4 hours ago, ricker182 said:

He dances in the backfield WAY too much.  

  

He can only be used as an outside runner or receiving back (if he can catch).  

  

Still need a guy that can pound it between the tackles to replace Gore whenever he's gone.

He will get better. His first year starting he had 5 fumbles with two lost. The second year he had 3 with none lost. If we can cut it down more and help him improve technique should be a steal

[rock8591]

Good pick, you get an explosive player with big play ability versus another Josh Robinson.

 

Size is not an issue, no different than Melvin Gordon or Lesean McCoy.

[BPindy]

5 hours ago, masterlock said:

Judging from his highlight reel, it looks like he already knows enough to be dangerous.

 

That man knows how to juke. Wow

[RockThatBlue]

It'll be nice to have a home run threat again. We haven't had a home run threat since Donald Brown, and even he wasn't really a home run threat, but he had long runs time to time.

[our_dbs_rock]

From the highlight reel, it looks this guy does not know how to secure the ball.  I hope that is not the norm for him, or it's likely he will fumble all the time.

[BOTT]

56 minutes ago, our_dbs_rock said:

From the highlight reel, it looks this guy does not know how to secure the ball.  I hope that is not the norm for him, or it's likely he will fumble all the time.

Well,  at least his problem is obvious and fixable.  Some guys secure it properly and still have fumble-itus.

[NewColtsFan]

10 hours ago, ricker182 said:

He dances in the backfield WAY too much.  

  

He can only be used as an outside runner or receiving back (if he can catch).  

  

Still need a guy that can pound it between the tackles to replace Gore whenever he's gone.

 

That guy will come in next year's draft....    likely in the 4th round.

 

 

[BlueCollarColts]

1 hour ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

That guy will come in next year's draft....    likely in the 4th round.

 

 

Wouldn't surprise me if Mack takes over for Gore and Turbin is the short yardage back. I'm really high on Mack and I can absolutely see him being a 3 down guy.

[SkyBane]

4 minutes ago, BlueCollarColts said:

Wouldn't surprise me if Mack takes over for Gore and Turbin is the short yardage back. I'm really high on Mack and I can absolutely see him being a 3 down guy.

I don't think he's good enough in the power game to be a 3 down back. Which is fine, most RB positions are done by committee these days with specialists. Let's not go crazy with expectations on a late 4th round running back. 

[BlueCollarColts]

13 minutes ago, SkyBane said:

I don't think he's good enough in the power game to be a 3 down back. Which is fine, most RB positions are done by committee these days with specialists. Let's not go crazy with expectations on a late 4th round running back. 

One of the top rookie running backs in the league last year (Jordan Howard) was a fifth rounder. Draft position doesn't tell the whole story, and that holds true at running back moreso than any other position. 

 

We can can talk about the power running game all we want, but Mack has the size to be capable in that regard. He's 6'0 205, it's not like this guy can only bounce it outside.

[cbear]

Another wow!  This kid can do everything.  He can catch.  He can also pick up the tough yards.  Watch his game tape (not just highlight tape).  A lot if his big runs are between the tackles, despite what his "weakness" listings say.  Same with the criticism of dancing behind the line.  I watched about 5 games of his and saw that happen maybe 3-4 times.  I think he's going to be something. 

[SP_21]

I love his patience behind the line of scrimmage. He will wait for a hole to develop then plant his foot and get up field. I think his inside vision is outstanding.  

[krunk]

Going to need to hit the weight room, which I'm sure their already working on. Marlon and Kareem Hunt were the most talented of those later round backs. Kid is a home run hitter and a weapon in the passing game. Will need work with pass protection.

[pgt_rob]

His tape is impressive but we see it all the time. Can they do it in the pro's? Who knows if he will see much playing time with Turbin and Gore in front of him.

[Hoose]

10 hours ago, our_dbs_rock said:

From the highlight reel, it looks this guy does not know how to secure the ball.  I hope that is not the norm for him, or it's likely he will fumble all the time.

That was the knock on him coming into the draft. Serious talent but puts the ball on the turf too often. To me, that is the key to this guy's success; can they teach him how to protect the ball? You know, what they taught Tiki Barber; he overcame fumbleitis by learning the 3 points rule: point of ball into point where armpit meets chest into crook of elbow. 

