OhioColt
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15 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:
Laiatu Latu, Edge UCLA: 6’5” 265 lbs who was originally at Washington but was medically disqualified after the 2019 season. Came back to UCLA in 2022 and had 10.5 sacks. Currently has 4 this season.
Another Sophomore for you
RB Maryland- 6 ft 200 lbs guy who is a bruiser with burst. Pretty shifty for a bigger back. I think he’ll be RB1 in his class.
Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas: 6’3” 200 lbs Georgia transfer. Hasn’t be super productive but he’s got all the tools that Ballard likes and appears to have basic route running skills. Violent RAC guy as well
Leonard Taylor III, DT Miami: 6’4” 305 lbs who can stop the run and offers some pass rush. Have to eventually start thinking about D-line rotation and life after Buckner.
Do have edge Laiatu Latu (UCLA) as a senior where in Week 1 he had an impressive outing with 3 sacks, 3 hits and 4 hurries to earn 93.9 PFF pass-rushing grade earning 2023 PFF TOW 1 honors. DL Leonard Taylor III, Miami Hurricanes, Sophomore was another player deeper on my watch list that I left off who earned 2022 PFF TOW 8 honors.
Good find on Roman Hembry of Maryland. Averaging over 5 yards per carry and 9+ yards per catching. Impressive stat line from 2022 and seems to be repeating for 2023.
WR-Z Adonai Mitchell (Texas), Junior. Missed 9 games in 2022 due to an ankle injury. Impressive one-handed catch in the National Championship game where he played for Georgia in 2022. Risk/reward potential as could see his draft stock rise if he remains healthy. Will he declare for the draft or risk another injury?
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I think it's the sophomore class that I am really following this year and see how well these young men continue to grow.
DI: Mason Graham, Michigan (Sophomore) highest-graded true freshman IDL in the country in 2022 with an 80.3 grade. 2023 PFF TOW 2 honors
SS: Jaden Hicks, Washington State (Sophomore) – 2023 PFF TOW 2 honors
RB Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss) Sophomore 2022 PFF TOW 9 honors had 14 broken tackles against Texas A&M, 5 breakaway runs of 15+ yards in company with likes of Derick Henry, Alvin Kamara and Chuba Hubbard. Judkins came to Ole Miss as just a three-star recruit but, like Will Johnson at No. 21, dominated in Year 1. He ranked in the top 10 in college football in rushing yards (1,567), rushing touchdowns (16), yards after contact (929) and forced missed tackles (76). Judkins also moved the chains on 91 of his attempts last year, placing fourth among FBS running backs.
WR Tetairoa McMillian (Arizona) Sophomore led all true freshman in 2022 with 702 receiving yards and 8 TDs.
RG Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona) Sophomore ranked 2nd among all true freshman guards with a 76.0 pass-blocking grade.
LT Kelvin Banks Jr (Texas) Sophomore – managed to hold his own vs Will Anderson Jr entering 2023 NFL draft as the top player in the draft. Banks dominated as a pass protector only allowing 3.5% pressure rate and 98.4 pass-block. had a 80.8 PB and 89.3 RB grades in a zone-run scheme. Week 7 allowed zero pressures and only 8 pressures all season (weeks 0-6). Has a 74.6 RB grade and an 88.0 PB grade week 7. To-date has an 83.5 PB grade 5th best among Power 5 tackle. 2022 PFF TOW 4 offensive POW and earned TOW 6 and 7 honors
NT/IDL Deone Walker (Kentucky) Sophomore – in 2022 as a true freshman finished 3rd among SEC IDL with an 80.9 pass-rushing grade. 6’6” 330 LB at 19 yo beat O’Cyrus Torrence.
Edge Mykel Williams (Georgia) Sophomore 5th best returning edge defenders in college football. Williams has a 75.9 run-defense grade ranked 4th among SEC edge defenders and led all FBS true freshman edge defenders. His 6 sacks tied for the most among all true freshman in the country while his 33 pressures were tied for 2nd most. Williams is a future first round pick.
WLB Abdul Carter (PSU) Sophomore freshman 56 tot, 6.5 sacks, 2 FF and 4 PDs
LCB Will Johnson (Michigan) Sophomore – as a true freshman led all corners in the Power 5 with a 91.1 grade in man coverage. Johnson’s 2 INTs in man tied 5th same group in 2022.
IDL Dontay Corleone (Cincy) Sophomore – mid-way through 2022 he was 4th nationally with a 91.5 PFF grade making Ivan Pace Jr job on the field easier. After 10 weeks Corleone has 41 TOT, 3 sacks, 1 FF, and 1 FR. Freshman 93.9 DEF, 94.8 RDEF, 82.5 PRUSH, 61.8 COV. led all FBS defenders with a 93.8 grade. His 94.7 run-defense grade was also the best mark by a front-seven defender since Micah Parsons in 2019 and recorded the 6th most run-stop (27) in 2022. As a pass-rusher placed 8th among all defensive tackles in the country with a 15.6% pass-rush win rate.
MLB Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) Sophomore - a 2022 top-10 recruit as an OLB, off-ball LB/SCB only allowed 4 yards in coverage in Week 11 (2022) vs Arkansas with 2 FF, had 7 pressures on 13 pass-rush reps 6 of which were a sack or hit on QB earning 93.8 grade.
CB Benjamin Morrison (ND) Sophomore – PFF Week 10 honors in 2022 – in Week 10 seen 13 targets in coverage allowing 3 first downs with an 2INT/1TD-Pick 6 vs Clemson earning a 90.5 coverage grade. earned PFF Week 12 (2022) Defensive POW for second time in three weeks. Picking off 3 passes and allowed 1 catch in shutout win over BC. Saw 6 targets and gave up one for a 32-yard gain while earning a 91.9 PFF grade in press-man coverage.
