OhioColt

Tez figured more a third rounder maybe it was his blazing speed moving him up. DeJean is so versatile plug-play athlete anywhere from pick 6-15. Doubt he drops to the end of the first round. Colson I actually have moved him up to round 2 around the Colts pick. See how he does at the combine. Does have that Colts type reach pick we’ve been known for and one of the few linebackers in this draft class actually worth drafting. 2025 LB draft class is weak from what I was seeing. Love to see the Colts add Saint’s SLB in FA Zack Baun and Bills WLB Tyrel Dodson to compete with EJ Speed. Seem far better options than drafting a linebacker this season or next.

Agree Maason Smith (LSU) seems like a NT that would fit in nicely here. Grover is good but DJ Reader would be an upgrade in FA. Would trust Bill’s DaQuan Jones to be a better backup before he retires than Taven. Maason Smith does seem like Grover Stewart with a mixture of Reader/Jones and have a strong feeling he would do well and have a solid NFL future as a starter.

In another bizarro universe of logic thinking... NFL roster building is like a game of chess. Plug-and-play centers are few and far between. Unless a team is willing to spend a top pick on the position, growing pains should be expected. Sure, a potential fourth round pick can play like a first rounder. Biadasz didn’t have the best 2022 and PFF graded his performance with a 60.5 score, which ranked 22nd best for centers. Do you start a rookie or draft and develop in anticipation. Centers normally take time to develop. Another reason why JPJ who only has one season playing at center but is more experienced at guard will take time to groom for the future. How many more concussions will be the red flag to end Kelly’s career. He is already thinking about life after football and looking after himself and his family. The two concussions he suffered this season should be an awakening for him knowing that he has had five or six in total since he started playing football and his time at Alabama. The twins were born in June and family is important part of life after football. See how being a father changes his perspective while trying to be smart about his NFL career. Jim Irsay’s recent health scare might be an eye opener. Round 2 double dip and take RG Christian Haynes (UConn) to rebuild the Colts offensive line. Obviously, anything can happen and change the course of history and the draft strategy and free agency needs. We have been through it before and assume it won't be the last time. As a realist, who each year has a fraction of the players listed and continue to unlock names of young men entering the draft this year my draft board is constantly changing. Newer mock draft model would look like this now. Round 1 CB Terriorn Arnold (Alabama) or FS/CB Cooper DeJean (Iowa) depending on who the Vikings select. Round 2 TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas) - Typical Y/H-back role. Shown ability to make contested catches and can separate from defenders. Should be a reliable red zone target. Projecting to cap cut MAC and Sanders is the next best TE behind Bowers who I expect to be a top-10 pick. Round 3 SS/FS/LB/Nickel Jaden Hicks (Washington State) - Had Hicks as a future draft class on my future big board with a sophomore designation. Missed that he declared until recently. Like Dejean, Hicks offers that position versatility. Round 4 Max Melton (Rutgers) – Melton clocked the second fasted time at the Senior Bowl at 20.96 MPH. Or CB Cam Hart (ND) – 6’2” 204 pounds with 32 5/8” arms. The lack of DB depth and those capable of starting has been obvious that past few years. The trust in young rookie type players once again will be in question over a proven veteran. Cam Hart checked a lot of boxes at the Senior Bowl that the Colts looks for and was also a team captain at Notre Dame. Round 5 WR-SL Jha’Quan Jackson (Tulane) – Scout comparisons to Zay Flowers. Improved his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. Earned Second Team All-ACC returner in 2022. Round 6 RB Cody Schrader (Missouri) – Projected Round 5. Work-house capable of all three-downs. In 2023 earned First Team All-American, First Team All-SEC, and was Doak Award Finalist. Shown soft hands for catches. Round 7 Edge Brennan Jackson (Washington St) – history of FF and had 4 FR in 2023. Second Team All-Pac-12 in 2022 and 2023. Good against the run needs to improve pass-rushing. Above-average athlete needs developed. Did have 8.5 sacks in 2023. Missed out on upgrading our linebackers. Did like WLB Cedric Gray (UNC) but major concern was 57 missed tackles over three years and 19 in 2023 alone. Wouldn't mind WLB Payton Wilson (NC) or MLB Junior Colson (Michigan). Am content on this season continuing with Franklin and Speed but looking over upcoming free agents do hope the Colts consider bringing in SLB Zack Baun (Saints). WLB JD Bertrand (ND) as an UDFA could be a possibility.

