Colts UDFA signing thread

[throwing BBZ]

3 minutes ago, TomDiggs said:

Posted in another thread, but  I am excited to see where the signing of Marcel Dabo leads. 

 

This year was the AFC South's year to get a player from the International Player Pathway program and we got Dabo.

 

He had a top-30 visit with us and was the defensive rookie of the year in the European league.

 

 

 

   Khari Willis beware. 

[throwing BBZ]

 

 Wesley French  Has started at C, G, and LT.  
This gigantic draft class will have some good, older, UDFA.

  

Scored a 9.63 relative athletic score (RAS) out of possible 10.00. (46th out of 1,215 OG from 1987 to 2022)

2020: 0 sacks or QB hits allowed in 397 snaps at center

[EastStreet]

On 5/1/2022 at 12:58 AM, NewColtsFan said:

Thanks for such a good and detailed list.  I count 19signed free agents and that goes with the 8 draft picks.   27 in all.   
 

And some have been worried about filling our roster to 90.    I think this puts us over the limit,  but I’m sure we will trim when necessary.   
 

And I don’t think we’re done with adding more veteran free agents over the next few weeks.   I’d expect a few more veterans to join us.  

You're welcome.

 

Not concerned with filling out a roster. That's never a problem. But also not one to get overly excited about a ton of UDFA signs. Happens every year. Some stick, most are shed. 

 

Haven't went down the rabbit hole on them like I normally do, but I do like the kid from Nebraska (JoJo Domann). Kid started his career at S which he quickly outgrew, and ended up as a starting LB. He gave OSU fits last year, and we all no OSU has an elite O full of 5 star talent. Have to think he might be an upgrade over Adams and perhaps Zaire long term. IIRC, his coverage skills are pretty good and plays well in space. Might push Oke for snaps as the year goes on.

 

We've got 13M still in cap space, so hoping we'll see a few adds. I imagine either TY will resign or we'll look to add a vet Z/slot type WR.

[EastStreet]

On 5/1/2022 at 2:45 AM, stitches said:

This is a hell of a UDFA class. I think there is a significant chance multiple of them will make the roster.

 

The 3 RBs(Borghi, Price, Verdell) are almost certain to produce a player on the 53 man roster. 

Jojo Domann has a good shot too. It's interesting that he used to play safety/slot, but had his best season at LB last year. In our defense, the LBs are a bit undersized(or rather underweight) anyways. 

Jack Coan might find a spot on the PS, too 

Sterling Weatherford and Ryan Van Demnark both were draftable players too and might have a shot at making the roster. 

Can't say I'm high on any of the RBs, but like I said to NCF, I do like Jojo's chances. Outgrew safety, and still a bit new to the LB ranks, but think he could end up a hidden gem. At min, I think he'll be a ST's ace, and be an upgrade over Adams, and could push Zaire and Oke in time. 

 

And yes, we play undersized at LB, or at least we did in our past scheme. It'll be interesting to see what we do at MIKE this year. 

[NewColtsFan]

13 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

You're welcome.

 

Not concerned with filling out a roster. That's never a problem. But also not one to get overly excited about a ton of UDFA signs. Happens every year. Some stick, most are shed. 

 

Haven't went down the rabbit hole on them like I normally do, but I do like the kid from Nebraska (JoJo Domann). Kid started his career at S which he quickly outgrew, and ended up as a starting LB. He gave OSU fits last year, and we all no OSU has an elite O full of 5 star talent. Have to think he might be an upgrade over Adams and perhaps Zaire long term. IIRC, his coverage skills are pretty good and plays well in space. Might push Oke for snaps as the year goes on.

 

We've got 13M still in cap space, so hoping we'll see a few adds. I imagine either TY will resign or we'll look to add a vet Z/slot type WR.

Honestly, I was surprised that we didn’t trade back into the third round for Nakobe Dean.  Thought he’d be the eventual replacement for Oke.    Perhaps we are so married to certain traits like height and length that Dean was not a big consideration for us?   But the possibility certainly had my attention that night. 

