2009 NFL Draft: Player Profiles

by BigBlueShoe on Mar 9, 2009 11:19 AM EDT in Analysis Comment 44 comments

Now that the NFL Scouting Combine is finished and the free agency merri-go-round has completed its turn, we can finally focus on the event that truly makes teams win over a sustained period of time: The NFL Draft.

New Era Scouting has a list of players each team has expressed interest in. Mocking the Draft has scouting reports on many of these players. There are also other draft sites, and the NFL's Combine page, which provide accurate information on speed, character, and other important player traits. Just like the past two years, we will have profiles between now and late-April for several players we either know or think the Colts have targeted.

New Era has the list of players they know Indy is interested in as such:

Cody Brown, DE, Connecticut
Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California
Jason Williams, OLB, Western Illinois
Michael Hamlin, SS, Clemson
Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Mitch King, DE, Iowa
Chip Vaughn, SS, Wake Forest
David Bruton, FS, Notre Dame
Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
Zach Follett, LB, California
Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

We plan to do profiles on these players, plus a few others. Guys like Sen’Derrick Marks and Percy Harvin will also be profiled, even though I'd be very surprised the Colts will draft either. The profiles are for the entire draft, not just guys we think the Colts will take with the first or second picks. We try and profile guys we think Indy will take in rounds 6 and 7. We even go so far as to pick who they will sign as rookie free agents.

If you have a player the Colts should go after, please list him in the comments. As for the Colts draft strategy, Pro Football Weekly has made it clear that Indy is strongly leaning in one direction:

First things first: Yes, the Colts recognize the need for a third wide receiver for their spread formations, given the release of Marvin Harrison and their lack of a proven wideout behind Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. At the same time, the fact that TE Dallas Clark flexes out so often into the slot and out wide considerably lessens the need. We continue to hear that wide receiver will be addressed with the Colts’ first pick in April’s draft, though it would come as no shock if they addressed the interior of their defensive line instead.

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Jasper Brinkley of South Carolina LB

Please, please draft a big Defensive Tackle. Please?

by skywalker on Mar 9, 2009 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good one

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by BigBlueShoe on Mar 9, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know he's injured

but what about Jason Phillips from TCU.

by BlueVol03 on Mar 9, 2009 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Colts Draft Options

I have done some homework on this, and here are some ideas of players the Colts should go after and the predicted draft round:

1st
Percy Harvin, Tyson Jackson, Alphonso Smith, Kenny Britt, Peria Jerry

2nd
Macho Harris, Evander Hood, Marcus Freeman, SenDerrick Marks, Darry Beckwith

3rd
Dorell Scott, Andre Brown, Louis Murphy, Tyrone McKenzie, Mitch King

4th
Zack Follett, Kevin Barnes, David Bruton, Jonathan Casillas, Sherrod Martin

5th
TJ Lang, Kenny McKinley, Corvey Irvin, Jamie Thomas, Clinton McDonald

6th
Kory Sheets, Kaluka Maiava, Deon Butler, Quan Cosby, Brandon Hughes

7th
Myron Pryor, Roy Miller, Manuel Johnson, Stanley Arnox, Tez Doolittle

by purplehog on Mar 9, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hood

Won’t be in the 2nd round come our pick. He might not even make it to our pick in the first the way it’s beginning to look. Tyson Jackson would be great against the run, but would be a 1st/2nd down player. He’d come out during obvious pass situations. That’s a little too high to go after another Brock, but if he fell to the 2nd, it’d be a nice pick. I don’t like Marks, I just don’t. I just don’t have a good feeling about him. My opinion of him is very similar to Moala. He’d also pretty much have to play UT, so a NT would have to be taken as well. Which I don’t mind. But I like Jarron GIlbert in the 2nd more than Marks as a UT or King in the 3rd. I also like Chris Baker or Terrence Taylor as a decent NT prospect for around the 3rd round/4th round respectively. Baker may sneak into the second or high third though.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have spoken to a couple LSU fans, and they both love Tyson Jackson.
Though he has not played interior, he has the size and quickness to slide inside.
They say he is a better athlete than Dorsey was, and should translate easier to the pros.

by purplehog on Mar 9, 2009 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And that's fine for a normal 4-3

But not a T2. It’s fine to be a run stopper with LB help. It’s completely different when you’re playing a T2. Dorsey could’ve potentially been a candidate for ROY in our system with Freeney and Mathis. However, the DEs in KC sucked.

