The quest for the missing Nose Tackle

by metallicolts on Jan 25, 2011 8:59 PM EST

For years, we Colts fans have been clamoring for a solid defensive tackle. A guy who can line up in between Freeney and Mathis and dominate at the point of attack. Let's take a dive into our options.

First and foremost, I believe the Colts should look to re-sign Mookie. He has been the most consistent DT on the team. He is the best against the run while still possesing the quickness needed to get to the QB. He would be a valuable asset to the defensive line for years to come.

I believe this is the year the Colts should decide to dive into free agency. There are a few DT's that could come in here and immediately contribute. The way too expensive, pipe dream thought of getting Haloti Ngata keeps me up at night. I should probably stop thinking about it and just go the hell to sleep because its never going to happen. Now on to a few actual possibilities. The next guy I have in mind is Tommie Harris. He has had some motivational issues. Having said that, this guy really turned it on in the begining of his career and in the last month and a half. Maybe it was the knee injury that slowed him down. He seems to be regaining his form. What better players than Freeney and Mathis to help motivate him. He would have a real shot at winning a championship here so I do believe Indy is a place he would like to play. I think he might enjoy the fact that if he comes to Indy, he is THE guy as far as the Colts DTs go. Brandon Mebane is another guy a lot of you have been talking about. He does seem like a real good fit for Indy. My question is at what price. What would it take to get him here? Remeber, we are about to drop the biggest contract in NFL history to keep Manning here. What about a guy like Anthony Hargrove? He seems to be a decent player who might not cost us a whole lot of money to get. Or should we hit the draft for another DT. Paea's stock may fall after his injury.

At any rate, we must do something about the DT situation. Muir is a servicable backup at this point. We need to fill that Nose Tackle spot with someone very quick and strong. Not just a 350 lber to clog up space. This defense relys on a lot of speed. It will be tricky to find just the right guy. I just hope we stumble across our "Warren Sapp" soon, or well be seeing a lot more of Peyton on the sidelines.

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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Comments

Albert Haynesworth

The Redskins only wanted a 3rd/4th rounder for him. If we cut or trade Diem, the cap room issue wont be a problem. Its not that unrealistic but I doubt Polian would do that since he usually rebuilds through the draft

by YeahItsDanny on Jan 25, 2011 10:10 PM EST reply actions

I second that emotion.

by Dito29 on Jan 25, 2011 10:13 PM EST reply actions

Sapp never played Nose

Semantics, sure. Either way, we need more consistent and dominate Defensive Tackle play. Fili played good in the UT role, not quite as good as Polian seems to brag about though. Muir played well in that role in the 2009 season, but doesn’t do well in the 1 technique role. Mookie is a much better solution for the 1 technique. Love Foster as a situational rusher.

I’m fine with letting Muir walk, doubt that’ll happen though ‘cause Polian loves him. Sadly, I don’t think they’ll retain Mookie which is a bad move in my opinion. I think Foster will be resigned to a 1 year RFA tender.

by GoHorse88 on Jan 25, 2011 10:17 PM EST reply actions

Rd 2-4

Sione Fua, 1-tech DT from Stanford. Athletic enough to play in the Tampa-2 and gets good penetration. Comes from Harbaugh’s 4-3. He’s on my radar, assuming the Colts pass on Paea.

by TrueBlue87 on Jan 26, 2011 12:28 PM EST reply actions

I thought Stanford ran a 3-4 last season?

Either way, could definitely be a 1 technique candidate for us in this year’s draft. Although, I’m a bigger fan of Jarvis Jenkins, DT – Clemson. Great run stuffer, plus some solid pass rush skills (Swim & Spin moves have been getting some OLinemen at the Senior Bowl per the reports).

by GoHorse88 on Jan 27, 2011 11:49 AM EST up reply actions

I'm pretty sure Stanford was a 3-4 last year

though Fua isn’t an immobile fatty at that NT spot so could definitely translate to Indy’s scheme.

I am a fan of Jenkins too, but a bit later than Fua.

Choke/Clutch is the fetishization of the small sample size.

"In science, 'fact' can only mean 'confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.' "- Stephen Jay Gould

by shake n bake on Jan 27, 2011 6:14 PM EST up reply actions

I think Fua could be a great fit

as long as he is around. I have a feeling Paea will go before we pick and Fua could possibly be around long enough. I love Jenkins, though. I think he’s a smart, strong pick and his physical attributes make him a great asset. He has been the big mover so far in the Senior Bowl coverage and I think for good reason.

by AnotherWriter on Jan 28, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

The answer is in the draft...

the DT that have been mentioned either have motivational issues or just won’t be available due to being franchised. The answer will be to trade up in the second for Marvin Austin from North Carolina. You will have to give up something but I’ve watched his play this past week and the guy is just could not be blocked. He commanded double teams and paired with Johnson would give us a nice push up the middle. We will see more in workouts but right now he’s projected MAYBE late first but more than likely a early second rounder. I keep hearing about Paea from Oregon but as much as mocks have him sliding I guarantee he will be long gone before the Colts pick.

But the main thing that will help the run defense is Coyer telling Free and Mathis not to go too wide on pass rushes since we’ve heard team after team say they just wait until they go wide to rush and run right in that gap.

by Straight Out The Burbs on Jan 27, 2011 11:42 PM EST reply actions

you mean this Marvin Austin?

Austin is currently under NCAA investigation for receiving improper benefits from agents as well as academic cheating. On September 1, 2010 he was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. He did not play in Week 1 of the 2010 college football season as he was ruled ineligible along with fellow Tar Heels Kendric Burney, Charles Brown, Michael McAdoo, and Robert Quinn.

Austin has as many issues as any of the FAs that scare you.

Choke/Clutch is the fetishization of the small sample size.

"In science, 'fact' can only mean 'confirmed to such a degree that it would be perverse to withhold provisional assent.' "- Stephen Jay Gould

by shake n bake on Jan 28, 2011 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

Remember Corey Simon

Only for half of our 13-0 ’05 season. The guy was rediculous and pushed the entire pocket into the qb. Dungy thought that was the best team the Colts have had. This is a position that if a stud is found, many defensive issues will cease….Damn polyarthritis.

by MakinitWayne on Jan 29, 2011 3:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions