Bill from Schoolhouse Rock
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Posts posted by Bill from Schoolhouse Rock
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24
D.J. Fluker
OT Alabama
Sr.6-5339
We had to stop Fluker's slide, because he's too good a prospect to slip any further down the board (sorry, No. 26 Green Bay). The Colts have other more pressing needs on defense, but even with free agent right offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus signed this offseason, Indy general manager Ryan Grigson doesn't seem like the type to pass on this level of quality at this value. And perhaps Fluker's presence can be used to get the best out of underachieving left tackle Anthony Castonzo.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20130417/2013-nfl-mock-draft-6/?sct=uk_t11_a7
How would this work for us if he turns out to be correct? Would Fluker or Castonzo move to guard or would one win out over the other? Interesting proposition none the less...
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Thanks Everyone. I was a little confused on this one...
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Jim Irsay tweeted we had another signing and the link leads to an article about a former Penn State Linebacker named Michael Mauti.
http://blogs.colts.com/?icampaign=blog_ind_menutext
Anybody know anything about him?
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I saw one topic about under the radar free agents but it wasn't about this article on the CBS Sports NFL site. Pete Prisco lists out 10 FAs he feels have high value but haven't received a lot of recognition up to this point in their careers. Some of them were listed in the other under the radar post and some weren't.
He spends a lot of time on the Arizona CB Toler but lists out Tony Carter of Denver as well. The article lists 4 DTs, 1 OLB, 1 Guard, 1 RB and one Full Back/Tight End. Kind of an interesting read for this time of year...
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Did anybody see this article on the CBS Sports website? Clark Judge is making a case for BA to get a head coaching chance somewhere.
Arians should be on somebody's short list of coaching candidates
By Clark Judge | Senior NFL Columnist
December 11, 2012 3:52 pm ET
Selfishly, I hope it doesn't happen...
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I got comped two tickets to yesterday's game by my company. They were in the COLTS end zone section 101 10 rows up. I could almost see the sweat on the players' brows.
Luck scored his first TD right in front of me. The Cleveland receiver dropped the potential game winner right in front of me too. All things considered they were great seats. The sun was shining right on my face and it felt like a June day.
- We actually had a running game going. Whether it was short yardage or early downs we actually were moving the ball on the ground. Nice...
- Fleener made a couple of great catches and looked comfortable and engaged. Oh yeah, did I mention he's TALL?
- Our D looked rugged at times but stepped up and made some stops when they were needed. I would like to have seen Weeden sacked a time or two but they stopped the run like we haven't seen in a long time.
- Luck made some bad plays but he looked pretty good for a kid in his sixth professional game. Think about it...his SIXTH professional game.
- There were a a couple of Cowboy fans sitting in front of me. Why they were at a Colts game against the Browns and listening to the Boys' game on radios is beyond me but the people around us gave them some good natured ribbing but weren't the slightest bit mean. Browns fans were in our midst acting like true dog pounders and everyone smiled and talked with them. They seemed a little stunned and amazed. Colts fans are class acts...
- Browns fans were walking around down town after the game thanking everyone in Colts gear for helping them secure the number one pick in the next draft...too funny.
- Luck is good...don't let anybody try to tell you any differently.
I highly recommend springing for good seats if you can and enjoying a game at Lucas.
- We actually had a running game going. Whether it was short yardage or early downs we actually were moving the ball on the ground. Nice...
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There is a simple little poll on the CBS Sportsline NFL page that speaks volumes about how far the Colts have already progressed in the national mind set. CBS is polling visitors to vote for the NFL's worst team and the Colts are not even mentioned in the list of 6. A baby step I know and subjective at best but they're obviously perceived as headed in the right direction.
By the way, as I write this Cleveland and Jacksonville are tied for first at 29% each.
Who is the NFL's worst team?
- Browns
- Jaguars
- Chiefs
- Panthers
- Titans
- Raiders
- Browns
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This is great info...thanks to you all. The prospect of a 3 or a 4 helps the outlook a little anyway doesn't it?