With a new defensive coach and talk about increasing rushing pressure in the passing game, am going to say part of me says go after Maxx Crosby from the Raiders. We trade away our P15 and help the Raiders get some of the draft capital they need to make a move for their future QB. Crosby purely a weakside end and played under Gus before. Take over his current contract that extends out farther than both Dayo and Paye's who both will be FAs next offseason. The Colts pulled off the miracle trade once before with Buckner and the 49ers and Crosby could be that proven answer we need now.

Do agree we stand our ground at P15 and take him but now way we trade up just for him alone. Trading back on Day 2 and hopefully picking up an extra Round 3 pick sure. Bowers has been atop my big draft board for the past few years. When talking heads speak of generational talent hard not to ignore the hype. The same goes for legacies. End of the day got to be a realist. TE Ja’Tavion Sanders in Round 2 probably wouldn't be a bad consolation prize. Texas was one of the top RPO offenses in 2023. Sarkisian used Sanders on these slide concepts to help generate 54 total catches, the most for a TE in program history. Used to coming across formation to get matched up on a high safety. Time will tell and what direction (offseason additions/subtractions) and the draft produces for us fans.

We need OL that can protect our young quarterback. History has proven that fact for the Colts. Andrew Luck had enough and called it quits during preseason. Tarik Glenn decided to retire and not report for training camp. Ryan Kelly was asked about his future immediately after this season. What's to say we either draft his replacement and he changes his mind and decides to retire now that he has had the offseason to think about his health. When Castonzo retired we struggled the few seasons. Had the choice to take Christian Darrisaw but opted for Paye. Personally, am on the JPJ bandwagon and wouldn't mind the Colts taking him with P15. Brock Bowers all day every day at P15 but let's be realistic a generational player like Bowers doubt gets past P10. JPJ not flashy but does provide some mental piece of mind and safety net to our offensive line. Still not sure about Kelly's healthy and how much he can continue. Cap space-wise, even trade option, or simply preparing for the future now, Colts might look to bring on Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys) in free agency. Mitigate some risk and replace Kelly with a comparable player who comes from a team that ran the RPO 9.01% of the time compared to the Colts 11.58% and would even save on cap space per current contract projections adding Biadasz. Quarterback protection is a must. We NEED to address the issue sooner than later and upgrade our RG play and seriously think about center position as well. Looking ahead to next year's draft class for centers, now way want Carson Hinzman (OSU) or even Seth McLaughlin (Alabama). JPJ is the best you're going to see in a while and since he declared this year makes him a top consensus pick. Shall see whose voice wins out in the Colts war room on draft day and which BPA get drafted.

Our Tight End room could use someone like Brock Bowers. Would be extremely shocked if he fell to us at P15. We have Granson and Mallory for sure. Woods hopes makes a recovery and MAC projects gets cap cut. Still an opening here I feel, and Bowers would be an awesome pick. Of course, wouldn't mind Dalton Schultz was a fan of him in Dallas or former Dayton Flyer Adam Trautman used to blocking in heavy sets. PFF gave Trautman a run-blocking grade of 60.1 ranked 15th in the NFL last season for TEs. The other player whose stock increased with an impressive showing versus Power Five was CB Quinyon Mitchell. That would be another player to make me fall out of my chair and possibly have a heart attack if he fell to us. As for Roman Wilson was thinking he was a Z role type receiver but after the Senior Bowl seen some talk about him as more of a slot receiver. With Downs no need for taking Wilson that high of a pick in Round 2. Khyree Jackson (Oregon) not only does he have excellent measurables and fits the Colts mold but read recently his best in Zone Coverage. Seen his draft grade around round 4 but possibly could go round 2. Still wouldn't shock me to see the Colts take OC Jackson Powers-Johnson kind of double down on the Ducks like we have with players from Utah. Now my find is still trying to wheel and deal and being aggressive in FA might see the Colts try to do a player trade with Washington on draft day. Take the chance at P15 on JPJ move Kelly to Washington in exchange for Sam Cosmi and Washington with two early round 2 picks could replace Cosmi with RG Christian Haynes (UConn). Imagine Washington is in the QB market with decent bookend OTs and upgraded center and chance to draft Haynes. Not sure what else we would have to give up but can always dream and we may need to recoup capital with a low cost Cosmi investment this season with future extension looming.

