Who Should the Colts Draft?

[OJl]

I had the last two days off work.  So between that and the weekend, I saw a LOT of the NFL Combine.  It's almost as mesmerizing as a fishing show.  Just some thoughts.

 

1.  I'm thrilled we sucked two years ago and not last year!  This draft might be deep, but there are zero franchise saviors in this bunch.

 

2.  Oline is deep and there should be a guy available at the 24th pick.  Cooper, Fluker or Barrett Jones might all be available.

 

3.  CB is deep and there should be a guy available at the 24th pick.  I came away liking Trufant as a first rounder and the Amerson kid as a second day pick.  A lot of people have the Colts getting Johnathan Banks.  I don't know.  He ran slow and looked too skinny to me.

 

4.  I came away loving Shamarko Thomas!  He is Bob Sanders reincarnated.  He runs fast as hell.  He's only 5'8".  And he hits like a ton of bricks.  PLUS, he's from Syracuse!  The last two times we used first rounders on Syracuse guys, it worked out pretty damned well.

 

5.  Honey Badger looked smooth!  IF he's done with the weed, he's worth a shot.  But his workout was too good.  I doubt he gets out of the 2nd round.

 

6.  Manti Te'o.  Who cares if he made up a girlfriend?  What's worse was his 40 time.  He needs to run better during ND's pro day or he won't be a first rounder.

 

But next up, free agency!  Let's go sign Paul Kruger and a couple of starters on the Oline then just worry about drafting DBs!  Pumped for next season to start!

[coltsfanatic24]

Sheldon Richardson or Jonathan Hankins

[Iron Colt]

Probably a pass rusher. Maybe trade down a bit and get a couple of picks to make up for our missing ones?

[HtownColt]

trade back in the 2nd and get DT Brandon Williams, our future Haloti Ngata. I want CB Darius Slay in the mid rounds as well

[Balzer40]

Well, even though I've said it in 10 other threads about his same topic basically, I want Xavier Rhodes if he's still available. If not, Banks or Fluker. Of course this may change depending on free agency moves.

[sultan5]

Xavier Rhodes is IMO officially out of our reach with his 4.41 40. so i say Margus Hunt. or trade down and get Shamarko and Brandon Williams

[colts1993]

I think we are lucky that this draft class is so deep on the positions that we need so i think we should trade our pick for a couple picks in the top 100 since there might be some good players still available.

[Balzer40]

Xavier Rhodes is IMO officially out of our reach with his 4.41 40. so i say Margus Hunt. or trade down and get Shamarko and Brandon Williams

 

 

Might be right about Rhodes, but the draft always has surprises. I like Hunt, but there is no way I would spend a 1st rd. pick on a guy that will be 26 yrs. old before he ever steps foot on an NFL field. 

[sultan5]

I had the last two days off work.  So between that and the weekend, I saw a LOT of the NFL Combine.  It's almost as mesmerizing as a fishing show.  Just some thoughts.

 

1.  I'm thrilled we sucked two years ago and not last year!  This draft might be deep, but there are zero franchise saviors in this bunch.

 

2.  Oline is deep and there should be a guy available at the 24th pick.  Cooper, Fluker or Barrett Jones might all be available.

 

3.  CB is deep and there should be a guy available at the 24th pick.  I came away liking Trufant as a first rounder and the Amerson kid as a second day pick.  A lot of people have the Colts getting Johnathan Banks.  I don't know.  He ran slow and looked too skinny to me.

 

4.  I came away loving Shamarko Thomas!  He is Bob Sanders reincarnated.  He runs fast as hell.  He's only 5'8".  And he hits like a ton of bricks.  PLUS, he's from Syracuse!  The last two times we used first rounders on Syracuse guys, it worked out pretty damned well.

 

5.  Honey Badger looked smooth!  IF he's done with the weed, he's worth a shot.  But his workout was too good.  I doubt he gets out of the 2nd round.

 

6.  Manti Te'o.  Who cares if he made up a girlfriend?  What's worse was his 40 time.  He needs to run better during ND's pro day or he won't be a first rounder.

 

But next up, free agency!  Let's go sign Paul Kruger and a couple of starters on the Oline then just worry about drafting DBs!  Pumped for next season to start!

 

 

 Like your post homey. Yeah Shamarko Thomas is Sanders Reincarnated. No No on Honey dude. he pressed 4. thats rediculous. i press 8 and i'm 40 yrs old. Theres no way hes gonna handle Jones Drew in the nickel. Maybe college yeah but hes way too little or the NFL. the days of the 5'8 165 lb CB's are over by a mile. Did you see that LB zavier ? forgot his last name but hes a freakin giant chiseled  LB that ran a sub 4.5 40. Dont need LBs though, I say we get Jake Long and move Costanzo back to his *. he played in College, RT. you know what they were saying about Davis in his last yr at Miami? theyre saying the same bout Long. He needs a change of scenery. Not too high on Kruger either. Maybe Mike Jenkins CB? Rhodes will be in the top 15.

