masnerj
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Posts posted by masnerj
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First of all, this is highly unlikely considering Soloman Thomas is not going to be available at 15.
Second of all (and I might get some flak for this), I say we go ahead and draft Conley, pencil him at CB 2 and look forward to the next round satisfied that we filled a huge need with an amazing player with Pro-Bowl potential.
Why you might ask because it is technically not BPA? Thomas isn't a great fit for our 3-4 and our D-line is already kinda set at this point. I like Barnett a lot but I don't think he is the 8th best player in the draft so I prefer Conley over him. I like Riddick but he has a bunch of risk associated with him and I would only draft him or Davis if we traded back a bunch.
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I think the way our coaches and our GM has been talking about adding a running back in the draft it seems as though its likely that we will pick somebody up in the later rounds that will split time with Gore and then potentially start over the course of the season.
It just makes sense from our current team standpoint where we already have a starter at RB, old yes, but still is our starter at this point in time. Now when I say we avoid clear cut RB starters in the first two rounds I mean something like avoid Cook or Fournette who are 20-25 carries a game type guys. We can easily pick up McCaffrey and install him into the offense in a way that he gets his touches AND Gore still gets his as a starter which then can slowly change as the season progresses. You could even argue the same for a Mixon situation if we draft him in the 2nd or 3rd.
I find it highly unlikely we draft Cook or Fournette (though if Fournette drops to 15 he would certainly be an interesting choice and potentially a steal) because then we almost have to immediately put them over Gore and it makes for a tricky situation.
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Give me Conley, Lamp, Foster, Barnett, or Fournette and I will be happy. Foster (NO really likes him at 11 from various sources) and Fournette (Jax and 49ers really like him) most likely won't be there.
My top pick for the 1st round is Conley. I LOVE the kid and I feel he is an instant starter and is a plug and play type guy at CB2. Pick up a third CB later in the draft and we will be set for a potential post-Davis world.
Lamp would be OK, I wouldn't be jumping up and down or anything but it would certainly solidify our OL for years to come and is another plug and play type guy. I would be OK with this pick.
Barnett would be pretty LIT. Yes, he isn't that athletic or doesn't wow anybody with his measurables. BUT, his production and his tape playing in the best conference in the country doesn't lie. He is a solid player at worst with potential to be a Pro Bowler. His floor is higher than majority of the pass-rushers in this class and that is exactly what we need on this defense. He would be an instant starter at OLB for us and would be a 4 down player against the pass and the run.
Other picks that have been floating around as possibilities: Riddick, Harris, Cook, McCaffrey, Takk. Riddick is certainly a dynamic player who is probably very versatile and has a high ceiling BUT he is a risk. He is projected to switch positions after playing on the defensive line as a pass-rusher. There is always risk involved no matter how athletic you are or how well you performed at the Senior Bowl compared to other ILBs. Harris wouldn't be a bad pick but I would want him at the end of the first rather than at 15. Cook is probably an over pick at 15 at this point in time. McCaffrey is certainly a top end talent who is extremely versatile but my concern is that our coaching staff isn't advanced enough (sad, yes I know) to really take advantage of his skills and maximize his abilities on our offense. I wouldn't be mad if we took him but I would be scared to see him not reach his potential in our offensive scheme. Takk is extremely athletic but is another risky type pick at OLB and his injury also would hurt his first year a bit.
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CB is certainly our biggest need, followed by ILB and then Pass-rusher is a close third. I wouldn't be surprised if we picked CB and ILB with our first two picks (in both combinations) and then picked up 1 or 2 pass rushers with upside in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I can almost guarantee we are going to pick up a CB in the first two rounds.
I personally would love something like this:
1) Conley, Lattimore
2) McMillan, Cunningham
3) Rivers
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If you really think about it, I would take Hankins over Poe if I could do free agency all over again.
Yes, Poe is the better player right now and was absolutely dynamic before this past year BUT he also has worse of an injury problem than Hankins. That back is highly questionable and he seems to be going downhill to be honest. Not to mention he has played wayyy too many plays as a NT which has probably increased his risk to injuries. Hankins is younger, has more upside, and in my opinion is more well-rounded.
Hankins with a 3/30 mill deal over Poe's one year deal any day, in hindsight.
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After everything we have seen with Haeg and Clark, I think the coaching staff probably values Clark's chances at being the RT starter for years more than Haeg being the starter at RG for years. There is a reason that Haeg was picked so late. Even though he certainly outplayed his draft slot and has become a capable to decent starter for us who has incredible versatility, a decent NFL team doesn't just accept a "decent starter."
I, for one, wouldn't be upset if we picked Lamp. He seems like a sure thing and would be good value (especially if we happen to drop down in the first or something and get him). Haeg is best suited as a very talented 6th OL rather than an outright starter.
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Also on a side note, regardless of what the guy in the original article said, I highly highly highly doubt any team is going to draft Mixon in the first. It sends a bad message and is a TERRIBLE PR move.
2nd Round is probably where we would have to take him if we want him.
