Draft Grade

[Tony Sullivan]

1(1) QB Andrew Luck A+

We just lost a franchise QB and have another one to step right in. I can count more fingers on one hand than the number of QBs that have come out of college this highly rated.

2(34) TE Coby Fleener B+

Great size and can get to the second level that many TEs have troubles doing. There were 2 or 3 better players available, but the chemistry Fleener and Luck have adds value to this pick.

3(64) TE Dwayne Allen A-

A freak of nature type of athlete. Some of the best hands in the draft. Explosive, workout warrior and play-maker describe this guy perfectly. Unbelievable he fell this far.

3(92) WR T.Y Hilton B

Another play-maker for the Colts. This guy instantly gives us a respectable return game, and is the best receiver of the so-called PR/KR specialists in the draft.

5(136) DT Josh Chapman B

This guy knows how to use leverage like you want to see in a NT. A blown knee dropped him this far, but he was an anchor in the Crimson Tides run defense. Alabama defenders tend not to disappoint.

5(170) RB Vic Ballard C+

Did Donald Brown think the job would just be given to him. The Colts believe Vic has a chance to push for carries and I hope so or this is a wasted pick.

6(206) WR Lavon Brazill B-

Avery, Hilton, now Brazill. The Colts are really stocking up on speed receivers who can stretch the field. Odds are at least one of these guys will make an impact.

7(208) OT Justin Anderson A

Anytime you can get a tackle with the size and speed to play at the next level in the 7th round you take it. If he can learn the position well he adds great depth to an improving O-Line.

7(214) DE Tim Fugger B+

A big hitter, who can track down the ball carrier and weave through traffic. Can be a great special teams guy for us and has the body to be a multi-positional defender. Expect him to be a LB.

7(253) QB Chandler Harnish D

Safety policy for Stanton if Luck goes down. Very mobile QB who can make plays with his feet. Something you might want out of a 7th round QB with a questionable arm.

Overall - A-/B+

Overall, one of the best drafts by any team. Defense was almost completely ignored, but that could just be to who was available when we were picking. We have so many needs on both sides of the ball it didn't really matter what we were picking as long as we think they can contribute. We've given Luck something to work with on offense which will be important to his development. Guys like Brazill, Harnish and Ballard, make no sense in relation to what we have and what we need so I have to chalk that up to our front office seeing/knowing something we don't.

[The Fish]

There's only one important pick for the Colts this year, I think they nailed it. Anything else is extra, and we might get 4 starters, not bad. A.

[CR91]

i still dont get the last pick

[Warhorse]

Tony, very nice job. I chose not to quote it as it was fairly long, but I truly appreciate your depth of comment and detail. I disagree with the thought of the RB being a possible wasted pick. Remember that this is a new regime. They think differently. A RB who hasn't been trained by the old regime is a good thing, not to mention the fact that Grigs likely saw something in the kid that the mass didn't. One thing is the fact that the only RB who could pick up the blitz worth a nickle was Addai and he is gone. This kid can block, and we have shiny new QB that needs to remain upright.

Again, nicely done.

[Tony Sullivan]

Tony, very nice job. I chose not to quote it as it was fairly long, but I truly appreciate your depth of comment and detail. I disagree with the thought of the RB being a possible wasted pick. Remember that this is a new regime. They think differently. A RB who hasn't been trained by the old regime is a good thing, not to mention the fact that Grigs likely saw something in the kid that the mass didn't. One thing is the fact that the only RB who could pick up the blitz worth a nickle was Addai and he is gone. This kid can block, and we have shiny new QB that needs to remain upright.

Again, nicely done.

Thanks. You got me thinking about it and if Grigson had anything to do with getting McCoy then this can only bode well for our team.

[Bulldog Colt]

Initially I was having flashbacks to Polian, but after seeing some of the info from, Irsay, Grigson, & Pagano I think they did pretty good. The main thing I wonder about is if they had a chance to trade back 4 or 5 spots with both Fleener and Allen and still get them? Maybe they could have had extra pick(s) that may have helped with a trade up?

I have to believe that they really wanted Casey Hayward with that Third round pick and just got beat to it by two spots with GB trading up with New England. Maybe the other corner was Asa Jackson that the Raven took at 169 and the Colts sit at 170? The other D player might have been Billy Winn the Dt from Boise St. that was picked at 205 by the browns & the Colts are there at 206.

I thought the RB pick on Ballard could have been better used on D lineman or LB but that is the only pick I really didn't like. 7th round is a roll of the dice.