RB Jaydn Ott – (Cal) Sophomore -As a freshman in 2022 after first 4 weeks owns the highest rushing grade in FBS 94.4 – 8.1 yards PA. Ott finished off 2022 season with 897 rushing yards averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 8 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 46 passes for 321 yards and added 3 more touchdowns as a receiver. After first two games this season Ott already has 270 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
CB Malaki Starks (Georgia) Sophomore – Former top-10 recruit. As a freshman 2022-2023 after 2-3 weeks PFF graded 87.8 DEF, 81.1 RDEF, 65.9 PRUSH, 87.3 COV. Finished with a 72.1 run-defense grade and was 3rd among true freshman safeties in the Power 5. Starks recorded 8 combined INTs and * tied for 5th among SEC safeties in 2022.
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2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:
You have a lot of the guys I have on my Watchlist. There’s a couple I would suggest adding to yours though:
-Keon Coleman, WR Florida State: 6’4” 215 lb. receiver who exploded against LSU in the season opener for 122 yards and 3 TDs. Also had 86 yds and 2 TDs against Clemson. Averaging 15.1 YPC this season. Explosive vertical receiver with decent RAC ability.
-TJ Tampa, CB Iowa State: 6’2” 200 lb receiver built like Brents. Definitely a Covet-2/3 zone corner. Can tackle and hit as well.
Coleman transferred from Michigan State. Agree he has showed strong hands making several tough catches in traffic and has impressive speed for his size. Not sure we need another WR-Z like Alec Pierce who is signed until 2025.
Some other players have been interested in are:
RG Justin Osborne, SMU – best in zone, gap or man schemes – PFF early honorable mention before the season for the ACC. Earned 2023 PFF TOW 1 honors.
LG Wesley Ndago, Air Force – PFF TOW 1 and 4 – 2023.
TE Benjamin Yurosek, Stanford - Displayed athletic ability making several tough catches.
SS Tyler Nubin, Minnesota - Got two top traits, football IQ and impressive ball production. Versus Nebraska he had 2 picks earning PFF TOW 1 honors in 2023.
Edge Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina Tar Heels – 2022 PFF TOW 0 honors. Rucker became first Tar Heel in 10-years to be named the Walker Camp Defensive Player of the Week. Versus South Carolina he had 5.5 TFLs and 2 sacks.
LCB Josh Newton (TCU) - solid QB passer ratings, 56.4 in 2022 and 86.2 in 2021
LCB D.J. James (Auburn) - solid QB passer ratings, 61.3 in 2022 and 64.9 in 2021
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Seen the news tonight and the Bears making headlines first for their DC stepping down for health reasons and QB Justin Fields blaming coaching for his poor performance. Looks like the Bears organization on the verge of major changes come end of season.
I also realize it's way too early to look ahead to the draft for next year, but Arizona has really set themselves up nicely for the first three rounds. With all the draftees to enter this year I would love to have additional pick(s) in round 3 as well. The Lions looking like a good trade partner to drop back with in round 2. Do still like the idea of doubling up on first round draft picks plus add an additional pick in round three. Our franchise keen on building this team through the draft.
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On 9/19/2023 at 2:15 PM, sb41champs said:
IF the Colts had wanted Kareem Hunt - they would have already signed him.
Wrong Hunt my friend.
Was actually talking about Dolphin's offensive lineman Robert Hunt who plays RG and will be an upcoming free agent who has been playing very well as potentially an option if he chose to hit the free agency market. After the first two weeks Fries has been holding his own which is awesome and can potentially scratch Robert Hunt's name off the list.
As for Zak Moss realize his value going forward which is why he is high on the list to be resigned while Deon Jackson is a cut candidate. Keep tabs on RB DeeJay Dallas from the Seahawks. Reminds me of Zak Moss and has nearly identical stat production.
If we had to look at the NFL draft for a future RB look up Quinshon Judkins (Ole Miss). Believe he is a sophomore this year and probably not eligible for the draft but check out some of his accolades from college. 2022 PFF TOW 9 honors had 14 broken tackles against Texas A&M, 5 breakaway runs of 15+ yards in company with likes of Derick Henry, Alvin Kamara and Chuba Hubbard. Judkins came to Ole Miss as just a three-star recruit but, like Will Johnson at No. 21, dominated in Year 1. He ranked in the top 10 in college football in rushing yards (1,567), rushing touchdowns (16), yards after contact (929) and forced missed tackles (76). Judkins also moved the chains on 91 of his attempts last year, placing fourth among FBS running backs.
Another college standout at RB was Jaydn Ott (Cal) - sophomore. In 2022 after first 4 weeks, he owned the highest rushing grade in FBS 94.4 – 8.1 yards per attempt. Ott finished off 2022 season with 897 rushing yards averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 8 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 46 passes for 321 yards and added 3 more touchdowns as a receiver. After first two games this season Ott already has 270 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
If we have to address running back this offseason the top choice to enter the draft might be Bucky Irving (Oregon). Irving was one of the most electric backs in the country last year. Now a junior, but as a sophomore he forced a missed tackle on 43% of his attempts, which ranked second in the country. It was also the fifth-best single-season mark since PFF began charting college football in 2014. First three games Irvin is averaging 8.0 yards per carry, 216 yards on 27 carries and scored three touchdowns.
