Thoughts on an eventful day 2

[Legend of Luck]

Day 2 Haul
-CB Rock Ya-Sin
-LB Ben Banogu
-WR Parris Campbell
-LB Bobby Okereke
-2020 2nd Round Pick
-2019 5th Round pick

My instant reaction is that I feel like this tells us something very valuable about the roster...

They BELIEVE in the development and advancement of Turay and Lewis. I thought for sure the one position we'd address was DL, and I thought we'd do it twice. My original mock was Tillery/Winovich in the 1st/early 2nd. But Kevin Bowen mentioned an interview that Ballard did predraft with Matt Taylor, where he asked his scouts where Turay and Lewis would rank in THIS class, and the scouts said that both guys would be "right there with these guys" (which I assume means they'd be in that early day 2, late day 1 range). So, that comment, along with passing on numerous DL prospects, is plenty of evidence to show that they expect these guys to start, and they dont want to replace them or add anybody who would take away from their reps in a significant way. That's a positive sign IMO.

Not gonna lie, I wasn't as high on Campbell as most. I LOVED JJAW, and hated seeing him go to Philly. Seeing AJ go to Tennessee was also really unfortunate. BUT, hearing Ballard and Reich praise him, their excitement calmed me. I trust them wholeheartedly, I just really loved JJAW, Deebo, and Brown. Passing on Metcalf was a bit disappointing as well. But again, in Ballard I trust.

I didnt do a ton of research on corners this year, but I guess it was prudent that we grabbed one. The competition in that room is gonna be fun to watch this year. I am glad to add a corner that played so much man coverage. That'll be helpful

Read an amazing article on Ben Banogu. You should absolutely read it.
 

In it, he basically says he knows he's super raw as a pass rusher, because TCU taught scheme and not technique. He says he feels like if he gets under a pass rush specialist (cough Mathis cough) he can take his game to a new level. An elite athlete with incredible upside, that can develop behind Houston, Sheard, Turay, etc. I am a little confused by the fact that we plan on playing him at SAM, but again, trusting the staff on this one.

And for Okereke, again, shocked to go with ANOTHER LB. I love the player, but man I wasnt expecting that. On paper, it makes sense. LB was probably our thinnest position on the team behind Leonard and Walker. But, Bobby seems awesome.

With the remaining picks, 2 4ths, 2 5ths a 6th and a 7th, I'm curious to see where we add.

My guess would be OL, maybe a late RB, maybe another WR, probably some DL fliers. Most of the late TE's I wanted are gone unfortunately.

Tons of talent still on the board.

Hakeem Butler
Stanley Morgan Jr.
Rodney Anderson
Alize Mack
Tons of corners and safeties.

Kinda hope we trade up in the 4th.

[ColtsLegacy]

I hope Rock turns out better than our last small school (same mascot - Owl), tough, likes to hit, man corner, one year wonder: Djoun Smith.

 

I like Ben Banogu on paper but on my paper he is not playing LB. Great explosiveness, work ethic, and his build.

 

Parris Campbell. Yes, please.

 

Don't know much about Bobby Okereke but I love the wingspan and physical similarities to Leonard. Extremely smart human (not just player). However, this pick makes more sense to me if Banogu is an Edge. 

 

P.S. Sorry to anyone who read this for making you recall Djoun Smith.

[Architects08]

Overall im content with the draft so far. Were there players that I wanted instead? Yes, but the haul definitely has potential. Im not sure we got a day 1 impact player though. 

[needanoline63]

Defensive tackle was what we needed. Draft isn’t over I know. But we had a chance to fix an important spot on the defense. Instead we get two linebackers. Depth or not. We really needed a DT

[WoolMagnet]

If we hadnt drafted Q early in last tears draft, i would probably feel worse than i do now.  Q was a no-brainer, but after him there were no concensus sure-fire good picks.  I like what i read and hear about our four picks so far.  However, what gives me some comfort is Ballards apparent ability to fit guys to roles very  well.  Previous drafts and free agents give me confidence that they will fit.  Maybe they will, maybe they wont, but i feel good about where this roster is at, and headed 

  I seem to remember us discussing (after last draft) that ballard would get some LBs this year.  We addressed other areas well last year, so i can see the cb, de, wr, and lb areas addressed this year.  With so many equal players in these rounds BPA is a little "looser" too i'd imagine.