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I think what happened probably was that we are in serious talks with him about signing him (knowing Ballard, probably a reasonable one-year deal with like upto 7-8 million or something) and that he took that seriously but didn't sign because he wants to go back to the Giants with that deal and try to renegotiate.
At the beginning of free agency, it is very common for someone to visit one place and then sign right then and there before visiting another place because teams are putting their full foot forward. At this stage in the game, for a guy like Hankins, it is not surprising at all that he visits and leaves without a deal. For him, he is trying to maximize his value and he doesn't do that by simply signing with us immediately after visiting.
I think our chances at getting him are 30-40%. Look for a one year deal if he signs with us. If he signs with the Giants, it will either be a one year deal greater than the Colts or he just basically gave in and accepted the long term deal.
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In case people haven't seen the article yet, http://www.stampedeblue.com/2017/4/12/15271726/anonymous-nfl-scout-says-colts-are-taking-a-hard-look-joe-mixon-christian-mccaffrey-2017-nfl-draft
Interesting news, not suprised to be honest. But doesn't mean we'll take him (though I think he would be ok in the 2nd or 3rd round).
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I am actually optimistic about our O-Line next year. I see two scenarios playing out:
1) We don't really draft any OL high (think anything in the first four rounds) and basically stick with those five going into next season. Basically here, you know what you are getting with Castanzo. He will be up or down, but certainly an above average left tackle overall imo. Mewhort is very talent but just needs to stay healthy but I expect him to give us atleast 10-12 good games at LG. Kelly is gonna be the rock in the middle I expect. Haeg will be a slightly above average RG who does a decent job but certainly doesn't wow anybody. And Clark, who probably will still make some mistakes time to time, will improve greatly over the course of the season and become a solid starter at the least with upside to boot. The only issue going in with this scenario is injuries. Yes we signed that back up and yes Haeg and play RT if Raven gets hurt. But it is very hard to have a permanent five for an entire season (especially in Indy).
2) We draft a OG in the first three rounds that we feel offers more than Haeg. I love Haeg as he is an excellent value (especially based on where we got him!) who is a serviceable starter but really better suited as a high quality back-up that can do it all. Think guys like Forest Lamp, Feeley, etc. I don't think we will be drafting someone to play tackle (not to mention the tackle class sucks anyways and that Clark is probably better than most of the tackles easily) but I would not be suprised if we go after a guy that we can probably slot right in at RG and make Haeg the high quality back-up.
I personally don't wanna draft a OG high because our defense needs more help but I wouldn't be mad if we trade down and go after a guy like Lamp.
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He ran a 4.69 40, thats actually not that bad for a OLB (in fact it might be top 50% atleast). I am excited to see what he can do for us as a OLB standing up.
Regarding Ballard's moves, I lean on something I read on one of the articles. Before you can get to a top 10 defense, you need to be average first. To be average first, you need to have solid depth at every position on the defense. Ballard is doing it the right way. Elevating the depth of the team and then sprinkling our defense with an entire draft class of defensive players. Imagine how competitive training camp is going to be! If all these moves provide solid depth and if we can find atleast 2-3 starters on defense (CB, ILB, NT to name a few) then we will be fine on our way to being average next year. It is a two year process at the very least. Lets be patient.
There is no point in paying Minter or Poe for one year when we need to think about our starting lineup after 2 years.
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How about I phrase it this way:
Within the first three rounds I want: a CB, a ILB, and an Edge guy. That is not unreasonable at all because at each of those rounds, one of the BDFA is bound to be one of those positions. And there is a good chance that each of those picks will be starter level defensive talent.
If Foster or Lattimore drops in the first round to us, run to the podium and draft him. I hate to say this but we might need to wait till next year for that premier NT prospect/NT Free agent (Poe? lolol). We can make do this year with a platoon where we draft a big fat run-stopper late in the draft and then add him to our corps.
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15: R1P15
LB REUBEN FOSTER ALABAMA46: R2P14
EDGE CHARLES HARRIS MISSOURI79: R3P15
CB SIDNEY JONES WASHINGTON121: R4P14
CB HOWARD WILSON HOUSTON137: R4P30
RB JEREMY MCNICHOLS BOISE STATE144: R4P37
EDGE DAESHON HALL TEXAS A&M159: R5P15
WR SHELTON GIBSON WEST VIRGINIAIf this happened, I would be ridiculously happy. You have a starter at ILB, a pass-rush starter, a CB starter AND a CB starter for the future. You have a 3-down talent RB that can do it all and would learn behind Gore. And you have some high potential players at the back end (Hall and Gibson can be future starters).
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Ballard is all about competition at every spot. There is no way we go into the season in a situation where Melvin is basically guaranteed to start. What is more likely is that we have atleast 1 (or maybe 2!) CBs drafted in the first four rounds that will compete with everyone to start.
Ballard is not joking about this competition thing and I love it. Even if that means bringing in a ton of guys that might or might not be good, competition is never a bad thing. Bring in a late round TE to compete with Swoope, Bring in a late round or UDFA Safety to compete with Green. Bring in a RB from the draft and several in UDFAs to compete with our current guys, etc....
