2012 Colts Rookie Recap

[Andy]

The Indianapolis Colts had one of their best draft classes ever, and it was the main reason why they made it to the playoffs. With the draft a week away, it's time to review last year's class.

 

Let's start with Andrew Luck, the engine of the team. What can one say about Andrew Luck? He came in with high hopes and expectations, and he easily surpassed them. The majority of people were expecting a 5 to 7 win season, with a 8 or 9 win season being called "optimistic" and double digits crazy. They got to 11 wins and played in the playoffs. Without Luck, they would not have been able to do that. Although there were several rookie mistakes, he played extremely well in the clutch, made great throws and read extremely well despite his little experience. He was already a vet! He had some help from guys like Reggie Wayne and a few others, but the offensive line was horrendous, and he still put up great numbers. Imagine what the guy could do if he had a decent O-line. This new west coast offense, an offense he supposedly "knows 75% of", will make him more efficient and bring up his completion percentage and bring down his interception numbers. This kid has sky high potential. He could be the best quarterback in the NFL by his fifth year.

 

In the 2nd round, the Colts selected Coby Fleener. Of the Colts' rookie class, Fleener was the one that I have to say disapointed me the most. Although he woke up late in the year, he didn't impress that much when he was on the field. He did improve as a blocker, which is encouraging, especially if the Colts intend on running more, but it's still clear that he's raw and still needs a lot of developing. Hopefully the Colts can give him a bigger role this season (which they most probably will), and give him an oppurtunity to shine.

 

The Colts then got another tight end in the third round in Dwayne Allen. It was a shock at the time, but it made sense because the Colts were going to use a lot of two tight end sets. Allen ended up becoming a fantastic, all around tight end, who caught the eye of many analysts. He ran very good routes, he blocked extremely well (ranked as one of the best blockers in the league), and made some nice catches. Allen was a great steal and proved last year that he can become a starting tight end in the league. His role should only get bigger in the West Coast offense.

 

The Colts then made a great steal in TY Hilton. TY Hilton wasn't expected to have the season that he did. For some games, Luck couldn't look away from him. Hilton became the deep threat along with Donnie Avery. He showed his great quickness and although his hands were very inconsitent, he made big plays with the ball in his hands (the big play against the Lions keeps popping up in my mind). He may not fit perfectly in this new offense, but he should have a big, maybe bigger, impact. He'll be fighting versus Darrius Heyward Bey for the #2 receiver spot.

 

They then got Josh Chapman, the future nose tackle of the team, and starting running back Vick Ballard in the 5th round. Chapman didn't play last year, but is expected to have a minor role this year. Even when he was drafted, the Colts only expected him to be a longterm solution. Arguably, the biggest steal of the draft was Vick Ballard. I said in late May 2012 that Ballard would be the starter by midseason. He had all the qualities and tool to be the starter and it was only a matter of time. By week 8, he became the starter. He played very well and had some very good games against great run defenses (Texans and the Patriots). He's here to stay and I expect big things from him next year in the power running system.

 

The Colts then added Lavon Brazill, Justin Anderson, Tim Fugger and Chandler Harnish with the last 4 picks. Brazill had a bit of an impact, Anderson missed the whole season, Fugger was released and Harnish was put on the practice squad.

 

All in all, it was amazing rookie class. They installed the longterm pieces of their offense and now have future stars at the majority of their important offensive positions. With the great play from a few rookies last year, the Colts were able to make it to the playoffs. The oustanding play of Reggie Wayne helps a lot, but it was the impact of the rookies that put them over the top. How many teams can you say "the impact of the rookies put them over the top"? Maybe the Redskins, and the Seahawks. If you go back 5 years, you may still be stuck with those 3 teams I just named. However, neither of those teams were in as bad of shape as the Colts and to get 9 more wins in one season is incredible. This is a young talented team that could be Super Bowl contenders before you know it!

[oldunclemark]

That's a very complete report....except for one arguable future point. 

 

You cant have a power running game in a pro-style west coast system.....they are mutually exclusive styles

 

The last thing we need is to try a power running attack with Vic Ballard......

 

 

Same question as last fall..

 

Has a team ever (since the merger) started five rookies on offense and made the NFL playoffs?

[NewColtsFan]

 

The Indianapolis Colts had one of their best draft classes ever, and it was the main reason why they made it to the playoffs. With the draft a week away, it's time to review last year's class.

 

Let's start with Andrew Luck, the engine of the team. What can one say about Andrew Luck? He came in with high hopes and expectations, and he easily surpassed them. The majority of people were expecting a 5 to 7 win season, with a 8 or 9 win season being called "optimistic" and double digits crazy. They got to 11 wins and played in the playoffs. Without Luck, they would not have been able to do that. Although there were several rookie mistakes, he played extremely well in the clutch, made great throws and read extremely well despite his little experience. He was already a vet! He had some help from guys like Reggie Wayne and a few others, but the offensive line was horrendous, and he still put up great numbers. Imagine what the guy could do if he had a decent O-line. This new west coast offense, an offense he supposedly "knows 75% of", will make him more efficient and bring up his completion percentage and bring down his interception numbers. This kid has sky high potential. He could be the best quarterback in the NFL by his fifth year.