  Tomoro, i could see perhaps rb, s, OL, DL , LB, wr, or a TE?  Maybe even QB or kicker to get ahead of UDFA.  Who knows what Balkard could do.  

I would like more competition at LB , safety, and CB.  Especially regarding covering TEs, RBs and the short-middle of the field. KC killed us here and it seems all the top offenses utilize the quick shots in the short and mid routes.

  We were all talking WR, pass rush,safety all off-season as main needs.  I think we did well toward those needs.

1. WR: Funchess and Campbell (along with signing our own)

2. Pass rush:  Houston and rookie

3.  Farley and Geathers back + probable addition to come.

 

Additionally, w strengthened the CBs with ya-Sin, added a fast player similar to Leonard, and re-signed our own free agents.

I'm excited to see what happens day 3.

  

 

[ColtsAC]

5 hours ago, ColtsLegacy said:

I hope Rock turns out better than our last small school (same mascot - Owl), tough, likes to hit, man corner, one year wonder: Djoun Smith.

 

I like Ben Banogu on paper but on my paper he is not playing LB. Great explosiveness, work ethic, and his build.

 

Parris Campbell. Yes, please.

 

Don't know much about Bobby Okereke but I love the wingspan and physical similarities to Leonard. Extremely smart human (not just player). However, this pick makes more sense to me if Banogu is an Edge. 

 

P.S. Sorry to anyone who read this for making you recall Djoun Smith.

I honestly like your draft rating. Campbell to me is a good get.....hope it is not a sign TY doesn't get another Colts contract....he has been a great Colt. I think there will be less undrafted free agent types on the Colts wrs his year. And hopefully Ballard sends Fountain packing like he did with Basham, Banner, etc.... with the Leonard and Smith very successful  picks Ballard seems to get a giant pass on proven draft failures. Pretty soon the 2017 class will be Grigson-esque in nbr of players left on the Colts. Not buying the drafting for Chuck excuse either.

 

I think the Rock will have inoportune clutch and grab penalty issues, especially with increased video replays. Murphy seemed like a perfect  scheme fit but I guess Ballard didn't like his size or something. I think Smith must have had character issues or something but I don't think the Rock has those so that is in his favor. Maybe he will be a more willing tackler than Wilson.

 

Okereke, you have to like the intelligence and if he is the 3rd down mlb to defend the pass, replacing Walker, he could be an  improvement. Maybe the speed helps with the 3rd down checkdowns that killed the Colts in 2018. In an interview he said the Colts want him to play mlb.

 

Banagu...good explosion nbrs but I'm not buying the "I wasn't taught technique " argument....i think improvement is on the player just as much as the coaching.  If he turns out to be a good DE AND an effective OLB maybe the pick makes sense.

 

Do you remember the Turay working hard in the off-season video where he was learning to use his hands ? That and Houston is where I see the Colts pass rush I improving...not so much Banagu.

[2006Coltsbestever]

1 minute ago, ColtsAC said:

I honestly like your draft rating. Campbell to me is a good get.....hope it is not a sign TY doesn't get another Colts contract....he has been a great Colt. I think there will be less undrafted free agent types on the Colts wrs his year. And hopefully Ballard sends Fountain packing like he did with Basham, Banner, etc.... with the Leonard and Smith very successful  picks Ballard seems to get a giant pass on proven draft failures. Pretty soon the 2017 class will be Grigson-esque in nbr of players left on the Colts. Not buying the drafting for Chuck excuse either.

 

I think the Rock will have inoportune clutch and grab penalty issues, especially with increased video replays. Murphy seemed like a perfect  scheme fit but I guess Ballard didn't like his size or something. I think Smith must have had character issues or something but I don't think the Rock has those so that is in his favor. Maybe he will be a more willing tackler than Wilson.

 

Okereke, you have to like the intelligence and if he is the 3rd down mlb to defend the pass, replacing Walker, he could be an  improvement. Maybe the speed helps with the 3rd down checkdowns that killed the Colts in 2018. In an interview he said the Colts want him to play mlb.