[EastStreet]

On 5/1/2022 at 3:59 PM, Fluke_33 said:

I bet he is targeted to transition to lb for us.    Perfect size for our lbs. 

Yup, definitely a LB for us. But I think he's destined for STs, at least early. If he continues to grow/muscle-up, could be a MIKE prospect. I like Jojo better though early as a rotational LB. 

[EastStreet]

5 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

Honestly, I was surprised that we didn’t trade back into the third round for Nakobe Dean.  Thought he’d be the eventual replacement for Oke.    Perhaps we are so married to certain traits like height and length that Dean was not a big consideration for us?   But the possibility certainly had my attention that night. 

 

I loved Dean coming out of HS. IIRC, top 25 kid overall. I've seen him between the hedges, and the kid is a missile. Just not sure how he'll translate at the NFL level given his height, so I can understand the reluctance to spend a pick. In the right system, I think he'll be a stud though. Two more inches (height) and I would have been pounding the table for him too. Can't say I fully understand our D scheme yet, but have read a bunch. I'm sure our new DC wouldn't have complained had we jumped on him. 

[MikeCurtis]

7 hours ago, EastStreet said:

 

We've got 13M still in cap space, so hoping we'll see a few adds. I imagine either TY will resign or we'll look to add a vet Z/slot type WR.

I think we need a DL member or two, 

 

We have 1 one tech on the roster that I can see

 

I hope we sift through the cuts and bring one in

 

 

I get the sense that we stand pat on offense and I would probably add 1 more LB in addition to DL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EastStreet]

13 hours ago, MikeCurtis said:

I think we need a DL member or two, 

 

We have 1 one tech on the roster that I can see

 

I hope we sift through the cuts and bring one in

 

I get the sense that we stand pat on offense and I would probably add 1 more LB in addition to DL

 

 

Not really worried about the DL all that much. 

 

1T - I think they view Williams as a NT. And while I could see them adding here, just don't see it as a gaping hole. Grover normally comes out (as most NTs) in later, or passing downs, substituted by more of a lighter pass rusher anyway. 

 

DE - I think we're set with our top 4 rotation. Paye, Ngakoue, Dayo, and Lewis. Like NT/1T, I just don't see a gaping hole here.

 

3T - Not really concerned here either. Buckner will likely play the most snaps of any DL, at 3T mostly, and moving inside on passing downs. Wouldn't be shocked to see him get snaps at "Big-End" on occasion in the new scheme. Dayo has the size to float inside at 3T, and we all know Lewis is a tweener too. 

 

At LB, not sure what to expect. The new scheme will ask for different things. We all know Leonard will continue to be the centerpiece. I could see Jojo Domann and./or Malik Jefferson finding snaps. The film I watched on our new DC seemed to have increased usage of the SAM, but also used the SAM as sort of a hybrid DE pass rusher at times. Jefferson fits the measurables better than anyone. Perhaps Banogu gets a shot at the role too. Jojo, to me, could make some noise and push Oke. But overall, just not sure if they view LB as having gaping holes either. Questions for sure, but I think we have some pieces. Oke honestly is my biggest concern at LB, but perhaps the new scheme will fit him better. 

 

My biggest concerns are WR (Z), FS (true C3 centerfielder in the new scheme), MIKE, and CB2 (I'm assuming Rodgers will get the nod here, but concerned about size). 

[Moosejawcolt]

30 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

 

Not really worried about the DL all that much. 

 

1T - I think they view Williams as a NT. And while I could see them adding here, just don't see it as a gaping hole. Grover normally comes out (as most NTs) in later, or passing downs, substituted by more of a lighter pass rusher anyway. 

 

DE - I think we're set with our top 4 rotation. Paye, Ngakoue, Dayo, and Lewis. Like NT/1T, I just don't see a gaping hole here.

 

3T - Not really concerned here either. Buckner will likely play the most snaps of any DL, at 3T mostly, and moving inside on passing downs. Wouldn't be shocked to see him get snaps at "Big-End" on occasion in the new scheme. Dayo has the size to float inside at 3T, and we all know Lewis is a tweener too. 

 

At LB, not sure what to expect. The new scheme will ask for different things. We all know Leonard will continue to be the centerpiece. I could see Jojo Domann and./or Malik Jefferson finding snaps. The film I watched on our new DC seemed to have increased usage of the SAM, but also used the SAM as sort of a hybrid DE pass rusher at times. Jefferson fits the measurables better than anyone. Perhaps Banogu gets a shot at the role too. Jojo, to me, could make some noise and push Oke. But overall, just not sure if they view LB as having gaping holes either. Questions for sure, but I think we have some pieces. Oke honestly is my biggest concern at LB, but perhaps the new scheme will fit him better. 

 

My biggest concerns are WR (Z), FS (true C3 centerfielder in the new scheme), MIKE, and CB2 (I'm assuming Rodgers will get the nod here, but concerned about size). 

I love Rodgers but he is undersized. He is the only corner that does have leite make up speed if a man gets behind him. 

[EastStreet]

54 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

I love Rodgers but he is undersized. He is the only corner that does have leite make up speed if a man gets behind him. 

 

Rodgers has crazy measurables, and IMO, was our best DB last year purely in terms of raw coverage skills. IIRC, he had the best passer rating allowed rating of our top snap getters at DB. But even with that, his lack of size is very concerning if he's ever tasked to cover a talented WR with size. If he had a few more inches, I think he'd be a pro bowl type of talent.

 

It'll be interesting to see how things shake out in the new scheme. Most depth charts have Facyson penciled in as a starter along with Gilmore and Moore. I think Rodgers will get the nod over Facyson. Facyson following Bradley might give him the early advantage, but IMO Rodgers will overtake him. Perhaps Facyson starts vs teams with big WRs at times, but I like Rodgers chances, especially vs Z and slot type WRs. 

 

Safety is also really interesting to me. My hope is that Cross turns out to be the real deal, and gets a shot at FS. Most depth chart has him listed as a depth SS, but I think his measurables scream C3 FS. Would love to see Blackmon go to SS. I think he could be a pro bowler there. 

[Moosejawcolt]

58 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

 

Rodgers has crazy measurables, and IMO, was our best DB last year purely in terms of raw coverage skills. IIRC, he had the best passer rating allowed rating of our top snap getters at DB. But even with that, his lack of size is very concerning if he's ever tasked to cover a talented WR with size. If he had a few more inches, I think he'd be a pro bowl type of talent.

 

It'll be interesting to see how things shake out in the new scheme. Most depth charts have Facyson penciled in as a starter along with Gilmore and Moore. I think Rodgers will get the nod over Facyson. Facyson following Bradley might give him the early advantage, but IMO Rodgers will overtake him. Perhaps Facyson starts vs teams with big WRs at times, but I like Rodgers chances, especially vs Z and slot type WRs. 

 

Safety is also really interesting to me. My hope is that Cross turns out to be the real deal, and gets a shot at FS. Most depth chart has him listed as a depth SS, but I think his measurables scream C3 FS. Would love to see Blackmon go to SS. I think he could be a pro bowler there. 

I agree with u on Rogers. I think it would depend on who we were playing. He would struggle against a tall receiver, I would think. I again agree with u on Cross and I have been singing that song since he was drafted. If u read bout Bradley scheme and Cross's strengths,  he was drafted to play FS. He is actually my favorite drafted player. He is kind of similar to Bob Sanders in terms of physical attitudes and playing style. Bob and Bo Jackson are my fave players.

[EastStreet]

15 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

I agree with u on Rogers. I think it would depend on who we were playing. He would struggle against a tall receiver, I would think. I again agree with u on Cross and I have been singing that song since he was drafted. If u read bout Bradley scheme and Cross's strengths,  he was drafted to play FS. He is actually my favorite drafted player. He is kind of similar to Bob Sanders in terms of physical attitudes and playing style. Bob and Bo Jackson are my fave players.