[Coltsman1788]

Mack just doesn't do it for me.  I know a lot of Colts fans really like him.  I see his speed and home run ability.  But for me I don't think he is big enough to sustain the pounding of the NFL over time.  Not a real threat running between the tackles.  Can be neutralized by elite defenses as he was when facing Florida State earlier this year.  I don't see him as the heir apparent to Gore but more of a change of pace back.  Assuming the Josh Ferguson role if you will but hopefully more effective at it.  We will still likely be in the market to find a Gore replacement next off season.  With the potential talent at RB available in this year's draft I'm kinda bummed this was the best guy we could get.  It is what it is.  I really liked our draft overall though.  Can't fix everything in one off season.

[CR91]

so how long til we start saying "the mack is on the attack"

[BOTT]

1 hour ago, Coltsman1788 said:

Mack just doesn't do it for me.  I know a lot of Colts fans really like him.  I see his speed and home run ability.  But for me I don't think he is big enough to sustain the pounding of the NFL over time.  Not a real threat running between the tackles.  Can be neutralized by elite defenses as he was when facing Florida State earlier this year.  I don't see him as the heir apparent to Gore but more of a change of pace back.  Assuming the Josh Ferguson role if you will but hopefully more effective at it.  We will still likely be in the market to find a Gore replacement next off season.  With the potential talent at RB available in this year's draft I'm kinda bummed this was the best guy we could get.  It is what it is.  I really liked our draft overall though.  Can't fix everything in one off season.

 

Of course he was neutralized by FSU....he plays for South Florida.

[krunk]

1 hour ago, Coltsman1788 said:

Mack just doesn't do it for me.  I know a lot of Colts fans really like him.  I see his speed and home run ability.  But for me I don't think he is big enough to sustain the pounding of the NFL over time.  Not a real threat running between the tackles.  Can be neutralized by elite defenses as he was when facing Florida State earlier this year.  I don't see him as the heir apparent to Gore but more of a change of pace back.  Assuming the Josh Ferguson role if you will but hopefully more effective at it.  We will still likely be in the market to find a Gore replacement next off season.  With the potential talent at RB available in this year's draft I'm kinda bummed this was the best guy we could get.  It is what it is.  I really liked our draft overall though.  Can't fix everything in one off season.

I see you playing into the Florida State thing like Mack was the only back in the country to get stopped by a good defense. Fournette who is much better got stuffed by good defenses like Alabama. Doesnt make either one a bad back.

[Coltsman1788]

2 minutes ago, BOTT said:

 

Of course he was neutralized by FSU....he plays for South Florida.

LOL...true.  But what I mean is he became a very east-west runner.  FSU strung him out pretty good and it was harder for him to turn the corner.  I fear he will experience much of the same when he faces NFL defenses.  FSU game was a look at Mack against an elite college defense and he was somewhat exposed.  He had some good early runs and even got in the end zone...early.  But once FSU made adjustments they were able to put the wraps on him pretty much.   There are some red flags on what Mack will actually be at the next level.  Just my opinion.  I'd love to be pleasantly surprised by Mack.

[Coltsman1788]

1 minute ago, krunk said:

I see you playing into the Florida State thing like Mack was the only back in the country to get stopped by a good defense. Fournette who is much better got stuffed by good defenses like Alabama. Doesnt make either one a bad back.

Fair enough...see my post right below yours as it's applicable to both.  Thanks.

[jseg18]

I love his patience behind the line of scrimmage. He will wait for a hole to develop then plant his foot and get up field. I think his inside vision is outstanding.  

I was about to post this. He has patience, and reads his blocks well. He does what coaches always tell their backs to do. Hit the whole and go. He can actually take this to another level learning from one of the greatest ever with vision in Frank Gore.

 

 

*

[Creekside]

2 hours ago, krunk said:

Going to need to hit the weight room, which I'm sure their already working on. Marlon and Kareem Hunt were the most talented of those later round backs. Kid is a home run hitter and a weapon in the passing game. Will need work with pass protection.

 

I know he looks on the lean side......but he is exactly the same size as what Joseph Addai was.

 

Mack is listed at 5'11" 213 lbs......NFL.com lists Addai playing at 5'11" 214 lbs.

[IinD]

Nfl.com had an article somewhere calling him the #1 of 10 later round gems they wrote about. Can't find the article honestly.