 

Banagu...good explosion nbrs but I'm not buying the "I wasn't taught technique " argument....i think improvement is on the player just as much as the coaching.  If he turns out to be a good DE AND an effective OLB maybe the pick makes sense.

 

Do you remember the Turay working hard in the off-season video where he was learning to use his hands ? That and Houston is where I see the Colts pass rush I improving...not so much Banagu.

I think TY will get 1 more contract. Of course his speed is one of his strengths and he will slow down over time but he runs great routes and his chemistry with Andrew is perfect. That will allow him to retire as a colt like Marvin did.

[krunk]

4 hours ago, needanoline63 said:

Defensive tackle was what we needed. Draft isn’t over I know. But we had a chance to fix an important spot on the defense. Instead we get two linebackers. Depth or not. We really needed a DT

Weve got at least 2 solid 3 techniques between Autry and Lewis. We still have Ridgeway as well as the other guy from Illinois. I said before the draft i wouldnt be surprised if we didnt take a 3 tech. I did want Tillery however because i thought he could also play Al Woods spot as well as the 3. I think at some point today you will see the Colts draft a guy to play behind/Compete with Grover Stewart at Al Woods old spot.

[icf]

I'll say that I don't really know enough to make a very educated opinion on most of the guys they took.

 

I don't 100% love it right now....but don't hate it either.

 

Small schools and raw players mean they could be superstars.....or out of the league in a few years.  So this 2nd round could be looked back in a few seasons as an incredible draft class (like last year),  a total flop or somewhere in between.... but it will likely take a couple of years to find out which it is.

[Rally5]

2 minutes ago, icf said:

I'll say that I don't really know enough to make a very educated opinion on most of the guys they took.

 

I don't 100% love it right now....but don't hate it either.

 

Small schools and raw players mean they could be superstars.....or out of the league in a few years.  So this 2nd round could be looked back in a few seasons as an incredible draft class (like last year),  a total flop or somewhere in between.... but it will likely take a couple of years to find out which it is.

No doubt.

[Rally5]

4 minutes ago, krunk said:

Weve got at least 2 solid 3 techniques between Autry and Lewis. We still have Ridgeway as well as the other guy from Illinois. I said before the draft i wouldnt be surprised if we didnt take a 3 tech. I did want Tillery however because i thought he could also play Al Woods spot as well as the 3. I think at some point today you will see the Colts draft a guy to play behind/Compete with Grover Stewart at Al Woods old spot.

I think you're right here..

[aReggie7]

I was really hoping that a couple cornerbacks and receivers would go before the Colts at 26 and cause a clean lineman to fall. (Ferrell, Wilkins, Burns, or Dillard) Obviously that didn't happen. 

 

Sweat has talent but I have to assume the Colts were not comfortable with him medically. While Tillery seemed like a potential pick I don't think he was a no brainer and I am not questioning the Colts passing on him. I was ok with trading out of the first round.

 

While CB has said cornerback isn't a premium position I think his definition of premium is different from others. I like Rock Ya-Sin as a prospect. Given that the Colts had a chance to move back they must REALLY like Ya-Sin because they didn't want to risk losing him.

 

Banogu shouldn't be a surprise pick, imo. Guys with his profile (athletic traits, productive, smaller school) typically go higher than projected. I wasn't expecting to hear the Colts view him as a linebacker.

 

I thought that day 2 would end with the Colts taking a wide receiver after only 1 (I think) going in the first round. Campbell is a guy that the defense will have to be aware of and add another dimension to the Colts offense. I think the Colts are a great landing spot for him given Luck and this coaching staff.

 

I like Okereke. I'm not sure if he will project to be a starter but I like better linebacker play and this guy is fast!

 

I don't think people should be surprised at taking two linebackers. When speaking about the importance of building the fronts CB has said the front 7 so he isn't only talking about DE/DT. Also, the Colts appeared to have serious interest in CJ Mosley so they were looking to shake up the linebacker play in a big way.

 

One thing that is interesting is constrasting the Colts teams of the 2000s to what Ballard/Reich are building.

