My Turn: KingRichard's Mock Draft for the Colts
by KingRichard on Mar 23, 2009 11:04 AM EDT
in Colts Analysis
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PrintSince everyone and their mother is doing a mock draft I figured why the hell not. I'm basing this on my own idea of who will actually be there when the Colts are up to pick. Here goes nothing...
Round 1: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The biggest question mark going into the 2009 season is how the o-line is going to perform. One would think under Howard Mudd's tutelage guys like Mike Pollak, Jamey Richard, and Steve Justice (assuming he can stay healthy) will improve and provide sufficient depth on the line. Thankfully Jeff Saturday was resigned so we don't have to worry about Peyton doing too much in terms of blocking assignments and the like. The obvious weak spots are at the right tackle and right guard position. I think with Jake Scott leaving in free agency last season exposed Diem showing us he isn't really starter worthy. Combine that with the fact that Charlie Johnson was never intended to be a starter, and we've got some major liabilities on the line. Lilja was injured all last season, and when he was healthy was a pretty good at guard, but no one knows how severe his injures are right now or whether he'll return to form in 2009. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that he won't return to form, and we should assume that he and Diem's days are numbered. I'm totally fine with starting Pollak at RG (Lilja's position), Richard at LG (Johnson's position), and drafting Eben Britton to take the place of Diem at RT, therefore pushing Johnson back on the depth chart as depth and Lilja as well. It might work.
Round 2: Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
Yeah yeah, I know, I've been fellating this guy weeks before the Senior Bowl, but for good reason. With the o-line a concern but improving (hopefully), it would be a wise move to obtain a RB who can eek out some yards despite poor run blocking. Rashad Jennings encompasses everything you want in a RB; he runs with power, has great hands, and is an excellent blocker. He very well could be the replacement to Edge that Polian has been looking for.
Round 3: Vance Walker, DT, Georgia Tech
This may seem like a slight reach but I think it would be a solid pick. Vance has been under the radar for a while now. The knock on him is his size even though he is 6'2 304 lbs, but I think he'd fill in at the UT very nicely. He possesses a nice burst off of the line and uses leverage quite well against bigger offensive lineman. He's great in pursuit and along side Mookie they could do quite well against the run and pass.
Round 4 (2 picks): First pick in round 4 is Andre Brown, RB, NC State
Some of you may be scratching your head and asking yourself, "Why two running backs?" Well, allow me to explain. Andre Brown would be an insurance policy going into the 2010 season. Unless Addai produces this season like he did in 2006, I wouldn't expect to see him return with the Colts. I'm aware that they signed Lance Ball, but you can never have too many running backs. Drafting Brown would force a competition between he, Lance Ball, and Jennings as the primary backup for 2009. But given Addai's history of injuries, all 3 have a good chance of starting or at least receiving a good number of carries. Needless to say, the Colts would have a pretty powerful backfield.
Second pick in round 4 is Dannell Ellerbe, ILB, Georgia
He's played all 3 LB positions, which is good considering the Colts need depth at every position. I don't think he'd be able to break into the starting lineup as a rookie but he would bring some much needed depth. He's got some good speed, and is great in coverage. Overall a pretty underrated LB.
Round 5: Morgan Trent, CB, Michigan
He has good size at 6'1, is a good tackler, and is quick. He excels in zone coverage as opposed to man and with his reach he has the ability to break up a lot of passes. If Ratliff isn't resigned, he could fill in nicely at nickel over Jennings. Although I wouldn't mind seeing Dante Hughes get some more playing time. Regardless, Hughes and Trent is an upgrade over Jennings Ratliff. So you can't go wrong.
Round 6: Daniel Holtzclaw, LB, Eastern Michigan
One of the most underrated players in the draft by far. This guy is relentless and is a killer tackler. He has an insane work ethic, has been injury free during his college career, and would be an utter steal in the 6th. Some people have him ranked as a 7th round prospect, and others who actually paid attention to him have him as high as 4. It's possible he'll get drafted earlier than 6, but if he is around by the time the Colts pick, they'd almost have to take him imo.