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2 minutes ago, EasyE said:
You are talking about Odunze on Washington and not two receivers? I'm watching videos of him now.
Just remember Harrison Jr. is been in the big time shows and big games, Im going to watch this guy right now.
Washington doesn't have an easy schedule. They got some really good top-25 ranked teams. Really want to see how well they do and keep tabs on Odunze.
October 14 vs 10 Oregon
November 4 vs 5 USC
November 11 vs 11 Utah
November 18 vs 14 Oregon St
November 25 vs 21 Washington St
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It all depends on what happens this season with Pittman Jr and renewing his contract. But either Marvin Harrison Jr (a legacy) or Odunze would be high targets to replace Pittman Jr.
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4 minutes ago, EasyE said:
I will have to checkout. They gotta be really good if your'e giving opinion better than Jr.
Do realize Ohio State has a brand-new quarterback in the fold compared to Washington. However, Harrison Jr. still doesn't look like his old self after last year's season ending injury.
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3 minutes ago, EasyE said:
I will have to checkout. They gotta be really good if your'e giving opinion better than Jr.
Last season Odunze's 605 yards against single coverage last year trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr. among returning Power Five wide receivers. He was also the third-most valuable returning Power Five receiver, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
2023 stat line 22 catches for 419 yards and 2 touchdowns plus one running touchdown already.
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6 hours ago, sb41champs said:
WOW - just - WWWOOOWWW!!
This is as forward-thinking of a post as I've ever read.
Scary part is AR with a concussion and possibly the real demand for either a veteran QB like Minshew or looking for an early QB in the draft capable as a backup like Michael Pratt (Tulane). Unfortunately, Pratt just missed his second straight game this weekend and maybe not a bad thing if it drops his stock and is truly available early for us in the 3rd round as originally projected.
6 hours ago, richard pallo said:Wow is right! It’s early but Fries could be nailing down the RG position this year.
Time will ultimately tell but Fries is holding his own and could very well be the answer the Colts are looking for. That would just save having to target Hunt in FA and rather go with LCB Jaylon Johnson (Bears) praying he tests the market knowing the Bears will have a lot of available cap space heading into the offseason. The Bears could potentially franchise Johnson if he continues his strong play throughout the season. Right now, am projecting a 3-year 40.5m, 26.62m guaranteed, 18.06m signing bonus for Johnson.
Even more impressed with the call to start Moss over Jackson at running back. Moss proving to be the better backup.
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On 9/15/2023 at 10:45 PM, EasyE said:
All though I really like Pittman. Not bad thinking here. I think Colts could bank more in a trade with Pittman than they will get for JT. JMO
Pittman will be a Colt next season, this team is really going to be good moving forward if AP gets his targets and catch the dang ball and if we get good compensation for JT. We can't forget about Downs he going to be another good one. Shane needs to figure out how to get these guys the ball. Especially when I don't think we see much of JT. IMO In a dream world JT fires agent and says he wants to be Colt for rest of his career and Irsay and Ballard makes him a deal. But like I said a dream World... I believe in this team going forward, let the media keep downing us... Richardson says H*LL no!!! I didn't want Richardson but I'm eating crow and proud to do it...
Odunze and Washington looking really good right now. Much better than Marvin Harrison Jr. imho
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On 9/16/2023 at 12:19 AM, NewColtsFan said:
Who is projecting that the first pick in the 24 draft will go to a team with 5 or 6 wins?
Seriously, who?
Off the top of my head, I can remember that happening. The Colts won 4 games last year and picked 4th.
Typically the team with the worst record has about 1-3 wins. 5-6? I don’t think so.
2023 NFL win total predictions: Over/under picks for all 32 teams - ESPN
2023 NFC win-total projections: Eagles, 49ers remain atop conference; Cowboys, Packers miss playoffs (nfl.com)
2023 NFL Over/Under win totals: Projected wins for each team, predictions | FOX Sports
Over/Under Win Predictions for Every NFL Team in 2023 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report
Pretty much every major site saying similar projections. Not saying the typical 1-3 wins by a franchise would not happen again per the norm but who knows with all these new QBs over the past few years a 5-win season finishes last. Only time will tell.
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If the Colts were wise, they would trade Pittman Jr. to the Patriots for this year's first and like trade the Ravens or Titans done get the Patriots round 4 pick as well. A 10-15 top pick from the Patriots is current estimates where our Colts should have a legit shot of landing WR Rome Odunze (Washington) very comparable to Marvin Harrison Jr if not better option and a better scheme fit from what I was told. The Colts have to be much more aggressive this year in free agency knowing they can overpay for the next 3-4 years for top talent around AR before he has to get paid. Best thing is those 3–4-year deal will expire freeing up the capital to sign AR to a long-term deal. Focus has got to be on the future, and I really like what the top of this year's draft class is producing that would make real impacts to our Club. Having two early picks could go a long way along with the potential to grab three NFL standouts. We are projected to have a lot of cap space and this offseason is crucial.
A five or six-game winning record is projected to have the number one pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Let that alone sink in.
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The Bears like most are expected to win 7-8 games in 2023. Does Justin Fields take the next step this year or degrees? It does seem to be a make-or-break year for Fields in the Windy City that determines if he is a mid-to-bottom-tier starter or a future backup quarterback. The Bears do own Carolina’s first round pick this year. Could the Bears use both first-round picks as collateral to move up and take their franchise in another direction taking another QB of their future? Moving on from Justin Fields would only cost the Bears 6 million in dead money for 2024 but could also be a potential trade option.
