Colts UDFA signings

[LJpalmbeacher2]

On 5/1/2021 at 7:37 PM, CR91 said:

 

Is that a football name or what?

Deon Jackson....how do you go undrafted with that name?  

[chad72]

14 hours ago, w87r said:

Surprised we have so little action on UDFA market so far, but I do like what we have brought in so far, especially Black and Vaughn.

 

Couple LBs to compete for a spot.

 

Are they still doing the 16 man practice squad rules for this year or going back to 12? Are they still going to allow us to protect a few players?

[LJpalmbeacher2]

9 hours ago, PureLuck said:

 

Wilkins has serious competition for the 4th RB on the roster IMO.

 

Yep.

Thats a lot of $ for UdFA I think.

[LJpalmbeacher2]

Was wondering.....in the old days they had a lot more rounds in the draft.

What you think about adding a few more....and maybe a few more roster spots too?

I know that's a bit more money but I'm sure nfl teams could afford the slight increase. 

[w87r]

7 hours ago, chad72 said:

 

Are they still doing the 16 man practice squad rules for this year or going back to 12? Are they still going to allow us to protect a few players?

Not sure of plans for upcoming season, tbh.

[Colt.45]

8 hours ago, krunk said:

4.4. Not too different

Mack ran a 4.50 flat.

This kid is credited with a 4.32. 

As far as just timed speed, that's different planets.

 

https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=22406

[Colt.45]

Is the Colts UDFA streak still on?

 

I wonder which UDFA makes the team this time.

[krunk]

36 minutes ago, Colt.45 said:

Mack ran a 4.50 flat.

This kid is credited with a 4.32. 

As far as just timed speed, that's different planets.

 

https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=22406

You just got the spirit of nitpicking today i see. Anybody can look at their play styles and see its very similar. Have you ever seen Mack get ran down from behind very much? Theres no reason to sit here and go back and forth over 4.3 and 4.5 when they both have a similar type of game. He and Mack play very much the same. You baited me into arguing over timed speed when thats not even the bulk of what i meant. Everybody here knows Macks not slow in the least. A 4.3 only gives Jackson so much of an edge. They are still comparable players. Its not like hes running 4.3 on every single snap. And a 4.50 is only about a second off from a 4.4. But again i never came here to argue who is faster. They both have the same running style and they are utilized in the passing game similar. Ive seen a couple things with Jackson that suggest he may be a bit more advanced as a pass catcher than Mack but Mack has gotten much better than he was at that when he first arrived.

[chad72]

21 minutes ago, krunk said:

You just got the spirit of nitpicking today i see. Anybody can look at their play styles and see its very similar. Have you ever seen Mack get ran down from behind very much? Theres no reason to sit here and go back and forth over 4.3 and 4.5 when they both have a similar type of game. He and Mack play very much the same. You baited me into arguing over timed speed when thats not even the bulk of what i meant. Everybody here knows Macks not slow in the least. A 4.3 only gives Jackson so much of an edge. They are still comparable players. Its not like hes running 4.3 on every single snap. And a 4.50 is only about a second off from a 4.4. But again i never came here to argue who is faster. They both have the same running style and they are utilized in the passing game similar. I've seen a couple things with Jackson that suggest he may be a bit more advanced as a pass catcher than Mack but Mack has gotten much better than he was at that when he first arrived.

 

Here is the thing. Isn't Hines a free agent after this season? So are Mack and Wilkins? So essentially, we have 2 RBs that have caught enough passes in Taylor and Hines, 2 "more used as" between the tackle guys in Mack and Wilkins.

 

Thus the X factor will end up being "are we going to invest in an UDFA that will play the Hines role" or "are we going to invest in an UDFA to play the Mack or Wilkins role"? Whoever that RB is, will make the practice squad for insurance, IMO.

 

For what it is worth, I think they will put a premium on re-signing Hines as opposed to Mack the next off season, regardless of how well Mack does, unless Mack keeps coming back on a friendly deal again.

[Hoose]

12 minutes ago, chad72 said:

 

Here is the thing. Isn't Hines a free agent after this season? So are Mack and Wilkins? So essentially, we have 2 RBs that have caught enough passes in Taylor and Hines, 2 "more used as" between the tackle guys in Mack and Wilkins.

 

Thus the X factor will end up being "are we going to invest in an UDFA that will play the Hines role" or "are we going to invest in an UDFA to play the Mack or Wilkins role"? Whoever that RB is, will make the practice squad for insurance, IMO.