 

The 2000s had more staples (Reggie/Marvin at WR, Freeney/Mathis at DE) where I think Ballard/Reich are building a more versatile group on both sides of the ball. I think the defense the Colts are putting together will be closer to the Bears when Lovie was there and not the Colts of the 2000s.

 

[needanoline63]

13 minutes ago, krunk said:

Weve got at least 2 solid 3 techniques between Autry and Lewis. We still have Ridgeway as well as the other guy from Illinois. I said before the draft i wouldnt be surprised if we didnt take a 3 tech. I did want Tillery however because i thought he could also play Al Woods spot as well as the 3. I think at some point today you will see the Colts draft a guy to play behind/Compete with Grover Stewart at Al Woods old spot.

First of all, Grover Stewart and ridgeway are lost causes. Autry is more of a pass rusher then run stopper. Lewis is a 270 pound defensive end. You really think those can help us stay in the top half of the league in stopping the run?

[krunk]

30 minutes ago, needanoline63 said:

First of all, Grover Stewart and ridgeway are lost causes. Autry is more of a pass rusher then run stopper. Lewis is a 270 pound defensive end. You really think those can help us stay in the top half of the league in stopping the run?

Stewart isnt a lost cause thats an uninformed opinion. He did just fine when Al Woods went out. The job of that spot is to defend the run which he did fine. Its not a high sack position. You dont know what youre talking about. 2ndly whats Ridgeway still doing on the squad if hes a lost cause? Still a pretty good depth player at the very least. Youre making claims the Colts havent even verified. Theyve made no moves to replace them in FA. Nor did they draft anyone with substantial draft capital to improve the spot.

[krunk]

40 minutes ago, needanoline63 said:

First of all, Grover Stewart and ridgeway are lost causes. Autry is more of a pass rusher then run stopper. Lewis is a 270 pound defensive end. You really think those can help us stay in the top half of the league in stopping the run?

Lewis was drafted by Ballard as a "3tech" words out of Ballards own mouth even today. Ya think he knows anything? And while youre at it tell us how much Autry weighs? I will tell you, 270 to 280lbs.

[krunk]

41 minutes ago, needanoline63 said:

First of all, Grover Stewart and ridgeway are lost causes. Autry is more of a pass rusher then run stopper. Lewis is a 270 pound defensive end. You really think those can help us stay in the top half of the league in stopping the run?

Why not? They did it last year.

Its a gap shooting defense. Its not all about your weight.

[Colt Overseas]

This is a good list of the remaining prospects. There are some very good players available.

 

 

[ColtsLegacy]

Seems like some are forgetting the man who put a hole in the wall at DT. Jihad Ward was playing very well before getting injured last year. DT is not as dire as some like to believe.

[Scott Pennock]

My take is a bit different than most more than likely.....

 

Ballard has said that the Eberflus wanted to be sble to play a bit more press man in certain situations so he wanted another corner who was comfortable doing so. 

Enter Rock Ya-Sin

 

Speaking of Eberflus, he wanted more speed at linebacker and some coverage skills for the nickel and dime packages.

Enter Bobby Okereke

 

Eberflus wanted a chess piece he could move around for different looks (think Clowney) where he could rush from a 3-point stance or from a standing position, from either side of the formation. 

Enter Ben Banogu

 

Reich wanted a difference maker at WR and he absolutely got one. This man can stretch the field with his 4.31 speed or he can take those 2 or 5 yard outs and convert them into first downs. As a former runningback he moves in space very well and is EXPLOSIVE!

Enter Parris Campbell

 

Four key elements with all of them:

1. They were leaders on their teams

2. They tested off the charts athletically

3. They're tape showed the athleticism

4. They were highly productive

 

Eberflus can now add a few wrinkles to his 4-3 Tampa 2 schemes - as an example who remembers Marcus Washington and his ability to rush the passer from the SAM position? Think about Banogu there. 

 

Eberflus could come out with a straight 4-3 alignment with two press man corners and rush 5, jam receivers and have Hooker play centerfield with the SS coming downhill to cover the TE or light up the safety valve....that would be a new wrinkle instead of sitting back in zone.