[chad72]

Trade back to top of 2nd round, get Eric Reid, FS, LSU.

 

Outside Milliner and Rhodes, a quality safety will help our secondary more than a quality CB, IMO.

[Smonroe]

Trade back to top of 2nd round, get Eric Reid, FS, LSU.

With who, and for what else? I like the idea of trading back too.

Hurry up and answer before the mods move this thread to where it belongs!

[Valpo2004]

Best player available that is not a Tight End or a Quarterback is probably the best policy. 

[sultan5]

Barrett Jones was the most impressive OL from 'Bama IMO. Fluker benched 21. thats stoopid for a 335 lb OL. and yes bench press does matter for Linemen. absolutely. Hes slow and got big slow feet. Warmack IMO is completely overrated. hes good in the first 5 yds. no one better, but in the NFL your gonna have to get to the second level no matter how strong you are. Warmack wont be able to. He will Dominate the LOS though.

 

Might be right about Rhodes, but the draft always has surprises. I like Hunt, but there is no way I would spend a 1st rd. pick on a guy that will be 26 yrs. old before he ever steps foot on an NFL field. 

 I see whatcha mean but a guy 6'8, pressing 225lb 38 times and running a 4.6 40 is an athlete. IMO hes gonna be gone anyway. i say top 15. reason being is the huge dissapointments at LB that all the mock drafts had so far until the combine. Demontre moore, man what happened to him?! i was real dissapointed in Bjorne Werner and especially Chase Thomas. That zavier? guy was a beast though.

[chad72]

With who, and for what else? I like the idea of trading back too.

Hurry up and answer before the mods move this thread to where it belongs!

 

With the Buffalo Bills or New York Jets for a 2nd and 3rd of theirs. I bet one QB that they like slips to No.24.

[FalseStart]

FYI...

 

 

The Colts will have the 24th pick in the first round of the draft. Here is how Grigson views the team's draft position: "Picking at 24, we feel there's going to be a good player there," he said, adding that the cornerback, offensive line and defensive line positions hold promise. "We want that blue (chip) player at 24. We don't want to settle for a need guy."

 

Team Needs

 

Offensive line: Injuries played havoc with the Colts' offensive line last season. Indianapolis signed guard Mike McGlynn and center Samson Satele prior to last season in an attempt to bolster depth along the offensive line. The Colts need to get bigger and more physical up front.

Outside linebacker: With the decision to part ways with Dwight Freeney, the Colts might be able to find a suitable replacement in the draft. The Colts would like to play a more straight 3-4 defensive package but the team currently doesn't have a true 3-4 outside linebacker on the roster.

Secondary: It would appear as if the Colts need to find another potential starting cornerback if veteran Jerraud Powers does not return. Also, an upgrade at strong safety would be good to find if at all possible.

 

Medical Watch

 

• NT Josh Chapman missed all of his rookie season as he recovered from a knee injury that he suffered as a senior at Alabama. He saw limited practice with the team. Chapman is hopeful of participating in OTA workouts this spring. "Hopefully, he's going to be rarin' to go," general manager Ryan Grigson said. "We played it safe with him (last season). I have big plans for him."

• NT Brandon McKinney missed the 2012 season after suffering a knee injury in training camp. McKinney is continuing his rehab and may be available for the start of training camp in August.

• CB Jerraud Powers incurred a turf toe injury that forced him to miss the second half of the 2012 season. He is recovering well and could be available for OTAs.

• DE Fili Moala was sidelined last season with a knee injury. He tore the ACL in his right knee in late November. Moala has made a nice adjustment to the 3-4 defensive package and might be back in time for OTAs. "(He) is doing great. We feel good about him. It's just going to take some time to come back from his injury," general manager Ryan Grigson said.

• LB A.J. Edds suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp last summer. He appears to have made good progress in his rehab and might be able to return for OTAs.

• RB Donald Brown was sidelined last season with ankle and knee issues. Brown should be able to participate in OTA workouts this spring.

• DT Drake Nevis missed most of last season with a hand injury. Nevis might possibly be back in time for the start of OTA workouts in the spring. He has had the cast removed from his hand.

• WR Griff Whalen re-injured his foot during the Colts' rookie minicamp last spring. Whalen had played his senior year of college with the injury. He is expected to be back in time for OTA workouts this spring.