Seeing more breakdown after the Senior Bowl saying Roman Wilson best fit would be a slot receiver. Clearly, something we don't need as a starter with Josh Downs. Salary Cap notwithstanding as I have a poor track record of greatly undervaluing free agents throughout the years. Going to take someone wiser and more knowledgeable to come up with closer contract values that I have been able to do in the past. FA to me dream additions, ignoring salary cap restrictions, and redoing this after the Senior Bowl: QB Tyler Huntley (Ravens) - could of drafted Michael Pratt (Tulane) whom was the AAC Offensive Player of the Year 2022 and Pratt finished out the 2021 season in passing efficiency behind only Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Bryce Young of Alabama. WR-X Noah Brown (Texans) - currently on IR but had a decent season - ~6M APY? Brown had a solid YAC of 4.8 with a 67.6 overall receiving grade. - Franchise Pittman is the expectations but no guarantee will resign next season - we hope obviously. DT Maurice Hurst (Browns) - Adds value behind Buckner and proven in both run-passing game. DT DJ Reader (Bengals) - Colts move on from Grover Stewart and replace him with one of the few that grade out better than him. Reader excels in tackling, passing and rushing. DT DaQuan Jones (Bills) - Lesson learned in Stewart's absence, Jones nearing retirement is still an upgrade and may start depending on Reader's recovery timetable. Edge Carl Lawson (NY Jets) - one-year prove it deal but when healthy excels as a rush-specialist on passing down. Pairing him again with former teammate in Reader where they dominated together rushing the passer. Reminder both Paye and Odeyingbo will be free agents next season and am projecting only one will get resigned. Buckner and Reader will command a lot of double teams which should help free up our edge rusher. Team will have to keep an RB/TE or both to stop our pass rush inside/out. FS Xavier McKinney - perfect fit in the Colts defense Updated Draft: Round 1) OC Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon) - going to stick with this pick and move JPJ to RG to start. Round 2) CB Khyree Jackson (Oregon) – had a decent Senior Bowl Week and is best in Zone Coverage. Jackson’s got excellent height we covet at 6’3” with great weight at 203 pounds, with ideal arms 32” and the span of 78” and good 4.44s-Forty. Only knock have is small hands measured at 8 7/8”. Round 3) MLB Junior Colson (Michigan) – Impressive measurables with an excellent vertical 37, 4.58s-forty, great height 6’3”, weight 247 pounds and 4.22 shuttle. Excellent tackler. Looking at the Colts roster, the linebackers' contracts all expire next offseason. Personally, I like what Speed and Franklin have done and even Olubi hope builds on last season. Stuard may be the odd man out with McGrone on the bubble. Round 4) WLB Cedric Gray (UNC) – 2nd team All-American. Last year made first contact on a ball carrier 122 times, 15 more than next closest defender in college football. Most of anyone since 2014. Strong history of FF and FR plus INTs. A three-year team captain. Good wingspan 78 1/8 and average arms 32 4/8. Round 5) WR-SL Malik Washington (Virginia) - 2023 earned college football midseason all-America Second Team. All-American accolades for 2023 season. Final 2023 offense grade of 91.1 is second best with a 92.3 receiving grade and 54.0 run grade. WR’s DJ Montgomery (RFA), Ethan Fernea (ERFA), Juwann Winfree, Tyrie Cleveland, Terrell Bynum (ERFA), and Ashton Dulin are all 2025 FAs. Round 6) OT Delmar Glaze (Maryland) – Held his ground throughout the Senior Bowl and has the potential as a plug-play starter at tackle with experience at guard. Impressive measurables with 34 4/8 arms, 323 pounds with 82” wingspan. Round 7) RB Rasheen Ali (Marshall) - Ali had a solid week showing three-down capabilities but suffered a biceps injury that will require surgery. Much like Tyler Goodson known as a good route runner and capable pass-catching option. Ali just seems to fit the mold with the Colts much like Hines before him and Goodson.

If you like more penetration and don't mind older than go with Bill's DL DaQuan Jones who graded out slightly under Stewart's run-defense grade of 69.6 vs 72.8 but wins in pass-rush grades and true pass set pass-rush grades by another 18+ points. Top replacement if cap space available would-be hands down DJ Reader (Bengals) who is far superior in all facets over Grover and DaQuan. Depending on Reader's recovery, Jones would still be a solid backup plan until he retires. Issue still would be a trusted backup.

Hooker fell on draft day and the Colts brass took the best FS they thought was available. Too bad we didn't go after Budda Baker instead and still like what Baker's been able to do and remain with the Cardinals.

What we really needed was a LT and should have drafted LT Christian Darrisaw. As for Dayo his tape screamed lazy to me and wasn't on my draft board. No hustle to chase down players, repeatedly.

@Stephen Kalen King (PSU) clocked as the third fastest player at 20.57 MPS behind DB Max Melton (Rutgers) second fastest, and first fastest clocked was WR Devontez Walker (UNC). A few Colts fans have been saying we want/need a fast WR hence the reason why the Colts are talking up with Walker.