Guess we need to recap the wild trades and implications in the past few seasons and how they might affect this year’s 2024 NFL draft. Arizona’s Kyler Murray is currently injured, surprise after he got his contract extended but owns Houston’s Round 1 and Round 3 picks in a trade. On a side note, Houston does still get Cleveland’s first round pick via Watson trade. After looking over the projected 2023 NFL win totals for teams it looks like around 12 teams all are a coin flip to finish with similar records near the bottom of the league. Truly looks like anything could happen.
Could the Colts be in an ideal spot to leverage the situation? Are the Colts really projected to be as bad as some are saying and finish near the bottom of the league and get a top pick? A third of the league is expected to win 6 game minimum including the Colts and still could have the second pick in next year's draft according to early predictions. Could this hypothetical dream scenario work out to benefit the Colts?
Let’s assume the Colts finish second to last and get the second pick while the Bears-Panthers earn the 7th and 14th Round 1 picks respectively. A 6–8-win season is plausible, and those standings aren’t farfetched based on initial win calculations before the NFL kicked off. Matt Eberflus took over for Matt Nagy and Justin Fields doubt was his first choice at quarterback and is playing the hand he was delt. Do expect Eberflus to take a chance on Caleb Williams and extend his legacy with the Bears.
Let’s assume the Colts would be an ideal trade candidate in the 2024 NFL draft with the Bears and would drop back acquiring picks 7 and 14 in Round 1.
Own FA resigned
RB Jonathan Taylor 3-year 38m contract extension 20m guaranteed, 12m signing bonus
DT Grover Stewart 3-year 42m, 21m guaranteed, 12m signing bonus
RB Zack Moss 2-year $6 million, 3m guaranteed at signing
DL Taven Bryan – 1-year 4m
DB/ST Trevor Denbow – ERFA tender
OL Danny Pinter – Which version of Pinter do we get? 44.7 PFF grade in 2022 or 74.7 PFF grade in 2021 am hoping the later and resign 1-year 1.125m
Release
TE Mo Alie-Cox – Save the Club 5.92m
Colts 2024 FAs
CB Kenny Moore
WR Michael Pittman Jr.
SAF Julian Blackmon
DL Taven Bryan
RB Jonathan Taylor
QB Gardner Minshew
DL Tyquan Lewis
WR Isaiah McKenzie
RB Deon Jackson
DB Darrell Baker Jr
FA Additions
RG Robert Hunt (Dolphins) 4-year total value 66m, APY 16.5m, 20m guaranteed, 22m signing bonus. Career highs in 2022 with both a 74.6 PFF pass-block grade and a 74.5 PFF run-blocking grade. For 2023 PFF ranked him 17th best overall guard. Major upgrade and a 4-year deal takes advantage at the height of Hunt’s career before his decline. If we decline to extend a second time also works freeing up cap space when we would have to resign AR to a long-term deal.
SS Kamren Curl (Washington) 4-year total value 52m, APY 13m, 20m guaranteed, 16m signing bonus
OC/LG Matt Hennessy (Falcons) – Knee injury sidelined him again this season after playing 11 games in 2022 – 2-year 20m, 12m guaranteed, 6m signing bonus. Playing short game hoping he heals and can take over for Ryan Kelly potentially utilizing roughly 10m in cap savings for 2024 to extend Hennessy long-term. Prove to be valuable team insurance for Nelson as well.
RB DeeJay Dallas (Seahawks) 2-year $6 million, 3m guaranteed at signing, additional 1 million performance incentives
LDE A.J. Epenesa (Bills) 2-year $10 million, 5.5m guaranteed, 2.5m signing bonus
RDE Bryce Huff (NY Jets) 2-year $10 million, 5.5m guaranteed, 2.5m signing bonus – Overvalued as Jets placed a 2nd round tender on Huff for 2023.
WR2 K.J. Osborn (Vikings) 4-year $43 million, 9m guaranteed (7m sign/2m roster)
WR3 Donovan Peoples-Jones (Browns) 4-year $43 million, 9m guaranteed (7m sign/2m roster)
2024 NFL Draft – Colts trade back with Chicago where the Bears draft future QB
R1P7 (via Bears) WR Rome Odunze (Washington) - His 605 yards against single coverage last year trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr. among returning Power Five wide receivers. He’s also the third-most valuable returning Power Five receiver, according to PFF’s wins above average metric. Odunze replaces Pittman Jr. and is a better fit in our Colts system.
R1P14 (via Bears/Panthers) FS Kamren Kinchens (Miami FL) - As a true FS led the country with a 90.0 grade and 90.7 coverage grade with 6 INTs. As a sophomore he led all safeties with a 90.0 overall grade and a 90.7 coverage grade.
R2P34 MLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson) – Zaire Franklin will be a FA after 2024 season and 29 years old. Colts go younger on defense. The fact that scouts saying Trotter is slightly better than Jack Campbell whom I was very high on last year’s drafted by the Lions if a big plus for me. Trotter was the only LB with 80+ grades in both coverage and pass-rusher in 2022. In 2022 he only allowed a passer rating of 42.9 and open-target rate of 47.6%.
R3P67 QB Michael Pratt (Tulane) finished out the 2021 season in passing efficiency behind only Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Bryce Young of Alabama in passing efficiency rating at 161.79 after completing 63.6% of his passes for 3,010 yards with 27 touchdowns and just five interceptions on 338 passing attempts. Gardner Minshew is a free agent after this season and Sam Ehlinger will become a free agent after the 2024 season. The Colts get an above=average insurance QB early knowing the risk of using AR as a dual-QB risking injury. We all have seen this play out too many times for franchises and the Colts would be wise to have insurance plan of a capable QB who can step up and play.
R4P108 NCB Tykee Smith (Georgia) – replaces Kenny Moore. In 2020 didn’t allow a single catch of 15+ yards in coverage – graded as top (1) safeties returned to school in 2021. In 2022 Smith was ranked #2 returning to college safety. Smith missed most of 2021 with an ankle injury, torn ACL. Solid man coverage skills and is fast enough to run with slot receivers and strong enough to cover tight ends.
R5P131 RDE Jahfari Harvey (Miami) FL. - Can play standing up, 3-tech, and 4-tech but seems to play more comfortably in 4. Has a decent motor. Good ability to read-and-react and adjust well to moving quarterbacks. Coverage skills will be a question. Possible stamina issues has potential but not an every down player.
R6P163 LCB Tony Grimes (Texas A&M) - after accumulating 16 pass deflections and a pick over the 2021 and 2022 campaigns at North Carolina. Grimes, a former five-star, has high-end athleticism and proportional length, and plays the ball with patience and focus. In 2022 Grimes recorded 6 tackles with 7 passes defended. In 2021 he broke up nine passes.
R7P195 DL Keenan Stewart (UTEP) –Dominated JUCO. Can play 1T and 3T in the 3-3-5 and 4-2-5 nickel defense. In the last six games in 2020, Stewart produced a 92.7 PFF grade, ranking first in college football, and was anchored by a 94.4 run-defense grade. The sheer amount of plays he disrupted was astounding. His positively graded play rate against the run was the highest at the position over those last six games by a healthy margin. Stewart’s future replacement with another Stewart I can see this happening. Bryan has never lived up to his first-round selection but does offer the better upside over Johnson.
Color Key: Green for NFL draft class, Red for Free Agency additions
Offensive outlook ’24 Roster:
QB: Richardson, Pratt, Ehlinger
RB: Taylor, Dallas, Moss, Holani
WR: Odunze, Pierce, Downs, McKenzie, Dulin, Osborn, Peoples-Jones
TE: Granson, Woods, Ogletree
LT: Raimann, Hayes
LG: Nelson, Hennessy, Stills
OC: Kelly, Hennessy, French, Pinter
RG: Hunt, Fries
RT: Smith, Freeland, Witt
Defense outlook ’24 Roster:
Edge: Paye, Epenesa, Harvey
IDL: Buckner, Stewart, Adebawore, Bryan, Stewart
Edge: Ebukam, Odengibo, Huff, Leo
WLB: Leonard, Stuard
MLB: Trotter, Franklin
SLB: Speed, Domann, McGrone
CB: Flowers, Smith, Grimes, Brown
SS: Curl, Cross
FS: Kinchens, Denbow, Scott
CB: Brents, Jones
2025 Key Free Agents
DT DeForest Buckner
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
DE Kwity Paye
TE Kylen Granson
Conclusion: The Colts say goodbye to Pittman Jr at receiver and came away with an equally impressive wide receiver with Odunze at a much cheaper cost. The cap cost savings helps the Club target three top free agents, especially on our offensive line with Hunt and Hennessy. Enough with the Jonathan Taylor drama it’s time to pay the man like Christian McCaffrey or even better. Especially if we are prepared to move on from Pittman. Not sure what the Club sees in Deon Jackson, but it is clearly time to give Moss more of the workload and extend him. DeeJay Dallas who up to this point has been a solid contributor for the Seahawks will give the Colts another solid back option. Both Osborn and People-Jones are proven wide receivers who add much needed presence behind both Pierce and Downs at affordable contracts again during AR rookie contract timetable.
On defense I would be extremely excited to see both Kamrens working together creating a solid safety tandem. The Colts go younger with some defensive additions of A.J. Epenesa and Huff. Unfortunately, Epenesa hasn’t lived up to the hype and hopefully a change of scenery does him good in Indianapolis as he can’t be any worse than resigning Tyquan Lewis again. Byrce Huff seems to have the stuff when his number is called. Lost on the depth chart but could be another young acquisition to build around. Only hope that JuJu Brents can be as great as this team needs. Darrell Baker Jr fear isn’t the long-term answer so hopefully the addition of both Grimes and Smith at cornerback are worth the gamble.
It could all happen...Welcome to Week 1 in the NFL books and panic/rebuild mode session.
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FS Kamren Kinchens (Miami) - As a true FS led the country with a 90.0 grade and 90.7 coverage grade with 6 INTs. As a sophomore he led all safeties with a 90.0 overall grade and a 90.7 coverage grade. Could you imagine what our defense would look like if we added SS Kamren Curl (Washington)? Curl posted top-10 grades as a run defender (80.5) and in coverage (80.8) in 2022. Often manned the box and helped take away running backs and tight ends as mismatch options. He posted a 4.7% missed tackle rate (sixth) while acting as a second linebacker.
LCB Cooper DeJean (Iowa) Junior – Probably the most versatile/high-IQ defender in the country. Jack of all trades can line up outside cornerback, slot corner, linebacker and even edge. In 2022 he earned 85.0-plus grades both in coverage and as a run defender. His 15 run-defense stops tied for the most among FBS cornerbacks and tied for fourth among Power 5 cornerbacks with five interceptions. The Colts are hoping that JuJu Brents or Darrell Baker Jr can succeed at RCB this year. Depend on how well Dallis Flower performs at LCB. After Week 1 Flowers only had a 53.6 PFF grade. Baker on the other hand only 44.9 PFF grade for Week 1.