When your pressure is coming from your LBs, having someone that can stop the run is what you want from your NT. However, if you’re responsibile for putting pressure on the QB (the entire DL in a T2), if you can’t penetrate you’re worthless unless you’re a situational player. They will not double team a NT or a UT who can’t penetrate.

Most important factor for a d linemen in a T2? Explosion and burst. It translates into commanding a double team. It dares them to double the ends and leave a 1 on 1 on the tackles. Because you may be able to single cover an end, but no way you double a 300-310 lb dude with the ability to be in the backfield in an instant. And what’s Jackson’s biggest knock?

“Does not get much explosion off the snap” – walterfootball.com
“Doesn’t have great athleticism or speed. A little slow off the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t close very quickly. Needs to be coached up in his pass rush moves. Really only uses his strength to get to a quarterback. Comes out of his stance too high, which allows blockers to control his frame.” – mockingthedraft.com
“Average timed speed…Motor is inconsistent…Questionable instincts and awareness…Needs to do a better job of shedding blocks…Doesn’t change directions well…Has some trouble in space…Not a threat off the edge…Just an average pass rusher and won’t rack up a lot of sacks.”

It goes on and on. That’s terrible for a T2 DT. It’s great for a normal 4-3 or a 3-4 DE where the job of the DL is to hold their ground and let the LBs shoot the gaps, but he’d get manhandled in a T2. The most “athletic” position on a T2 is the DTs. They have to combine their strength and speed to a point where they’re basically saying “If you don’t double me, I will sack your QB.” It’s the only way to free up the DEs. And Jackson played a DE in college, a position where he should have been able to apply pressure to the QB even if he was a run specialist. Especially at the college level where round 1 prospects should show the ability to do extremely well or simply dominate the competition. He had 4.5 sacks. That is not the type of lineman we need.

I’d rather have Foster over Jackson. It’s not a knock against Jackson at all, I think he’ll be a very good prospect. But not in Indy. We don’t have the LBs or a dominating NT to gain anything from what type of player he is. Besides, we already have that guy on our team. Brock’s making a good chunk of change to be a great situational player who’s good at stopping the run and can still pose a pass rushing threat. We don’t have a single LB that could take advantage of what he offers, and the only way to get one would be to draft one in the first round unless we found a diamond in the rough.

That’s why T2s fail so often. It’s not a complicated system, but it’s a system that you have to have incredible athletes on your front 7. If you don’t have the ends to take advantage of a double team – no pass rush because they’ll just double your tackles (Kansas City, Bears, Bills). If you don’t have the tackles to penetrate the line and free up the ends – double teams on the ends to either take them out of a passing down or open up huge lanes on the edges (Indianapolis, Tampa Bay). If your talent is just terrible, it doesn’t matter how good your “scheme” is (Lions). You’re asking your DEs to have the speed and athleticism of a OLB while being 250-270 lbs, and your DTs to have the speed of pass rushing DEs in normal systems while being around 285-320 lbs. That’s alot to ask. But when you get that guy, it’s one of the best systems out there.

Sorry for the long response, but I didn’t just want to say “Jackson doesn’t fit our system” without explaining why. A run stuffing LB where we don’t have to bring Sanders into the box every run play would be quite a bit better than Jackson. He could stand his ground all he wants, and I’m sure he could, but all they’d do is leave him right where he’s at and run around him. It’s 5 on 4 in a T2. Center, RG, LG, RT, LT. It’d still be a 4 on 3 if there’s no threat of penetration. They could send their TEs, WRs, RBs etc out the entire day. Just go empty backfield with 5 receivers.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look at these dudes vulturing my picks already

Brinkley, Phillips?! Just kidding.

