*** Colts UDFA Mega-Thread ***

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

2 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

Jack Doyle returning is more critical than we fans realize as well.

I agree, it's huge. Ballard is giving Reich/Luck plenty of weapons, not gonna be any excuses to run out of gas like the KC game. Hopefully they get homefield on the fast track at Lucas Oil, but the Patriots basically start with 6 wins in the AFCLeast, so they'll probably have homefield for the 300th consecutive season. 

[chad72]

1 minute ago, SouthernIndianaNDFan said:

I agree, it's huge. Ballard is giving Reich/Luck plenty of weapons, not gonna be any excuses to run out of gas like the KC game. Hopefully they get homefield on the fast track at Lucas Oil, but the Patriots basically start with 6 wins in the AFCLeast, so they'll probably have homefield for the 300th consecutive season. 

 

 Not this year. I expect a division winner at best with a wild card game hosted.

[Dr. T]

He's a mauler. UAB averaged about 180 yards rushing per game.

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

5 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

 Not this year. I expect a division winner at best with a wild card game hosted.

Pats or Colts?

[Stephen]

Maybe jags won't  shut us out this year

[PrincetonTiger]

1 hour ago, SouthernIndianaNDFan said:

Does it really have to be black and white with who is #1, 2, 3 etc? The bottomline is that Funchess offers things that Campbell doesn't, and vice versa. Obviously Funchess isn't gonna take an end around or screen to the house, and Campbell isn't gonna be a redzone jumpball specialist. The better news is that they have substantially more weapons on offense than last year, especially if Cain can return to form, and Hilton shouldn't see many double teams. Hard to shade coverage his way when you have Doyle/Ebron, Funchess, and Campbell out there roaming around. The possibilities for Campbell in this offense are endless lol, Reich and Luck are gonna have a field day with this dude! Cain is the real X-factor in my mind, if he can come back and be the guy he was at Clemson, we could have the best WR corps in the NFL by midseason, legitimately. 

It depends on the formation that starts the game

[PrincetonTiger]

1 hour ago, Dr. T said:

He's a mauler. UAB averaged about 180 yards rushing per game.

He is a huge

[chad72]

1 hour ago, SouthernIndianaNDFan said:

Pats or Colts?

 

Colts

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

4 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

Colts

 

Because of the schedule? 

[NewColtsFan]

13 hours ago, PrincetonTiger said:

Sometimes it is a way to get a specific player

 

  Examples

   Last Year Ishmael got a big SB 

  Minnesota gave a QB 140 Thousand SB this year

 

 

13 hours ago, PrincetonTiger said:

Sometimes it is a way to get a specific player

 

  Examples

   Last Year Ishmael got a big SB 

  Minnesota gave a QB 140 Thousand SB this year

 

 

Can you please double check that 140k figure.   I think that’s the number for the total pool to sign ALL free agents in a class.  The highest figure per player is typically closer to 20-25k.   Not six figures.

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

57 minutes ago, PrincetonTiger said:

It depends on the formation that starts the game

 

What does?

[PrincetonTiger]

3 minutes ago, SouthernIndianaNDFan said:

 

What does?

Incentive money for starts

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Just now, PrincetonTiger said:

Incentive money for starts

 

Sorry, I'm confused. What does this have to do with my post?

[PrincetonTiger]

2 minutes ago, SouthernIndianaNDFan said:

 

Sorry, I'm confused. What does this have to do with my post?

It goes to the discussion about #1,2,3 etc

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

8 minutes ago, PrincetonTiger said:

It goes to the discussion about #1,2,3 etc

 

Oh, so you're saying the incentive $ will dictate who is technically 1, 2, and 3? I mean I understand there's a depth chart, and that guys are technically supposed to be X, Y and all that, but I don't understand arguing on this forum as to the level of their importance. Like I said in my posts, they have a lot of talented guys, with various skillsets, that I believe compliment each other well. Ballard has done a good job orchestrating the roster construction, at least in my opinion. I could care less who's considered 1, 2, or 3 as long as the pieces coming in continue to succeed in their designated roles. 

[w87r]

37 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

 

Can you please double check that 140k figure.   I think that’s the number for the total pool to sign ALL free agents in a class.  The highest figure per player is typically closer to 20-25k.   Not six figures.

Tyree Jackson got $75,000 this year from Buffalo.

[jameszeigler834]

13 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

Funchess is ahead of him.

I believe a lot of people will be very disappointed in Funchess reminds you of the Ryan Grant signing a year ago.

[crazycolt1]

3 hours ago, ColtsBlueFL said:

 

Agreed. For now.