 

Not sure I see the Sanders/Cross comp. Speed wise, yes, but the rest, not really. Sanders was only like 5-8, so Cross has 4 inches on him. They both hit well though. I think Sanders had great swivel, while Cross seems to struggle in that area. 

 

Really hope Cross doesn't have the injury luck that Bob did. 

[Moosejawcolt]

12 hours ago, EastStreet said:

 

Not sure I see the Sanders/Cross comp. Speed wise, yes, but the rest, not really. Sanders was only like 5-8, so Cross has 4 inches on him. They both hit well though. I think Sanders had great swivel, while Cross seems to struggle in that area. 

 

Really hope Cross doesn't have the injury luck that Bob did. 

Referring more to the physicality/speed aspect. Could u see a formation of Ogltree and Woods split out wide. Cox at tight end and Rainmann in as eligible receiver since he played te in college? That would be nice in short yardage

 

[holeymoley99]

I think McLeod starts at Free (think it was a very big signing that flew under the radar a bit) and Willis at Strong to start the year, think Cross come in when we play 3 safetys which will likely will see much more then last season. I think Blackmon will over take Willis at some point.   This is a much better 4 some than we saw last season, lets hope the injury bug doesnt bite us like last season.

[EastStreet]

5 hours ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Referring more to the physicality/speed aspect. Could u see a formation of Ogltree and Woods split out wide. Cox at tight end and Rainmann in as eligible receiver since he played te in college? That would be nice in short yardage

 

Yup. We're really overstocked on bigs IMO. And don't forget Pinter, who was a TE in college before switching to OL. 

[Moosejawcolt]

2 hours ago, EastStreet said:

Yup. We're really overstocked on bigs IMO. And don't forget Pinter, who was a TE in college before switching to OL. 

Yeah I think we r going to see some cezy formations this year. I truly believe people will c how great a coa h Frank is. No excuses. Has the qb....rb...Oline and possibly some dynamic pass catchers.

[EastStreet]

18 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Yeah I think we r going to see some cezy formations this year. I truly believe people will c how great a coa h Frank is. No excuses. Has the qb....rb...Oline and possibly some dynamic pass catchers.

Sorry, but no where near close to being sold on Reich at this point. 

We heard he had his guy in Rivers.

Then we heard he had his guy in Wentz.

Now the same song with Ryan. 

 

I've got behind all 3 QBs. The one constant has been play calling for me. 

I really do like Reich as person and as a HC. I just don't have confidence in his play calling and question his personnel usage and scheme. 

 

In short, I'll believe it when I see it. I'm tired of over abundance of short bully ball that let's Ds cheat up and only defend half the field. 

[Moosejawcolt]

59 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

Sorry, but no where near close to being sold on Reich at this point. 

We heard he had his guy in Rivers.

Then we heard he had his guy in Wentz.

Now the same song with Ryan. 

 

I've got behind all 3 QBs. The one constant has been play calling for me. 

I really do like Reich as person and as a HC. I just don't have confidence in his play calling and question his personnel usage and scheme. 

 

In short, I'll believe it when I see it. I'm tired of over abundance of short bully ball that let's Ds cheat up and only defend half the field. 

Well, I think we can agree that he has no more excuses with the addition thru the draft and the acquisition of Ryan.  

[EastStreet]

30 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Well, I think we can agree that he has no more excuses with the addition thru the draft and the acquisition of Ryan.  

Some folks said the same thing when we got Rivers. They said the same thing last season. 

I think there will always be defenders regardless of what happens this year. 

The 2022 rally cry (excuse) will be similar to last season. "5 QBs in 5 years"...

He's got some talent if he'll simply adapt his scheme to highlight the talent we have. The last couple years he's tried to force fit guys into his conservative scheme. We'll see... 

[hoosierhawk]

On 5/8/2022 at 11:47 PM, EastStreet said:

Some folks said the same thing when we got Rivers. They said the same thing last season. 