LT Joe Alt (ND) – 91.0 run-blocking grade led all FBS tackles while his 99.0 pass-blocking efficiency score was 5th. Raimann currently graded 13th out of 65 OT per PFF. Alt possibly could be an upgrade, but would Raimann do well as at RG? Not out of the realm of possibility come draft day but am not convinced he would be a viable option come draft day.
OL Cooper Beebe (Kansas State) – Jack of all trades OL No matter where Cooper Beebe lines up, he produces elite play. At right tackle in 2020, he was a PFF honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree. As a left tackle in 2021, he was named first-team All-Big 12. In 2022 at left guard, Beebe was a second-team All-American. Beebe's 94.0 pass-blocking grade over the past two seasons led all offensive linemen in college football. During that span, he didn’t allow a sack on 770 pass-blocking snaps.
LT/OG Graham Barton (Duke) –Only Power 5 tackle last season with a 95.0 plus grades in both pass protection and run-blocking. Finished with 17 blocks, 5 more than any other tackles in the country. Projected to move inside as he is below the 30th percentile in both height and weight. Move to RG?
MLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Clemson) – 2022 PFF TOW 13 honors. Legacy prospect. The son of an All-Pro linebacker of the same name, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. aims to carry the family torch in 2024. Trotter’s a bit light, but he’s an instinctive defender who’s hyperactive behind the line of scrimmage and can play in coverage. Trotter is slightly better than Jack Campbell whom I was very high on last year’s drafted by the Lions. Trotter only LB with 80+ grades in both coverage and pass-rusher. Only allowed a passer rating of 42.9 and open-target rate of 47.6%. If Zaire Franklin doesn’t perform well this season than could see the Colts look to add a standout MLB. Note Franklin Week 1 performance earned a NFL league drug test after leading the team with 18 tackles (10 solo). Franklin is a former 7th round pick where he broke the franchise record for tackles in a single season.
RB Blake Corum (Michigan) - Corum made history last season. His 96.2 graded lead all players in the country. Also, the highest by a Power 5 player since 2014 recordings. Jonathan Taylor should be a Colt long-term but the future is cloudy and we could use a young-talented back like Corum if things continue to head south with Taylor.
Edge Bralen Trice (Washington) Junior more a one-year wonder, can he repeat in 2023? – Trice set the pace with 70 pressures and was the most productive pass-rusher in college football in 2022 edging out Alabama’s Will Anderson. Trice led all FBS edge defenders in pass-rush win rate (29.5%) and second in pressure rate 22.4%. Very powerful and can barrel through opposing tackles with straight-line speed. High motor that doesn’t wear down even late in games. Seems we never can have enough talented defensive ends and Ebukam might just been a three-year rental. Trice could get a year or two to learn before earning full-time job.
RB Trey Benson (Florida State) – In 2022 he was a dominate tackle-breaker. His 51% forced missed tackle rate led the country but also set the PFF College record. He forced 79 missed tackles on the year.
WR Rome Odunze (Washington) - His 605 yards against single coverage last year trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr. among returning Power Five wide receivers. He’s also the third-most valuable returning Power Five receiver, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
OC/RG Beaux Limmer (Arkansas) is an all-around stud at RG and only one of 3 Power 5 guards with 80-plus grades in both pass-run blocking in 2022. Moving to center for 2023 re-evaluate. Could potentially fix our RG situation and offer an upside once we move on from Ryan Kelly.
TE Brevyn Spann-Ford (Minnesota) best run-blocking TE in the class. His 82.5 run-blocking grade last year led all Power Five tight ends. Also, one of the best receivers at the position, recording 2.22 yards per route run in 2022 — the fifth-best mark among FBS tight ends. TE Kylen Granson off to a strong start for the Colts but the health of our TEs has been an issue.
WLB Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma) – Stutsman had a breakout campaign in 2022 racking up 125 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, three sacks, two picks, and five PBUs. At around 6’3″, 230 pounds, Stutsman brings eye-popping closing speed, and his motor never cools. Round 2-4 initial grade if he declares as a Junior. Luxury pick depending on the health and longevity of Shaquille Leonard. Would be tempted to add Stutsman in Round 3 as insurance for Leonard and an upgrade over Grant Stuard.
WR-SL Jalen McMIllan (Washington) Junior 2022 PFF TOW 11 and 12 honors. PFF grade 77.5 in 2022. Who is Josh Downs backup? McMillan could be added depth or wouldn’t mind targeting Donovan Peoples-Jones (Browns) in free agency.
NCB Tykee Smith (Georgia) – In 2020 didn’t allow a single catch of 15+ yards in coverage – graded as top (1) safeties returned to school in 2021. In 2022 Smith was ranked #2 returning to college safety. Smith missed most of 2021 with an ankle injury, torn ACL. Solid man coverage skills and fast enough to run with slot receivers and strong enough to cover tight ends.
DL Keenan Stewart (UTEP) –Dominated JUCO. Can play 1T and 3T in the 3-3-5 and 4-2-5 nickel defense. In the last six games in 2020, Stewart produced a 92.7 PFF grade, ranking first in college football, and was anchored by a 94.4 run-defense grade. The sheer amount of plays he disrupted was astounding. His positively graded play rate against the run was the highest at the position over those last six games by a healthy margin. Stewart’s future replacement with another Stewart I can see this happening. Bryan has never lived up to his first-round selection but does offer the better upside over Johnson.
FS Isheem Young (Iowa St x’fer Ole Miss), Senior –In 2021, after 4 weeks had an 83.5 PFF grade. Projected UDFA – listed as a backup for 2023. Disappeared from scouting radar after initial 2021 hot start. Fluke?
