Off-Season Plans, The Draft

by YeahItsDanny on Jan 11, 2011 9:48 PM EST

The Colts, under Bill Polian, has always re-built through the NFL Draft. Although Bill's ability to find Gems late in the draft may be second to none, his recent early round picks have not developed as quickly, or as much as expected. We need a good draft to give Peyton the tools he needs to build the lead, and a defense that can help maintain it.

First Round:

Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-6. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.05.

Derek Sherrod is, in my opinion, the most well suited Offensive Linemen to the Colts offense. He is quick on his feet and explosive off the snap, making him a great pass blocker. He will rarely be beaten by a speed rusher, but however he only possesses average strength, making him vulnerable to hard bull rushes. Also due to his average strength, he is only an average run blocker, but he has the footwork and speed to help block the outside (which would work well for the Colts patented stretch play). He can always bulk up over the off season so I don't see this as that much of a problem. He also played in the zone blocking scheme in Mississippi State, so he will be quickly accustomed to the Colt's zone blocking scheme.

This would also allow Charlie Johnson to move back to Guard, his natural position. Two birds with one stone.

Second Round:

Muhammed Wilkerson*, DT, Temple
Height: 6-5. Weight: 301.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.

Muhammed Wilkerson is a good penetrator of the opposing line and would do well during passing downs, and could fill in for Fili Moala (with him penetrating and allowing Antonio Johnson to get the tackle) when needed during running downs. It also has becoming obvious (for me its been obvious for a while) that Daniel Muir sucks. Behind Mookie and Moala, there is really no depth for DT. This was shown when Mookie was out for the Jets game, and Muir had to fill in, the Colts Run Defense that showed up against the Jaguars, Raiders, and Titans was nowhere to be found. Drafting Muhammed would allow the Colts to get a good depth for DT. However, his technique is not fully refined and may take a season or so to perfect. I dont expect him to be an immediate impact, but will be useful in the long run.

Third Round:

Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College
Height: 6-4. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.

Polian has a track record of not keeping Linebackers, so I don't believe Clint Session will be offered a contract at the end of the season especially due to the emergence of Kavell Conner and Pat Angerer. Pat may be a possible elite linebacker, but Conner is only a capable backup. Herzlich was a previous Defensive Player of the Year for the ACC, and is a solid tackler and has good coverage skill and speed that the Colts value in a linebacker. He can hold his own with many slot recievers.

Mark Barron*, SS, Alabama
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.

Barron has good size and speed for the position, and can compete over the Starting Strong Safety position if Sanders is cut or traded. He is the hardest hitting safety in the 2011 draft, and is a solid tackler, making him a good run stopper. He is decent at underneath coverage and can keep players underneath him. Best of all, his durability and toughness is not an issue.

Round 4:

Titus Young, WR, Boise State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 170.
Projected 40 Time: 4.41.

This is the the final year of Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez's contracts. Also Austin Collie has had several concussions this season, and Pierre Garcon's is inconsistent. Peyton needs another reciever. He may lack size for the position, but he makes up for it with speed and precise route running. He can also be used as a Punt/Kick returner if needed, is a deep threat and provides extra depth to a stacked reciever corps. (Blair White is not a long-term option in my opinion).

Round 5:

Charlie Gantt, TE, Michigan State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 248.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.

Charlie Gantt is a great blocker that can be used during running downs and would help special teams blocking play. Also is a reliable pass-catcher. He will provide excellent depth to an already good Tight End core. Will serve a similar role to Brody Elridge.

Round 6:

Probably traded for Justin Tryon

Round 7:

David Arkin, G, Missouri State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 299.
Projected 40 Time: 5.22.

Has good size and speed, and can compete for depth during training camp.

Post any corrections that are needed to be made, any questions or any suggestions. Thanks. Go Colts.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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1: I’d be happy with Sherrod or Costanzo.

2: I think a better option here is Sione Fua. Wilkerson is a 3-tech DT not a 1-tech. The difficulty with 1-techs is the ones with the athleticism to play in the Tampa-2 are usually gone by the middile of the first round. Fua is a 1-tech with athleticism projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd. I think the value is there.

