Mike Tanier wants the Colts to draft Javier Arenas
by Brad Wells on Feb 18, 2010 11:00 AM EST
in NFL Draft
Email
PrintPunt and kick returns do not win your Super Bowls. The Steelers had THE worst punt and kick return game in the NFL in 2008, and they still won shiny rings. However, it would not hurt to upgrade the kick and punt returning. Mike Tanier of Football Outsiders has some thoughts on this subject relating to the Colts:
The Colts can live with weak return units because their offense is incredible. But imagine if they took back a few precious yards of field position. The average Colts drive in 2009 started on the 27.0-yard line, the third-worst field position in the league. (The Raiders and Titans wore worse). The league median is 29.5, two-and-a-half yards away. Give Peyton Manning 2.5 more yards, and short field goals become touchdowns, while punts from midfield become field goals.In other words, if the Colts can keep everything else equal while quickly upgrading their return game, they will return to the Super Bowl next year, and probably win it.
That's where Javier Arenas comes in.
Arenas is a 5'9 cornerback from Alabama. Nick Saban has strong ties to Bill Polian, and Polian seems to LOVE drafting smaller corners. Mocking Dan profiles Javier:
The diminutive Arenas earns this high of a ranking thanks largely to his special teams play and tackling ability. His hands are only average and he has just one career interception.
OK, it seems Javier would only be drafted for special teams duty, kind of like T.J. Rushing a few years ago. But what makes him so special that he's worth drafting? I mean, it's not like the colts are great a return blocking. Back to Tanier:
Arenas could face the same problems in Indianapolis that Rushing has dealt with: none of the blockers are very good, largely because the Colts salary structure is top-heavy and they cannot afford veteran special teams specialists. Their punt return unit features Kelvin Hayden and Tim Jennings blocking on the wings, with Mike Hart, Jamie Silver, Ramon Humbar and Aaron Francisco responsible for most of the interior blocking. I scouted the blockers during the playoffs and determined that Hayden is terrible, Hart is pretty good, and none of the rest are making an impact. The overall return unit won't change drastically in the offseason. A Colts punt returner must be able to make things happen on his own.That's what Arenas can do. Rapoport noted that the blocking at Alabama wasn't very good. Arenas is powerfully built and often bounces off the first tackler, assuming he doesn't avoid him. "He can side-step, dodge the first guy, and be at full speed in about two steps."
Hmm, interesting, and worth keeping an eye on as more extensive mock drafts start coming in between now and late-April.
74 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I think we're all high on Arenas
But not in the 1st round.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
1st round has to be an OT
However, you have to consider if Arenas would be available late in the 2nd round.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
It doesn't "have to" be an OT
If there aren’t any OTs left when we draft.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
I believe it is our greatest need
so it should be. Probable guys available at 31 would be Charles Brown, maybe Bruce Campbell?
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Not exactly true
Anthony Gonzalez was a minor reach. It would have been like taking Robiskie in 2009. Joseph Addai is a great example of a reach for a position of need.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
Where was Addai projected to go that year?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
somewhere in the second I think
but when you consider how perfect a scheme fit he was he might have been in the 20s on the Colts board.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Feb 18, 2010 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't be surprised at that.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
Reaching is relative
Overall Addai was a 2nd round pick. In my mock before that draft (my first mock ever) I had the Colts taking Addai. The last time I was even close ever.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
If they are not available?
You have to consider both need and value. Value on Polian’s board that is, and none of us know that.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I mean it SHOULD
but if there ain’t anything good then you have to move on to the next need.
If there is big talent there, maybe Polian will even pick a QB. As you say, who knows?
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
Again
Both need and value. QB is so far down on our need list that it won’t happen – that is about the only thing I’m sure about when it comes to the draft.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I meant I agree
If we make a list of the team’s needs, OT would be #1. As you say, after 30 picks, any number of things can happen. A WR, K, or whatever so, it depends on guys available.
And that QB scenario wasn’t realistic, it was just the “anything can happen” thing.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 12:44 PM EST up reply actions
After all
Peyton is FA next year. We may have to prepare for the future.