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I have been away from the board for a while. Ever since Grigson traded the second round pick to upgrade the cornerback position I have been trying to remember...
1) Won't the Colts get a compensatory pick for Garcon?
2) If they do isn't it based on the offer they tendered to him?
3) If so, does anyone know where the offer he refused would slate the pick?
I was wondering if the front office was a little more willing to deal the number two pick knowing they had a decent compensatory pick waiting in the wings.
I know, a little "out of the box" for cut down day and this topic may have been discussed at the time of the trade but this has been gnawing at me ever since the trade went down.
Thanks for any info
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It looks like the Steelers really are thinking trade. They signed their number two receiver Antonio Brown to a 5 year $42.5 million extension.
The insider rumor board says they are showing Wallace they'll only talk with players that are in camp. Here's a really interesting quote:
"Do not be surprised if Steelers trade Mike Wallace during training camp," Dulac tweeted. "They no longer believe they can sign him long term."
The article on Wallace and the Steelers is the last one down when you click the link.
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Okay, I didn't see anything posted about this article on CBSSports.com. It's a speculative piece about the coming NFL season and has a positive spin on the whole Luck versus RGIII debate.
Oh yeah, item 3 discusses the Broncos outlook with some new quarterback they picked up during the off season as well...just in case you might be interested.
2. Who has more immediate success -- Andrew Luck or RG3?
Andrew Luck is the more ready of the two to step in and take over a pro huddle. He was trained in a pro-style offense at Stanford, and he thrived in it. But he doesn't have the experience around him that Griffin does in Washington. Nor does he have a head coach like Mike Shanahan, who loves to develop young quarterbacks. Still, I say Luck has more immediate success for two reasons: 1) His background in a pro-style offense and 2) the schedule. Five of Washington's first eight opponents are playoff teams, including the defending Super Bowl champions, and three of Griffin's first four starts are on the road. Now compare that to what's ahead for Luck: Three of his first four games are at home and only one of the Colts' first nine opponents made last year's playoffs -- with only two of those nine producing winning records. Then there's this: Luck's favorite receiver at Stanford, tight end Coby Fleener, is one of his targets in Indianapolis. If you're looking for the early edge -- and we are -- Luck has it.
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This is an interesting read about next season and the impact rookies should/could have on it.
Top Impact Rookies for 2012 NFL Season
By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger
June 26, 2012 8:09 am ET
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/19424114/top-impact-rookies-for-2012-nfl-season
9. Andrew Luck, QB, Colts: Luck will end up being more efficient than Peyton Manning was his rookie year. But he won't be as prolific. That's just Luck's style. But he'll have nice numbers. Those numbers, however, will be helped by a trio of other rookies: Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen and T.Y. Hilton all will help Luck make an impact (not to mention Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie) in his first season. The Colts won't open up Luck guns-a-blazing either. That wasn't his style at Stanford and it won't be his style early on in the NFL. He'll get his production, but it'll be smart production. The problem is, the Colts won't sniff the playoffs next year, though they may end up sniffing six or seven wins -- Indy did enough in April to be competitive offensively.
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This is an interesting article at ESPN.com. It lists the players they see taking their game to the next level this season. Number 5 = Pat Angerer
Top 10 AFC breakout players
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Joe Haden among players who could have big seasons
Originally Published: June 7, 2012By Gary Horton | Scouts Inc.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8020223/nfl-top-10-breakout-players-afc-2012
5. Pat Angerer, ILB, Indianapolis Colts
He stepped in a year ago because of injuries and he played surprisingly well at MLB in their 4-3 defense. He was consistent and his production was outstanding, as he recorded 148 tackles. He has played inside and outside, and now he will settle at ILB in their new 3-4 look. He is a three-down player with excellent range, tackling skills and ball location, and even though his cover skills are only adequate, he is good enough to stay on the field on third down.
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Bucky Brooks at NFL.com is a believer the Colts will be a better team this year than the other talking heads are giving them credit to be.