• LB Justin Hickman was sidelined last year with a hamstring issue. Hickman should be able to return for the start of spring OTA workouts.

• OG Ben Ijalana has missed most of his first two seasons in the NFL with recurring knee issues. It's hoped that he will be back in time for the start of training camp.

• LB Scott Lutrus was sidelined for the entire 2012 season with a knee injury. He was hurt in the preseason. It's hoped that Lutrus will be back in time for training camp.

• FB Robert Hughes suffered a knee injury last year and missed a portion of the 2012 season. Hughes might return for the start of training camp.

 

Franchise Player:

 

None.

 

Transition Player:

 

None.

 

Unrestricted Free Agents

 

(14)

• WR Donnie Avery played well at times last season. He had an uneven performance for most of the year however. Avery's speed is a plus but he had a few key drops along the way as well. Might be back.

• CB Darius Butler was a nice addition to the Colts secondary late last season. He can be a starter as well as working as a nickel back. Will most likely be back.

• WR Austin Collie will not be re-signed when his contract expires on March 12. Collie missed most of the 2012 season with a knee injury. He has also suffered four concussions in the past three seasons.

• LB Moise Fokou played relatively well last year, primarily on special teams. But he also proved to be a force at times on defense. Could be a tackling machine. Is expected back.

• LB Dwight Freeney will not be re-signed when his contract expires on March 12. Freeney's stats have lagged a bit over the past two seasons and he was asked to play a new position last fall, moving from a 4-3 defensive end to more of a 3-4 outside linebacker. He would like to sign with a contending team when he becomes a free agent.

• OG Tony Hills was a backup last season. Did OK when called upon to step in and play when injuries mounted up on the offensive line. Might be back.

• NT Antonio Johnson has played both defensive tackle and nose tackle since coming to the Colts. With the addition of Josh Chapman and Brandon McKinney, if both are fully recovered from knee injuries, Johnson might not be brought back.

• OT Winston Justice started all year at right offensive tackle. Played OK when healthy but was nicked up over the last half of the season. The Colts might decide to upgrade at the position through free agency.

• P Pat McAfee should be back. McAfee has proved valuable as the Colts' punter, kickoff specialist, placement holder and backup field-goal kicker. He would like to handle all of the kicking work at some juncture.

• DE Fili Moala played relatively well in the Colts' retooled defensive scheme. He made a nice transition from the previous 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 hybrid system. Is expected back.

• RB Mewelde Moore was brought in initially because he was familiar with former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' system. But with Arians now in Arizona, Moore is expected to be allowed to explore other options.

• CB Jerraud Powers has been beset with season-ending injuries the last couple of seasons. Still, when healthy, Powers has proven to be a good NFL cornerback. There is a very good chance that he will be brought back to form a starting tandem with Vontae Davis.

• QB Drew Stanton was a good soldier as he backed up rookie starter Andrew Luck last season. But with Bruce Arians looking for quarterback help with the Cardinals, Stanton might prove to be a possibility in Arizona. Chandler Harnish might be ready to move up to be Luck's backup in 2013.

• LB Jamaal Westerman did a nice job as a backup late in the season. For the right price, Westerman might be brought back to help bolster the Colts' outside linebacking depth.

 

Restricted Free Agents

 

(4)

• LB A.J. Edds (entered NFL as 4th-round draft pick) incurred a season-ending knee injury in training camp last year. He saw some playing time two years ago before suffering a season-ending concussion. A local kid who grew up just outside Indianapolis, he might be brought back if the price is right.

• OG Jeff Linkenbach (entered NFL as undrafted free agent). has started everywhere except center on the Colts' offensive line since he's been with the team. Can play both tackle and both guard positions. Coaches like his versatility, so Linkenbach could return.

• OG Seth Olsen (entered NFL as 4th-round draft pick) has proven to be somewhat inconsistent when given a chance to start. His progress has been slowed by a few injuries. May not be asked back with the Colts.

• CB Cassius Vaughn (entered NFL as undrafted free agent). has had an up-and-down brief career in Indianapolis. Was added to the roster last summer and earned some starts due to injuries at the position. Can be a productive nickel back. Depending on what the Colts do in free agency this year and in the draft, Vaughn might not return.

[Smonroe]

With the Buffalo Bills or New York Jets for a 2nd and 3rd of theirs. I bet one QB that they like slips to No.24.

I could live with that.

[FalseStart]

we currently have zero true OLBs (Except for CFL: Killeen) signed...and thus I mock...

