Roquan Smith set to visit Colts tomorrow

[BOTT]

On 4/4/2018 at 1:13 PM, TKnight24 said:

I think Chubb is high on Ballard's board & Barkley is high on Irsay's board

 

Ballard mentions how you're not gonna get premium pass rushers in FA so you gotta draft one (Chubb)

 

Irsay mentions wanting to give Andrew a Edge James type RB (Barkley)

 

Only one of these guys can get what they want, me personally I'm hoping for Barkley and that we take the Seahawks approach when they won their SB with just a great rotation of guys who could get to the QB. It's easier to phase out ONE pass rusher than it is to phase out an entire group. 

 

I always think of Khalil Mack in OAK. Yes he's a great talent, but he gets phased out and their defense still stinks. He gets his stats, but it doesn't mean anything if the rest of the defense isn't doing anything. Get me a group of guys who can get after the QB instead of just one

You really think Irsay has a board? 

[TKnight24]

3 minutes ago, BOTT said:

You really think Irsay has a board? 

Yes. I think Irsay has his choices

 

I doubt he meddles with Ballard but you can bet he has a few players he’d want Ballard to draft. And I’m sure they’ve talked about it

 

A lot of the mainstream media slanders Irsay like he’s some uncontrollable owner and he’s such a villain. But everyone from front office guys to coaches respect him and say the complete opposite. 

[BOTT]

1 minute ago, TKnight24 said:

Yes. I think Irsay has his choices

 

I doubt he meddles with Ballard but you can bet he has a few players he’d want Ballard to draft. And I’m sure they’ve talked about it

 

A lot of the mainstream media slanders Irsay like he’s some uncontrollable owner and he’s such a villain. But everyone from front office guys to coaches respect him and say the complete opposite. 

And I'm sure Ballard ignores Jim's advice. 

[BProland85]

If Ballard trades down again this is the guy I want on the Colts. I prefer him over Edmunds personally. Mostly because of his leadership, cover skills, and impeccable instincts. If Ballard was able to trade down with Miami or Buffalo, pick up extra high draft picks, and still land Roquan Smith, this draft would be off to an incredible start for Indy in my opinion.  

[needanoline63]

It’s like some colts fans went from being all about getting OL help in the offseason. Now, since Luck might come back, everyone has gotten quiet about that. If Nelson is there, we must grab him. Do u know how bad the line was with even with Castonzo and Kelly in the line up. We need to draft at least 2 OL in the top 50. Need I remind you all that Luck is still not throwing a football and Jacoby brissett got abused last year getting hit. 2 out of the 4 picks we have in the draft in the top 50 must be on OL

[needanoline63]

We cannot rely on Matt Slauson and mewhort who both have injury history to play 16 game seasons effectively. If mewhort can stay healthy that’s a start. Ryan Kelly isn’t guaranteed to stay healthy either. We have to be ready for that

[Shive]

43 minutes ago, needanoline63 said:

It’s like some colts fans went from being all about getting OL help in the offseason. Now, since Luck might come back, everyone has gotten quiet about that. If Nelson is there, we must grab him. Do u know how bad the line was with even with Castonzo and Kelly in the line up. We need to draft at least 2 OL in the top 50. Need I remind you all that Luck is still not throwing a football and Jacoby brissett got abused last year getting hit. 2 out of the 4 picks we have in the draft in the top 50 must be on OL

Why not grab Smith in the 1st, then Hernandez, Wynn, or Price in the 2nd? Another name to keep on your radar is Frank Ragnow. He played both C and G and has been the top rated C by most for 2 years straight. Statistically, he gives Nelson a run for his money, but isn't as talented as Nelson. There's a good amount of OL talent that will be there in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds.

 

Also keep in mind that a change in scheme that focuses on quick routes and getting the ball out quickly will do wonders for our lack of protection.