 

In the 2nd round, the Colts selected Coby Fleener. Of the Colts' rookie class, Fleener was the one that I have to say disapointed me the most. Although he woke up late in the year, he didn't impress that much when he was on the field. He did improve as a blocker, which is encouraging, especially if the Colts intend on running more, but it's still clear that he's raw and still needs a lot of developing. Hopefully the Colts can give him a bigger role this season (which they most probably will), and give him an oppurtunity to shine.

 

The Colts then got another tight end in the third round in Dwayne Allen. It was a shock at the time, but it made sense because the Colts were going to use a lot of two tight end sets. Allen ended up becoming a fantastic, all around tight end, who caught the eye of many analysts. He ran very good routes, he blocked extremely well (ranked as one of the best blockers in the league), and made some nice catches. Allen was a great steal and proved last year that he can become a starting tight end in the league. His role should only get bigger in the West Coast offense.

 

The Colts then made a great steal in TY Hilton. TY Hilton wasn't expected to have the season that he did. For some games, Luck couldn't look away from him. Hilton became the deep threat along with Donnie Avery. He showed his great quickness and although his hands were very inconsitent, he made big plays with the ball in his hands (the big play against the Lions keeps popping up in my mind). He may not fit perfectly in this new offense, but he should have a big, maybe bigger, impact. He'll be fighting versus Darrius Heyward Bey for the #2 receiver spot.

 

They then got Josh Chapman, the future nose tackle of the team, and starting running back Vick Ballard in the 5th round. Chapman didn't play last year, but is expected to have a minor role this year. Even when he was drafted, the Colts only expected him to be a longterm solution. Arguably, the biggest steal of the draft was Vick Ballard. I said in late May 2012 that Ballard would be the starter by midseason. He had all the qualities and tool to be the starter and it was only a matter of time. By week 8, he became the starter. He played very well and had some very good games against great run defenses (Texans and the Patriots). He's here to stay and I expect big things from him next year in the power running system.

 

The Colts then added Lavon Brazill, Justin Anderson, Tim Fugger and Chandler Harnish with the last 4 picks. Brazill had a bit of an impact, Anderson missed the whole season, Fugger was released and Harnish was put on the practice squad.

 

All in all, it was amazing rookie class. They installed the longterm pieces of their offense and now have future stars at the majority of their important offensive positions. With the great play from a few rookies last year, the Colts were able to make it to the playoffs. The oustanding play of Reggie Wayne helps a lot, but it was the impact of the rookies that put them over the top. How many teams can you say "the impact of the rookies put them over the top"? Maybe the Redskins, and the Seahawks. If you go back 5 years, you may still be stuck with those 3 teams I just named. However, neither of those teams were in as bad of shape as the Colts and to get 9 more wins in one season is incredible. This is a young talented team that could be Super Bowl contenders before you know it!

 

 

 

Josh Chapman is only expected to have a minor role this year?     Really?

 

Do the Colts know this?     Does Josh know this?

 

I think you've assumed facts not in evidence...

[HtownColt]

That's a very complete report....except for one arguable future point.

You cant have a power running game in a pro-style west coast system.....they are mutually exclusive styles

The last thing we need is to try a power running attack with Vic Ballard......

Same question as last fall..

Has a team ever (since the merger) started five rookies on offense and made the NFL playoffs?

Ballard said the new scheme is more of a gap based scheme similar to what he ran in college in an article he was quoted in two days ago

[TKnight24]

Andy I swear every time I read one of your threads it's like my IQ goes up a bit. You have to have the record for longest thread write ups

Good write up though

[Tark The Shark]

Good draft in all for Grigson. We have one superstar in Luck, and at least 4 above average starters in Fleener, Allen, Hilton, and Ballard.

 

Brazill might see as much time as he did last year, unless there is a injury. 

 

Chapman will definitely see some playing time, we will just have to wait and see how much.

 

Anderson is one that I don't see surviving the cuts. But that will depend on if we get a lineman, early in the draft.

[Andy]

Josh Chapman is only expected to have a minor role this year?     Really?

 

Do the Colts know this?     Does Josh know this?

 

I think you've assumed facts not in evidence...

 

Franklin is the starter. Chapman is the backup.

 

I would find it hard to believe that Chapman will have a big role next year. 

[Andy]

Andy I swear every time I read one of your threads it's like my IQ goes up a bit. You have to have the record for longest thread write ups

Good write up though

 

Thank you very much.

 

Your comments are much appreciated TKnight!

[NewColtsFan]

Franklin is the starter. Chapman is the backup.

 

I would find it hard to believe that Chapman will have a big role next year. 

 

Well....

 

He may not be the starter....   and he may not have a 'big' role next year...

 

But I think 'minor' is a poor characterization of what his role will be....

 

Just a different view of things....