 

I'm hopeful only because we've had really late rd and udfa types of backs here for a while now. 

 

He's gotta be a little better than the guys we've brought in over the years since Addai.

[BlueCollarColts]

51 minutes ago, Coltsman1788 said:

LOL...true.  But what I mean is he became a very east-west runner.  FSU strung him out pretty good and it was harder for him to turn the corner.  I fear he will experience much of the same when he faces NFL defenses.  FSU game was a look at Mack against an elite college defense and he was somewhat exposed.  He had some good early runs and even got in the end zone...early.  But once FSU made adjustments they were able to put the wraps on him pretty much.   There are some red flags on what Mack will actually be at the next level.  Just my opinion.  I'd love to be pleasantly surprised by Mack.

FSU's defensive line is head and shoulders above USF's offensive line.... that's probably why he was shut down.

[Coltsman1788]

9 minutes ago, BlueCollarColts said:

FSU's defensive line is head and shoulders above USF's offensive line.... that's probably why he was shut down.

As a team USF ran 41 times for 290 yards and 4 TD's in that game.  Mack had 12 rushes for 42 yards and 1 TD. The Golden Bulls ran well enough with most of their yards coming from their QB and another back named D'Ernest Johnson 8 carries for 82 yards and 3 TD's.

[RockThatBlue]

10 hours ago, BlueCollarColts said:

One of the top rookie running backs in the league last year (Jordan Howard) was a fifth rounder. Draft position doesn't tell the whole story, and that holds true at running back moreso than any other position. 

 

We can can talk about the power running game all we want, but Mack has the size to be capable in that regard. He's 6'0 205, it's not like this guy can only bounce it outside.

Mack could be the Jordan Howard of this class. Not sure he will end up a starter like Howard did, but he will get a good amount of carries and should have a solid year IMO.

[krunk]

2 hours ago, egg said:

 

I know he looks on the lean side......but he is exactly the same size as what Joseph Addai was.

 

Mack is listed at 5'11" 213 lbs......NFL.com lists Addai playing at 5'11" 214 lbs.

Size and strength are two different things. I think he needs to get stronger

[Surge89]

Aw I love this kid. He needs to get a good strength and conditioning regimen as he doesn't have functional strength and I think it's more attributed to an ill advised workout and eating routine.  And if we can somehow send him to Pit and let him learn some patience from Bell he could be a monster :-).  Unfinished definitely but the potential is something to smile for. 

[krunk]

When he starts juking and putting on the moves its show time. He does it really quick with just a couple jirations. High runner like Eric Dickerson.

[AZColt11]

Word is his OL at S. Florida was very suspect so he may feel right at home here.  He still managed to average over 100 yards.

[twfish]

I'm about as big of an optimist and as patient as there can be on our draft picks and even our udfa's. But I'm just holding back absolutely any optimism on this kid. I enjoy his tape but I've just been burned out on low draft picks of udfa's who I really thought could do something like josh Robinson, josh Ferguson, Tyler Vargas, vick Ballard (even though he had a good rookie year) I'm at a wait and see with this guy having any emotions for him on reserve. I really really want him too succeed and I think he's got the tools to do it but I'm not holding my breath.

[Track Guy]

8 minutes ago, twfish said:

I'm about as big of an optimist and as patient as there can be on our draft picks and even our udfa's. But I'm just holding back absolutely any optimism on this kid. I enjoy his tape but I've just been burned out on low draft picks of udfa's who I really thought could do something like josh Robinson, josh Ferguson, Tyler Vargas, vick Ballard (even though he had a good rookie year) I'm at a wait and see with this guy having any emotions for him on reserve. I really really want him too succeed and I think he's got the tools to do it but I'm not holding my breath.

 

I know what you mean. I'm tired of having a bad running game. As much as I'm glad our defense is solidified, I was hoping Ballard would make some moves this offseason (whether in the draft or free agency) that really assured our running game would become legitimately good. He didn't really do that. 

 

On the other hand, there is some hope that Mack could be the answer at RB. I've been on record as saying I wasn't sky high on Mack, just kind of "okay" on his stock as a prospect. But I'll also be the first to say that running backs are hard to forecast, and I could be underrating him. I did see some reasons for optimism when I looked his tape again today, and his measurables look in line with an NFL RB. We'll have to wait and see.