Anyway, concering the talk about WR. “a third wide receiver for their spread formations,” “TE Dallas Clark flexes out so often into the slot and out wide considerably lessens the need.”

I’d just like to point out that not many slot receivers are 1st round picks. Why would we need a 1st round pick to sit on the bench even if he knew the system? Gonzalez, even after showing he could play, wasn’t on the field the entire time. But he WAS the replacement for Harrison when he left, or if they moved Harrison into the slot.

Look, if someone asked Polian his needs through the draft and he said “I know we need to take a kicker.”, it wouldn’t mean “We’re taking a kicker with our first pick! WOOO!” Could we use a third receiver/slot receiver? Yes. Do teams normally get their third receiver/slot receiver in the first? No.

I’d like to see where they got their info pertaining to the receiver being a third or slot one. All I remember is the original interview back in January with Polian. If there’s an interview where he talks about needing a 3rd or slot receiver, I’d be very optimistic that we’re not taking a receiver in the 1st unless he goes for Harvin (who I think is a natural slot receiver/returner/3rd down back). So that’s good news.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s either going to be a LB or if Moreno somehow falls, Polian would take him.

This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.

by KingRichard on Mar 9, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

If there’s an interview with Polian saying “We need a third receiver/slot receiver.” I’ll be stoked. That pretty much means “We’ll probably be looking at receivers in the third round at the earliest.”

And yes, if Moreno falls, he’ll be a Colt. If Wells does, he probably will too. If Jennings is around in the third, I think he’ll be a Colt. Polian wants a committee backfield, I think he’s sold on it. Or at least I hope he is. A 60/40 would be nice.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is probably the order (based on me thinking I have any sort of clue of what Polian is thinking) I could see him taking around the first.

Jerry
Moreno
Laurinaitis
Matthews
Wells
Robinson (I know we don’t need a guard, but this one I could actually see)
Harvin
Heyward-Bey
Butler
Mack
Donald Brown

That is to say, none of the tackles are there. I think tackle would be very high on his priority list. Too bad tackles are on everyones.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I was going to mention OT but damn, everyone and their mother drafts OTs early. That doesn’t mean there isn’t some value in the later rounds. Not like the Colts have a choice, they need some more depth.

This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.

by KingRichard on Mar 9, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, one tackle just dropped:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9313870/Jaguars,-Pro-Bowl-OT-Thomas-agree-to-terms?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=5

This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.

by KingRichard on Mar 9, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

At least we know Raji won’t make it past 8 now. Haynesworth out of the division, hello Raji. Fantastic.

Either Raji or Crabtree I’m thinking.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think I would include Nicks, maybe Hood in your list somewhere too. With Nicks and how the offense works, I would put him before Harvin (my opinion on what Polian would do). I just heard he has great hands and great route running, at least probably more polished than Heyward-Bey.

by ColtsFanNChiTown on Mar 9, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Nicks is the kind of guy who could succeed in the first year. He’s the only receiver besides Crabtree who seems a smooth pro wideout until you get to Robiskie. Heyward-Bey’s smart but a bit of a project and so I think not an ideal first-rounder for the Colts. WR’s a position that takes more time to develop than the others, so if we’re looking for a starting wideout this year, polish (Nicks, Robiskie) is more important than height/weight/speed (Heyward-Bey, Kenny Britt).

At least I think that makes sense.