I think there will always be defenders regardless of what happens this year. 

The 2022 rally cry (excuse) will be similar to last season. "5 QBs in 5 years"...

He's got some talent if he'll simply adapt his scheme to highlight the talent we have. The last couple years he's tried to force fit guys into his conservative scheme. We'll see... 

Best thing Ballard could do for Reich's long term success was to force him to hire an offensive play caller and let Reich coach the coaches.

[EastStreet]

10 hours ago, hoosierhawk said:

Best thing Ballard could do for Reich's long term success was to force him to hire an offensive play caller and let Reich coach the coaches.

[Hawkeyecolt]

I seem to recall a lot of love for Borghi in this thread.  He was released today.  Lindsay, Jackson, Price, and Verdell will be fighting for the last RB spot(s)

[EastStreet]

6 minutes ago, Hawkeyecolt said:

I seem to recall a lot of love for Borghi in this thread.  He was released today.  Lindsay, Jackson, Price, and Verdell will be fighting for the last RB spot(s)

IMO, will come down to Jackson and Lindsay. None of the UDFAs impressed me. All had significant holes in their resume. 

[Jared Cisneros]

46 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

IMO, will come down to Jackson and Lindsay. None of the UDFAs impressed me. All had significant holes in their resume. 

What did you see in Price and Verdell that you didn't like? Or that you thought Jackson was better? I only saw a few Pierce highlights from rookie training camp as I took a bit of a break after the draft. Or are you just looking at college highlights for Verdell and Price?

[EastStreet]

3 hours ago, Jared Cisneros said:

What did you see in Price and Verdell that you didn't like? Or that you thought Jackson was better? I only saw a few Pierce highlights from rookie training camp as I took a bit of a break after the draft. Or are you just looking at college highlights for Verdell and Price?

I give Jackson the leg up mostly due to experience in our system. He's probably a bit more well rounded than the UDFAs. Not as fast as Price, but prefer his running style. I don't like his fumble history though IIRC. 

 

Price - a bit stiff and lacks wiggle. Runs upright. I like the speed and size though.

Verdell - injuries and lack of vision and wiggle. I like him better than Price. 

 

In short, if Lindsay is healthy and back to form, he's my 3rd. I'd only keep 3 being that JT, NH, and Lindsay can all run and catch (albeit degrees better or worse depending on aspect). 

[holeymoley99]

Jackson averaged a league low 2.4 yards per carry last season and was even a backup at Duke where he averaged under 3.8 yards per carry 2 of his 4 seasons. He isnt a pass catching back either. Last off and pre season was behind JT,Hines,Mack,and Wilkins so was 5th string.

 

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/deon-jackson-1.html

[EastStreet]

1 hour ago, holeymoley99 said:

Jackson averaged a league low 2.4 yards per carry last season and was even a backup at Duke where he averaged under 3.8 yards per carry 2 of his 4 seasons. He isnt a pass catching back either. Last off and pre season was behind JT,Hines,Mack,and Wilkins so was 5th string.

 

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/deon-jackson-1.html

 

He was not a backup at Duke. He started and had the most carries of any back 3 seasons in a row.

Not saying he's a stud, but your comments about his college time is inaccurate. 

Also, not saying he's a great catching back, but before his senior season, he was targeted a fair amount.

He was also used as returner prior to his senior season IIRC. 

[holeymoley99]

2 hours ago, EastStreet said:

 

He was not a backup at Duke. He started and had the most carries of any back 3 seasons in a row.

Not saying he's a stud, but your comments about his college time is inaccurate. 

Also, not saying he's a great catching back, but before his senior season, he was targeted a fair amount.

He was also used as returner prior to his senior season IIRC. 

In 2018 Duke's starting rb was Brittain Brown, Brown won the spot in camp and started the first 5 games before being injured vs Va Tech and missing the next 4 games.