 

Or how about T.Y., Campbell and Ebron all lined up on one side of the field with Funchess (or perhaps Cain) on the other and Himes rolling out of the backfield. Holy crap.....who do they cover and how with all that speed? Campbell will be our dynamic day 1 starter and his speed and slot abilities will open up A LOT of opportunities for other pass catchers and running lanes.

 

Just a few thoughts off the head...

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

1 hour ago, ar7 said:

I was really hoping that a couple cornerbacks and receivers would go before the Colts at 26 and cause a clean lineman to fall. (Ferrell, Wilkins, Burns, or Dillard) Obviously that didn't happen. 

 

Sweat has talent but I have to assume the Colts were not comfortable with him medically. While Tillery seemed like a potential pick I don't think he was a no brainer and I am not questioning the Colts passing on him. I was ok with trading out of the first round.

 

While CB has said cornerback isn't a premium position I think his definition of premium is different from others. I like Rock Ya-Sin as a prospect. Given that the Colts had a chance to move back they must REALLY like Ya-Sin because they didn't want to risk losing him.

 

Banogu shouldn't be a surprise pick, imo. Guys with his profile (athletic traits, productive, smaller school) typically go higher than projected. I wasn't expecting to hear the Colts view him as a linebacker.

 

I thought that day 2 would end with the Colts taking a wide receiver after only 1 (I think) going in the first round. Campbell is a guy that the defense will have to be aware of and add another dimension to the Colts offense. I think the Colts are a great landing spot for him given Luck and this coaching staff.

 

I like Okereke. I'm not sure if he will project to be a starter but I like better linebacker play and this guy is fast!

 

I don't think people should be surprised at taking two linebackers. When speaking about the importance of building the fronts CB has said the front 7 so he isn't only talking about DE/DT. Also, the Colts appeared to have serious interest in CJ Mosley so they were looking to shake up the linebacker play in a big way.

 

One thing that is interesting is constrasting the Colts teams of the 2000s to what Ballard/Reich are building.

 

The 2000s had more staples (Reggie/Marvin at WR, Freeney/Mathis at DE) where I think Ballard/Reich are building a more versatile group on both sides of the ball. I think the defense the Colts are putting together will be closer to the Bears when Lovie was there and not the Colts of the 2000s.

 

 

Interesting take, thanks. I think it's a much more "complete" assembly on both sides of the ball, whereas the Manning teams were really top-heavy on both sides of the ball. Peyton literally put those guys on his back, and the year that Bob Sanders stayed healthy and won DMVP they won the SB, my years might be messed up? Anyways, I feel like these teams are getting to a much more balanced point, and Ballard keeps adding valuable draft picks, and also keeping a generous amount of cap room available to make that final push, or continue to sign nailed draft picks. Overall, I'm hoping this version of the team is as successful, if not more so, than the Manning teams (2 SB appearances, with one win).

[krunk]

Listening to Ballards press conference and he made comment on Banogu skill set. Said he was a similar type player to Jamie Collins. A n athletic linebacker who can also pose as a very solid pass rusher. I sort of have this feeling we may also pick up Omenihu today. Just a feeling.

[DerekDiggler]

2 hours ago, krunk said:

Weve got at least 2 solid 3 techniques between Autry and Lewis. We still have Ridgeway as well as the other guy from Illinois. I said before the draft i wouldnt be surprised if we didnt take a 3 tech. I did want Tillery however because i thought he could also play Al Woods spot as well as the 3. I think at some point today you will see the Colts draft a guy to play behind/Compete with Grover Stewart at Al Woods old spot.

Agree with the UT position.  I thought we would go NT for sure.  The UT is pretty set with Autry Lewis and Hunt too.  Maybe Ballard has his eye on more FA's     Suh at NT ?  Probably doesn't fit the locker room guy part though

[NannyMcafee]

6 hours ago, needanoline63 said:

Defensive tackle was what we needed. Draft isn’t over I know. But we had a chance to fix an important spot on the defense. Instead we get two linebackers. Depth or not. We really needed a DT

 

It wasnt the middle of the dline that failed against the chiefs in the playoffs. The colts weak point on defense has been getting hit by short passes and to TEs. The fact that we got two LBers is telling about the defense and where the staff thinks things are. They addressed the pass rush, and hopefully our coverage abilities in the back field. 