 

For what it is worth, I think they will put a premium on re-signing Hines as opposed to Mack the next off season, regardless of how well Mack does, unless Mack keeps coming back on a friendly deal again.

Which is why they paid Jackson an unusually high bonus to sign. They see what you see... gotta keep the talent coming because Mack and Wilkins are outta here next year. I believe Hines will be re-signed..... he’s now an integral piece of the offense and special teams.

[chrisfarley]

19 hours ago, PureLuck said:

 

Wilkins has serious competition for the 4th RB on the roster IMO.

WOW, this guy  #UDFAKEEPER

[Colt.45]

3 hours ago, krunk said:

You just got the spirit of nitpicking today i see. Anybody can look at their play styles and see its very similar. Have you ever seen Mack get ran down from behind very much? Theres no reason to sit here and go back and forth over 4.3 and 4.5 when they both have a similar type of game. He and Mack play very much the same. You baited me into arguing over timed speed when thats not even the bulk of what i meant. Everybody here knows Macks not slow in the least. A 4.3 only gives Jackson so much of an edge. They are still comparable players. Its not like hes running 4.3 on every single snap. And a 4.50 is only about a second off from a 4.4. But again i never came here to argue who is faster. They both have the same running style and they are utilized in the passing game similar. Ive seen a couple things with Jackson that suggest he may be a bit more advanced as a pass catcher than Mack but Mack has gotten much better than he was at that when he first arrived.

I'm not trying to bait you into anything. I'm just saying one player is much faster than the other, in terms of speed, he's more aligned to #28.

I'm not sure how that's baiting. 

[Imgrandojji]

On 5/1/2021 at 8:08 PM, coming on strong said:

wonder why he chose the colts i know we have a good o line and like to run the ball but our running back room is so stacked with marlon mack taylor  hines and wilkins  he might not even make the team

He can burn.  Wouldn't be surprised if he carves out a place for himself in the ST unit.  Return specialist?

 

Besides, Nyhiem Hines won't stay around forever

[Shive]

(typically terrible highlight reel music)

 

He honestly looks just like Mack when he runs. They have the same pacing/patience when hitting the hole and very similar running styles (a bit upright). I could see him taking Wilkins' spot this season and Mack's next, provided he does well in transitioning to the pros.

 

He does have ball security issues though. He fumbled 11 times on 524 rushing attempts (5 in 2020) and had 9 drops in 87 career targets. We seem to have some luck with teaching ball security and even though Rathman is gone, hopefully what he's taught the other guys will help Jackson.

[LiveAndLetAddai]

17 hours ago, LJpalmbeacher2 said:

Was wondering.....in the old days they had a lot more rounds in the draft.

What you think about adding a few more....and maybe a few more roster spots too?

I know that's a bit more money but I'm sure nfl teams could afford the slight increase. 

  When I first really understood what was going on in the NFL, there were 12 round Drafts.  There were more prior to my knowledge, so UDFA's today, would have been draft picks years ago.

[Coltsman1788]

10 hours ago, Colt.45 said:

Is the Colts UDFA streak still on?

 

I wonder which UDFA makes the team this time.

Probably Deon Jackson out of Duke.  He is a pretty good back. Will give Wilkins a run for his money. 

[will426]

Lol you might think he runs like mack but he hasn’t ran in the big leagues where the hole closes much faster as it did for Mack & Jt who got the playing time to get acclimated..he’s invested in for sure I can’t say he’s like Mack yet tho I’ve seen that guy Run Hard for us consistently till that injury 

[Colt.45]

1 hour ago, Coltsman1788 said:

Probably Deon Jackson out of Duke.  He is a pretty good back. Will give Wilkins a run for his money. 

With the $ he was guaranteed, it's a good guess.

I'd look closely at the LBs too. I think the backup depth is fair game there.

[richard pallo]

18 hours ago, Coltsman1788 said:

Probably Deon Jackson out of Duke.  He is a pretty good back. Will give Wilkins a run for his money. 

I don’t think Mack is guaranteed a roster spot. He was a FA for a long time before we signed him and it was a one year inexpensive contract.  He needs to show he’s fully recovered and hasn’t lost anything.  The popular theory seems to be Wilkins is in jeopardy.  Mack should feel uneasy as well.  Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.  

[Hoose]

2 minutes ago, richard pallo said:

I don’t think Mack is guaranteed a roster spot. He was a FA for a long time before we signed him and it was a one year inexpensive contract.  He needs to show he’s fully recovered and hasn’t lost anything.  The popular theory seems to be Wilkins is in jeopardy.  Mack should feel uneasy as well.  Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.  