[esmort]

1 hour ago, needanoline63 said:

It’s like some colts fans went from being all about getting OL help in the offseason. Now, since Luck might come back, everyone has gotten quiet about that. If Nelson is there, we must grab him. Do u know how bad the line was with even with Castonzo and Kelly in the line up. We need to draft at least 2 OL in the top 50. Need I remind you all that Luck is still not throwing a football and Jacoby brissett got abused last year getting hit. 2 out of the 4 picks we have in the draft in the top 50 must be on OL

 

It's not that they've gotten quiet, I think it's more about thinking that we can address the line without spending #6 on a guard. Most were OK with spending money in FA since we had plenty, but would rather spend an early pick on a different position especially when we can likely get one or more of Wynn, Hernandez, Price, etc.. later. 

[ColtsBlueFL]

On 4/5/2018 at 2:56 PM, stitches said:

The problem Roquan's  size presents is not with his tackling - he was one of the best tacklers in the country. The problem his size presents is with getting off blocks. When a lineman or a TE or ... whoever lands his hands on him it's over - he gets washed out of plays. This is why he cannot play middle linebacker, unlike Edmunds. They are different types of players. If we are getting Roquan we are getting him to be will linebacker. Edmunds IMO can be mike and be an exceptional mike in due time. Oh and BTW I do think he's worth a top 10 pick. 

 

Play him at WILL on 1st down and in obvious run situations.  When you got to sub packages (Nickel and dime varieties) play him at MIKE.

 

On 4/5/2018 at 2:56 PM, ColtStrong2013 said:

I agree with this. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Ballard would go with Edmunds over Smith because of his continued comments on development of draft picks. If Ballard believes there is a much higher ceiling for Edmunds and that he can develop him over the next several years versus get better results in the short term with Smith, he's going Edmunds. 

 

A bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush...

 

On 4/5/2018 at 2:56 PM, ColtStrong2013 said:

Either one of them is a gigantic upgrade at Inside Linebacker than we have had maybe ever. But with Edmund's versatility to play multiple spots in Eberflus' 4-3, I would be more shocked if Smith is the pick

 

Smith can play WILL and MIKE in our new D, depending upon down and distance.

[BProland85]

10 hours ago, needanoline63 said:

We cannot rely on Matt Slauson and mewhort who both have injury history to play 16 game seasons effectively. If mewhort can stay healthy that’s a start. Ryan Kelly isn’t guaranteed to stay healthy either. We have to be ready for that

 

I think that’s all the more reason to potentially draft OC/G Frank Ragnow in the mid rounds to possibly start at OG and if an injury happens to Kelly you got your backup center while either Slauson or Mewhort subs in for Ragnow at OG. 

[crazycolt1]

11 hours ago, needanoline63 said:

We cannot rely on Matt Slauson and mewhort who both have injury history to play 16 game seasons effectively. If mewhort can stay healthy that’s a start. Ryan Kelly isn’t guaranteed to stay healthy either. We have to be ready for that

 

57 minutes ago, BProland85 said:

 

I think that’s all the more reason to potentially draft OC/G Frank Ragnow in the mid rounds to possibly start at OG and if an injury happens to Kelly you got your backup center while either Slauson or Mewhort subs in for Ragnow at OG. 

We still have Deyshawn Bond who did a great job at center before he was injured.

We also have signed Tony Fabiana from the Ravens.

Add Matt Slauson and we should be covered at c/g position.

If we should draft Nelson I don't see us having to draft any more at those positions.

[crazycolt1]

10 hours ago, Shive said:

Why not grab Smith in the 1st, then Hernandez, Wynn, or Price in the 2nd? Another name to keep on your radar is Frank Ragnow. He played both C and G and has been the top rated C by most for 2 years straight. Statistically, he gives Nelson a run for his money, but isn't as talented as Nelson. There's a good amount of OL talent that will be there in the 2nd and 3rd Rounds.

 

Also keep in mind that a change in scheme that focuses on quick routes and getting the ball out quickly will do wonders for our lack of protection.