The moves before the draft were pretty good but thought bailing out the Jets and taking Stanton wasn't needed and wasted a 6th round pick. Got to believe that they could have had any number of back QBs once the camp rolled around.

Overall B+

[coltsfanatic24]

it was one of the best drafts this year A+.

[Ohio Colt]

I think it's an A draft.

Why did Dwayne Allen fall?

[ImaColt]

Nice first post.

My draft grade: A+

We just drafted another career QB who has the potential to end up Canton when his career is done. Every other play drafted is just icing on the cake. I love the acquisitions on offense, especially TE Coby Fleener who will really assist Andrew Luck in his rookie season.

[esmort]

If you are grading by the caliber of players we came out with we get an A (because Andrew Luck raises the grade of the entire draft class) ... but if you are grading how well the FO did on this draft it's a B- at best, because you can't include Luck in their grade because 95% of the board would have made that pick, it was a "give me."

[EdBriggs]

Your draft grade means nothing. The GM has made his pics, and you're not invited to it. Get over yourself. You lose if you were the gm. Everyone thinks they're so much better than people that actually do it for a living, and get paid a lot. Clowns. Yes you. You're a clown with your half assed opinion.

[ReMeDy]

I think it's an A draft.

Why did Dwayne Allen fall?

Because this year's TE class was projected to be weak and I think teams over-exaggerated this and ignored them. Plus, teams reached for QB's and took way too many defensive players.

[EdBriggs]

there's a reason why most people's opinion doesn't count. Yet you keep on yapping as if you matter. Get over yourselves. GUESS WHAT, YOUR OPINION IS USELESS AND HAS NO BEARING ON WHAT THE COLTS ACTUALLY DO. YET YOU KEEP YAPPING AND TRYING TO PROVE A POINT.

I enjoy the colts as much as anyone, but I don't waste my time on here doing mental *. You people think you know better. that 's what scares me.

[esmort]

there's a reason why most people's opinion doesn't count. Yet you keep on yapping as if you matter. Get over yourselves. GUESS WHAT, YOUR OPINION IS USELESS AND HAS NO BEARING ON WHAT THE COLTS ACTUALLY DO. YET YOU KEEP YAPPING AND TRYING TO PROVE A POINT.

I enjoy the colts as much as anyone, but I don't waste my time on here doing mental *. You people think you know better. that 's what scares me.

Wow ... any anger issues??? ... you know this is a forum right??? So by its very nature its meant for people to come and discuss opinions. It would not be much fun to just come here and read hundreds of posts talking about how every move the Colts make is perfect and how they never make mistakes.

If GMs were always perfect than we would be sitting here talking about how great chris polian did taking completely different players.

Maybe you should stick to colts PR releases then you will only have to read the "correct" opinions!

[Gavin]

there's a reason why most people's opinion doesn't count. Yet you keep on yapping as if you matter. Get over yourselves. GUESS WHAT, YOUR OPINION IS USELESS AND HAS NO BEARING ON WHAT THE COLTS ACTUALLY DO. YET YOU KEEP YAPPING AND TRYING TO PROVE A POINT.

I enjoy the colts as much as anyone, but I don't waste my time on here doing mental *. You people think you know better. that 's what scares me.

wow I would see some counseling if I were you let it all out buddy it will be alright as for mental * I think your gonna have to explain that to everyone here including me or at least teach us how to do that

[eli4625]

As with all drafts...grades on hold till maybe the 2015 season..

[colts8718]

i still dont get the last pick

I almost feel it was like ok lets put the names in a hat and whoever comes out wins

[MTC]

Andrew Luck - A+

Coby Fleener - A+

Dwayne Allen - A-

T.Y Hilton - C+

Josh Chapman - A+

Vick Ballard - B

Lavon Brazill - C

Justin Anderson - C-

Tim Fugger - B

Chandler Harnish - F

Overall: C+

[bahhummbug]

Tony, very nice job. I chose not to quote it as it was fairly long, but I truly appreciate your depth of comment and detail. I disagree with the thought of the RB being a possible wasted pick. Remember that this is a new regime. They think differently. A RB who hasn't been trained by the old regime is a good thing, not to mention the fact that Grigs likely saw something in the kid that the mass didn't. One thing is the fact that the only RB who could pick up the blitz worth a nickle was Addai and he is gone. This kid can block, and we have shiny new QB that needs to remain upright.

Again, nicely done.

Definately agree on the blocking i do not need to post the famous D_____ Donald footage.Brown did look a lil better last year but Joseph was a beast picking up blitzes.

[King Colt]

FINALLY a runner with great upper body strength, elusive and an catch. Bye Adai.