Maybe it's just me but the whole metrics your using can be deceiving and somewhat confusing. I think PFF simplified the process and recently released their 2024 NFL Free Agency Rankings for IDL. See if I can drop some of the images for DJ Reader, Grover Stewart, DaQuan Jones, Maurice Hurst. Edge player Carl Lawson (Jets) was another player who suffered a torn Achillies in 2021. Lawson still had a pass-rush grade 71.1, True pass set pass-rush grade of 72.3, a 13.6% pass-rush win rate, and 50.9 run-defense grade. Clearly wouldn't hopefully be used on rushing down but rotate in on obvious passing down.

Really same feelings here as well with JPJ. Had a R2 on him target for sure but his draft stock does seem to be rising. Already seeing his name mentioned at P16+ and the Colts are right there as well at P15. Not flashy but does fill a need, some debate from immediate to short-term future. An improvement over Fries, I would like to think so and given JPJ's short history at Center might work for us as well and still get reps and learn from one of the league's best in Kelly. Cap space-wise wonder if the Colts could pull of a mid-season trade for an upcoming DB or WR if JPJ looks legitimately like the future. Tried to listen to Mike here as well from previous posts and have similar concerns that I tried to address. 1) Key additions on DL with proven pass-rushing specialist done 2) Speedy WR - Colts already have 3 starting WR's. Debate all we want and really don't see R1 as the need for a WR. TBD but again Colts do lack depth which is a major issue. Adding Roman Wilson and bringing back Parris Campbell fills the major void. 3) Starting FS that can make plays - Love to have the cap space room to add Xavier McKinney but not at the ~10.5M APY to even a Jessie Bates type contract closer to ~16.5M to 17.5M range. Jaylin Simpson in R4 honestly isn't a stretch and do feel would be a steal this late in the draft. See also Talanoa Hufanga (49ers) was a R5 pick was tied for 5th best safety November 2, 2023, article Fox Sports. Micah Hyde was a R5 pick that's had a productive career. Value can be found in various rounds and Simpson might have that appeal as well. Kind of funny tho think back to another FS draft prospect Cole Bishop also from Utah and the Utah connections tie-in made as another late draft board candidate. 4) CB help. I agree and R1 we really could/should address this issue and didn't have any FA addition to address. If not this year, next year, if you were reading between the lines, might have the potential to add Bear's Jaylon Johnson, expecting him to get franchised. Cam Heart (ND) could wind up surprising teams and history of the draft also supports players drafted on Day 3 can produce and become starters. 5) LB Help - sadly not address and did look at final round. R5 ILB Maema Njongmeta (Wisconsin) on my draft board and reminds me of Cincinnati's Ivan Pace Jr. who went UDFA and have a very successful rookie season. Hard call to make with the uncertainty of our TE room. Obviously let MAC go to free up cap space and not sure about late legal ramifications from the other player. FA options had were: LB Josey Jewell (Broncos) - decent run-defense and coverage grades but low 3.6% forced incompletion rate with a 6.0% run-stop rate. Figured 2-year 15.3M (7.7M APY) LB Bobby Wagner (Seahawks) - even at 34 years old he is still a tackling machine and can shed blockers. Lost some athletic ability in space but will still be an upgrade over Franklin. 1-year 4m fully guaranteed. 7.6m ILB Anthony Walker Jr. (Browns) – Battled injuries with the Browns and been giving multiple 1-year deal. Unlike after the 2020 the Colts should have available cap space to resign Walker to a multi-year prove it deal where he flourished when fully healthy. Franklin is set to be a FA next season. IF we have cap space wouldn't mind these options as well. Once you actually break down on your own the financials and adding new players to the mix things do get more complicated than simply reading something and hand-picking players on a wish list system. If you want a more realistic approach challenge your own selves, see what different scenarios you come up with while trying to address as many issues as you can and address as many others can't in free agency. Alway nice to be a dreamer but got to give it up for the Colts real organization and draft selection committee for the real hard work making the Club future contenders.

At first, I looked at FS Antoine Winfield Jr but compared to Xavier McKinney, Winfield was used move in the box and his stats guess say where inflated with the number of blitzes. Loved to get McKinney as he would compare more to what the Colts use as a true deep threat safety. Some even questioned if MLB Okereke is one of the main reasons why McKinney flourished this season. McKinney seems more suited as a single high safety where he dominated in 2021 and shown he struggles moving up in the box. McKinney is better suited for zone coverage and the Giants ran Cover 3 in 2022 but ranked last in their usage of zone. McKinney appears best suited to play deep for a zone-based team. Now I figured McKinney initial value was around 10.5M APY but wouldn't be shocked to get a deal closer to what Jessies Bates got last season around ~16.85M to 17.5M APY. After resigning of our own Colt's players that didn't leave us much to sign other key positions, namely I have a similar topic regarding upgrading our pass-rush adding on the defensive line and at the price point McKinney was out of our range in order to sign draftees.