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The only way I would want Riddick in the first round is if we trade down like 5 spots, draft him and pick up a 2nd or a 3rd. I also don't know if I like a ILB at 15 where all we are trusting is his projection to the position.
Don't get me wrong, I think he is an exceptionally athletic and versatile player that might become a Pro-Bowl ILB. But I just feel that 15 should go to a more valuable and premium position like CB or Edge.
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1 hour ago, richard pallo said:
True, that is a big gap. One year at 4 mil ,which is being reported from the Giants, and 10 mil which is what he wanted at the start of FA. He certainly can't stand pat at 10 mil. Though, I have seen reports of him asking for 8 mil. Sooner or later he has to realize he has a smaller market to choose from. It's obvious we want a big NT to start and we are willing to offer a long term deal unlike the Giants. Like I said in an earlier post, unless Ballard has something else up his sleeve, this could be just Chris waiting for him to realize we want him and we are his best option for a nice long term deal with guaranteed money and roster bonus. Makes no sense to settle for a one year deal at 4 mil IMO.
This^^
It is pretty much just a waiting game right not because no NFL team is gonna bite at that ridiculous notion from Hankins' camp. GMs (hopefully ours) are probably just gonna wait till Hankins realizes he isn't going to get 10 million a year. I still am optimistic about our chances though I don't know how I feel about the guy now considering his opinion of himself and his own worth.
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A. Good luck getting them to agree to picks for NEXT year instead of this year
B. Just use the pick(s) to draft a CB or even TWO and you got younger talent, more potential, all at a cheaper price.
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If we signed Kamar Aiken and paid him atleast 4-5 million a year, I can almost guarantee he will instantly be above Dorsett on the depth chart and would get significant playing time, especially in the end zone. 3 WRs out on the field for most routes is the norm nowadays.
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Interesting guy, possession type receiver and big-bodied. Would love to sign him as a WR3 insurance policy for injuries and/or Dorsett continuing to suck. Had a career year where almost put up 1000 yards when he was given a chance to start for almost a full season. Would certainly be a plug and play type guy that Luck would benefit from.
Hopefully he isn't too expensive but somewhere south of 6 million a year for like 2-3 years would be a steal! Spotrac projects him at 7.5 million a year market value but I feel that that is pretty high for a #3 guy. He is only 28 as well.
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Interesting mock! I definitely love the heavy defensive focus and Hunt at the back end.
Though I have two comments: I don't think Charles Harris will be there in the 2nd round and I think that if all the reports about Ballard being in love with the guy are correct, then I see a situation where he drafts him at 15 or trades down a few spots and drafts him at like 20 to be more likely. I definitely like the guy but don't like him at 15 overall, 2nd round would be amazing! And second comment: We probably want to draft a CB before the 4th round. Even with Butler's resigning, we are looking at VD at 1 and Melvin at 2. Melvin, regardless of how much he improved/flashed, isn't/shouldn't be a 2 and VD has an extensive injury history. Get a guy that you can plug and play for Day 1. Maybe replace one of the OLBs with a CB?
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20 minutes ago, DougDew said:
Although there is a need at ILB, this guy scares me. Reported to be inconsistent. Gives a rather flippant tweet. Then claims to be an offended (victim) because not enough millions were throw his way.
Sounds like a player to avoid under normal circumstances.
Not to mention the fact that he is looking to be PAID this offseason, probably more so than the majority of teams, including ours, value him at.
I say 7-8 million a year for 3-4 years would be doable. Anything above that and I am out. Give me Kevin Minter at like 5-6 million a year instead! Doesn't get a lot of love from the media or average NFL fans but is definitely a good defensive piece that would fill a huge need for us. And then we can draft the other ILB in the draft.
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20 minutes ago, BProland85 said:
Haason Reddick would be a nice consolation prize if Foster is gone.
Idk, I still think that 15 is too high for Reddick. I would be down to move down to grab Reddick if Foster isn't there.
I always have a bad gut feeling about fast risers in the draft process.
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I think we will sign one (probably Minter as its an easier and cheaper deal) and then Ballard really wants to fill up the other spot with a young guy from the draft that we can mold into a long term Colt. Some one like Riddick or Foster would be great pairing up with a guy like Minter.
And if we get Brown instead of Minter, than we can probably wait a round or two and get a guy like Walker or McMillan to develop into our future leader in the middle.
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At this stage of free agency, in all likelihood he will not immediately sign with Oakland. He is gonna take his time and shop around, hopefully CB offers something he likes and we can get something done! If we sign him or Minter, it really helps us out come draft time!
Filling these holes and stabilizing positions one at a time. #InBallardWeTrust
Colts roster overhaul by Chris Ballard
in Colts Football
Posted
Perhaps I would put Hankins at Solid/High Quality starter as he is definitely among the top 15 NTs in the league without a doubt. I would also put Butler at good starter based on his work at the safety position and his potential role in covering TEs and RBs in our defense.