Round 7: Take your pick
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About the1st round, i considered picking an OT, just thought nobody else would…
Still, I’d pick Laurinaitis instead.
Round 2: Totally, TOTALLY agree although i dont see him falling to Indy
Round 3: Ok
Round 4: Another RB? Id pick a WR here and maybe an OT
Round 5: Ok
Round 6: Havent really seen a lot of the guy, but you say hes underrated, a killer tackler, good ethic and healthy, plus a cool last name…i say go for it
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha OK" - Tom Brady
amazing similarity to my mock. . .
Really, really like your style. Britton to soldify OT spots, both running backs, Trent at CB, Ellerbe at LB (all 3 spots). . . .VERY NICE!
What about WR? And do we really have two 4th round picks? Is one a compensatory? If it is a comp, I would’ve thought it to be more likely a 6th rounder for Jake Scott.
there's this guy who projects the comp picks
and he’s very very good at it.
He had Scott as a 4th rounder, maybe a 5th.
They say "he's so arrogant, the cocky kind"
but they always lookin', 'cause I'ma shine,
-Lil Wayne & Birdman "Get Your Shine On"
by shake n bake on Mar 23, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
. . .4th rounder, maybe a 5th
That would be sweet. It sure puts a better light on things than a 6th, which is really more like round 7 since it’s like the gazillionth pick at the tail end of the round.
Now, back to MY mock and wearing out another legal pad.
BTW, Sporting News and Lindy’s draft issues are out. I know, I’m probably the last to know.
Thank you for the heads up, Shake.
by oldecoltsfan on Mar 23, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought about picking a WR with the 7th, but no one really stood out to me as an interesting prospect. I think Polian will just pick up another one in free agency after the draft. The Colts have 3 guys jockeying for that third receiver spot, two of which have impressed the Colts a lot, one of which is seemingly there for depth. Even if the Colts drafted another receiver, he wouldn’t see playing time over Garcon or Hall anyways.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
by KingRichard on Mar 23, 2009 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming Hall ever stays healthy enough to play
I was pulling my hair out last season that the LBs were struggling so much (I personally wanted them to sign Rob Morris to a short term deal since he was familiar with the scheme and players) but Hall remained on the roster without many contributions in the past 2 years.
But that’s why Polian makes the big bucks. He sees something in Hall and thinks he will stay healthy enough to make some noise eventually.
Thumbs up for now about Garcon, he needs more reps but can come around over time.
Great picks!
I really like this draft. I question Two RB’s though as I would prefer a LB or OT with that pick, but if Andre Brown is really good then I would take him in the 4th as well.
I thought about swapping out Andre Brown for another player, but the more I thought about it the more I didn’t like it. I could list a handful of OTs that are going to be UDFAs that the Colts could look into, same with LBs. Andre Brown isn’t the case.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
Eh
I’d take 2 DTs and 1 RB well before Jennings and Brown. That’s a choice as if we have absolutely nobody at RB. And they’re pretty much the same guy. In fact, I’d take 2 OTs, 1 DT, 1 RB before that. And you know DT isn’t 1 position, it’s 2. NTs and UTs are rare to find by themselves to fit a T2. There’s only 2, possibly 3 that could do that in the draft. Raji, Jerry, maybe Hood. You’re banking on Walker to not bust and establish himself as a definite starter in one of the two very different roles each DT position implies.
If you’re deadset on acknowledging, but not fixing the DT position, I think
1) Britton
2) Loadholt
3) Walker (I’d take Baker, Magee, or Scott in that order above Walker)
4) Brown
4) Ellerbe
5) Trent (which I strongly disagree with especially if the third is the earliest we take a DT, I’d go for T. Taylor or at the very least a LB with strong SAM potential to help the run (Brinkley) over a CB. Even a safety would be better.)