To start the 2024, season the Colts are projected to have $58.923M in cap space. On of the first things needs to be done is extended/restructure Bucker's contract from 2024 to 2027 (projecting 10M SB, 30M guarantees, 91m (22.75 APY)). Richardson will go ahead, and project gets his rookie contract extended in 2027 with little hit to our cap space and ideal contract year to extended Bucker as well. After the extension/restructured contract the cap space increases ~6-10M for 2024 season depending on how much negotiations go and a heavy backend future. Cap causality to save the Colts an additional 5.92M by releasing TE Mo Alie-Cox. Plus, an additional 1M saved by releasing Sam Ehlinger. Resign: WR Michael Pittman Jr. 4-year 90M – To make FA additions this season and to make the Colts immediate playoff contenders can see the Colts opt to save further salary cap implications and Franchise tag Pittman. Not really sure if it would save cap space for 2024 or add more to it but hoping it saves. SCB Kenny Moore 3-year 24M - The wait and see approach that Ballard stood his ground on has now passed. Clearly a leader on the team coming off one of his best career seasons playing a versatile position that demands a lot. Well liked in the locker room and been the leader on and off the field. 2-year 10m APY with a 6M SB. RB Zack Moss 2-year 9.26m (4.63M APY) – 2M SB SS Julian Blackmon 3 year 22.5m with 9M SB with 5M guaranteed. Injury history and like most of the fence with resigning Blackmon. Drop-off in secondary during Blackmon’s absence was felt. Not sure Cross has shown enough. If you have read this far the resigning of both Moss and Blackmon are for a reason in free agency. Edge Tyquan Lewis – Between toe and knee injuries Lewis finally flashed the potential we had high hopes for when we drafted him. 2-year 9.1M (4.55M APY) with 2M SB. Grover Stewart – 3-year 32M, 6M SB, 6M guarantees. I would have D.J. Reader but projected Reader to make around 17M APY but proved too costly against the cap. FA Signings: The Utah pipeline gets stronger for the Colts. Utah reunion of sorts with Blackmon and Zack Moss also same class. Would have loved adding LCB Jaylon Johnson (Bears) also played together at Utah. Instead, the Colts add QB Tyler Huntley (Ravens) 1-year 3.75m – Minshew type deal from 2023 seen as a better fit. 1.75M SB, 1.75M guarantees. Exploiting Utah pipelines bringing in Huntley who pairs well with Richardson much like in Baltimore with Jackson's running capabilities. Edge Carl Lawson (NY Jets) – PFF projecting 1-year 3.5m prove-it deal. Lawson is a beast when healthy as a pass-rushing specialist. RDT DaQuan Jones (Bills) – 32 years old and played well for the Bills and would be a nice insurance backup role behind Stewart. Taven Bryan got 3.5m last season and been nowhere the player Jones has. The Bills missed DaQuan when he got hurt in London and told him as much per GM Brandon Beane. Beane said “He’s earned the right to test his market and see what it looks like. But we would be a fool not to entertain bringing him back.” With the salary cap restraints, the Bills have, any team offering Jones a multi-year deal with a good amount of guaranteed money would price Buffalo out of the market to resign Jones. We saw how bad our IDL was when Stewart was out of the lineup and Jones if he continues his performance was better than Stewart as a pass-rusher while barely trailing Stewart in run-defense. 2-year 10.25m with 6M SB and 4M guaranteed. LDT Maurice Hurst (Browns) – Flashed potential but injury history cause for concern. Latest was a pectoral injury, 2021 calf injury, missed entire 2022 season with a torn biceps suffered in training camp. Solid backup to Buckner as Adebawore struggled in his rookie season. Hurst has been impressive in both run-pass grades plus earned high marks in pass-rush win rate 14.1%. 