Early Free Agency Targets
SS Kamren Curl (Washington) - Curl posted top-10 grades as a run defender (80.5) and in coverage (80.8) in 2022.
RG Robert Hunt (Dolphins) - Career highs in 2022 with both a 74.6 PFF pass-block grade and a 74.5 PFF run-blocking grade. For 2023 PFF ranked him 17th best overall guard.
WR2 Tee Higgins (Bengals) - Higgins ranked 19th per PFF as a receiver in 2022
WR1 Marquise Brown (Cardinals) - 19th per PFF as a receiver in 2022
WR3 Donovan Peoples-Jones (Browns) - ranked 36th per PFF as a receiver in 2022
WR2 K.J. Osborn (Vikings) - ranked 43rd per PFF as a receiver in 2022 - 65 PFF grades
Who else could potentially become a future Colt that you are watching and keeping tabs on?
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I know it's been only two weeks of college football, but does Marvin not seem like the Marvin of 2022 before his late season injury?
Another top standout wide receiver to keep an eye on is Rome Odunze (Washington). His 605 yards against single coverage last year trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr. among returning Power Five wide receivers. He’s also the third-most valuable returning Power Five receiver. Odunze is already off to a much better start and his Huskies have a tough schedule versus some top-25 teams on slate.
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Pittman received the 11th best receiving grade from PFF in 2022 from what I read even with mediocre QB play. Expect our Colts to resign him and not look to replace him with say Tee Higgins (Bengals) or Marquise Brown (Cardinals).
If we are looking towards the draft as a replacement than my initial assessment is skip on Marvin Harrison Jr. as he doesn't appear to be the same player prior to his late season injury. Instead keep an eye on Rome Odunze (Washington). Odunze's 605 yards against single coverage last year trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr. among returning Power Five wide receivers and is already off to a strong start. Washington Huskies football has a tough schedule against many top 25 teams on slate which should be a good indicator on how well Odunze performance plays out.
Bottom line come draft day can't see the Colts targeting a top WR early in Round 1 and not resigning Pittman as the club will have other priorities am guessing (RG/FS/RB).
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Would love to have a legacy join our Colts with Harrison Jr.
Do we really need him over Pitttman Jr.?
Pittman still ranks high according to PFF even with our lackluster QB play. Bottom line we should resign Pittman. If we don't resign Pittman than look toward Marquise Brown (Cardinals) as our first choice. Suppose Tee Higgins (Bengals) could be another option.
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On 9/1/2023 at 2:53 PM, Mr. Too Proud said:
Trade option 2
Jonathan Taylor
For
Antonio Gipson RB and Curtis Samuels WR
Commanders Logic: After drafting Doctson, Samuels became redundant. Having a 1, 2 punch of JT and Brian Robinson Jr. should make the most dangerous backfields in the NFC East.
Colts Logic: Getting AR some help/weapons. Gipson isn't Jonathan Taylor but his pass catching ability should help. Samuels is a weapon that can line-up in the backfield or as a WR.
Your trade option 2 isn't too farfetched but I would personally tweak it. I agree with targeting Antonio Gibson who could be a short-term replacement for Jonathan Taylor and his pass-catching abilities is a big plus. Instead of WR Samuels I would much rather add another player with a contract also set to expire at the end of this season in SS Kamren Curl.
Blackmon is a FA and hasn’t lived up to the hype and expect him to go unsigned. Washington has plenty of cap space to sign multiple players. Curl is a former seventh-round pick in 2020. He replaced an injured Landon Collins as a rookie and posted top-10 grades as a run defender (80.5) and in coverage (80.8) in 2022. Curl often manned the box and helped take away running backs and tight ends as mismatch options. He posted a 4.7% missed tackle rate (sixth) while acting as a second linebacker.
After the first week of NFL in the books am very happy with our DL and LB play going forward. On defense big questions remain around our defensive backs. Adding a player like Curl and extending his contract is key. In the draft I would pair Kamren with another stud safety named Kamren Kinchens (Miami) who plays free safety.
The only other trade that I wouldn't mind is negotiating with Miami for RG Robert Hunt. He had career highs in 2022 with both a 74.6 PFF pass-block grade and a 74.5 PFF run-blocking grade. For 2023 PFF ranked him 17th best overall guard. This would help improve our offensive line and extend Hunt's contract immediately. In the draft would hope that Troy's Kimani Vidal declares early and is available to us in Round 2.
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Not sure our Colts can do much to fix the offensive line at this point. The only player in trade or free agency next offseason will be to target is Dolphins' RG Robert Hunt. The Dolphins are already project in the negative ~27m in cap space per Over the Cap. Hunt's career highs in 2022 were both a 74.5 PFF pass-block grade and a 74.5 run-blocking grade. For 2023 PFF ranked him as the 17th best overall guard.
Seen talk about drafting a legacy with Harrison Jr. and realize Pittman is under a contract year but despite lack luster QB play Pittman still received very good PFF grades in 2022. Yes, we will have FA/draft questions that will need to be addressed. Am hopeful we resign Pittman rather than look in FA to replace him with say Marquise Brown (Cardinals).
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For what it's worth as fans don't expect too many OL to be available next year in free agency after looking over the upcoming list on Over the Cap. Last off-season was probably our better chances to land an upgraded OL which obviously didn't work out in our favor. Depending on the final season and grades etc the draft does offer a couple targets like OL Cooper Beebe (KSU) but have seen him going late in Round 1. RG Zak Zinter (Michigan) is another option that might be of interest. Also interested to see if RG Connor Colby (Iowa) declares for the draft and if so his draft process grades.