There is no substitute for protecting the QB. Keep in mind there is also a running game that needs to be addressed.

[Surge89]

On 4/6/2018 at 8:06 PM, BProland85 said:

If Ballard trades down again this is the guy I want on the Colts. I prefer him over Edmunds personally. Mostly because of his leadership, cover skills, and impeccable instincts. If Ballard was able to trade down with Miami or Buffalo, pick up extra high draft picks, and still land Roquan Smith, this draft would be off to an incredible start for Indy in my opinion.  

 

Except that as good as Smith is, Edmunds is better in coverage and way better at the PoA.  Add to the fact that instincts are way closer than what the media heads are shoving down people's throats and Edmunds is probably the better pick for us and a good value at 6.

 

With all that being said this trade down nonsense is rediculous.  Smith is the most finished linebacker in this class with extreme production and a great NFL future projection for WILL linebacker.  To think he's going to be there at 11 or 12 no doubt is naive at best.  If you want an elite WILL take Smith at 6.  If you want an elite MIKE with higher potential then take Edmunds again at 6.  If you trade out of the top 10 you are dooming yourself to missing top 10 talent in poisitions of need.  Chubb, Edmunds, Smith, Barkley will all be gone by picks 11 and 12.  You have an outside chance at Nelson highly unlikely or you'll have a good chance at Ward/Fitz which all 3 of those players have deminished value to us as a team because of A. The scheme we will be running doesn't need top 10 talent at corner and B. There is comparable Guard talent later in the draft.  So we not only trade ourselves out of the most efficient players available but we also have sunk opportunity costs for the sake of drafting one or two more 2nd round players????

 

Makes 0 sense. 

[MikeCurtis]

5 hours ago, Surge89 said:

 

Except that as good as Smith is, Edmunds is better in coverage and way better at the PoA.  Add to the fact that instincts are way closer than what the media heads are shoving down people's throats and Edmunds is probably the better pick for us and a good value at 6.

 

With all that being said this trade down nonsense is rediculous.  Smith is the most finished linebacker in this class with extreme production and a great NFL future projection for WILL linebacker.  To think he's going to be there at 11 or 12 no doubt is naive at best.  If you want an elite WILL take Smith at 6.  If you want an elite MIKE with higher potential then take Edmunds again at 6.  If you trade out of the top 10 you are dooming yourself to missing top 10 talent in poisitions of need.  Chubb, Edmunds, Smith, Barkley will all be gone by picks 11 and 12.  You have an outside chance at Nelson highly unlikely or you'll have a good chance at Ward/Fitz which all 3 of those players have deminished value to us as a team because of A. The scheme we will be running doesn't need top 10 talent at corner and B. There is comparable Guard talent later in the draft.  So we not only trade ourselves out of the most efficient players available but we also have sunk opportunity costs for the sake of drafting one or two more 2nd round players????

 

Makes 0 sense. 

You are spot on!

[needanoline63]

15 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

 

We still have Deyshawn Bond who did a great job at center before he was injured.

We also have signed Tony Fabiana from the Ravens.

Add Matt Slauson and we should be covered at c/g position.

If we should draft Nelson I don't see us having to draft any more at those positions.

Boyd did great?! Huh? He was ok. Tony fabiano and Matt Slauson are just ok. We need more then ok to protect luck, doesn’t matter if we are gonna get ball out faster or not. 

[crazycolt1]

1 minute ago, needanoline63 said:

Boyd did great?! Huh? He was ok. Tony fabiano and Matt Slauson are just ok. We need more then ok to protect luck, doesn’t matter if we are gonna get ball out faster or not. 

Yes Boyd did do great.

I said if Nelson is drafted we would be fine on the O-line.

If you don't agree that's OK. Just your opinion just as mine is.

[needanoline63]

2 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

Yes Boyd did do great.

I said if Nelson is drafted we would be fine on the O-line.