/Horror joke mood off
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
lol
Painter is the QB for the future. Remember him against the Jets and the Bills? Truly awesome…played even better than Peyton.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
3rd
I hope the Colts can get Arenas at the end of the third, but he’s been rising so he might not be there. He’ll probably be the last of the really good CB/KR(or PR) guys available, so if they don’t get him, they’ll have to probably get a return-only type. But I wouldn’t write him off as another TJ Rushing. He’s good in zone, and he’d be good enough to play nickle for us.
"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"
No thanks
Guys, Arenas is too slow, and short. Two things the Colts need from a new CB is size and speed. He couldn’t even run with receivers at the Senior Bowl, and they are not even close to the top NFL guys… We will see at the Combine, who is fast. Only 4.45 40 or better is acceptable. Why? Jackson – slow, Hayden – slow, Powers – OK, Lacey – we will see after he bulks up.
Which of those CBs
make you think the Colts value speed over everything in CBs?
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
...
The problems with the current group are clear. Why another one from the same mold? Coyer had to run so much zone and cover-2, because Colts CBs can’t run (even Keyunta Dawson was faster than Hayden running after Frank Gore). The next step is another CB with speed and man coverage skills.
"even Keyunta Dawson was faster than Hayden running after Frank Gore"
LOL. That was kinda depressing
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
So you want to change our defensive scheme?
That sounds very wise.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
No
No, drafting a bigger, faster CB only means, he can match up better with DeSean Jacksons, Brandon Marshalls, whoever he faces. And it also means, Coyer can have more freedom calling the coverages. The Colts system has every kind of coverage in it, they just can’t use them, because they lack the skills.
the Colts scheme is still a base cover-2
that’s why they run so much of it. Deep threats are handled by the safeties deep.
and that 4.45 40 you want is exactly what Hayden ran at the combine
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=54052&draftyear=2005&genpos=CB
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Feb 18, 2010 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
...
That was in the RCA dome, which was faster. And his knee and hamstring issues might have slowed him down. He had a bad year, and was beat deep many times, even if no pass was completed…I find 4.45 acceptable, not good. Jennings, Rushing and Lambert are the only ones on the Colts roster, who run better, than 4.41. They just can’t cover.
Size isn't something
the Colts care about too much. However, we do need fast corners…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Al Davis?
Is that you?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
I think so
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
First off
Alabama punt returner Javier Arenas ran into the SEC record books with two returns for 67 yards — one being for 56 in the third quarter — for 1,725 career punt return yards. It breaks the record held previously by Vanderbilt’s Lee Nalley, who had 1,695 yards from 1947-1949. Arenas now ranks second in NCAA history, behind Wes Welker of Texas Tech (2000-2003), who compiled 1,761 yards.
You don’t do that^^ by being slow.
Second, I don’t know if you have noticed, but Bill Polian loves drafting small defensive players. Especially CB’s. Arenas would fit in just fine here in Indy and I, along with MANY of us here, would LOVE to see Javier in Blue and White. With the field position he could help give Manning, the Colts would be just that much better.
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Actually, with good field position
The Colts O would be unstoppable. Both last year and this year, against the Chargers and the Saints respectively, field position was key for the outcome of the game.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
With just a little help
from blocking Javier can make that happen. Even with our blocking now, I think he would be an upgrade from Simpson/Rushing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaVyEqlMQdk
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Alabama's special teams blocking was worse than our's
He’s that damn good.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
I hope that translates well to pro talent.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
It will
Arenas’ vision is amazing. He doesn’t even have to run at full speed because he picks out the wholes so quickly. He’s the anti-Simpson.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
You sold me with the anti-Simpson line.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
Yep
Some of Arenas’ returns make Devin Hester’s vision look like Chad Simpson. I think Arenas could be the best returner in the league right away with his vision.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
Well,
I’m drooling now. Oh, to have a great returner….
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Feb 19, 2010 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
Besides Arenas,
who is a worthy KR in this years draft?
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
Have to say, there are too many holes to fill, so KR seems unimportant to me. It’s not like Cribbs could do a lot more with the same blocking… But for example Akwasi Owusu-Ansah had 5 return TDs this year. Averages nearly 30 yards on kick returns and is a good CB too, but played in Div II. A few 1-2 rounder CBs could return kicks too, but I haven’t seen many high Colts draft picks play ST.
holes like
OT, DE depth, and…?