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Not really doing a mock but a pre-draft watchlist,
FS Kamren Kinchens (Miami) As a true FS led the country with a 90.0 grade and 90.7 coverage grade with 6 INTs – PFF Week 11 TOW honors in 2022 – had a career day 94.9 grade vs Georgia Tech in Week 11. Processing and tracking ability he had 3 INTs and 1 PB for the season now has 6 INTs and 4 PBUs with zero TDs allowed. Vs GT had a 77.8 RD grade. Kinchens had six picks and five deflections in 2022, and he combines his playmaking ability with a strong 5’11”, 202-pound frame.
Kinchens at this point is my number 1 draft target. Rodney Thomas is probably going to do well as a 7th round pick, but Kinchens I do believe will be an immediate upgrade.
TE Brock Bowers (Georgia) – reigning John Mackey Award Winner – on pace to be the best TE in PFF college era – truly generational talent. Am very high on him at this point in the season but odds are not a real team need for the Colts in long-term. Guess it will come down to the health of our current TE's as each seems to have had injury issues.
Edge Laiatu Latu (UCLA) – 2023 Week 1 had 3 sacks, 3 hits and 4 hurries to earn 93.9 PFF pass-rushing grade for TOW 1 honors. Didn't have anything on Latu before but looking back at his stat line for 2022 was very impressive 10.5 sacks, 3 FF and 2 FR.
For our OL am keeping track of:
- OL Cooper Beebe (KSU) - more jack of all trades OL and earned 2022 PFF TOW 6 honors and recently 2023 PFF TOW 2 honors
- RG Zak Zinter (Michigan) - Earned 2022 PFF Week 5 and 11 honors
- OL AJ Gillie (Louisiana) Junior - In 2021 PFF grade 92.3 with a 69.1 PBLK and 94.4 RBLK grades. Forgot to get his 2022 end of year grades
- RG Connor Colby (Iowa) Junior – made 2022 PFF Week 3 team same as Freshman LT
After the issues with JT and our rushing game am interested in HB Kimani Vidal (Troy) Junior - 2022 PFF TOW 12, 2023 PFF TOW 1 honors.
Depending on how Kenny Moore does, and his contract renegotiations keep tabs on STAR/Money-NCB Tykee Smith (Georgia) – In 2020 didn’t allow a single catch of 15+ yards in coverage – graded as top (1) safeties returned to school in 2021. In 2022 Smith was ranked #2 returning to college safety. He missed most of 2021 with an ankle injury, torn ACL.
If we got to replace Grover Stewart look for another Stewart as in DL Keenan Stewart (UTEP) who dominated JUCO. Last six games in 2020 produced a 92.7 PFF grade and anchored a 94.4 run-defense grade. What has he done lately?
Another watchlist player was DB Isheem Young (Iowa St) – 83.5 PFF grade after 4 weeks in 2021.
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If Miami is in contention to trade JT than the only player as a potentially straight up swap would be RG Robert Hunt and extend him. Miami if recall still is being penalized for league tampering and forfeit this year's 3rd Round pick. The Dolphins also don't have a 4th Rounder. With only a first and a second and a big gap wouldn't expect the Dolphins to freely give away a first for JT or even their second rounder. A player swap seems more likely and for the Colts would lobby for a better equal in trade terms. Miami's LB Jerome Baker would also be intriguing but doesn't seem to fit our goal and team needs that Hunt would upgrade.
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Brock Bowers is the reigning John Mackey Award Winner - he is on pace the be the best TE in PFF college era and is considered a generational talent. Bowers will be high on my draft board and someone to watch this college season.
I still think our defense will struggle and needs upgraded after losing Okereke and questions about Leonard's health going forward am hoping the Colts keep tabs on MLB Jeremiah Trotter Jr (Clemson). Trotter I think is slightly better than Jack Campbell whom I was very high on. He is the only LB with 80+ grades in both coverage and as a pass-rusher. He only allowed a passer rating of 42.9 and an open-target rate of 47.6%.
The Colts are also lack a true LCB so will definitely be keeping tabs on Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) who tied 2nd among all FBS in forced incompletions (18) and is also a standout as a PR. LCB Kalen King (PSU) is another potential draft target. King led all corner in the country in single-coverage with a 93.3 grade and a 18.3 passer rating allowed. His 15 forced incompletions in single-coverage tied for 3rd among FBS corners in 2022.
Depending on what Julian Blackmon does this year we might be looking at Kamren Kinchens Miami (FL) who as a true FS led the country with a 90.0 grade and 90.7 coverage grade with 6 INTs.
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Marvin Junior Watch
in NFL Draft, Scouting, and Free Agent Talk
Posted
WR-X Tory Horton (Colorado State) is another player to keep an eye on. Horton earned 2023 PFF TOW 5 honors. After 4 Weeks in 2023 earned an 85.4 PFF grade. Combined 20 first downs and touchdowns ranks 6th among FBS receivers.
A deeper WR been hearing about is Hayden Hatten (Idaho) who has excellent catch strength and hand-eye coordination and can create separation.
WR-SL Jalen McMillan (Washington) is another athlete that is smooth with his routes that is consistently able to find space.
Now if we are looking at tight-ends with H-Back role players in the mold of Granson or Mallory might wish to look up Marshel Martin (Sacramento State). Martin's fundamentals are very consistent with a 71.8 pass-blocking grade and a 70.1 run-blocking grades. Granson has been above average, but his history of drops continues to be alarming. Mallory in his very limited snaps has actually seemed to be better at times than Granson.