As far as the QB, "The most important position on any football team is the QB. The second is the back up QB." Anyone here want a repeat of 2011??!!

Excellent draft. So the first sign given by the new regime is all positive.

[bahhummbug]

Andrew Luck - A+

Coby Fleener - A+

Dwayne Allen - A-

T.Y Hilton - C+

Josh Chapman - A+

Vick Ballard - B

Lavon Brazill - C

Justin Anderson - C-

Tim Fugger - B

Chandler Harnish - F

Overall: C+

Only thing grade wise i would change is TY,and only because we have to wait and see.Reminds me of Wilkins

[deedub75]

I think we reached a little for Luck!

[Dan]

Andrew Luck - A+

Coby Fleener - A+

Dwayne Allen - A-

T.Y Hilton - C+

Josh Chapman - A+

Vick Ballard - B

Lavon Brazill - C

Justin Anderson - C-

Tim Fugger - B

Chandler Harnish - F

Overall: C+

How did you get C+ out of that? Unless you're weighting it so Mr Irrelevant counts for the same as #1...

[fade]

The best QB. The best top two TE. The second best NT. I would say thats a incredible draft. A++

Didnt like the reach for T.Y Hilton. Its thier first draft they will get better and they will need to get better when they start drafting from the bottom. I will be watching picks 4 and down closely this year. I find this year Colts football to be invigorating. I cant wait for preseason!

PS had to get this off my chest...

I cant say enough about Reggie Wayne. I was in his grill when he was complaining about a new contract then he turns around and signs a Irsay friendly contract. What can I say but Reggie your my faverite Colt of all time.

[Jason_]

If you are grading by the caliber of players we came out with we get an A (because Andrew Luck raises the grade of the entire draft class) ... but if you are grading how well the FO did on this draft it's a B- at best, because you can't include Luck in their grade because 95% of the board would have made that pick, it was a "give me."

I completely agree. I was very much against the picking of 2 TE's early but thought they could make up for it on the third day. They didn't. This draft reeked of a Polian draft. Pick up a bunch of offensive skill players (some of whom make you really scratch your head...Brazil, Harnish and the RB especially), bring in a bunch of UDFA CB's and OL and hope some of them pan out, and don't address the defensive trenches hardly at all.

Some people keep saying we didn't go very heavy on defense because we don't know what we currently have so we don't know what our needs are. That's true, but the point is we DON'T KNOW what we currently have. We have a bunch of guys who, last year, couldn't stop....anyone. Sure, we hope it was mostly scheme related but we don't know that yet. We also have no idea how those current guys who couldn't stop anyone last year are going to transition to a new defensive scheme. So why not bring in as many bodies as we can and see who fits best into the new scheme? We brought in 2 guys to help bolster the defensive trenches....Chapman and Kevin Eagan. I don't count Fugger because he'll be an OLB in Pagano's scheme so he'll be fighting for a spot in the rotation with Freeney, Mathis, Hughes, Mario Addison, Mario Harvey, Justin Hickman, Brandon Peguese, and possibly Scott Lutrus and Jerelle Freeman as well. Baltimore already has a very stout front 7 but they still brought in guys like Upshaw, Deangelo Tyson, Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, Ishmaa'ily Kithcen, Elliot Henigan, and Austin Johnson....all guys we could have had to try out in our new defense that is predicted to be very similar to Baltimore's.

Andrew Luck - A+

Coby Fleener - A+

Dwayne Allen - A-

T.Y Hilton - C+

Josh Chapman - A+

Vick Ballard - B

Lavon Brazill - C

Justin Anderson - C-

Tim Fugger - B

Chandler Harnish - F

Overall: C+

I pretty much agree with these grades.

How did you get C+ out of that? Unless you're weighting it so Mr Irrelevant counts for the same as #1...

See the part of esmort's post that I bolded.

[BritishColt]

Andrew Luck (A+) - Was an easy pick to make for us but we now have a QB who can lead us through the next generation and potentially take us to Multiple Play Offs and perhaps Superbowls given the right team around him.

Coby Fleener (A) - I wanted Fleener from the start and to me it made perfect sense. He was the best TE available which I believe was our main need after QB, His stats and style of play compare very well with Gronk and look at the impact he made, and argubly Fleener was the BPA at the time as well, and that isn't even mentioning the chemistry with Luck. Great Pick.

Dwayne Allen (A) - I wasn't sure about this pick to begin with as I felt sure we would go defense with it but the more I think about it the more I like it. Luck's options are growing all the time and Allen is a very athletic, talented TE and I think the Pats like offense could work well with them.

TY Hilton (B-) - No problems with the selection of Hilton, although I felt again there were some good defense options, but can't see why we felt the need to trade up for him, unless someone before us took the guy we were after. Having said that, he will bring a good return game so could be a good selection.

Josh Chapman (A-) - This guy is a serious talent and the only reason I haven't given him an A+ is the concern over his injury but if he can stay fit then this is an absolute steal in a position of great need.

Vick Ballard © - No problem with the taking of a RB to provide an extra option but not convinced we got the right one with Polk still available. I hope he comes good for us and he may do but can't help thinking we got this one wrong.

Lavon Brazill © - Seemed a strange pick to me with Avery, Hilton, Collie and Wayne all here already but I suppose it shows the plans that we have for this year. Nothing against him personally but don't think he is better than any of the 4 already mentioned and think we should have gone elsewhere with this pick where there were still a few decent players on the board.<p>

[ruksak]

I think it's an A draft.

Why did Dwayne Allen fall?

I don't think it was Allen himself that fell, the TE class fell as a whole due to teams drafting for other needs. Some say the TE class wasn't good this year but I believe what they mean by that is that it wasn't deep. Clearly Allen and Fleener are high-ceiling TE's.

[chad72]

1(1) QB Andrew Luck A+

We just lost a franchise QB and have another one to step right in. I can count more fingers on one hand than the number of QBs that have come out of college this highly rated.

2(34) TE Coby Fleener B+

Great size and can get to the second level that many TEs have troubles doing. There were 2 or 3 better players available, but the chemistry Fleener and Luck have adds value to this pick.

3(64) TE Dwayne Allen A-

A freak of nature type of athlete. Some of the best hands in the draft. Explosive, workout warrior and play-maker describe this guy perfectly. Unbelievable he fell this far.

3(92) WR T.Y Hilton B

Another play-maker for the Colts. This guy instantly gives us a respectable return game, and is the best receiver of the so-called PR/KR specialists in the draft.

5(136) DT Josh Chapman B

This guy knows how to use leverage like you want to see in a NT. A blown knee dropped him this far, but he was an anchor in the Crimson Tides run defense. Alabama defenders tend not to disappoint.

5(170) RB Vic Ballard C+

Did Donald Brown think the job would just be given to him. The Colts believe Vic has a chance to push for carries and I hope so or this is a wasted pick.

6(206) WR Lavon Brazill B-

Avery, Hilton, now Brazill. The Colts are really stocking up on speed receivers who can stretch the field. Odds are at least one of these guys will make an impact.

7(208) OT Justin Anderson A

Anytime you can get a tackle with the size and speed to play at the next level in the 7th round you take it. If he can learn the position well he adds great depth to an improving O-Line.

7(214) DE Tim Fugger B+

A big hitter, who can track down the ball carrier and weave through traffic. Can be a great special teams guy for us and has the body to be a multi-positional defender. Expect him to be a LB.

7(253) QB Chandler Harnish D

Safety policy for Stanton if Luck goes down. Very mobile QB who can make plays with his feet. Something you might want out of a 7th round QB with a questionable arm.

Overall - A-/B+

Overall, one of the best drafts by any team. Defense was almost completely ignored, but that could just be to who was available when we were picking. We have so many needs on both sides of the ball it didn't really matter what we were picking as long as we think they can contribute. We've given Luck something to work with on offense which will be important to his development. Guys like Brazill, Harnish and Ballard, make no sense in relation to what we have and what we need so I have to chalk that up to our front office seeing/knowing something we don't.

I like your explanations. I also like your grade on Vic Ballard and Lavon Brazill, spot on. Excellent job staying objective there!!!

My grade personally would be a B+, which was on the lower side of your grade but I totally agree with the overall grade range. Real good job.

Tim Fugger would be the 7th round version of Kavell Conner with more size. Initially, he will start off on ST like Conner did but could be the steal of this draft for us in a few years from now. He is Wheeler's replacement for now as an ST body.

Micah Pellerin at Hampton, the UDFA, played SS, FS and CB, he is our UDFA replacement for Lacey but much bigger and more versatile. So, we essentially we have two tweener free safety kinds in Mike Newton and Micah Pellerin that can be subbed in as nickel CBs in 4-2-5 formations.

[bmax71]

Great analysis of the draft Tony. I agree with a lot of what you said and hopefully some of the late round picks work out well. I would put the draft grade at a solid B+, considering all the needs we had I think the FO did well overall.

[PrincetonTiger]

How did you get C+ out of that? Unless you're weighting it so Mr Irrelevant counts for the same as #1...

Thats what I was thinking

My Grade A-/B+