3: Either of these would work, but are of course dependent on how the contract situation works out. I think Session gets resigned because his injury really weakened his bargaining position and should allow him to resigned on cheap. Assuming some kind of deal is worked out with Bob and Bullitt, I’d say the best move here is for another OL

4: I question the logic of drafting a WR when the team has Wayne, Gonzo, Garcon, Collie, and White under contract for next season. That’s one of the most deadly WR corps in the league. Waste of a pick.

5: Again, not really sure TE is a need for a team so depleted along its offensive line. Eldrige performed very well for a rookie and Dallas and Jacob will both be back next year. The caveat to this may be how the team feels about Tom Santi

6/7: Just slip in the BPA at offensive line, probably guard. No matter which pick goes to Washington.

A few years ago Polian drafted 4 offensive linemen in one draft. I’d expect more of the same this year.

by TrueBlue87 on Jan 11, 2011 11:04 PM EST reply actions

Off-Season Plans, The Draft

Unless our offensive line is upgraded to great players, Peyton will be rushed to make a bad throw instead of getting enough time for the WR to run the routes & the holes for the run-backs just won’t be there. We need a better OL. Good post on your part.!

by Colts#1 on Jan 12, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions

Off-Season Plans, The Draft

by Colts#1 on Jan 12, 2011 10:08 AM EST reply actions

If we are going to take a linebacker in the draft

I would love to take Little Matthews in the 2nd round and a DT in the 3rd round

by cardsfan1 on Jan 12, 2011 10:15 AM EST reply actions

yeah thats exactly what i said !!!!!!!

Check out my fan post of lil matthews

by Session FF on Jan 15, 2011 4:59 PM EST up reply actions

I think Wilkerson is the 3rd best DT in the draft, if Fairley declares

And so, he won’t last that long.

At WR, I think you need normal size and great speed, or big size and good speed.

Gantt, I had in my mock a month ago. Obviously support a SS and OT.

by Ty46 on Jan 12, 2011 12:55 PM EST reply actions

Well

1. Sherrod is a better pass blocker, I’d prefer him.
2. Completely agree with you haha, I just wanted to get a good DT in the second round. Im not all that good with D-Line terms, but if most Tampa 2 DTs get taken in the first round, im assuming wilkerson would be more realistic.
3. I think the lines fine if we do this. Left Tackle in round 1, (move CJ to Left Guard), and sign Jared Gaither from Free Agency. Also Mike Pollak has been good football as of late, and I think the line would be fine with that lineup. The depth at safety/linebacker is more important.
4. Reggie/Gonzo are on the last season of their contracts, Gonzo wont be resigned if he gets reinjured this season, and I dont think Reggie will get a longterm deal due to his age. Garcon is inconsistent, White is slow (i dislike him cause all the rookie mistakes, hes deflected more passes than hayden :P), and Collie is our only dependable reciever currently but his concussions might serve a problem long term. Most recievers take atleast a season to get used to the Colts system and a player like Titus with speed AND route running, gives the colts many oppertunities such as another returner and another deep threat. Peyton can make any reciever great, especially if they have the precision at route running that he requires.
5. He would serve primary on special teams, and he has better hands than elridge. He is also thought to be a better blocker. I also want him on the Colts so Gijon Robinson can get out.
7.Agreed

by YeahItsDanny on Jan 12, 2011 9:15 PM EST reply actions

Also

@Colts#1 thanks, appreciate it.
@Cardsfan1 DT is a more needed position, We dont need an elite LB right now, just a good one that can provide depth.

And @Ty46
I see many mock drafts putting him around the 50th pick or so, give or take 5 spots. I think thats pretty reasonable for the chance of him avaliable. And with Peyton, all you need is route running and hands. If Brady can make Danny Woodhead and Wes Welker beasts, I think Peyton can do much more with him.

by YeahItsDanny on Jan 12, 2011 9:19 PM EST reply actions