6) Holtzclaw
7) Hodge
Or if you really don’t want to take Jennings off :
1) Britton
2) Jennings
3) Walker
4) Barden
4) Ellerbe
5) Trent (I’d consider Andrew Gardner as a 5th round OT prospect with upside)
6) Holtzclaw
7) Boone
Just saying, there’s only three positions (which is turning back into 2) where I could rationalize 2 prospects taken. It was DT/LB/OT but it’s starting to turn back into just DT/OT. The way I see it, we definitely need upgrades at both NT and UT and RT and LT. We MIGHT need an upgrade at RB and I definitely think we could use one. But 2 correctly drafted DTs could see the field immediately next season and significantly improve our team. Both OT prospects could be playing by the end of next season. The only way Jennings sees the field is splitting carries (which I like) and the same with Brown. The only way they see significant playing time is if Addai shows no signs of rebounding or gets hurt. At that point, Jennings would probably be the starter, but Brown still wouldn’t be seeing the field. They’d be trying to put Hart or a change of pace type back in. Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw worked extremely well because of different styles of running.
And to be perfectly honest, I’m extremely high on Brown because I think we get almost the same caliber of player but don’t have to use a 2nd round pick on him. I’d even be fine taking Brown in the 3rd and another RB in the 5th or 6th. I just don’t see the strategy in using a 2nd round pick followed by an early second day pick on a position that only one of them will play at a time. If things go as projected from the rankings Jennings will start the season as a backup, and that’s a bit high of a round to get a backup. Brown will be Jennings backup if he even beats out Ball and depending on if Hart comes back. So at the very best, we’re looking at drafting a backup’s backup in the 4th round. At the worst, we’re talking about drafting a 5th string RB in the 4th with a 2nd or 3rd string in the 2nd. That’s a little cavalier to approach the draft like that when we have other positions of need.
If you feel strong enough to rate Jennings as a 2nd round pick, what purpose does Brown in the 4th serve? Are you thinking Jennings might not pan out? If that’s the case, that’s way too high to rate a backup if you’re not sold on him. What if Ball shows talent and Hart returns like he never missed a beat and proves he should be the second stringer? We’d have Addai, Hart, Ball, Jennings, Brown and Simpson on the depth chart. Meanwhile we’d have the exact same DTs + a potential bust with upside. And I’m not normally a huge “the 40 is the all important stat” guy, but I think it’s worth noting that Andre Smith is faster than him and he’s barely faster than Ron Brace. I actually think he has the second slowest 40 for a DT at the combine. At some point he’s going to have to pursue, a 5.33 40 isn’t where you want to be at UT.
And to be perfectly honest, I think Brown may be the better of the two backs anyway. At the very least, I’d say they’re almost equal. I’d be equally disturbed at a Britton, Robiskie, Walker, Butler draft. And at the worst with that one, Robiskie could be playing in the slot and Butler could be returning kicks.
In my opinion, a 2nd round DT (Gilbert, Baker, Scott etc..) and a 3rd round DT that accounts for the other spot might not be the Jerry pick, but it’d potentially be better overall and still allow for Brown to be taken in the 4th.
And by the way, I’m assuming you think Beatty will be taken above Britton? Because I actually think Beatty may be better (longer arms) and one of the two most likely will have to go to get a chance at either of them. If the rumor’s true and Detroit takes Smith, Monroe will be going soon after followed A. Smith then Oher.
These are the teams I’m almost certain will be taking an OT unless someone (Al Davis or Dan Snyder) completely screws it up.
Detroit, Philly, SD, Washington, Chicago, St. Louis. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Minnesota and Seattle wouldn’t be looking either. If Detroit takes Stafford, we may have a shot, if Detroit takes Smith, it’s not looking good. If Detroit takes Smith, teams will expect a run, and there’s several that have a need, and their main need, at OT. If Detroit takes Smith and St. Louis takes Monroe, Seattle will probably be forced to take Smith or Oher because there’s pretty much no chance any legit OTs will be in round 2. Considering the need at the position, I seriously wouldn’t be surprised to see someone reach for Loadholt at the end of round 1. And then not have an OT taken until the middle of round 3.
By the way, I’d actually think about putting Duke Robinson in there as your first pick. That’s a little more realistic and I think he’s ridiculously underrated. He played LT as a freshman and could easily be a massive upgrade for us at RT. And if you’re looking at who would be probably the best person to help in the run game, he’s your guy. It really depends on why you want to take a lineman. If it’s for a stretch play, pass blocking reason, Beatty’s your guy. If it’s a up the middle power style, Robinson’s the guy.
