2011 NFL Mock Draft: Once Again, The Colts Go Stephen Paea

by Brad Wells on Jan 19, 2011 12:03 PM EST in NFL Draft

Offensive line is indeed the top priority. Bill Polian, in his 'new' capacity of being more involved in personnel decisions, will not be greeted by warm hugs and generous smiles if he walks out of the draft room in April announcing that the Colts have taken a wide receiver.

But, if Polian walks out and announces that the Colts have taken defensive tackle Stephen Paea, I agree that such a pick would indeed help this football team. Apparently, Dan Kadar at Mocking The Draft, SB Nation's NFL Draft blog, also agrees.

See his pick after the jump...

22. Indianapolis Colts - Stampede Blue

Stephen Paea | Defensive tackle | Oregon State: In the ideal situation, Indianapolis would take the best available offensive lineman. However, players like Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo or Gabe Carimi don't have a lot of value here. Instead, Paea would be a great choice. He can play the one- or three-technique for the Colts and give them the kind of big body they don't have up front.

Good pick for the Colts here, especially considering Derek Sherrod was taken the pick before by the Kansas City Chiefs. Though Sherrod to the Chiefs makes little sense (they have Branden Albert at LT), if Sherrod is gone by no. 22 and Paea is still there, taking Paea is a no-brainer.

Of course, the Colts could also trade down and get someone like Castonzo or Carimi later in the first. But, overall, if the Colts walked out of Round One with Stephen Paea in their pocket, I'd feel good.

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I like the guy also

He is so strong. He will not get blown off the line on any given play. After his adjustment to the speed of the NFL, he will command double teams from olines which will give Freeney, Mathis and Fili one on ones with Olines. Teams will be forced to put tigh ends and running backs to block on every down. Love the idea. Not only that but this will dramatically help the run defense.

18>12

by metallicolts on Jan 19, 2011 12:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions

If Paea is this good…there is no chance he is there for the 22nd pick.

by moocow on Jan 19, 2011 12:41 PM EST reply actions

I agree with you...

I’d be shocked if he fell to us.

by Scallywag on Jan 20, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

Wiesnewski??

How can Penn State’s Stefan Wiesnewski (sp?) not be a 1st round pick?? I’d love to see that beast end up in Indy, hes a much needed mauler at guard!

by bigpony on Jan 19, 2011 12:46 PM EST reply actions

I don’t like this pick at all and I’m surprised BBS endorses it as well considering how much you hate the Hughes pick after less than a year (although you liked it after he was drafted). This is a pick that isn’t going to have an immediate impact on the team and certainly wouldn’t put them over the hump as far as Super Bowl aspirations go. I’d be much more inclined to take a chance on a lineman in the first or secondary help (where the real problems are).

by KingRichard on Jan 19, 2011 1:55 PM EST reply actions

past is prologue...

"I've never seen a supernova blow up, but if it's anything like my old Chevy Nova, it'll light up the night sky" -Philip J. Fry

by Marked Hoosier on Jan 19, 2011 2:13 PM EST up reply actions

I agree…particularly with the idea that this pick likely won’t have an immediate impact.

I don’t think a 1st round pick NEEDS to have an immediate impact. They don’t talk as much in the NFL about potential as they do in the NBA….

I’d rather a player that has to sit and learn but then becomes great then an average player who is ready to start as a rookie but never gets better. Sometimes that is the choice NFL personnel people have to make.

by moocow on Jan 19, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

Polian's Comment

Heard Bill Polin on the radio last night say he was happy with the Colt’s defense. I bet the Colts draft on the offensive side of the ball in 2011. Going back to the old strategy…Out score your opponent and play prevent defense.

by team colts on Jan 19, 2011 3:39 PM EST reply actions

What Polian says about the draft and does about the draft are two separate things

Smokescreens and such. Don’t base your mock on what he tells you.

by Naptime! on Jan 19, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, Polian lies a lot between season's end and draft day..... Though, the rest of the year too.

by Ty46 on Jan 19, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions

You've become so depressing lately

by Naptime! on Jan 19, 2011 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not sure Sherrod is the only OT the Colts would consider.

They might trade back or something, but there are others. While Demarcus Love might be behind Sherrod as a LT prospect, he could start right away at RT, or G and immediately upgrade the line. Sherrod might need some time, to beat out CJ, and he is not that versatile.

by Ty46 on Jan 19, 2011 4:55 PM EST reply actions

Draft Needs

Enjoy this site because I always learn something. Also, legitimate criticism is tolerated/encouraged. As a Colt fan since 1958, it seems appropriate when they mess up to say so.
Here goes: For several years the draft/free agency was where Colts would finally solve line problems. It hasn’t happened. This makes no sense to me, because if you’re not solid up the center you have major problems. To put it another way, if our interior defensive line were stout it would be very difficult for someone to run the ball. I don’t see anyone running wide successfully with the speed we have on defense. Same story if we had solid run blocking. Right now Manning has to take too many risks because all we have is the passing game and the other teams know it. (See post on Jets’ defensive strategy)
Here’s my question: Has the relative weakness in the O and D lines contributed to the injury problems because LB’s DB’s RB’s (maybe receivers, I don’t know) have to take on lineman way more than they should? For example, people rave about Sanders “cleaning up” mistakes. Seems to me that sooner or later that has to take a toll. I’ll be looking for some analysis on this.

by Wolfman1215 on Jan 19, 2011 6:03 PM EST reply actions

I think the answer to your question..

is simply yes. If offensive lineman are consistantly getting up on safety and linebackers, that is wear and tear on smaller defenders. When looking to attain a stout run defense, you first must have a strong Nose Tackle. The Nose Tackle, contrary to some belief, doesnt have to be the biggest, fatest DT you can find. It just has to be someone who commands two blockers from the OLine. The Nose Tackle must eat up those blockers, shed them if possible, while still being able to maintain the one gap between the blockers. Honestly, if defensive lineman and linebackers maintain thier gaps, Running backs and Offensive Lineman dont get to “get downhill” on those safeties and linebackers. In recent years, the Colts have overpursued a lot of run plays while lacking a true strong Nose tackle. Those types of issues get your defenders blown up by charging offensive players. Sanders has had some freak injuries. I believe regardless of the situation, whether the defense was maintaining thier gaps/acquiring a solid nose tackle, Bob Sanders is always going to try to shoot through and deliver the blow. He hasnt been willing to change his style of play for the benefit of his own health.