I like Quan Cosby in the late rounds though. Guy comes in mature and capable of making plays. And if you disregard his likely shelf life in the league, he’ll be gotten at a huge discount.

by CooperManningsNotTrying on Mar 10, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only thing that I’ve heard from Polian regarding the WR position and I’m sure you already know, is when he mentioned that they’ll need to eventually replace Harrison. With that comment along with the release of Harrison, many “analysts” are assuming a WR as the first pick. With that said, Polian will now go a different direction (some kind of sarcasm involved).

by ColtsFanNChiTown on Mar 9, 2009 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

That’s the reasoning behind it, and it makes sense. I actually think our LB position is the weakest with Keiaho and Hagler walking. Granted we may get one or both back, but I think we let them walk for a reason. Tendering Keiaho wouldn’t have been a huge hit, I think Coyer had something else in mind. At the moment though, aside from Brackett we have no experience, no depth, and way too many questions. Not to mention a good LB will help the run game almost as much as upgrading over Johnson right now. And holding onto Muir tends to make me believe they might try to see what he can prove if he’s healthy. Someone like King could take the place of Foster on run downs. But King will be available later.

And aside from Raji (no chance he’s still there), Jerry (slight chance depending on pro day) or Hood (he’s climbing extremely fast), there’s no other 1st round DTs I’d consider a lock. However, Curry, Maualuga, Cushing, Laurinaitis, and Matthews all will probably be taken in the first and there’s a couple other guys who could sneak in. Not to mention that the people switching to 3-4s will be looking at those DE/OLB hybrids and probably rate them higher trying to find the next Demarcus Ware. All good news for us.

And as soon as I went to lunch I knew I had missed putting Hood on there. I’d have him right behind Matthews in front of Wells. I don’t like Hicks for the Colts. Too similar to both Gonzalez and Wayne. I think he’d be good to groom to take over for Wayne, but that’d be along the lines of drafting Sanchez to groom under Peyton. Nicks isn’t a slot receiver. Harvin definitely is, and Heyward-Bey could probably live there for a couple years like Gonzalez did. I think we could easily get someone like Robiskie in the 2nd to have about the same amount of contribution as Nicks would. Britt would be a better option. With that said, I don’t think there’s anyone who wouldn’t be competing with Hall or Garcon for that position.

Too bad Phillips jacked up his knee, I think he would’ve been a fantastic 2nd round pick. I guess we could take him late in the 2nd day as risky pick with a ton of upside.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

good point about Hall and Garcon

Doesn’t make sense to expect a WR to come in and start immediately, and Garcon and Hall should probably be considered the best options make it into a #3. And Gonzalez has such poise, I think he’s gotta be the #2 rather than a slot receiver. He needs to be on the field more.

Still, if they want another wideout now, I think Nicks is a great pick. He has the character and intangibles to be a stable star for a long time.

by CooperManningsNotTrying on Mar 10, 2009 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could be wrong

but I think thats why I mentioned Nicks, becuase of his similarity to Gonzo and Wayne…route running, hands, intelligence. I really do not think Polian will be looking solely on a slot WR if it does come down to drafting a WR, just adding another quality WR to fit the system.

by ColtsFanNChiTown on Mar 10, 2009 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree 100%

by yellowsnow on Mar 9, 2009 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dont be surprised

to possibly see an SC linebacker fall to our spot. Some teams put a ton of stock in 40 yard dash times. Since non of the SC backers had blazing 40’s there is a chance one of them could fall to us.

by metal_militia on Mar 9, 2009 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Beat me to it...

I really think that is where this pick is going to go. Mathews would be my first choice…but I have been saying that for a while now…call it a man crush. I will be disappointed if the Colts take a WR.

by TRDean on Mar 9, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah I like Matthews too

He is the fastest of the SC Backers (in terms of 40) and the scouting report has everything we are looking for in an LB/

by metal_militia on Mar 9, 2009 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please not Percy Harvin

Too fragile; ankle troublesome; certainly would not use a 1st round pick on him.

by MadStork on Mar 9, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And he played

And produced on them.

Question, would you take Crabtree at 27? If you say no, cool, I can see your point. But if you said yes, that’s sort of hypocritical. Harvin’s injuries weren’t serious, they were nagging. And it’s not like they were serious, they were nagging. And he still came in and performed. Not to mention he would have the most impact on the field next year. The Colts don’t generally use their rookie WRs in much significant roles, or if they do, it’d be in the slot (which I believe Harvin’s natural and best position would be) and as returners (which he could potentially be phenomenal at). So his playtime would go down, which would probably reduce injuries, and still see playing time in a position of dire need. And he could play as a 3rd down back and give a much needed split with Addai. He’s not as small as everyone portrays him to be. He’s 5’11, 195. That’s a decent sized RB. And I’ve seen him run, he runs like a RB.