The way I see it, there’s almost no chance any OT drafted is going to start at LT for the Colts. Maybe RT, but generally we play them as guards for at least their first year. So to me, Robinson would actually be the more practical choice since he’d actually be playing his position and easily could move to RT. He could potentially learn enough from Saturday and the veterans to become a LT as well. As a lineman, I’d probably rate them (excluding character issues) A. Smith, Oher, J. Smith, Robinson. As a run blocker, I’m not sure anyone’s better than Robinson. As to who could start immediately and be most effective for 2009 I think Robinson would be it. He’d increase our ability to run the ball to the degree that Peyton’s playaction would be extremely effective again. It’d also tie into Jennings or Brown’s running style much more so than the OTs.
I know what you’re saying, not another guard. Well, he’d be the best guard on the roster when it came to running the ball and possibly one of the best guards that could turn tackle that we’ve ever had. He won’t be Tarik Glenn at LT, but he’d almost definitely be a pro bowl guard, good chance to be a pro bowl RT, and if he progressed well enough, might one day become a pro bowl LT. Unless something ridiculous happens and A. Smith or Oher fall, and the choice is between Robinson, Beatty, and Britton, I’d actually say I’d go with Robinson. And like I said, Robinson would do much more to help Jennings and Brown’s style of running over a tackle that’s not nearly as good in run blocking as he is. Even when that tackle moves into his natural position, unless you want Jennings or Brown to run stretch plays, it really wouldn’t be helping the run a whole lot.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
like it.......
I was driving home from work today listening to NFL Network and thinking about the Colts o-line…….and got real depressed. I agree, we need another quality Oline, although I would hope (unlikely though) we could pull a LT and either switch Ugoh to RT or put him on the bench. I’d almost rather have Charlie than him. We definitely will need another RB and I have (albeit not as vocally) also been fellating Jennings and would be pumped up if we could get him. Then all d…..DT and LB. Garcon or Hall will be ok as a 4th reciever (Clark is essentially a reciever)
Diem was the problem tackle
Ugoh might be better off at RT where his inconsistency won’t hurt the team as bad, but Diem was the worse of the two tackles and he’s not a young player like Ugoh.
They say "he's so arrogant, the cocky kind"
but they always lookin', 'cause I'ma shine,
-Lil Wayne & Birdman "Get Your Shine On"
by shake n bake on Mar 23, 2009 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Caldwell apparently doesn't think so
Oh, I agree….Diem was a huge liability this year. I would like to see us with a new LT, Ugoh at RT and Diem on the bench. Just re-read the article on Colts.com about the OL. Caldwell said that Diem played stellar! Granted its coach speak, and he has to be positive, but he was not as kind to Ugoh. The great teams are strong at the point of attack and right now, we are not!
I still believe in Ugoh
he shows flashes that are just flat out spectacular. This one stuck in my head. He throws a DE out of the play wide then seals off a LB to set up a TD run for Dom. (at 19 seconds in the highlights here)
They say "he's so arrogant, the cocky kind"
but they always lookin', 'cause I'ma shine,
-Lil Wayne & Birdman "Get Your Shine On"
by shake n bake on Mar 23, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Mar 23, 2009 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
penalties
unfortunatley what sticks in my head are the penalties. I forget what game it was, but it was towards the latter part of the season , on one drive he had 3 penalties…..false start, holding and a clipping ( I think). He does play good on occasion, he needs to get more consistent!
Texans game in the last two minutes of the 1st half?
he was struggling with Mario Williams and since they were in the two minute O with 3 wide and Clark they couldn’t give him any help. He was fine after that with a little TE help until he settled back down.
They say "he's so arrogant, the cocky kind"
but they always lookin', 'cause I'ma shine,
-Lil Wayne & Birdman "Get Your Shine On"
by shake n bake on Mar 23, 2009 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd just like to point out
That Jarron Gilbert finished his pro day with a 37" vertical, a 10’7" standing broad jump, and a 4.76 40. Oh, and he has 36-3/4" long arms. That’s unreal. He was on Sirius for about 15 minutes doing an interview on my way home. He’s my #1.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Only
Only if he didn’t have the film to back that up. And you do know that I was looking more at his 10’7" broad jump, 37" vertical and 37" arms right? For a 288lb dude to put up those numbers shows Olympic level lower body strength. Combined with his speed and arms, and the fact that he put up 28 reps with 37" arms shows phenomenal strength. And he had a 4.4 shuttle which is literally almost in RB range, his change of direction is scary for a man his size. So even though he’s not 300 lbs (and I think he could easily go to 310 and still be one of, if not the fastest DT in the league), his arms are longer and his upper body strength and lower body strength are higher than most lineman. You get a ridiculously strong, ridiculously fast 6’5 dude that can jump 37" in the air to take up passing lanes and combine it with a college career that completely backs up those numbers and yeah, call me Al Davis if you want, but he’s my first round draft choice. Biggest need, best athlete at the position, a very good chance he might be there and I’m sold. Or if worst comes to worst, if another team digs him and that drops Jerry or Hood, I’ll take that as a win too. It’s actually kind of a win win. There’s now another dude, that I think fits our system in a way that is rarely seen, that’s I feel wouldn’t even close to being a reach in the first round and it addresses our biggest need.
So I’ll be the resident vampire if I have to.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
We're splitting hairs in our preferences
Honestly, I love me some Jarron Gilbert. I worry a bit about the legitimacy of his college production because he’s not faced the level of competition as many DTs in the draft. I also worry a bit about putting a great deal of emphasis on pure “athletic ability” or measurement numbers, though those things have to be a part of the consideration when drafting young players. I agree he could put on weight and keep most of his explosiveness. Where we split hairs, sort of, is it would seem that you’re making a case for Jarron Gilbert over Evander Hood and I feel Hood is the best DT for the Colts in the draft (behind Raji maybe).
Either way, if we could get Hood in the first and Gilbert in the second I’d take them both in that order. If Jerry and Hood were off of the board, I’d strongly consider drafting Gilbert. But of the possible players who could fall to 27 at DT, my order is Hood, Jerry, Gilbert.
I hope we get two of them. But I don’t see it happening.
Uh
He’s the top performer of all the DTs in the draft. It’s not even remotely close. Would you consider Boise State semi decent? He had 10 tackles, 5 TFL and 2 sacks that game. Don’t get me wrong, I dig Hood and I have for quite awhile. I was one of the first people to bring him up repeatedly and I do think he’s a better fit than Jerry. But that’s only because I believe both Jerry and Hood are UTs and Hood would be a better fit as a UT in the T2. I also think that regardless of who we draft, we need 2 tackles. Foster did an admirable job for his size, but 265 doesn’t cut it for a DT in the NFL. And I still think that Johnson succeeded more due to system changes than actual production. I think they’re both solid backups, but we’ll continue to have problems if we only address one or the other. And I think there’s easily better NT options later in than Hood would be. And I actually think that the lower level of competition isn’t as negative as you may think. They were double teaming him because he was by far the most talented player on that defense and he still produced. I also think that Hood may be closed to maxed out on his height whereas Gilbert only weighs 12 lbs less but he’s 3" taller. He has plenty of room to add more bulk. In the end, I think he could easily go to 310-315 lbs and remain extremely quick. And the 37" arms is one measurable that you can’t argue with. Arm length is extremely important for lineman. Consider long arms are considered 34-35 inches, by the time someone gets their arms close to Gilbert they’d already be within his reach 2 inches prior. That’s a lopsided advantage. It’s also extremely difficult to escape him if he gets his arms on you because he closes so fast. 4.76 is faster than a good chunk of TEs.
And you’re right, in the end we’re splitting hairs. But as a true UT, I believe Gilbert is superior to Hood. However, either would make me happy. Besides, some 3-4 team will probably pick him up as a DE. If we don’t take him, I don’t think he slips by the Steelers if he’s not gone prior. And he may be, he’s moving up that fast. The numbers match the production. And I’ve been watching film on him. Burst is burst and closing speed is closing speed. And he has both to a ridiculous degree.