Andrew Luck-led Colts will be much better than you think in 2012
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
That's what opponents will soon realize after facing Andrew Luck and a rebuilt Indianapolis Colts offense that is eerily similar to the unit that dominated the AFC for more than a decade.
Although the loss of Peyton Manning and the images of a dismal 2011 campaign make it difficult to imagine a swift turnaround for the Colts, I believe the pieces are in place for the team to quickly rejoin the ranks of the elite, particularly on offense.
Here are three reasons why the Colts' offense will be much better than anyone thinks in 2012:
1) Luck's wealth of college experience will lead to instant success as a pro.
2) Bruce Arians is a masterful developer of young quarterbacks.
3) The Colts are building an "old school" offense that will be problematic for opponents.
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Mel Kiper loved Luck in round one but he is also giving the Colts some love for next season with Fleener and Hilton.
Early impact from Rounds 2 and 3
Coby Fleener, Mychal Kendricks among early-impact players
Originally Published: May 1, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7877235/coby-fleener-impact-players-day-2
Yesterday I looked at players I feel can have an early impact after being taken in Round 1. My guess is that sent off a torrent of eye rolls. Of course a guy taken in the first round will have an early impact, you said.
But this is a progression, so let's look at Rounds 2 and 3. As a comparison, last year 17 of the 32 picks from Round 1 appeared or started in at least 15 games. From Rounds 2 and 3, the number was 22 players. So while the percentage per round dips sharply, there's still a lot of impact to be found.
Andy Dalton, Torrey Smith, Jabaal Sheard, DeMarco Murray, Greg Little, Brooks Reed and a number of others provided solid impact as rookies after being taken in these rounds last season. Here's a look at players from this year's draft who could see action and help teams early on:
Offense
TE Coby Fleener, Colts
The thought was this pick would define which direction the Colts were going in the draft. Would they be satisfied with Andrew Luck as the new face of the offense and then get back to helping a leaky defense? Or would they wait on defense and find help for Luck? The Colts clearly figured: (A) They wouldn't get a second chance to get Luck off to a good start; and (B) as a team they had the ball a league-worst 43.7 percent of the time in 2011. The defense isn't good, but the offense was as bad as any team's but St. Louis last year. If the offense can stay on the field, the defense will look better. More than a possession tight end, Fleener has sub-4.5 speed, and he will be split out. It's a leap in levels, but he and Luck will have the advantage of familiarity. He also has a knack for staying on the field, having played in 51 straight games at Stanford. He could top 50 catches in 2012.
WR T.Y. Hilton, Colts
Austin Collie is still there, but Hilton is far more explosive, and I can see him picking up a lot of slot duties this season. I'd also expect to see him in the return game.
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I am probably in the minority, but I think Andrew Luck is joining a team with a better roster than Peyton Manning did. Most of the experts out there seem to think Luck is joining a roster that is simply depleted of talent. I don't see it.
In 1998, Manning joined a team that truly had a bunch of no names plus Marshal Faulk. Yes, Marvin Harrison and Tarik Glenn and Adam Meadows and Ken Dilger and Marcus Pollard were all on the team. But if you look at that team through 1998 goggles, none of those guys were well known at all. Faulk was the ONLY guy on that team that commanded respect. On defense, Jason Belser was the only guy that people knew. Tony Siragusa was gone. "Big Play" Ray Buchanon was gone. Jeff Herrod and Quinton Coryatt were gone. If people will remember, one of the first things Polian did when he came in was spend a bunch of money on defensive free agents bringing in guys like Chad Bratzke, Chad Cota, Cornelius Bennett, Shawn King and the like.