If you don't agree that's OK. Just your opinion just as mine is.

Still need a right tackle

[Moosejawcolt]

I really don't think people do any home work wen projecting a player they feel the colts need to draft.   They say we gotta have Chubb.....Nelson and so on. I think u have to look at scheme to see if either of these players fit what the colts want to do. Smith is a fit for the defense that the colts want to run. He has a hard time shedding blockers but will be a fit at Wil linebacker spot.  Keep him free and he is dynamic. I really feel that if the colts thought Chubb was the next great pass rusher, they may not have traded down.   Nelson is a road grader but I think he is a little slow in getting to the edge.  Colts want a quick release offense. Do we need a 6 overall guard? Scheme fit wen evaluating a player is the most important factor in drafting a player.  If Nelson and Chubb were sitting there at 6 would  I would not b shocked if the  Colts looked else where.  I am big on Landry 

[akcolt]

8 hours ago, Moosejawcolt said:

I really don't think people do any home work wen projecting a player they feel the colts need to draft.   They say we gotta have Chubb.....Nelson and so on. I think u have to look at scheme to see if either of these players fit what the colts want to do. Smith is a fit for the defense that the colts want to run. He has a hard time shedding blockers but will be a fit at Wil linebacker spot.  Keep him free and he is dynamic. I really feel that if the colts thought Chubb was the next great pass rusher, they may not have traded down.   Nelson is a road grader but I think he is a little slow in getting to the edge.  Colts want a quick release offense. Do we need a 6 overall guard? Scheme fit wen evaluating a player is the most important factor in drafting a player.  If Nelson and Chubb were sitting there at 6 would  I would not b shocked if the  Colts looked else where.  I am big on Landry 

Nice first post I agree we don't take a G that early. It's hard to say about the trade  and Chubb We really needed extra picks. 4 guys inside the top 50 is going to really help this team. . 

 

It's funny you mention Landry I think that could be the secret player they are high on. Another trade back eyeing Smith Edmunds or Landry could be the plan. The draft will be interesting. I hope we continue to focus on the D as much as possible.  

[Coffeedrinker]

On 4/6/2018 at 2:53 PM, Fisticuffs111 said:

Yeah, I'm not gonna act like my analysis is perfect, I don't watch full games (wish I had the time). But I do watch as many breakdowns I can get my hands on and read whatever I can on the guy. I do think there's evidence to suggest he struggles shedding blocks/getting pushed back in the run game. I don't think he struggles because of size though..I think it comes from technique to some degree, I don't think he uses his hands that well yet, and at times I think he zones in on the ball so hard that he doesn't see blockers coming.

That said, right now I like Smith over Edmunds. I think Eberflus could use him really well.

And just to be clear I'm not saying your analysis is wrong and mine is right, I was just stating I have not seen it.

[Coffeedrinker]

17 hours ago, needanoline63 said:

Boyd did great?! Huh? He was ok. Tony fabiano and Matt Slauson are just ok. We need more then ok to protect luck, doesn’t matter if we are gonna get ball out faster or not. 

Who is Boyd?

 

And I disagree Bond did great, he was strong than I thought and had near flawless technique and positioning.  He was a pleasant surprise and would have been the starter to replace Kelly if not for the injury.  I will not be surprised at all if he gets a legit shot at one of the starting guard spots this year and it will surprise me even less when he wins it.

[ColtStrong2013]

On 4/7/2018 at 11:18 PM, ColtsBlueFL said:

 

Play him at WILL on 1st down and in obvious run situations.  When you got to sub packages (Nickel and dime varieties) play him at MIKE.

 

 

A bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush...

 

 

Smith can play WILL and MIKE in our new D, depending upon down and distance.

I agree and probably better than Edmunds at those spots. But Edmund's could also be a passrushing specialist on 3rd down in the near future as a defensive end. He has the versatility of 3 or 4 different positions in this defense, which is huge for any defense.