By the way, if you really believe the lower level of competition theory, isn’t it a little hypocritical to have Jennings as your second round pick? I mean San Jose state is quite a bit higher than Liberty as far as competition is concerned.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Mar 24, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually...
I had Robiskie in my latest mock draft, and I don’t think I had Jennings in my first. I think drafting an RB on the first day doesn’t make sense unless we’re drafting Addai’s replacement this year #1 and #2 I think the RB class is deepest in the draft in terms of ability later in the draft and difference in ability between RBs 4-16.
I’m with you that Andre Brown would be a MUCH better value in the 3rd than Jennings in the 2nd. I even think that a quality back-up, if we insist on drafting one, could be had in the 4th or 5th rounds.
Additionally, unless we’re drafting Addai’s replacement this year, I’m not sure it makes a great deal of sense to draft a RB at all. We just released Clifton Dawson, a team worried about depth at RB wouldn’t release a known commidity. So… we either draft for camp competition as our 2/3 RB in the 3rd or later rounds or draft Addai’s replacement in the 1/2. I don’t see us doing the latter. Having said that, BPA or MVPA in the 2nd may be Jennings, if it is… he’s worth a look.
I vote DT/OT/LB/CB before RB in round 2. For what it’s worth. Probably in that order.
Crap
I’d just like to suggest that BBS tell his boss to put an “are you sure?” button on the “CANCEL” button here. That sucked. I’ll sum it up.
Yeah, I was in the wrong thread, I forgot this was Richard’s mock so I thought it was yours, my fault. Anyway, I think that we should at least attempt to find a prospect. Some of the best ones are found when you’re just trying to look for a backup with upside and don’t require a 1st day pick. I think these guys could all be worth a shot if available in the (round) rounds.
1. A. Brown (3rd/4th)
2. Shonn Greene (3rd/4th)
3. Javon Ringer (3rd/4th)
4. Cedric Peerman (4th)
6. Kory Sheets (4th/5th)
5. Antoine Smith (5th)
7. Mike Goodson (5th)
8. Glenn Coffee (5th)
9. Ian Johnson (5th)
I think a few of those guys have as much upside as Jennings would but wouldn’t require as high of a pick. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Jennings, but that was back when I thought there was a strong chance he’d be around by our pick in the 3rd. But you’re right, he may be BPA in the 2nd and I’d understand. I think Loadholt or Meredith will still be there in 2 though and I’d prefer taking either of them over Jennings. Our run production for next season would have a greater chance to improve from one of them than Jennings backing up Addai would. And I’m still hoping Hart comes back healthy. Maybe not next year, but Ball looked like he might be able to be a decent backup.
So the question becomes, do we see Jennings, Brown etc. as being able to help us more in 2009 than a RB in the same mold that’s been in our system for a year and showed us a little something when he got on the field? I know it wasn’t elite competition, but any NFL team is superior to a college team, even their backups. The way I see it, aside from the first few RBs, we have as much in the ways of potential on our roster already. And if Hart was in the mix as a college player, I’d actually think he’d be at the top of my list.
I’m not sure if I just talked myself out of a RB. I’ll have to reflect on this. And as for Robiskie in the 2nd, I’ve actually been on that wagon for awhile. The Senior Bowl sold me. He was very productive before the OSU QB switch. I still think it may be too high for a skill position right now though.
There’s several dudes on our roster right now at skill positions that weren’t low draft picks that haven’t seen playing time though. And to tell you the truth, the Colts may have already had Marvin’s departure in mind last season. Think about it for a second. Why would we draft both Tamme and Santi? Tamme is a Dallas Clark clone so maybe they were going for a backup. But if Dallas on the field, Tamme won’t be. And Gijon showed that (let’s not bring up the 3rd and 2 please) he’s a decent blocker and a threat as a receiver. Santi isn’t a great receiver but he’s a good blocker. I’d like to at least see a 4th round pick on the field a little more to pass judgement, but with our 2008 roster, that wasn’t going to happen. It’s possible they intended to move Dallas into the slot 80% of the time and have Tamme take over Dallas’ role and have Santi or Robinson on the other side. Or maybe they wanted to put Tamme in the slot and leave Dallas as a TE, who knows?