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
OT, RG, 3rd DE, UT, LB, S (Either Bullitt or Sanders will be gone after the 2010 season; Fransisco is bad)
You're missing a water boy huh?
I don’t consider we have that many holes but you didn’t put WR, QB or RB.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
*but AT LEAST you didn't put WR, QB or RB
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
What holes?
The Colts need O line and Special Teams Mainly a returner. Basically everyone from last seasons team will be back. Minus Baskett. They need O line that can run block. Gonzo, Sanders, Hagler, all the others on IR will be back. I think this team is just fine as far as “holes” go.
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Baskett won't return? We're doomed...
Seriously, It’ll be very exciting to watch Coyer with Bobzilla, Hagler, Jackson and without Jennings…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
I see some
3 saftey sets with Sanders, Bullitt and Bethea
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
that would be awesome
I would hate to see Bullitt on the bench. Actually, the next jersey I get depends on wether Melvin remains a Colts or not.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
He will
no doubt. He will be a RFA so chances he goes anywhere are slim to none. The Colts will do what it takes to keep him.
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
Would be a reach in the first and wouldn’t fall to the late 2nd. Banks from Kansas State and Holliday from LSU are two return-only guys who would be around in the later rounds.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
I don't think Arenas would be STs only. He has very good zone cover skills and as mentioned is a good tackler
I think he could be a great nickelback to go with returns and ST coverage.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
That's what I was wondering.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
Also
We always seem to be hit by injuries in the secondary so 3 CBs is not enough.
We need depth there.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
How many others do you know?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
Actually three
I worked with them and they were all very smart and thoughtful. Polite too. Their families would come to company events and they all seemed the same way.
What do you do?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
So you have a lot of power then......
Interesting…..
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
My other response that I was considering
was asking you what company you worked for, but then I realized you probably wouldn’t be able to answer that.
So I went with the joking response.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
Yes we are
:-)
(Although I have run into this weird tribe called something like “Pats fans” on our Danish football forum.)
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Feb 18, 2010 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
It's best to not approach them.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: I miss football already.
Arenas wouldn't be STs only
I think he could be a better nickelback than Hayden or Lacey possibly.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
Hayden
I thought he had a below average to poor year, especially considering his sizeable contract that he recently signed. His coverage skills are growing worse and his lack of speed and sudden lack of tackling is discouraging.
I agree Arenas would help in more areas than just KR, but KR is an area that this team has needed to improve for some time now and has cost them in recent years.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
I agree about Hayden
this year…his coverage was a soft as Jennings. I kinda attributed that to his injury, though. At least that’s what I like to tell myself.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Feb 19, 2010 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
Devin Moore
Here’s another name to keep in mind as a possible returner. He signed a futures contract with the Colts already. He’s a small, fast running back. Sounds like he’s a much better kick returner than punt returner though. Here’s some good information:
I hate when the guy poses for the profile pic
like he was a friggin rapper…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Feb 18, 2010 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
"Could improve his vision"
No he won’t be a returner for the Colts. That’s what has doomed Chad Simpson. Arenas’ best attribute is his vision. Moore would only be a good kick returner with good blocking.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
+1 million
Arenas is a perfect fit for this team and he would be an immediate impact player, a difference maker on a team that is ready to go back to the Super Bowl.
I’ve heard 2nd round out of this guy, but I would be willing to take a chance at the end of the 1st round because that is how much I like him.
I also like Rolle (the Rhodes scholar) if he is available in 2nd or 3rd round and Arenas isn’t available.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
I LOVE ROLLE
Amazing size and speed. He’s dedicated to football as he showed by working out with the Oxford rugby team every morning at 6 while he was over there. He’s got great character and tons of potential. I might take him over Arenas.
"I find a duck's opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread."
-Mitch Hedberg
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Stampede Blue
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Mark Sanchez’s rumored squeeze, Kate Upton, is on cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue
- ‘Twould be a shame if Hines Ward didn’t retire a Steeler
- Video: Tim Tebow asked to Military Ball by Louisiana Airwoman
- We’ll see how Brandon Jacobs’ football skills translate to the squared circle
- Bill Belichick wore a hoodie to a golf tournament
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