In 2012, Luck will be coming into a situation where he has an established Pro Bowl WR to work with in Reggie. In 1998, Marvin had not even come close to sniffing the Pro Bowl yet. While Reggie is no longer in his prime, he can still play. Luck also has a solid second WR to throw to in Austin Collie. Peyton certainly didn't have that option in 1998. Peyton did have two excellent TEs to work with. Well, now Luck will too! In fact, Luck's TEs will PROBABLY be better than the combo of Dilger and Pollard. Viewing the offensive line through 1998 goggles, the offensive line in 1998 was by no means a powerhouse. I would say that Tarik Glenn and Anthony Costanzo have had comparable rookie years. Tarik took a huge step in year two of course. Can Costonzo do the same? Meadows also played big in year two. Can Ijalana do the same? It will be tough to say considering his injury last year. 1998's line was lucky in that it hit on Steve McKinney who immediately came in and played LG at a pro bowl level. Faulk tilts things a lot towards 1998 because the Colts current RBs cannot even compare to Faulk's injured turf toe.
I think however that the 2012 defense is far superior to the 1998 defense which is why I think the overal make-up of the 2012 roster that Luck is joining is better. 1998 had NOBODY! Jason Belser. That's it. Like I said Polian brought in a bunch of FAs who were past their primes or overpaid to fill out the roster because he had to. 2012 boasts 3 former Pro Bowlers who can still play at a high level: Freeney, Mathis, and Bethea. 2012 also boasts a potential star LB in Pat Angerer and two solid players in Kavell Conner and Jerraud Powers.
I think if Luck plays well, the Colts will do better than most people expect...which I am actually kind of torn about. Because I remember in 1999, our horrendous 1998 turned into the 4th pick in the draft which became Edge! God I loved Edge! Anyways that was my roundabout way of saying Luck's team ain't as bad as the so called experts think.
OJI...this is the most astute and accurate assessment of where we are I have seen yet. You nailed the situation right on the head. I was at the dome for Manning's first home game and for several more throughout the following years. 14 years later people have lost sight of the fact there were as many or more Miami jerseys and fans of Marino there that day than there were Colts' fans.
I remember sitting in the stands and getting frustrated while Manning began perfecting his line of scrimmage routine. More than a few Colts fans were shouting at him to basically stop the gyrations and just snap the ball. I'm sure it's a revelation to a few on this board that many of the fans in the stands were critical of the young quarterback but still had high hopes and fondness for him. He struggled that season but you could see the greatness gaining momentum as he went. He also displayed his tendency to make average players look better than they were.
I have the same expectations for Luck.
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Pat Kirwan says we get Glenn...for what a mock draft is worth anyway...
2012 NFL Draft: Second-round mock draft
By Pat Kirwan | CBSSports.com NFL Insider
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/18859152/nfl-draft-secondround-mock-draft
St. Louis Rams: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech. An immediate vertical threat with a great desire to be a downfield blocker (First round: DT Michael Brockers).
Indianapolis Colts: Cordy Glenn, RT, Georgia. Glenn is versatile and will not only help protect Luck but open holes for the run game (First round: QB Andrew Luck). -
According to Kiper, here are the top 10 prospects for Day Two of the draft:
http://insider.espn....available-day-2
Ten best available on Day 2
Courtney Upshaw, Cordy Glenn should come off the board quickly
Originally Published: April 27, 2012By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider
More Kiper NFL draft content:
Second-round mock | Round 1 winners and question marks | Best available on Day 2
Here is a look at the 10 best available players on Mel Kiper's board after the first day of the 2012 NFL draft.
1. LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
A high-effort player, Upshaw could be a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. A bit of a tweener, he has great strength and productivity.
2. G Cordy Glenn, Georgia
A versatile player, Glenn is durable and athletic. He has good footwork and can hold up against the rush.
3. LB Lavonte David, Nebraska
Undersized for a linebacker, David simply makes plays on the football field. He has the speed to play from sideline to sideline.
4. TE Coby Fleener, Stanford
The No. 1 tight end in the draft is still out there. Fleener is fast enough to stretch the deep middle and has sure hands.
5. C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
The top center in this draft, Konz is athletic for the position. Issues for him are staying healthy and improving upper-body strength.
6. DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
A strong player, Worthy can make plays in the backfield. In the right defensive scheme, he'll be a real asset.
7. T Bobby Massie, Mississippi
A right tackle for three years in the SEC, he could have been an elite tackle in next year's class if he had stayed in school. Projects as a left tackle in the NFL.
8. DT Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
Wolfe has impressive pass-rushing ability and is an elite athlete. He can fit in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
9. T Jonathan Martin, Stanford
Martin did an excellent job protecting Andrew Luck's blind side for three seasons. He has the size, experience and overall athleticism you look for in a starting left tackle. Needs to be more physical.
10. CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
Has slid this far only because of off-field issues. On the field, he has good hip flexibility and is a solid cover corner. Also a good punt returner.
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I agree with Glenn. A very talented big ugly on the O line would protect our number 1 and open a lot of holes for our runners. I like the idea of adding quality and size to both lines.
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Speaking of criticism out of the blue...what do you guys think of this one from Paul Kuharsky's AFC South blog?
Scouting chatter: Indianapolis Colts
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
1:15
PM ET
By Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/36349/scouting-chatter-indianapolis-colts
“I like Anthony Castonzo better at right tackle, he’s not a true left tackle to me. But there won’t be one of those at 34.”
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I agree with the sentiments being expressed here. How can any conclusions be drawn without seeing who we draft, what UDFA we acquire, what gems are mined from the trimmed rosters of other teams, do we make any trades, etc.
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I can't start any new posts yet...6 more posts to go...but since we're talking adding Luck's number this may be as good of place as any to post this
Peyton Manning banner removed from Lucas Oil Stadium
1 hour and 14 minutes ago | Written by IndyStarSports | 3 Comments
The Peyton Manning banner was removed today from the side of Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photos: Alex Campbell / The Star)
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Don't look now but NBC Sports is joining in in the fun...
I couldn't post the entire article but he states Griffin will have the better rookie season but flip flops at the very end stating the Colts are building a better team over all...
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46994206/ns/sports-nfl/
Griffin lucks out being No. 2
QB will win Rookie of Year with Redskins, while Luck will have a tough '12 with Colts
ANALYSIS
updated 9:47 p.m. ET April 18, 2012
Mike Tanier
Forget for a moment that trading three first-round picks for one player is like signing a 40-year variable-rate mortgage: the house maybe great, but those hefty payments are bound to have consequences down the road.
Forget for a moment that Robert Griffin III has gone from “outstanding prospect” to “can’t-miss franchise quarterback” to “John Elway standing on Steve Young’s shoulders” in the course of a few workouts and interviews, with the real truth lying closer to the first option than the third.
Finally, forget the talk about the Colts' drafting Griffin instead of Andrew Luck. Yes, there is a slim chance that Jim Irsay will change his mind, not only because he is as predictable as mountaintop weather but because coaches get involved in the draft process this time of year and begin lobbying for their guys. Irsay was sold on Luck about six months ago, so it will take a lot of lobbying to change his mind.
The Redskins will draft Griffin. Griffin will be a day one starter. And Griffin will be the Rookie of the Year.
The guy who will be drafted ahead of him doesn’t stand a chance.
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I like your draft. Just for conversational sake here's Mel Kiper's first three round draft for the Colts...
Kiper's 'Grade A' Draft: AFC
Mel plays GM of every AFC team in picking Rounds 1-3 of the draft
Originally Published: April 18, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider
When I do mock drafts, I'm not simply giving my opinion on where players will go. In fact, I disagree with some of the picks I'm putting down. But the mocks are based on a combination of where players are being valued across the league, how I feel those players are valued by individual teams, what the top needs for each team are, whether they value need over the best player available and so on. It's not an editorial. For this, I was asked, "What would you do if you were picking?" So I gave it a shot. I've listed what I see as the top needs for each team, and I've gone ahead and made the picks that fill needs based on where I have players ranked. A few ground rules:
1. At each spot, I'm making the pick best for that team at that spot. I won't pass on an ideal pick for the Bills at No. 10 just because that player would be a great fit at No. 11.
2. There are no duplicates anywhere.
3. I will suggest good spots to trade down, but I won't rearrange the board.
4. This is for fun! One pick can derail a whole draft, so in no way do I think this is how it might look.
Top needs: QB, WR, DL, CB, OL, TE
Rd 1 (1) QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
Rd 2 (34) DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan St.
Rd 3 (64) WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Analysis: I'm a pretty savvy GM, taking this Luck kid, huh? Really out in front of the pack! Needless to say, I think Luck is a lock on my board and Indy's as well. That's your Week 1 starter. Worthy runs a little hot and cold, but when he's on the warm side of that equation, he is a first-round talent at defensive tackle the Colts can say they got in Round 2. Roll the film when he's up against Notre Dame, Michigan or Georgia last year and see how hard it is for even some really good offensive linemen to keep him in place. The Colts have to stop the run, and it starts inside. Broyles has the talent of a Round 1 pick, but we'll take the chance here. He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash last week just months off an ACL injury, and when he's fully recovered he'll be just what Luck needs -- a wide receiver who flat-out knows how to diagnose, get open and operate in space.
Bruno's Blog Projecting Colts' Picks and Priorites in the NFL Draft
in NFL Draft, Scouting, and Free Agent Talk
Posted
Unless I just missed it somehow I didn't see anyone talking about Bruno's take on the Colts' draft on the 1070 The Fan website
Bruno has an interesting take on things. He sees the most pressing needs as interior offensive line, wide receiver, nose tackle, inside linebacker and free safety. I've been following everyone's take on the draft here and like a lot of the scenarios I've seen. I'd just like to hear a few points of view on this one.
Here are a few highlights from the article.
SECOND ROUND (No. 59 overall): WIDE RECEIVER
Two players widely projected as first-rounders did not post impressive 40 times at the combine, which could benefit the Colts. Allen Robinson of Penn State ran a 4.6 and Jarvis Landry of LSU a 4.75, although his time was at least partially attributable to a calf injury.
THIRD ROUND (90): INSIDE LINEBACKER
An ideal fit could be Stanford’s Shayne Skov – and not just because of his collegiate choice. At 6-2, 245, Skov has played in a similar 3-4 scheme and his strengths match up well with the Colts’ needs. Stanford’s defense was stout against the run and Skov not only played a key role, he was also a superb signal caller, another area the Colts could use a boost.
Another possibility might be Wisconsin’s Chris Borland, a high-motor player who is very aggressive but at 5-11 lacks prototypical size. Louisville’s Preston Brown is a 262-pound force to be considered.
FIFTH ROUND (154): NOSE TACKLE
Arkansas State’s Ryan Carrethers fits the profile. At 6-1, 329, he is extremely strong and as a former wrestler has enough agility to win one-on-one battles. Also has a strong reputation for work ethic, which bodes well for his future.
Another possibility is Justin Ellis of Louisiana Tech, another very big body but not as finely tuned as Carrethers.
SIXTH ROUND (187): FREE SAFETY
This deep in the draft, you’re not likely to find a step-in starter, so the priority is identifying potential, and that could lead to Wisconsin’s Dezmen Southward, who has the size and speed but lacks instincts and fluidity, in part because he didn’t start playing football until his senior year of high school.
Three players who spent time at both cornerback and safety in college could also be on the board: Marqueston Huff of Wyoming, Jemea Thomas of Georgia Tech and Dontae Johnson of N.C. State.
SEVENTH ROUND (209): PUNTER
With Pat McAfee also heading to free agency and likely to command a higher price than the Colts can afford to pay at this position, it might be a good idea to take a look at Memphis’ Tom Hornsey, Iowa State’s Kirby Van Der Kamp, or Alabama’s Cody Mandell.
http://blogs.1070thefan.com/2014/02/25/projecting-colts-picks-priorities-in-nfl-draft/