Tamme is a 6’3 4.6 dude with great hands. I just don’t see how the Colts would take him as anything other than a backup to Dallas or if they intended to move one into the slot. Which would make sense especially for Dallas because we’ve already seen what he can do from there. And that’s where the question about the receivers is, not the wideout positions. Like I’ve repeatedly said, Gonzalez is a wide receiver, not a slot receiver. So who on our roster realistically could play slot receiver? Garcon, Clark, Tamme, and Hall. Who can play TE? Clark, Tamme, Robinson, Santi. And the Colts base offense is a 2 TE, single back formation. There’s only room for 2 wide receivers in that set.
So I guess if you think a 2009 rookie would be better than Wayne, Gonzalez, or Clark then we should draft one. I think we have several guys that could play slot receiver and I think 3 would excel at it. I think Garcon, Tamme and Clark could all do extremely well at it. In fact, I think I just sold myself on not needing a receiver at all this year. We’re either wasting draft picks this year or we wasted 3 last year drafting Tamme, Garcon, and Santi.
If we only get 1 guy worth anything from an entire draft last year, I’d be pretty pissed. So it’s either Polian and the Colts had some foresight when they drafted Tamme, Garcon, Hall, Gonzalez, and Santi or we just wasted 5 picks in the last two seasons on receivers and TEs. I for one trust our scouting a little bit more than that.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Mar 24, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Completely disagree with your take on the running back situation.
The main reason I elected to pick 2 running backs this draft is as follows:
They are totally worth the pick in that respective round. Jennings is 2nd round talent, Andrew Brown is 3rd-4th round talent. We’re talking about two of the most underrated running backs in this years draft that could be available for the Colts to steal.
I’m not even completely sold on the idea that Addai is a feature back to this day. He hasn’t proven anything in my opinion. He had a stellar rookie season, a good first half of the 2007, and has been utter crap ever since. Yes the o-line had a lot to do with it, but as I’ve said before, it takes two to tango my friend. His production was down because of he dances too much in the backfield instead of hitting holes or space that should be a hole, and is injury prone. Combine the fact that I’m not sold on Addai with the fact that we don’t have a backup running back, and we’ve got a major problem here. Ball has to earn that backup spot, which he hasn’t done yet. No one knows what he is capable of, and the few carries he was given last year against a bunch of second stringers doesn’t convince me, sorry. Mike Hart isn’t going to come back locked, cocked, and ready to rock, so you should basically rule him out for 09 imo. So that really leaves us with Addai, Ball, and Chad Simpson on the roster as our possible running backs. I shudder at the thought of Chad Simpson still being on the roster. He honestly has no chance to be the backup or even a starter to be honest. So I’m going to rule him out as well.
So that brings us to Addai as the possible starter, and an unproven, undrafted free agent running back as the possible backup. I don’t know how you feel, but the thought of Addai and Ball being our primary backs scares the hell out of me, which is why I drafted two great prospects. If Ball is good enough, he’ll earn the backup spot over both Jennings and Brown, but do you think that is actually going to happen? I don’t. I think Jennings and Brown are going to be much better than Ball. But regardless, instead of speculating, let’s just put them to the test. Let all three of those guys go into training camp and battle it out. The weak will be weeded out, and not much will be lost. If Jennings proves to be the better of the 3, you’d still have those other two as depth, and that’d be pretty damn good depth if you ask me.
The other main reason I drafted 2 running backs is because this year is do or die for Addai in my eyes. Yeah I know he has 2 more years on his deal, but if can’t produce or stay healthy this season, he needs to go. Thus, having Andre Brown and Jennings as insurance policies wouldn’t be a bad thing. You can pretty much compare it to last season with the drafting of 3 centers and 2 tight ends (and one TE picked up as a UDFA). You never really know who is going to pan out, so having too much of one thing isn’t a bad thing, especially when it comes to a position that has the shortest lifespan in the NFL.
My brain stopped working so if I come up with any more ideas on what I was thinking I’ll post again.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
by KingRichard on Mar 24, 2009 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
And think of it this way
Releasing Dawson could also either be a way of giving the rest of the RBs a heads up that they have a roster spot to fill and they intend to fill it in this draft.
I also agree about Addai. He’s not a #1 and never has been. At best he is a co-#1 and looked best when he came in as a sub for Rhodes in 06.
Yeah Dawson sucked anyways.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
Ball
Ball’s collegiate production was on par with Brown at a school and schedule very equivalent in difficulty. And you’re right, it takes two to tango, but drafting both Brown and Jennings and not addressing the line except for an OT that is suited more for pass protection than run protection and not addressing the middle of the line where they would be running is like two dudes trying to tango with the same fat chick. Maybe one guy can get the fat chick to lose some weight and it could be awesome, but maybe two guys fighting over the same chick will cause her to not be able to make up her mind and ends up having the two dudes leaving by themselves later on while she goes back to get busy with her husband who just can’t stop breakdancing in the corner of the room. By the end of the night you have a fat chick trying to get her man to stop dancing because she couldn’t make up her mind who was better at the tango.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
How many more centers/guards do the Colts need to draft? They picked up 3 last year, they still have Lilja and Johnson as well. That’s 5 different players, 3 of which are second year players who can fit in at either guard position. The Colts don’t need more guard fillers, they need tackles and running backs.
And like I’ve said before, your college career means jack once you get drafted and are put on an NFL team. To go into next year thinking that so and so will fill in nicely because he was pretty good in college and is completely untested at the next level is crazy talk man.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
Moreno
If Moreno was available at #27, would you reconsider? He is a bad dude and I would have to give some serious thought to drafting an RB if, say, he was available and both Jerry and Hood were gone.
Of course that’s a lot of speculation but that’s what we’re here for anyways…
slow 40s for a smaller back is far from a death sentance for a RB
but it’s not a good sign. I’d rather get Andre Brown in the 3rd or Jennings in the 2nd. Hood, Jerry, Nicks, Britt, Harvin, Britton, Beatty and Laurinatis would have to be gone for me to think about Knowshon.
They say "he's so arrogant, the cocky kind"
but they always lookin', 'cause I'ma shine,
-Lil Wayne & Birdman "Get Your Shine On"
by shake n bake on Mar 24, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
If none of the DTs or O-linemen are still there in the first, I’d be satisfied with Moreno over reaching for someone or taking a WR, definitely. He’s not as slow as that combine number was, he ran somewhere in the 4.5s which is plenty fast for a RB. Change of direction is way more important than the 40. The 3 cone and short shuttle are much better football numbers than the 40 is. The only position the 40 applies to are receivers who only run streaks and special teamers.
Harvin would have to be gone too. I’d take Harvin over Moreno if both were available. Moreno can’t return kicks or play as both a 3rd down back and an electrifying slot receiver. We’ve never had a player like Harvin. He’s the type of threat that effects the defense even if he’s not the read. A LB or a safety would be ridiculously outmatched trying to cover him. Just having him on the field would cause chaos. Who are they going to single cover? Go ahead and single cover Dallas, Gonzo or Wayne. I don’t even know the defensive scheme that could stop that. Gonzalez is too fast to play a shallow zone, Dallas will outrun most LBs and cherish safety coverage, not doubling Wayne would be plain stupid, who’s left? Drop them all and now you’ve just opened up the run late or the check down to the back.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
How many more centers/guards do the Colts need to draft? They picked up 3 last year, they still have Lilja and Johnson as well. That’s 5 different players, 3 of which are second year players who can fit in at either guard position. The Colts don’t need more guard fillers, they need tackles and running backs.
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
woops, it replied to the wrong comment, see above...
This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.
Considering his frame
And the fact that he’s already gone from a 225 receiver/TE/O-lineman to 288 lbs and that he has very little body fat, it’s well within the realm of reason.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
could be Texans game
I was thinking it was the Lions game, but you are probably right. Lets just hope the line can come together. It will be a long season if we can’t run the ball again. More than likely our starters will come from what we already have. Lets hope Mudd can work his magic 1 more time! I’ve yet to read or hear 1 positive statement that Lilja will even be ready for the season
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