3-year 16.8 deal with 6M SB and 3M guaranteed. P Tommy Townsend (Chiefs) – replaces Rigoberto Sanchez for similar money. Townsend is expected to break the bank for Punters and command top dollar. An All-Pro in 2022 and ranks in the top 10 in the NFL. In 2021 finished second in net yards per punt and 1st in 2022. SWR Parris Campbell (NY Giants) 1-year 3.5M. The Colts are dangerously thin at the receiver position. Campbell a former Colt provides depth behind Downs but adds dimension of inside/out receiver. Just seen Oct 27, 2023, article by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox saying the Colts would be wise to bring back Campbell. NFL Draft: Round 1 - OC Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon) – Much like Ryan Kelly when he was drafted in R1P18 the Colts that the best OC in years early on Day 1. Powers-Johnson has proven himself at both guard and center at Senior Bowl practices this week. Project a camp battle with Fries as immediate starter at RG and then move to Center full-time in Kelly’s absence. Seattle who picks immediately behind us is also interested in upgrading their OL along with the Dolphins currently at P21. Round 2 - WR-Z Roman Wilson (Michigan) – We mentioned how thin at the receiver position the Colts are. This week at the Senior Bowl almost every DB has not been able to cover Wilson. Alec Pierce’s time with the Colts may very well hinder on this year or become the WR3 on the team. If we draft Wilson, would Pierce end up getting moved much like former Colt WR Phillip Dorsett? Round 3 OL Dominick Puni (Kansas) – The Colts lack depth at both LT and LG spots and Puni has been proving himself at the Senior Bowl practices he could be a future starter with coaching. Raimann already 25 years’ old when we drafted him and will be 27 to start off the 2024 season. Biggest issue I've worried about has always been the person replacing Quenton Nelson. Round 4 FS Jaylin Simpson (Auburn) - 2023 college football midseason all-America First Team. Mid-year Simpson’s 91.3 coverage grade lead all safeties in college football. His 4 INTs is tied for the most among FBS safeties. Simpson at the time only surrendered just six catches for 32 yards. He went from a rotational CB the past couple of seasons to one of the top playmaking FS at mid-season. Round 5 CB Cam Heart (ND) – 6’2” 204 pounds with 32 5/8” arms. Until this week wasn't even on my draft board but has checked all the boxes so far during Senior Bowl check-in and practice sessions. Option B SCB Sebastian Castro (Iowa) – hybrid LB/SAF role. 2023 college football midseason all-America Second Team-Flex D. After 9 weeks Castro leads all CBs with a 90.2 PFF grade allowing only a 35.8 passer rating when targeted. PFF defense grade 91.6, run defense grade 87.0, and a coverage grade of 91.6. Last year it was Illinois' DBs and this year it was Iowa's trio of backs that I am stoked about. Round 6 TE Brevyn Spann-Ford (Minnesota) – ran the 2nd fastest of any TE on the National roster 16.32 MPH. In 2022 he was the best run-blocking TE in the class. His 82.5 run-blocking grade that year led all Power Five tight ends, while his 14 big-time blocks were four more than any other tight end in the country. Spann-Ford is 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. However, poor QB and offensive play this season didn’t help increase his draft stock but a strong showing this week at the Senior Bowl just might. Round 7 QB Austin Reed (Western Kentucky) – Sam Ehlinger will be a FA in 2024 but cutting him will gain the Colts an additional million dollars. Option B - QB Carter Bradley (S. Alabama) – Bradley been turning heads in practice at the Senior Bowl. At times he has looked better than both Nix and Penix. The name Bradley should sound familiar as his father is Gus, our Colts DC. Recap: On defense the defense improves their pass-rush while adding capable run-stoppers in DaQuan and Maurice. Much like the Raven's had planned for a similar quarterback play style the Colts added Huntley whom I also saw other external writers mentioned he would be an ideal fit with the Colts and using our Utah connections seems very possible. I still think our wide receiver group is thin and hopefully we can find an UDFA on the cheap to add. Our tight-end group still in-flux with some unknowns if you will be it injuries or legal ramifications. Still lacking at linebacker and cornerback positions. Still hoping Daniel Scott can prove to be a decent backup at FS. Time to clock out enjoy your weekend all.