 

 

Undetermined.  Campbell has to learn / improve his route tree and become a reliable downfield receiver, among other things.  a 4.31 guy running crossing patterns, quick slants, and hitches from the slot won't amount to much in the NFL.  It may take awhile, but he has Jeremy Maclin type talent, but needs coaching/development.  My hope is by the beginning of 2020, he and TY are scaring the daylights out of defense coordinators.  And at the end of 2020 people all over are wondering how and why he 'fell' so far in the 2019 draft.

I have no problem at all with that assessment.

My point was as it stands Funchess is the #2. I do not expect a rookie WR that has never played a down in the NFL to unseat him this season. I am as excited as anyone else with Campbell's signing and hope he eventually takes TYs place when the time comes.

The down grading of Funchess is exactly what this forum was doing to Ebron when he was signed and I wont go there.

[crazycolt1]

45 minutes ago, jameszeigler834 said:

I believe a lot of people will be very disappointed in Funchess reminds you of the Ryan Grant signing a year ago.

No, most of this forum is treating Funchess just like they did Ebron when he was signed. Grant never entered my mind.

[ColtsBlueFL]

I have no idea how Funchess will do. Evidently, the coaching staff does.  For now, that's good enough for me.

[jameszeigler834]

2 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

No, most of this forum is treating Funchess just like they did Ebron when he was signed. Grant never entered my mind.

Regardless I have low expectation's on Funchess.

[crazycolt1]

5 minutes ago, jameszeigler834 said:

Regardless I have low expectation's on Funchess.

Fair enough but I will trust Ballard and Reich over anyone in here.

Till we find out one way or another I choose to stay positive and not prejudge or jump to conclusions.

[w87r]

2 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

No, most of this forum is treating Funchess just like they did Ebron when he was signed. Grant never entered my mind.

Yeah, I don't understand these pessimistic fans all the time trying to make predictions for a guy, so he can maybe come bavk at end of season and say I tols you so.

 

Shut up and just be a fan. Whiny *e$.

 

Not you cc, for the guy you quoted and every other pessimistic I told you soer on the forum.

[jameszeigler834]

6 minutes ago, crazycolt1 said:

Fair enough but I will trust Ballard and Reich over anyone in here.

Till we find out one way or another I choose to stay positive and not prejudge or jump to conclusions.

 

6 minutes ago, crazycolt1 said:

Fair enough but I will trust Ballard and Reich over anyone in here.

Till we find out one way or another I choose to stay positive and not prejudge or jump to conclusions.

As will I and will eat crow if wrong about him.

[w87r]

7 minutes ago, crazycolt1 said:

Fair enough but I will trust Ballard and Reich over anyone in here.

Till we find out one way or another I choose to stay positive and not prejudge or jump to conclusions.

Exactly, why would a fan have low expectations for the guy.

 

Makes no sense. To each their own I guess.

 

Some people are only happy when their not? 

[w87r]

4 minutes ago, jameszeigler834 said:

As will I and will eat crow if wrong about him.

That's the problem with "I told you soers".

 

Only come back and tell you when they were right.

 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Why would anyone question funchess. He is the same player as Ebron who had the same so called problem. I will be shocked if he doesn’t play well. I don’t think anyone will have a huge year because we have so many targets it’s ridiculous.

[crazycolt1]

Just now, Chloe6124 said:

Why would anyone question funchess. He is the same player as Ebron who had the same so called problem. I will be shocked if he doesn’t play well. I don’t think anyone will have a huge year because we have so many targets it’s ridiculous.

According to ESPN we were rated 7th overall for offense. We didn't have one receiver or RB that had a huge year so that does say we use all of our weapons.

 I have no problem not having that one player who dominates their position with us. IMO it is sweet not having to depend on a couple of players to carry the team.

Having that many weapons makes it hard for other teams to game plan for us.

Hopefully our defense has caught up with our offense with this heavy defensive draft.

 

[HOF19]

58 minutes ago, ColtsBlueFL said:

I have no idea how Funchess will do. Evidently, the coaching staff does.  For now, that's good enough for me.

So that I do not have to eat crow (and if I did it would not be the first time) I am holding off on my opinion on Mr. Funchess and trusting Ballard......As a Colt's fan to me the best case scenario ?????? Is to root for Mr. Funchess and hope he excels in a Colts Uniform …..But that is just me .

[esmort]

3 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

 

Can you please double check that 140k figure.   I think that’s the number for the total pool to sign ALL free agents in a class.  The highest figure per player is typically closer to 20-25k.   Not six figures.