My point is, Harvin will probably, at the very least, see the field as a returner. And to tell you the truth, I think if you consider returner a position (which I do), he’s adding significantly to a position where we’re severely crippled at immediately. Whereas the others wouldn’t.

People say “Receiver, Marvin’s gone”. Well yeah, Polian sort of addressed that with Gonzalez recently. Gonzalez was never intended to be a slot receiver. I don’t know where anyone ever got that idea. He’s an amazing athlete, a deep threat, and has great hands. He’s a flanker, he always has been. He played in the slot to see game time. We haven’t had a true “slot” receiver since Stokley. We use Dallas because he’s awesome, but he’s still more productive when he pulls LB coverage instead of safety.

Harvin is the only receiver I’ve seen in awhile that I believe is a true “hybrid” slot receiver that’s actually worth a 1st round pick. He’s the only receiver I think the Colts would benefit from of taking a WR in the first round at all. The WRs are seriously deep this year. Nobody even knows who the best is. The consensus is Crabtree, but with the foot surgery, now you have people even questioning that. And Heyward-Bey skyrocketed with his 4.3 40.

But think of it this way, what are Crabtree, Heyward-Bey, Nicks, Britt, Robiskie etc.. They’re #1 or #2 receivers. So the only thing we’d be doing is getting a position where we already have Reggie Wayne and Gonzalez. Garcon and Hall are competing for the third receiver/slot and depth. I think Garcon could be a very good slot receiver, but I’m not sure. Hall could eventually take over for Wayne and could be a great depth guy if one of them gets hurt. So we’re drafting FOR a slot receiver. And like I said, the only slot receiver that offers something over receiving is Percy. And the things he adds are all to areas that need help. 3rd down back + slot receiver + returner = better than a #1 or #2 receiver riding the bench. That’s not going to help us next year. And after 3 or 4 years, Percy would know the system enough to potentially take over for Wayne and be similar to Steve Smith or Santana Moss. Those are “fragile” guys that have had very good careers.

I mean, if you use shake’s formula of (200*weight)/(40 time^4), Harvin scores a 103.2. That’s pretty good.

That is why that yes, if we take Harvin, I won’t flip out. Besides, he’s a local kid, so there’s a certain degree of bias.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Only problem I have with Florida Recievers

they have a history of not panning out in the pros. Thats not saying the same case will happen with Harvin, but I have seen many productive recievers over the years come from Florida State and turn out to be Average or Underachievers. Need examples? Chad Jackson was taken in the second and is looking for work. Reche Caldwell is average at best, there is nothing special about Jabar Gaffney. You go check out the notable alumns in wikipedia, and you will see only one probowl wide receiver and he isn’t from this decade.

That said, history means nothing when it comes to the NFL. If your team sucked last year, it doesn’t mean they are going to suck this year. Things change and people are different. Harvin may have a different work ethic or is more gifted then previous Gator receivers. My only guess as to why most Gator receivers dont pan out, has to do with the system that Florida runs. My guess is the spread passing game takes away a couple of attributes critical to coaches and scouts when seeking for players to make the transition to the pros.

by metal_militia on Mar 9, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harvin and Williams

I would not mind the Colts taking Harvin either. Not only would he be a great mismatch at receiver, but an excellent return man as well. However, i think Derrick Williams would also be a nice pick-up in a later round. Many have ruled him out because of the combine, but he will have a much better pro day workout. He was also said to be a locker room leader. If the Colts are able to get a player like Harvin or Williams, they will provide a great mismatch in the slot and we might finally see the occasional punt/kick returned for a touchdown. Along with consistently giving Manning better field position to work with.

by ColtsPurdueFanFromKY on Mar 9, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gonzalez is a flanker

I’ve been wanting someone to say whether Gonzalez is supposed to go to wideout permanently. I know he’s not a deep burner, but he has such great hands and football intelligence, and he plays with good short-range speed, that I want to see him on the field more often. This is a great point and should be giving the lie to all the drafts that say we need a first-round wideout to replace Marvin on the outside.