 

1. Trade to SF or AZ for 2,3,5th. (SF picks Williams or Short DT or AZ picks Fluker or Barkley)

2. Watson OT

2. Warford G

3. Jon Bostic OLB or Jamie Collins, OLB

3. Lemonier OLB or Jenkins OLB

4. Swearinger FS or Swope WR

4. Geathers NT or Mathieu DB/KR

5. Winters G or Jonathan Franklin RB

5. Stephon Taylor RB or Kenyon Barner RB/WR, Ace Sanders WR/PR

6. Brad Wing P 

7.    :throwback:

FA: Vasquez G, Cason DB, Jenkins DB, Moore SS, Jackson RB, Kelley WR, Killeen OLB

Resign: Butler, Fokou, Justice.

[ReddyColts]

The way the draaft is shaping up and owing to our philoshophy it think we will take either DT/DE.

Gil Brandt has us taking Margus Hunt and i like him.

[BPM_Colt]

I still want Rhodes but Im unsure he falls to us now

[Smonroe]

I still don't buy the "BPA" line. But if we take that as being true, then nothing that happens in Free Agency should effect our draft board.

I think it's BPA on "our list" and our list is going to change based on need. And FAs change our needs.

[chad72]

Draft is the third piece of the puzzle. Free agency to sign free agents outside your team and re-signing your own free agents has to take place before the draft.

 

There is something called a weighted BPA, BPA at position of need. If need and value intersect with a better weighted number, I am pretty certain most GMs will go the weighted BPA route.

[ReddyColts]

Draft is the third piece of the puzzle. Free agency to sign free agents outside your team and re-signing your own free agents has to take place before the draft.

 

There is something called a weighted BPA, BPA at position of need. If need and value intersect with a better weighted number, I am pretty certain most GMs will go the weighted BPA route.

Agree with both you and Smonroe.

If we add few pieces to the puzzle and when we are on board we will take the BPA based on need. If we have OL and CB with the same grade we would take a CB. As 1 round player should be blue chip player who can play immediately. If we have say any position except QB with first round grade and CB/OL with 2 round grade we would go with BPA and not reach for OL/CB.

[bestQBever]

i want one of these 3 guys: xavier rhodes, MARGUS HUNT, johnthan banks.

[NewColtsFan]

we currently have zero true OLBs (Except for CFL: Killeen) signed...and thus I mock...

 

1. Trade to SF or AZ for 2,3,5th. (SF picks Williams or Short DT or AZ picks Fluker or Barkley)

2. Watson OT

2. Warford G

3. Jon Bostic OLB or Jamie Collins, OLB

3. Lemonier OLB or Jenkins OLB

4. Swearinger FS or Swope WR

4. Geathers NT or Mathieu DB/KR

5. Winters G or Jonathan Franklin RB

5. Stephon Taylor RB or Kenyon Barner RB/WR, Ace Sanders WR/PR

6. Brad Wing P 

7.    :throwback:

FA: Vasquez G, Cason DB, Jenkins DB, Moore SS, Jackson RB, Kelley WR, Killeen OLB

Resign: Butler, Fokou, Justice.

 

Somehow, I think the math is off here...

 

I don't see how we have two #2's, two #4's and two #5's??

 

Currently, we don't have a two.  Nor do we have a five.    Also, to your re-sign list, I'm pretty sure you want to resign more than those three...   how about Pat McAfee?

 

Just thinking out loud......

[Charliemac24]

I think we should draft desmond trufant or xavier rhodes if he still there....if we take care of OL and OLB in free agency then we could draft a young talented cornerback....i wouldnt mind trading out either for a high second round pick and a 5th round pick....we draft a corner first and add depth on LB DL and SAFETY....we should be fine but it all depends on free agency

[BleedBlu8792]

Somehow, I think the math is off here...

I don't see how we have two #2's, two #4's and two #5's??

Currently, we don't have a two. Nor do we have a five. Also, to your re-sign list, I'm pretty sure you want to resign more than those three... how about Pat McAfee?

Just thinking out loud......

See #1... That's where he gets the rest of his picks from..

[NewColtsFan]

See #1... That's where he gets the rest of his picks from..

 

I did see #1.    His math doesn't work.

 

I explained in my post.   It doesn't add up to what he thinks it does....

[RomanianColtsFan]

I know he was injured most of the time but Bob Sanders was a beast when he was on the field. I kind of fell in love with the Bob Sanders style of play and role. I mentioned this because I would really like if the colts could get somebody like Sanders or Polamalu in the draft, even in the 1st round. I am not naive and I know that player might not exist in this year draft but wouldn't be great to have somebody with no particular responsibility but to just roam the field and tackle where and when is needed it? 

[FalseStart]

Somehow, I think the math is off here...

 

I don't see how we have two #2's, two #4's and two #5's??

 

Currently, we don't have a two.  Nor do we have a five.    Also, to your re-sign list, I'm pretty sure you want to resign more than those three...   how about Pat McAfee?

 

Just thinking out loud......

 2.  forgot the "OR" in a few of those rounds 5...comp pick...garcon maybe. 1-2, 2-3, 4, 2-5, 1-6, 7...

[smittywerb]

To be honest, I love the position we are in because we can go so many different ways.  Whoever is the BPA at OL, DL, or DB, get them. Whatever we miss in the draft, we can buy in the free agency.

[Superman]

What's the likelihood Star Lotulelei falls all the way to #24?

[John Dee]

The

 

What's the likelihood Star Lotulelei falls all the way to #24?

Stranger things have happened......               Like Indy getting to draft Luck....  

[chad72]

What's the likelihood Star Lotulelei falls all the way to #24?

Wasn't Star Lotulelei sent home from the combine because of a heart condition?

 

http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/25/top-draft-prospect-star-lotulelei-has-heart-issue/M1azupvKW8PvLC909t2rRI/story.html

[Superman]

Wasn't Star Lotulelei sent home from the combine because of a heart condition?

 

http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/25/top-draft-prospect-star-lotulelei-has-heart-issue/M1azupvKW8PvLC909t2rRI/story.html

 

Yeah, that's why I'm wondering how far he'll fall. Indications are that he'll be given a clean bill of health, that the issue was primarily due to him dropping a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. It's not positive either way you put it, but it doesn't sound like there's actually anything wrong with his heart. Red flag, sure, but pending further news, I'd take him if he were there at #24.

[chad72]

Yeah, that's why I'm wondering how far he'll fall. Indications are that he'll be given a clean bill of health, that the issue was primarily due to him dropping a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. It's not positive either way you put it, but it doesn't sound like there's actually anything wrong with his heart. Red flag, sure, but pending further news, I'd take him if he were there at #24.

 

I am not so sure though. Not when we dont have a second round pick. We already thought Chapman would be fine by the beginning of the season and that didn't work out well for us. Not sure if Grigson will take the chance again.

[FalseStart]

Wasn't Star Lotulelei sent home from the combine because of a heart condition?

 

http://bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/02/25/top-draft-prospect-star-lotulelei-has-heart-issue/M1azupvKW8PvLC909t2rRI/story.html

His heart started bleeding blue...he knew he was colt strong.

[AntonMcG]

To be honest, I love the position we are in because we can go so many different ways.  Whoever is the BPA at OL, DL, or DB, get them. Whatever we miss in the draft, we can buy in the free agency.

 

Unfortunately it doesn't work like that... to get the top Free Agents, we will have to do most of our business before the draft. Hopefully we fill enough holes in FA that we really can just go for BPA regardless of position (barring the obvious of course)

[AntonMcG]

I am not so sure though. Not when we dont have a second round pick. We already thought Chapman would be fine by the beginning of the season and that didn't work out well for us. Not sure if Grigson will take the chance again.

 

Could he play the outside DT Moala role though?

[Superman]

I am not so sure though. Not when we dont have a second round pick. We already thought Chapman would be fine by the beginning of the season and that didn't work out well for us. Not sure if Grigson will take the chance again.

 

It's a different medical consideration entirely, but I get that Grigson will want to be cautious. Like I said, it depends on what kind of info comes out about him in the next few weeks.

 

I think the team will look to fill their needs in free agency, and then get a potential starter or two in the draft. If there's any year we can be a little less conservative in the draft, it's this year.

[AntonMcG]

It's a different medical consideration entirely, but I get that Grigson will want to be cautious. Like I said, it depends on what kind of info comes out about him in the next few weeks.

 

I think the team will look to fill their needs in free agency, and then get a potential starter or two in the draft. If there's any year we can be a little less conservative in the draft, it's this year.

 

Yeah this is undoubtedly so. However, I do think we have a much more limited pool than many believe us to have, and I say this purely from a schematic standpoint. I think Fluker is realistically the only O-Line man we would potentially go for at #24 because he fits the power man scheme. Similiarly, I see Rhodes being our only option at CB because he fits the Press Man mold, I think if Banks feel to us, we would pass (maybe Trufant). I did think we would get a natural pass rushing OLB which is something we certainly lack, but now I don't know if one falls, I would love it if Jarvis Jones fell as some mocks have suggested but I cannot see it happening. I see a decent pool of D-Linemen being available that could fit in though.

 

So I think all this talk of BPA needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.