Forgot to add Tight End Adam Trautman

Free Agents am looking to upgrade and add quality depth are: On Defense: FS Xavier McKinney (NY Giants) - top-10 marks in 2023 and a solid tackler better forcing incompletions DT DJ Reader (Cincinatti) solid both pass/rush game DT DaQuan Jones (Bills) again solid pass/rush game DT Maruice Hurst (Browns) dominate both passing and rushing game Edge Carl Lawson (Jets) - go back to when he was dominate in Cincinatti with Reader but Lawson wins at pass-rushing LCB Jaylon Johnson (Bears) - projected to be franchised and probably a reach but could see the Colts bolster their Utah connections. (Blackmon, Zack Moss, and our next backup QB Tyler Huntley) On Offense: SWR Parris Campbell (NY Giants) - former Colt provide depth behind Downs, proven history of low drop rate. WR-X Olamide Zaccheaus (Eagles) - another low-cost signing that had a better career with Steichen. Small size reminds me of Hilton and again low drop history. WR-X Brandon Powell (Vikings) - similar build to Zaccheaus (Hilton) with low drop history. RG Greg Van Roten (Raiders) - Will be 34 years old still playing very well and bounces around year to year would be a great addition to camp compete with Fries.

@Solid84 very well done and am liking what you done. I also was exploring a trade back with Detroit for P29 and getting R2P61 and R3P92 while sending our R6P193 to even out the trade per Drafttek's trade value chart. I done this yesterday before just now reading the recap from the Senior Bowl Standouts. With the so-called hatred from some fans around Alec Pierce, Roman Wilson has been on my list as a potential camp battle with Pierce. Sounded like almost every DB was not able to cover Wilson and his stock is expected to jump. R1P29 via DET FS Calen Bullock (UCS) - Facing off vs Stroud, Lawrence, and Levis going to need an improved defense R2P46 WR-X Xavier Legette (SC) - Tag or resign Pittman Jr.? More weapons for AR? R2P61 via DET WR-Z Roman Wilson (Michigan) R3P82 SCB-SS Javon Bullard (Georgia) - Blackmon gone and Cross the future? Bullard-Cross camp battle with upside Bullard-Moore in the Slot long-future? R3P92 via DET Edge Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan) non-stop motor been wreaking havoc versus strong competition at the Senior Bowl R4P118 Edge Mohamed Kamara (Colorado St) - Impressive college stat line and proving to be a handful at practices for the Shrine Bowl R5P150 ILB Maema Njongmeta - Reminds me Ivan Pace Jr who went UDFA that was a stud at Cincinnati. Njongmeta looks legit like the late round LBs the Colts take that find success in the NFL. R7P232 CB MJ Devonshire (Pittsburgh) - PR and was second-team All-ACC honors as a PR in 2022 and CB in 2023. Hands for INTs. Does well in both man and zone coverages in blitz-heavy defensive scheme. Great ball skills to be a starter.

Winfield may very well get franchise tagged. The other dynamic to his stat line was usage as a blitzer which something the Colts defense I didn't think really utilized their FS much. Bottom line Winfield probably isn't what the Colts need as a best-fit solution. Final overall cost to sing Winfield also affect our own bottom line to sign players that would truly help. I still think the Colts should focus on the defensive line. Aging depth still like DaQuan Jones to replace Taven Bryan, Maurice Hurst to backup Buckner, and sad to say let Stewart go and replace with DJ Reader but add his former Bengals teammate Edge Carl Lawson (Jets). All these players are better pass-rushers and run-defenders except Jones whom Stewart barely edged out. Looking at the Shrine Bowl practice standouts, Edge Mohamed Kamara (Colorado St) continues to make a name for himself that I have been high on for a while. Maema Njongmeta (Wisconsin) ILB was another on my draft board continues to display his physical strength/awaerness while dropping back in coverage. The only question with Njongmeta was why he lost favor with new HC Fickle at Wisconsin. Moss done well at RB but AJ Dillon is a bigger-better man imo that will help in the run game. Wouldn't mind adding him in FA. Depending on FA and what we do with our first draft pick, FS Calen Bulluck (USC) would be a possibility, LCB/FS Cooper DeJean (Iowa) as the first pick would pass on him either. FS Jaylin Simpson (Auburn) is another very high possibility. If we go military and have to defer for a few years as an UDFA check out Trey Taylor (Air Force). With the emergence of Nick Cross at the end of the season it wouldn't shock me to see Blackmon gone in FA. Javon Bullard (Georgia) was seen as a true SCB-SS that would be strong in our zone coverage. Obviously, plenty of options and different routes we can take and risk of whom might still be on the draft board. Look what both the Lions and Texans done this year with solid draft classes. The Colts have their work cut out for them for sure to remain competitive against the Jaguars and Texans. Not worried YET about the Titans.

I do remember. Hines name was recently mentioned as a potential cap cut for the Bills. I still wouldn't mind having him back and not just for return duties as he was dangerous as a WR option for us in the past. Pending his recovery but the Colts am guessing are not going to resign Mckenzie and not sure want to leave Downs as the primary return man. Much rather have a second-third string than a starter in the return game.