 

3 hours ago, w87r said:

Tyree Jackson got $75,000 this year from Buffalo.

 

The way I read it teams have a limited budget for all udfa "signing bonuses" combined ~$100,000

... But... 

They can guarantee as much of the salary as they want effectively giving them a bigger "bonus" 

https://heavy.com/sports/2019/04/nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agents-salaries-contracts/

 

[NewColtsFan]

7 minutes ago, esmort said:

 

 

The way I read it teams have a limited budget for all udfa "signing bonuses" combined ~$100,000

... But... 

They can guarantee as much of the salary as they want effectively giving them a bigger "bonus" 

 

https://heavy.com/sports/2019/04/nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agents-salaries-contracts/

 

 

Thanks, Esmort.    That's good information.    Always appreciate the 411.

[Yoshinator]

12 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

What you call my argumentative crap is fact.

Overlooking Funchess just shows your lack of knowing this team.

We could make a side bet if you are that confident that Campbell has a better season than Funchess.

I'll make a side bet that Campbell get more yards than Funchess (I won't bet TD's).

[CurBeatElite]

 

On 4/27/2019 at 5:49 PM, Mr.Debonair said:

Campbell won’t be the #2 or 3 barring injury 

 

Right now TY is in front of him, for sure.  Funchess is likely in front of him.  Rogers is average.  Cain has never played a down in the NFL (regular season) and is coming off a major injury.  I'd say Campbell is likely to start out training camp in the mix with the starters.

 

On 4/27/2019 at 6:43 PM, NewColtsFan said:

And....  let’s not forget Darnelle Inman. It ain’t over til it’s over.

 

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

 

 

I think Inman was asking for a lot of $.  Ballard was in serious discussions with him right after the season it seemed like and they sort of faded away.  He played well for us last year, but he hasn't done a whole lot in the NFL over the course of his career and he's 30 years old.  Ballard seems to be wanting this team to move towards getting younger.  

 

For the right price, I'd like to see Inman back, but the drafting of Campbell, IMO, seals the deal that Inman and the Colts are parting ways.

 

23 hours ago, Scott Pennock said:

Found this on the Valdosta State DE/DT

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDslJAU60fg

 

Above is Jegs Jegede's youtube channel.  Says he played basketball for 2 years before transferring to Valdosta St. to play football for the first time in his life.  Seems like a practice squad guy to me (at best, this year) -- very good athleticism, very good size (he'll need to bulk up some if he's gonna stay at interior DL, but NFL training staffs should have no problem with that frame).  He's raw and from a small school... interesting signing.

 

22 hours ago, Douzer said:

I believe when we see Campbell take his 1st WR Screen to the house, we'll all want more...

 

We've struggled with screens for as long as I can remember.  Maybe Campbell will be the fix that I've long been waiting for.

 

12 hours ago, Bluesmith said:

Found this on Northwestern DT Jordan Thompson:

 

 

Considering he is the only IDL we added so far, I am hoping he impresses and sticks around.

 

Ballard said in a press conference that he thinks we're in very good shape in the IDL with Hunt coming back, Autry being a good player, Lewis' ability to move inside.  What was most interesting was he specifically mentioned Grover Stewart as a guy he thinks is ready to make a very big jump in progress this coming season.

 

11 hours ago, ColtsBlueFL said:

 

Agreed. For now.

 

 

Undetermined.  Campbell has to learn / improve his route tree and become a reliable downfield receiver, among other things.  a 4.31 guy running crossing patterns, quick slants, and hitches from the slot won't amount to much in the NFL.  It may take awhile, but he has Jeremy Maclin type talent, but needs coaching/development.  My hope is by the beginning of 2020, he and TY are scaring the daylights out of defense coordinators.  And at the end of 2020 people all over are wondering how and why he 'fell' so far in the 2019 draft.

 

Ohio State is a hard school to evaluate WRs at.  For example, Michael Thomas Jr. didn't produce near as much as Campbell did while he was at OSU and is now one of the best WRs in the NFL (2x pro-bowls, 1x first-team all pro in 3 years).  

 

Apparently at the combine, Campbell was exceptional in route-running drills.  Reich said in the presser that Campbell jumped out at him with his route-running skills at the combine and that he was used specifically for his college scheme in college so there are traits/skills he possesses which just aren't readily available watching his college tape.

 

David Carr on NFL Network said Campbell was a major steal in this draft.  He also said Campbell looked very good in his route-running at the combine and just wasn't utilized to show those skills in his college scheme.

 

5 hours ago, crazycolt1 said:

Fair enough but I will trust Ballard and Reich over anyone in here.