 

And then there is the fact that the dline is going to be a "by commity" approach much like they are viewing the RB position. Therefore having a pass rushing DT (which is the only thing our guys cant do currently) isn't as important WHEN you have still addressed the pass rush overall. Like Ballard has with the LBer picks.  

[DougDew]

I think trading back from 46 to 49 to get the extra 5th made up for being under compensated for the Redskins trade, for the most part.  So all is well there now.

 

I think Parris will be more of instant contributor than Ben, despite Ben being drafted before Parris.

 

I think all picks fill needs and were good value, but feel the least comfortable about Ben.  He's an outside edge type, and so far Ballard's picks there have tended to underperform, Turay and Basham, so I hope Ben catches on quicker.  I also understand he will be trained to play some different positions so it will take longer.  But a top 50 pick needs to get on the field and contribute relatively soon in order to earn the draft capital spent on him.

[crazycolt1]

After hearing Ballard say the one thing we needed was speed to run down the QBs we will be facing made me a little more comfortable with taking the two linebackers.

Before the draft I said we wouldn't have a clue on who Ballard would pull the trigger on and I think that was true for the most part.

So far this draft has went pretty much like last years draft did after picking of Nelson.

Still a lot of players coming so it's a lot to take in when tomorrow comes around.

[KB]

I like the picks, but the one thing is I dont see an immediate started out of any of them. We kept all of our starters from last year, and have sifted our roster depth with higher upside depth. That's good for us though. After years of needing multiple starters, we are finally getting players that can learn and grow before being put on the field. Rather than being thrown in the fire and hoping for the best. Good work Ballard.

 

I see S, IDL, and OL depth coming our way today. We will hopefully grab someone who is falling like Butler or Thompson.

[crazycolt1]

11 minutes ago, KB said:

I like the picks, but the one thing is I dont see an immediate started out of any of them. We kept all of our starters from last year, and have sifted our roster depth with higher upside depth. That's good for us though. After years of needing multiple starters, we are finally getting players that can learn and grow before being put on the field. Rather than being thrown in the fire and hoping for the best. Good work Ballard.

 

I see S, IDL, and OL depth coming our way today. We will hopefully grab someone who is falling like Butler or Thompson.

That is why I do like these picks. In the past the talent level dropped significantly from the starters to the second tier players. When we had an injury we didn't have a very talented player to come in and cover. We didn't have the players to rotate either because of the drop off in talent. That end result was the team would be gassed in the 4th quarter.

 

[needanoline63]

On 4/27/2019 at 10:29 AM, krunk said:

Stewart isnt a lost cause thats an uninformed opinion. He did just fine when Al Woods went out. The job of that spot is to defend the run which he did fine. Its not a high sack position. You dont know what youre talking about. 2ndly whats Ridgeway still doing on the squad if hes a lost cause? Still a pretty good depth player at the very least. Youre making claims the Colts havent even verified. Theyve made no moves to replace them in FA. Nor did they draft anyone with substantial draft capital to improve the spot.

Well they traded him

[NewColtsFan]

I think this is the right thread to make this post....

 

But late Friday night,  after Day 2 was over,  @Defjamz made what I thought was a strong thread/post over on the draft page about our Friday night haul.     In a nutshell he said he didn't think we got a single Day 1 starter out of this class for their rookie season.    At first,  I flinched and winced about this.    But the more I think about this,  the more I think Defjamz is absolutely right.    And I'm totally OK with this.

 

I don't see any of our rookies starting year 1,  unless they're replacing someone who has been hurt.   I think they start as depth,  and play as depth.   But I also think they will play and contribute and learn on the job.    All four of our Day 2 kids are raw, premium talents.   They all need polishing,  they all need to learn on the job their first year.    Rock, BB,  Parris and Bobby all need polishing.   Eventually, I think they all start in Year 2 and Year 3.    But not their rookie year.  They all need to be developed.    And that's fine.   Our roster,  while not perfect,  is so much better than the one Ballard inherited.    It's Night vs. Day.

 

I give Defjamz a hard time every so often,  but props to him for this concept that he put forward.   I think he's right and should get the Lion's share of the credit for this observation.