Questions already in Las Vegas whether O’Connell is competent to play QB at the most important position in team sports with expected growing pains of sorts and underperforming after flashing star potential another week. Carr is gone and Garoppolo was benched last season. The quarterback I think the Raiders would be targeting with Pierce as the new HC is LSU’s Jayden Daniels where the two crossed paths at Arizona State. The Raiders have the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but would have to add draft capital to move up. Wouldn't shock me to see the Bears trade back out of the first pick again and add more draft capital. New Raiders GM Tom Telesco orchestrated the trade that sent Khalil Mack from the Raiders to the Bears. Mack could very well be a Chargers cap cut candidate but a reunion of sorts finishing out his career as a Raider could be possible. Colts could trade for Maxx Crosby and the Raiders can fill his role with Mack while learning on last year’s first round defensive end pick Tyree Wilson. Both Paye and Odeyingbo are upcoming free agents would we need to resign both next season with Crosby? After running some Over the Cap salary calculations am not sure that the Colts resign Pittman and look to Round 2 to add his replacement with this assumption of trading away our first-round pick for Crosby. The wait and see approach that Ballard stood his ground on has now passed. Kenny Moore is clearly a leader on the team coming off one of his best career seasons playing a versatile position that demands a lot. Well liked in the locker room and been the leader on and off the field. Re-eval Moore has been grossly underpaid as one of the best NCB in the game. The Colts need to resign him and back pay him his true value after all these years. Last year I really wanted the Colts to bring in FS Jessie Bates III from Cincinnati and while Cross and Blackmon played above-average at SS we clearly had issues at the FS spot. We missed on bring home an Indiana kid in Bates so hopefully we don't make the same mistake twice and miss out on FS Antoine Winfield, Jr (TB Bucs). It's been said defenses win games and adding Crosby on the Edge and FS Winfield who is another All-Pro should make this team dangerous. Winfield's coverage grade with no pressure was a 73.2, coverage grade on throws in =< 3s was 71.3, forced incompletion rate was 9.0%, and run-defense grade was an excellent 93.4. If you had a chance to read my earlier post about PFF releasing IDL grades and rankings than add DJ Reader (Bengals) to replace Grover Stewart, DaQuan Jones (Bills) replaces Tyvan Bryan, and Maurice Hurst (Browns) adds depth behind Buckner since Adebawore had the typical rookie struggles last season. Cap space-wise I was still around ~17m available in cap space but outside of resigning Kenny Moore the rest hit FA market. I will have to spend more time calculating salaries again tonight. The biggest stick shock for me was the projected price on Reader. His recovery process may impact his market value and injuries may be an issue. Projections 3-year 45-48m contract (15.25 APY) and 25-30m guaranteed. Well more than I figured Grover Stewart would command around the 10-12.5m range more likely. Did see two other possible cap cut candidates that if we have cap space wouldn't mind adding as well. MLB Demario Davis (Saints), even at 35 years' old he still an upgrade at MLB. Bring back Nyheim Hines (Bills) as the Colts will need a return specialist and we all should remember Hines was very effective as a pass-catching RB. Evaluate Hines coming off a torn knee ligament. Remember lobbying saying we needed to pay Hines and we did under Reich only to trade him to the Bills who never did use Hines in a running back/receiver role.

PFF released their 2024 NFL FA rankings for IDLs. Got to love what Grover Stewart has done for the Colts and living here in Ohio I wouldn't mind seeing our Colts add DJ Reader (Bengals). According to PFF Reader is graded as the 10th highest run defender among interior defensive lineman and 11th as a pass-rusher. Reader did tear his right quad tendon late in Week 15 and am hoping his recovery process impacts his market value but Reader was 3.1 points better in run-defense, 15.4 points improved in pass-rush grade over Grover and had a better run-stop rate by 0.6%. We did learn how valuable Stewart absence was to the team and DaQuan Jones (Bills) would be a nice insurance policy behind Reader and may initially start. Jones much like Stewart not the better run-defender (3.2 points) but does excel as a pass-rusher. LDT Maurice Hurst (Browns) also is a high target player am hoping the Colts are interested in to add quality depth behind Buckner. Hurst has flashed potential but again his injury history is a cause for concern with most recent pectoral injury. In 2021 was a calf injury and missed the entire 2022 season with a torn bicep suffered in training camp. I will take 75-76 grades in both run and pass as a backup. Helps had a 14.1% pass-rush win rate.

Please do the world a favor and stop making up crap. Sure am not different than most people here that do not like when someone keeps adding words and ranting on about stuff that was clearly taken out of context. Not once but now twice. For the love of a God please keep it to yourself.

Interesting take as I personally never once said I wish AR to fail. Only forwarding on what others have documented about AR's body build more similar to a tight end, which is true compared to Kylen Granson or even Will Mallory. Although most TEs typically have the similar height that AR does but weight more in the 260-pound range. It does seem true that AR is probably the heaviest of all starting NFL QBs with I think Dak closest to AR. Do wonder if AR would benefit from shredding some of the weight and get closer to Lamar's playing weight and how much more dynamic of a player he could be. Now the last QB that I do remember weighing around AR as a comparison would been JaMarcus Russell. Leave it at that...