Till we find out one way or another I choose to stay positive and not prejudge or jump to conclusions.

 

I think Funchess and Campbell will be used in very different roles in this offense.  Reich (and Sirianni) seem to be very good in taking what defenses give us.  I imagine based on defensive schemes coming at us, some are going to want to cut off Campbell's speed and others will focus on limiting Funchess as a possession WR.  

 

I think you're right to trust Ballard/Reich over posters in here (after all, there is a reason why they are the GM and head coach and we're all sitting behind our computers away from the Colts' FO).  However, the fact that Ballard gave Funchess a 1 year deal tells me he doesn't have a whole ton of confidence that Funchess is going to come in and be the solution as a top WR.  Without knowing what Funchess wanted and how exactly those conversations take place, I could be wrong -- but if Ballard thought Funchess was the long-term, clear-cut solution to be WR 2 (or 1A to TY), I think he'd have been signed to more than just a 'prove it' contract.

[LockeDown]

In the regular season, the ball is going to be spread around.  However, come playoff time, who will be the receivers not named TY that Luck counts on.  Ebron, Doyle, Cain, Funchess or Campbell? Or somebody else? 

[CurBeatElite]

24 minutes ago, LockeDown said:

In the regular season, the ball is going to be spread around.  However, come playoff time, who will be the receivers not named TY that Luck counts on.  Ebron, Doyle, Cain, Funchess or Campbell? Or somebody else? 

 

One of the nice things about Luck is he gives guys 2nd chances and usually takes blame on himself (e.g., if a TE drops a ball, Luck will say he could have thrown it better rather than saying the TE/WR could have made a better play).  

 

I think Funchess will have to earn some trust with Luck by making big-time catches throughout the regular season.  Luck will work with him to keep his confidence up, I'm sure -- but the main knock on Funchess are hands (I don't think they're really that bad, though he did have a bit of drops last year).

 

I envision Campbell's speed and YAC ability really opening this offense up.  Reich said in the post-draft presser that it's 'almost not fair Luck will have all these weapons.'

 

My major concerns with Doyle and Cain are their health.  Doyle missed time with 2 different injuries last year and isn't expected to be ready to really start ramping up workouts until around pre-season coming off that hip surgery, which for a guy who is 6'6" 260+lbs and major parts of his job include blocking monsters, cutting and breaking on routes and after catch, and getting tackled by monsters, is kind of concerning (at least to me).  Sounds like Cain is on the right track with his knee, but hard to believe he'll come back without missing a step until I see it.

 

After this draft, I'm starting to think TE may be the thinnest position on the roster.  With Doyle's health being a concern, we're not very deep at the position after Ebron.  We've got bodies, but Gabe Holmes and Ross Travis have pretty much done nothing in their 4 year careers and Billy Brown doesn't seem to be much more than a PS guy.  Mo Alie-Cox showed some potential last year, but I don't know how limited that will be.

 

Sounds like this Hale Hentges from Alabama kind of fits the Doyle mode.  One of the best blocking TE's in college and not really known for his receiving ability -- though 6 of his 11 catches over the past 2 years were for TD's:  https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/alabama-te-hale-hentges-agent-announces-where-hes-signed-as-an-nfl-undrafted-free-agent/

[Scott Pennock]

Corey Turner's highlight vid....doesn't look half bad. 

 

I bet he gets signed from the tryouts this weekend.

[Scott Pennock]

First run was right thru ND's defense....lol....and he returns kicks!

 

 

[Cynjin]

17 hours ago, CurBeatElite said:

 

Sounds like this Hale Hentges from Alabama kind of fits the Doyle mode.  One of the best blocking TE's in college and not really known for his receiving ability -- though 6 of his 11 catches over the past 2 years were for TD's:  https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/alabama-te-hale-hentges-agent-announces-where-hes-signed-as-an-nfl-undrafted-free-agent/

 

I would put Hale in the Jack Doyle mold also, steady, good blocker, not flashy.  At Alabama he was not targeted much due to the talent they have at the other TE spot, WRs and RBs.

[Scott Pennock]

Tre Thomas (LB) highlights from CSU.

 

 

[CurBeatElite]

21 minutes ago, Cynjin said:

 

I would put Hale in the Jack Doyle mold also, steady, good blocker, not flashy.  At Alabama he was not targeted much due to the talent they have at the other TE spot, WRs and RBs.

 

We did  give him a relatively large signing bonus as a  UDFA, so the FO/coaching staff must like something about him.  I still worry that Doyle is going to struggle with health this season, so having a very solid blocker at TE will be helpful (at least until Doyle's back to 100%).