 

In 2019 Jackson was the lead back, Brown was hurt during game 3 and missed the rest of the season (Then transferred to UCLA), that was the season when Mateo Durant started to emerge leading Duke in ypc with 4.8 (Jackson had 3.7)

 

In 2020 Jackson and Durant had similar snaps, Jackson more carries while Durant 157 more yards from scrimmage, twice as many tds (9 to 5) and 2.6 yards more per carry (6.8 vs 4.2). Durant was named team MVP.

 

66 career catches in 44 games in college , as you mentioned his senior season only 10 grabs.

 

 

[EastStreet]

1 hour ago, holeymoley99 said:

In 2018 Duke's starting rb was Brittain Brown, Brown won the spot in camp and started the first 5 games before being injured vs Va Tech and missing the next 4 games.

Jackson still got more snaps for instance in game 2 (NW) given Brown was struggling. Jackson also outperformed him in game 3. 

1 hour ago, holeymoley99 said:

 

In 2019 Jackson was the lead back, Brown was hurt during game 3 and missed the rest of the season (Then transferred to UCLA), that was the season when Mateo Durant started to emerge leading Duke in ypc with 4.8 (Jackson had 3.7)

 

I liked Durant, but he was more of home run guy, not a power guy, at least that year. 

1 hour ago, holeymoley99 said:

 

In 2020 Jackson and Durant had similar snaps, Jackson more carries while Durant 157 more yards from scrimmage, twice as many tds (9 to 5) and 2.6 yards more per carry (6.8 vs 4.2). Durant was named team MVP.

 

66 career catches in 44 games in college , as you mentioned his senior season only 10 grabs.

I think both are just different RB styles. Jackson more of power guy, Durant more of N/S guy. Used like thunder/lightening, but that's the Duke version lol.  I think Durant got picked up by Pitt. 

[holeymoley99]

14 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

Jackson still got more snaps for instance in game 2 (NW) given Brown was struggling. Jackson also outperformed him in game 3. 

 

I liked Durant, but he was more of home run guy, not a power guy, at least that year. 

I think both are just different RB styles. Jackson more of power guy, Durant more of N/S guy. Used like thunder/lightening, but that's the Duke version lol.  I think Durant got picked up by Pitt. 

Yes biggest ever udfa contract ever give by the Steeler's while Brown was drafted by the Raiders in Rd 7.

[EastStreet]

4 minutes ago, holeymoley99 said:

Yes biggest ever udfa contract ever give by the Steeler's while Brown was drafted by the Raiders in Rd 7.

That's nice, but really doesn't mean a lot lol. I think it was still under 1M a year, and not sure if any of it is guaranteed. 

 

I do like his chances though. Not sure who they have after Harris and Snell. Harris got overused last season. Thought Snell would get more carries. 

[holeymoley99]

8 hours ago, EastStreet said:

That's nice, but really doesn't mean a lot lol. I think it was still under 1M a year, and not sure if any of it is guaranteed. 

 

I do like his chances though. Not sure who they have after Harris and Snell. Harris got overused last season. Thought Snell would get more carries. 

No much behind the top 2, Mcfarland hasnt shown much nor has Edmunds, they did also sign Jaylen Warren from Okl State but they obviously value Durant more at this time, he has much more speed and has solid vision.

[stitches]

On 5/7/2022 at 7:44 AM, NewColtsFan said:

Honestly, I was surprised that we didn’t trade back into the third round for Nakobe Dean.  Thought he’d be the eventual replacement for Oke.    Perhaps we are so married to certain traits like height and length that Dean was not a big consideration for us?   But the possibility certainly had my attention that night. 

He's not a Ballard type... too short.  

[EastStreet]

14 hours ago, holeymoley99 said:

No much behind the top 2, Mcfarland hasnt shown much nor has Edmunds, they did also sign Jaylen Warren from Okl State but they obviously value Durant more at this time, he has much more speed and has solid vision.

 

Yup. Not sure what their plan was last season. Not sure if Mcfarland or Edmunds got any touches at all lol. 

Sure seemed like they were trying to run the wheels off of Najee though. 

Hope they find someone to share the load, be it Durant or Snell, or both.