I agree. Mack will have to prove he’s fully recovered. I hope he is; the guy played his tail off for the Colts and is deserving of a solid payday if healthy. If he’s lost a step or two, though, ..........

[Shive]

19 hours ago, will426 said:

Lol you might think he runs like mack but he hasn’t ran in the big leagues where the hole closes much faster as it did for Mack & Jt who got the playing time to get acclimated..he’s invested in for sure I can’t say he’s like Mack yet tho I’ve seen that guy Run Hard for us consistently till that injury 

People make player comps all the time for draft prospects and it's never about who they think the kid is as soon as they get to the NFL. It's who they most resemble from a style & strengths/weaknesses standpoint. Keep in mind that Mack as we know him wasn't that good initially, so nobody should expect Jackson to be on Mack's level anytime soon either.

 

I don't see people advocating to cut Mack because we have his replacement. I do think and have mentioned that he could potentially take Wilkins' roster spot (and I've been a fan of his since he got here).

[PureLuck]

2 hours ago, richard pallo said:

I don’t think Mack is guaranteed a roster spot. He was a FA for a long time before we signed him and it was a one year inexpensive contract.  He needs to show he’s fully recovered and hasn’t lost anything.  The popular theory seems to be Wilkins is in jeopardy.  Mack should feel uneasy as well.  Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.  

 

Well, all of Mack‘s 2m salary for 2021 is guaranteed, so while you can never rule out anything in the NFL, he‘s very likely to be on the roster come opening day if healthy. We wouldn‘t gain anything from cutting him.

[Coltsman1788]

4 hours ago, richard pallo said:

I don’t think Mack is guaranteed a roster spot. He was a FA for a long time before we signed him and it was a one year inexpensive contract.  He needs to show he’s fully recovered and hasn’t lost anything.  The popular theory seems to be Wilkins is in jeopardy.  Mack should feel uneasy as well.  Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL.  

Good point. Jackson’s skill set as also very similar to Mack.  If not this year then possibly next. 

[rockywoj]

On 5/2/2021 at 10:35 PM, LJpalmbeacher2 said:

Was wondering.....in the old days they had a lot more rounds in the draft.

What you think about adding a few more....and maybe a few more roster spots too?

I know that's a bit more money but I'm sure nfl teams could afford the slight increase. 

A few more roster spots, absolutely!  I think it madness that it hasn’t gone to a 50 person game day roster.

[LJpalmbeacher2]

No one is beating Mack out of a roster spot if he's nearly 90% recovered. 

[The Shoe Fits]

7 hours ago, rockywoj said:

A few more roster spots, absolutely!  I think it madness that it hasn’t gone to a 50 person game day roster.

Especially now that they have added an extra week to the season 

[coltsfan1965]

14 hours ago, LJpalmbeacher2 said:

No one is beating Mack out of a roster spot if he's nearly 90% recovered. 

Most likely not, but I think Jackson may be a hedge against Mack not being what he was or someone else going down in camp. As far as the receivers, it would be great if someone unexpectedly showed better than what is expected. 

[chickenMan]

This WR competition will be really fun I think. The only locks I have are TY, Pascal, and Pittman...maybe Campbell. This is a good time for someone to step up....my money is on Strachan or Vaughns turning some heads in training camp

[joecolts]

I would not be surprised to see Jackson, Vaughns and Black all find a spot.  I could see Wilkins being shopped for a 4th-6th round pick.

[CR91]

3 minutes ago, joecolts said:

I would not be surprised to see Jackson, Vaughns and Black all find a spot.  I could see Wilkins being shopped for a 4th-6th round pick.

 

We'd be lucky to get a 6th. Wilkins does not play that much.

[joecolts]

48 minutes ago, CR91 said:

We'd be lucky to get a 6th. Wilkins does not play that much

I didn't say we'd get it but, I could see them shopping him for it.

[r a y s k i]

What's the situation of Skai Moore from udfas couple of years ago? Anyone thinks he can make the 53?

[EastStreet]

On 5/1/2021 at 10:08 PM, CR91 said:

 

Not bad, but his lack of size matched with lack of speed, leaves him very limited. He was good not great at USC. Solid, but he was always the #3 guy through his 3 years of starting.

On 5/1/2021 at 10:22 PM, CR91 said:

 

 

Injuries hurt him at Michigan, but was overrated IMO in recruiting rankings. Thought he might do better last year in a new school, but was still pretty meh.

On 5/2/2021 at 12:22 PM, stitches said:

Vaughns is weird. He has OK production and he doesn't look like a total stiff on tape but he tested like one. I love his hands, very reliable , catches outside his frame very cleanly. That bonus might mean something. We usually give big bonuses to players we have plans for. He's definitely one to watch from the UDFAs.

I like his "steadiness". His weight will be a concern in the NFL. He won't be able to body lesser DBs like he did in college. His lack of speed will really hurt. Not tall enough to be an X. Not fast enough to be a Z. Maybe a big slot? IDK. Good camp body at minimum. 

On 5/2/2021 at 4:21 PM, Caffrey said:

Although I like Wilkins, we could trade him for a mid round draft choice next year.  I mentioned last year we should not trade or release Wilkins who has average over 5 yards per carry for his career unless he proves he cannot do that or 4.5 ypc.   In 2020 he avg 3.7 ypc but keep in mind with J. Taylor and Hines being the 1-2 RB combo, a lot of Wilkins carries were mop up duty at the end of the game, running out the clock, when the defense knows it is a running play.

 

I think Wilkins can be a solid #2 RB in a 1-2 RB combo in NFL but we at well stocked at RB with Taylor, Hines, and Mack, and now Jackson or other already on the roster.  Like I said, I do like and respect Wilkins, remember his Univ of Miss team went up against powerhouse Alabama, he manned up took them on, had impressive performance, was not intimidated by them.  However, if things does not change, we may lose him to free agency anyway.

 

Jackson's highlights against Notre Dame had some nice runs, against highly rated LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.  Just an observation, someone said he did not look 220 lbs, I kind of agree, his biceps look kind of small for 220 lbs, does not mean a lot but just an observation. Also did not look like a 4.32 runner, but 4.4 is still darn fast, maybe his smooth stride is deceiving.  Good 4th RB or practice squad RB.

Won't get a mid rounder for Wilkins IMO. RBs are just too devalued. We'd be luck to get a late rounder if anything. He'll be cheap to keep. 

On 5/3/2021 at 8:03 AM, krunk said:

You just got the spirit of nitpicking today i see. Anybody can look at their play styles and see its very similar. Have you ever seen Mack get ran down from behind very much? Theres no reason to sit here and go back and forth over 4.3 and 4.5 when they both have a similar type of game. He and Mack play very much the same. You baited me into arguing over timed speed when thats not even the bulk of what i meant. Everybody here knows Macks not slow in the least. A 4.3 only gives Jackson so much of an edge. They are still comparable players. Its not like hes running 4.3 on every single snap. And a 4.50 is only about a second off from a 4.4. But again i never came here to argue who is faster. They both have the same running style and they are utilized in the passing game similar. Ive seen a couple things with Jackson that suggest he may be a bit more advanced as a pass catcher than Mack but Mack has gotten much better than he was at that when he first arrived.

Sorry Krunk, 4.32 vs 4.5 is a huge difference. 

4.32 is lightning fast, especially at 220. 

4.5 is pretty meh 

But I agree speed isn't everything. Mack is a much better zone runner IMO, and had much better burst through the OL. Jackson has an odd list of strengths and weaknesses, but I'll kick the tires on a 4.32 guy that's 220 everyday of the week.

 

 

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On another note, the LBs seem pretty meh. Thought we'd do better given some of the un-drafted names.

[krunk]

3 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

Not bad, but his lack of size matched with lack of speed, leaves him very limited. He was good not great at USC. Solid, but he was always the #3 guy through his 3 years of starting.

Injuries hurt him at Michigan, but was overrated IMO in recruiting rankings. Thought he might do better last year in a new school, but was still pretty meh.

I like his "steadiness". His weight will be a concern in the NFL. He won't be able to body lesser DBs like he did in college. His lack of speed will really hurt. Not tall enough to be an X. Not fast enough to be a Z. Maybe a big slot? IDK. Good camp body at minimum. 

Won't get a mid rounder for Wilkins IMO. RBs are just too devalued. We'd be luck to get a late rounder if anything. He'll be cheap to keep. 

Sorry Krunk, 4.32 vs 4.5 is a huge difference. 

4.32 is lightning fast, especially at 220. 

4.5 is pretty meh 

But I agree speed isn't everything. Mack is a much better zone runner IMO, and had much better burst through the OL. Jackson has an odd list of strengths and weaknesses, but I'll kick the tires on a 4.32 guy that's 220 everyday of the week.

 

 

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On another note, the LBs seem pretty meh. Thought we'd do better given some of the un-drafted names.

As i told the individual who baited me into comparing their speeds when that wasnt what i was focused on I said the way they play the game is similar. I dont really care about the 4.3 versus 4.4/4.5 stuff bc they both rely on speed as an assett. Jackson is faster yes but to me his running style and what he does im the passing game is similar. I feel like im watching Mack when i watch him play. I can tell they picked him up just in case things dont work out with Macks achilles. He appears to bring just about everything Mack has although the caveat here is hes inexperienced and a UDFA.

[Caffrey]

I think Wilkins is underated, he would a solid #2 RB on any team.  He did have some starts for us and didn't he his 1st game as a rookie for us.  Mack coming of his injury, being brought back slowly could be #3/4 with Wilkins,  Plus Wilkins contributes on special teams.  Jackson my be able to save on the practice squad. Hopefully Mack makes it back to his pre-injury form. 

 

I was at the game when Mack made the 56 yard TD runs against the Chargers in there temp Carson, California stadium.  My wife was screaming go, go, GO! during that run, around the Charger fan who was yelling when impressive Austin Eckler made his catch and TD run, getting pass Darius Leonard who hit him but did not wrap up.  We lost in OT but should have won as Vinateri missed a PAT and 2 makeable FG's.

[TomDiggs]

 

Admittedly don't know much about Chiaokhiao-Bowman, but another UDFA signing it appears. 

[Caffrey]

This is what I got on him from a Packers virutual meeting. Looks like he steps up in the big game. Has an impressive game against Ohio St in the Big Ten Championship.

 

The Green Bay Packers held a virtual pre-draft meeting with Northwestern receiver Ramaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Bowman, a Minneapolis native, played in 47 career games at Northwestern, catching 82 passes for 986 yards and eight touchdowns. In 2020, Bowman led the team in receiving yards (508) and receiving touchdowns (five), set a new career-high in catches (41) and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition.

In the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State, he caught eight passes for a career-best 103 receiving yards. He also caught a touchdown pass against Wisconsin and during Northwestern’s bowl game against Auburn.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was in attendance to see Bowman at Northwestern’s pro day last month.

Bowman (6-1, 204) ran a slow 40-yard dash but was quick in the three-cone drill, making him a potential late-round or undrafted free agent option for the Packers.

[stitches]

 

[krunk]

54 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

Not bad, but his lack of size matched with lack of speed, leaves him very limited. He was good not great at USC. Solid, but he was always the #3 guy through his 3 years of starting.

Injuries hurt him at Michigan, but was overrated IMO in recruiting rankings. Thought he might do better last year in a new school, but was still pretty meh.

I like his "steadiness". His weight will be a concern in the NFL. He won't be able to body lesser DBs like he did in college. His lack of speed will really hurt. Not tall enough to be an X. Not fast enough to be a Z. Maybe a big slot? IDK. Good camp body at minimum. 

Won't get a mid rounder for Wilkins IMO. RBs are just too devalued. We'd be luck to get a late rounder if anything. He'll be cheap to keep. 

Sorry Krunk, 4.32 vs 4.5 is a huge difference. 

4.32 is lightning fast, especially at 220. 

4.5 is pretty meh 

But I agree speed isn't everything. Mack is a much better zone runner IMO, and had much better burst through the OL. Jackson has an odd list of strengths and weaknesses, but I'll kick the tires on a 4.32 guy that's 220 everyday of the week.

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

On another note, the LBs seem pretty meh. Thought we'd do better given some of the un-drafted names.

I dont think Mack was as good running zone coming into the league. Its something hes made great improvements on.

[EastStreet]

36 minutes ago, krunk said:

As i told the individual who baited me into comparing their speeds when that wasnt what i was focused on I said the way they play the game is similar. I dont really care about the 4.3 versus 4.4/4.5 stuff bc they both rely on speed as an assett. Jackson is faster yes but to me his running style and what he does im the passing game is similar. I feel like im watching Mack when i watch him play. I can tell they picked him up just in case things dont work out with Macks achilles. He appears to bring just about everything Mack has although the caveat here is hes inexperienced and a UDFA.

I don't see the two being similar at all to be honest. 

Jackson is more of a power back, Mack is zone rhythm guy. Mack has more swivel. 

Jackson has a lot more speed, but less burst through the OL.

Jackson has poor hands (on the catch) and ball security issues. Mack doesn't get thrown the ball that much, but rarely fumbles.