It just needs to be said more often that Gonzalez fits as the #2.

by CooperManningsNotTrying on Mar 10, 2009 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joaquin Iglesias.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Mar 9, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Robiskie

I think he would be an excellent addition if he fell to the Colts in the 2nd, but that might just be wishful thinking since he is rumored to be shooting up draft boards. But any way you look at it, the Colts will have a great player fall to them in the 1st. Whether it be Matthews, Laurinaitis, Jerry, Hood, or Moreno/Wells.

by ColtsPurdueFanFromKY on Mar 9, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My first choices would be

Hood, Jennings or Moreno. I’m not comfortable with Beanie…his injuries make me a little gun-shy considering what we’ve gone through the past two seasons…

I don’t know much about Robiskie…would like to learn more.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Mar 9, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those weren't my choices

It was more a “What do I think Polian thinks”.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"What do I think Polian thinks"...

Well, there are few that would have a chance at tapping into the “Genius that is Polian” but you are definitely one who I believe could.

Why, oh why is April 25th-26th so far away?!

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Mar 9, 2009 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's either

One of the best compliments, or the best insults ever. I’ll take it like a choose your own adventure. Alright, page 96…let’s see here….HOW DARE YOU?! Good thing I kept my finger on the other page. Seriously, did anyone read through those without doing that? I mean, you go to this page and it’s like “You fail to disarm the bomb and you die!” How is that fun? Seriously, no wonder those were always the cheap books.

At least it being around April 24th (my birthday) slows down time so I can remain young and remember the good old days of taking down Gol’rath the orc.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another interesting prospect that may slide due to injury and stats is Brandon Tate.

He was the KR and deep threat receiver at UNC, whereas Hakeem Nicks was larger, slower and more of a posession receiver.

Tate would be a better fit in the slot, allowing Gonzo to play wide-out.

by purplehog on Mar 9, 2009 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who will drop?

Just my 2 cents but I think it will shake down like this: Round 1- the best WR left. My vote goes to Percy Harvin and here’s a recent article where he talks about his durability. http://www.jacksonville.com/node/107640 and his highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34—XTjboDI&feature=channel_page. Round 2- Phil Loadholt OT, here’s his video highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyTOOKEOIFo&feature=channel_page. Round 3- Nic Harris OLB, safety turned linebacker? sound familiar? check out the video: http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80e4b970. After that, Polian works his magic and drafts people none of us had on the radar and fills the rest of our needs.
Great thread BTW!

by vcoxiv on Mar 9, 2009 8:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Safety turned LB

I think the Colts will start shying away from the “safety turned LB” approach. Smaller players are less effective tacklers and become injury prone at the NFL level.

by AceOfSpades on Mar 9, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unless

Unless they run a 4-2-5 which the Colts did last year, Coyer used while in Denver, and was the defensive scheme in SC this year while Rychleski was there. Not to mention Bullit is leaps and bounds better than Buster Davis, or the unknowns in Wheeler, Senn, and Okwo right now. And Session had his success at SAM.

And by the way, Harris is bigger than most of our LBs and known for his tackling.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 9, 2009 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to get into this again

but I remember it was more of just a regular nickel, used in nickel situations with Bethea playing the slot corner. (Which is a 4-2-5, but whatever, I don’t want to get into this again)

I ain't tryin' do you, I'm just tryin' do me
Last album did two, I'm just tryin' do three.
-Young Jeezy "I Luv It

by shake n bake on Mar 9, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Nickel"

In many games, the “base” defense for the Colts was a nickel, or a 4-2-5. When Marlin Jackson was the nickel back, the Colts played a TON of nickel; even on first and second down.

I don’t think the Colts will shy away from the smaller LBers. It is an effective way to build a defense. Yes, the smaller guys are often a bit more brittle, but that is the price you pay cap-wise (which is why the Colts rarely pay their linebackers).

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by BigBlueShoe on Mar 10, 2009 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A 4-2-5

Is a nickel. It’s called a strong nickel or a big nickel. But with 3 safeties instead of 3 DBs while playing what looks like a 4-4-3. They only used it when Bob came back, but they used it. Hagler was playing like a safety when he was starting at WILL though.

“The progress that the Colts have made defending the run has given the club a jolt of confidence. After allowing 188.5 yards on the ground in their first four games, they’ve held the opposition to an average of 99 yards the past four contests. Included in that was a particularly strong effort against the Titans’ potent RB tandem of Chris Johnson and LenDale White in Week Eight. For the most part, head coach Tony Dungy has credited the improvements to the front seven defenders playing a more disciplined brand of football, particularly OLBs Clint Session and Freddy Keiaho. But much of the success for the effort against Tennessee also goes to a new 4-4-3 alignment Dungy implemented. The Colts are accustomed to this look because they’ve often put a safety in the box in the past.”

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 10, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot this

“Watch the safety/linebacker/corner. When Clint Session struggled in coverage last week, the Colts pulled him in obvious passing downs, and moved Bethea into his spot. Now that Sanders is back, the Colts are looking for ways to keep hard hitting Melvin Bullitt on the field at the same time. In nickel situations, watch for Bullitt to play the slot receiver or even to slide in as a linebacker in the zone.”

“Watch for the 4-4-3. Dungy responded to the run heavy Titans with a new alignment that brought a safety down into the box on virtually every play. It was very effective at limiting the running offense of the Titans. Surprisingly, the Pats have the 6th most rushing yards in the NFL despite a myriad of injuries to key backs. With the Zombie back on the field, watch for the Colts to try and make the Pats one dimensional.”

via 18to88

Wiki’s analysis of the 4-4 is interesting. I’ll just highlight some parts.

“The 4-4 defense is based around speed, athleticism and intelligence rather than relying too heavily on size and strength as many other defenses do. Versatility is a key as every player can have a variety of roles from one play to the next.”

“In addition, with 8 men in the box, it is difficult for the offense to pin point exactly where the pressure will be coming from when the defense blitzes. One final significant advantage of the 4-4 defense is that it can easily adjust to the offense. The 4-4 can shift into a nickel or dime coverage simply and effectively.”

“While size is definitely a plus for defensive tackles in the 4-4, its not as important as quickness and the ability to use leverage to manipulate the offensive linemen.”

“The defensive end’s primary role in the 4-4 defense is to get to the quarterback as fast as possible.”

“There are two inside linebackers in the 4-4 scheme known as the Mike and Buck linebackers. While they both play inside, Buck will shade to the strong side of the offense, Mike shades to the weak side.”

“As there are two inside linebackers, there are also two outside linebackers. These outside backers are known as Sam and Rover. The Sam linebacker typically sticks to the strong side. Sam does his fair share of blitzing, however he also needs to play the run and will usually be relied upon to cover the tight end or potentially a back out of the backfield. Rover will generally play on the weak side, however he can be moved to just about anywhere to better suit the defensive call or adjustment. The rover is probably the single most versatile position in the 4-4 defense. Depending on the call and the personnel in place, the Rover’s job could be purely to get after the quarterback or to drop into coverage. In a blitzing situation, the Rover is the most likely player to get to the quarterback. The Rover position can be played by a variety of athletic types ranging from an outside linebacker, to a strong safety.”

When they were still using this alignment when Bob came back, and they still had Melvin on the field at the same as Bethea, Bethea was playing “safety”, Bob was playing “Rover” and Melvin was playing “SAM” with Keiaho as “Mike” and Brackett as “Buck”. When Bob was out, Session was playing “SAM” and Bullit was playing “Rover” with Keiaho as “Mike” and Brackett as “Buck”.

Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.

by monstersbox on Mar 10, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs