Something To Think About

by radtad on Feb 9, 2011 10:25 PM EST

The selection of Jerry Hughes has become a polarizing one and one that is generally seen as a poor choice at this site. The facts are:

1. His production was non-existent this season. No question.

2. It's far too early to completely trash any draft pick after only one season.

Fili Moala was impressive this year after doing next to nothing for the Colts last season.

This year's playoff hero BJ Raji did very little(14 GP/1 GS/1 Sack) for the Packers in his rookie season and is now a key cog in their 3-4 Defensive attack.

For the Steelers, Lawrence Timmons had 11 tackles and 0 sacks in his rookie season before increasing those numbers to 65 tackles and 5 sacks in his sophomore campaign.

Ziggy Hood had 8 tackles and a sack his rookie season and then increased that production to 20 tackles and 3 sacks this season.

These are off the top of my head and with the Super Bowl still fresh on everyones mind. I realize these comparisons aren't necessarily "apples-to-apples" but they're all recent defensive draft picks for successful teams that made incredible strides in their second seasons after being next to invisible behind veterans as rookies.

It's also important to keep in mind that every draft pick is a project. Every player is expected to progress as they gain experience at each new level of footb all. Jerry Hughes will be no different. At TCU he played in Dick Bumpas's 4-2-5 scheme. A 4-2-5 DE fulfills different gap responsibilities and techniques with one fewer LB behind him than in the Colts typical 4-3 alignment. The Joker position is also new to Hughes as he rushed exclusive from the edge in a three point stance at TCU. Read: This equates to an adjustment period for a rookie behind two Pro Bowl DE's.

For those pining for Rodger Saffold, I'd remind you that you cannot just "plug and place" guys in the NFL. Bill Polian is on record as saying he and the Colts brass viewed Saffold as a RT at the NFL level. This is no doubt where he would have got his initial shot in Indianapolis. Would he have been able to pick up the Colts Offensive scheme quickly enough to unseat Ryan Diem? (Diem, by the way has 10 seasons and 139 regular season starts under his belt for the Colts) Where then would Saffold have gotten reps? Also keep in mind that Sam Bradford registered 5.95 YPA this season, a bottom 3 figure in the entire league and a direct reflection of the Rams short drop, West Coast system. Peyton Manning's YPA was 6.92, nearly a full yard more and a direct reflection of the extra time needed in pass pro for route development in the Colts system. Had Saffold even cracked the line up, would he be able to hold up in protection in the Colts more complex scheme?

I'm not saying Saffold is a poor player or even that he couldn't have been successful in Indianapolis. However, there's no guarantee he would have seen the field over the veteran Diem and success in one system does not necessarily translate to success in another.

Finally, what kind of production did we really expect from Hughes this year? As the third end and pass rush specialist I'm sure we would certainly have liked to have seen him on the field a bit more. But the stat that keeps getting thrown around here is that Hughes only had 6 tackles. In 2009, Raheem Brock who had 8 years of experience in the Colts Defense, registered 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Better production sure, but with much more experience with the Colts and in the NFL in general. How about Brandon Graham? He was viewed as a great fit for the Colts scheme prior to the Draft as well but went 15 selections ahead of Hughes. Graham registered 12 tackles and 3 sacks for the Eagles this season and didn't start a game. Is this outstanding production? Would 3 sacks drastically change your perception of Jerry Hughes and subsequently Bill Polian going forward?

For what it's worth I have yet to read one article on Graham being the reason the Eagles got put out in the Wild Card Round of the Playoffs this season. Nor have I heard the cries of Eagles fans (or bloggers) looking to give their GM the boot because they selected a situational pass rusher with their 1st round pick.

Make your own conclusions, think for yourself, and as always, 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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Nice post. Rec'd.

I would say though that the displeasure with Hughes is not his lack of stats, but lack of playing at all. As a fan, I would rather see him get on the field a lot, and have no stats. That at least shows that the coaching staff has some faith in him.

However, you’re completely correct in saying that he wasn’t the reason we lost in the playoffs. And that we shouldn’t be bashing Polian for it. If I recall correctly, most of the people lamenting about the pick now loved it a year ago. Hughes is far from “bust” status as of now anyway.

Peyton Manning- Screwing over Defensive Coordinators since 1998.

by JesusNinja13 on Feb 9, 2011 11:31 PM EST reply actions

Man, what a great article!

I too find it upsetting that everyone expects rookie studs because he is a first round pick but tell me someone please what exactly is the difference of a pick made at 31 and a second round draft pick? A bout two selections that’s it, so I don’t see much of a talent drop off, we are not talking top 10 pick here…jerry hughes will be just fine and I’m happy to have him in blue and white

Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala, we used to make fresh coffee, right off the trees I mean. That was good. This is shit but, hey, I'm in a police station.

by TouchdownColts on Feb 10, 2011 12:16 AM EST via mobile reply actions

The Hughes outrage is ridiculous.

I dont hear it out in the real world, just in the blogosphere.

Nice comparison to Brandon Graham and the Eagles fan reaction. And they are pretty rough.

The Idea that the 31st pick must be a starter/contribute is laughable. After this article (well done radtad) I intend to ignore the Hughes stuff until sometime next season. Until then its just a lotta hot air.

So on the 18th day God created the Quarter Back, and his name is Peyton Manning. And thank the Lord he plays for the Polianapolis Colts.

"Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself. It is a hallmark of an authoritarian regime." - Potter Stewart

Again, just my opinion. - The Oracle at Delphi.

by NoCuddleOffense on Feb 10, 2011 12:18 AM EST reply actions

You choose....

Dwight Freeney….. Robert Mathis……….. Or Jerry Hughes? No wonder the guy didnt have a chance to play or “produce” you might wanna think back to Green Bay drafting Arron Rodgers…He wasn’t gonna sit down Brett Farve then and wasnt expected to, he was drafted to do just what he did, learn and be Brett’s replacement, which for the thinking impaired out there means…. Jerry Hughes was drafted to learn and SOMEDAY replace Freeney or Mathis…. not gonna happen this year or next…………….

by BIG JOHN D on Feb 10, 2011 1:37 AM EST reply actions

Great Fanpost

I, for one don’t consider Jerry Hughes a bust nor a disappointment, I wont call him a bad draft pick but a pick we truly didn’t need, when you’re playing behind two Pro Bowl sack monsters, most likely a rookie DE will never ever see the field.

But I feel that Hughes should have got more playing time during rotations, how many times have we seen the uselessness of Keyunta Dawson this season? Alot more than we bargained for.

I think down the road, Jerry Hughes will be a monster on field the same way the aforementioned players in this article was. I have faith in this kid

GO COLTS

Colts fan since Tony Dungy's 48th Birthday.

by ColtsFan504 on Feb 10, 2011 3:46 AM EST reply actions

'Fili Moala was impressive this year after doing next to nothing for the Colts last season.'

No, he wasn’t.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.

by Brad Wells on Feb 10, 2011 8:01 AM EST reply actions

Yes he was. He was 10x better this year than his rookie year and way better than Dan Muir.

by DFree on Feb 10, 2011 8:56 AM EST up reply actions

Fili impressed himself on opposing guards impressively.

He impressed me and many others. I know it sucks that one of Polian’s high picks has developed. But I`ll take it.

Again, just my opinion. - The Oracle at Delphi.

by NoCuddleOffense on Feb 10, 2011 9:53 AM EST up reply actions

You nailed it

It hurts his argument against all things Polian to admit that Moala was camping out in the offensive backfield.

by Naptime! on Feb 10, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

ROFL

Fili was a force to be re-conn with. He was often in the backfield greeting runningbacks. He constantly forced the rb’s to change direction with the penetration he was getting. Sucks that polian was right huh?

by DrMustache on Feb 10, 2011 12:32 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks for the blanket statement, BBS

Great post, Radtad. Rec’d.

by stopthenonsense on Feb 10, 2011 8:51 AM EST reply actions

WATCH HUGHES PLAY

Forget about stats. Forget about lack of playing time. Forget about the kickoff return.

When/if preseason games come around, keep an eye on #92 when he lines up at Defensive End. Watch him go up against the opponent’s 2nd & 3rd string tackles & tight ends— watch Jerry Hughes get MANHANDLED by ANYBODY they put out there.

If you actually watch Jerry Hughes play, you will agree that he is definitely an NFL bust.

by slice60 on Feb 10, 2011 11:47 AM EST reply actions

are we predicting the future now?

by caldwellmotivatesME on Feb 10, 2011 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

Am I predicting the future?

Yes & no.

I’m telling you what I saw in THE PAST (2010) & predicting that Hughes will continue to stink in the FUTURE (2011-2011 I hope). When the Colts get smart & cut him, Hughes will NOT get signed by another team & will NEVER play another down in the NFL.

It sounds like I’m being too cruel. But I’m just being truthful. I watch every Colts game twice & made a conscious effort to watch #92 when he played D. If someone attempted to block him, Hughes simply locked up with the guy & they danced until someone else made the tackle. When he did get a QB pressure, it was because the O-Line screwed up & didn’t even attempt to block him. Still, he wasn’t able to make the sack.

Hughes is terrible.

Wasted pick.

Wasted money.

by slice60 on Feb 11, 2011 10:29 PM EST up reply actions

How do you watch and rewatch every colts game?

I don’t have a DVR or whatever and would like to know where or how you watch the games.

by RamblinWreck7 on Feb 12, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions

There's a few websites that you can get the TV tape.

Peyton Manning- Screwing over Defensive Coordinators since 1998.

by JesusNinja13 on Feb 12, 2011 1:08 AM EST up reply actions

I've seen all of these stats before

and heard all the arguments. Comparing Freeney and Mathis to any DE duo in Colts history is absurd. When would you have liked to see Hughes on the field more?

by AnotherWriter on Feb 10, 2011 3:26 PM EST reply actions

Instead of Dawson.

He’s awful.

Peyton Manning- Screwing over Defensive Coordinators since 1998.

by JesusNinja13 on Feb 10, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

Granted:

Dawson is no mean competitor to overcome, but if we’re talking about outside, speed-rush situations, where Hughes is undoubtedly going to be deployed in the event a Pro-Bowl caliber DE goes down, when would it have been more effective to start a rookie than one of those other players?

I agree that some more production out of a first-round player would have been nice, but we aren’t talking about someone who was expected to come in, play the bulk of the minutes, produce out of this world, and then can’t carry the load (ie. Heyward-Bey in Okland). I just feel that some of the disappointment at lack of production needs to be tempered with reality, is all.

by AnotherWriter on Feb 10, 2011 6:43 PM EST up reply actions

Oh I completely agree on the lack of production.

I just think that he should be playing more. If not, either the coaching staff is at fault, or he is very underwhelming considering Dawson got a lot of snaps this year.

Peyton Manning- Screwing over Defensive Coordinators since 1998.

by JesusNinja13 on Feb 10, 2011 7:54 PM EST up reply actions

In all fairness

Hughes really shoulda had at least half a sack in that bengals game.

by Marrebou on Feb 10, 2011 6:01 PM EST reply actions

It's too early to say

IMO, no rookie should ever be labled a bust after one season, no matter how highly drafted or how horrible he was. I think that if he has an equally unproductive sophomore year, then they should start writing “bust” on his forehead

The Indianapolis Colts ARE going to be the 1st team to win a super bowl in their own stadium. 'nuff said.

by It'sAlways18 on Feb 10, 2011 6:06 PM EST reply actions

I totally agree on Hughes

For what it’s worth, a few sacks would have been huge. Statistically they seem unimportant, but a single sack for loss or caused fumble can swing the balance of a game. It probably would have nipped this bullshit in the bud and you wouldn’t have to write a well reasoned post to set everyone straight. I’m excited to see what kind of second year jump we get out of Hughes.

by caldwellmotivatesME on Feb 10, 2011 7:14 PM EST reply actions

The only problem is..................

All those players you suggested were STARTERS NOT BACKUPS like Jerry Hughes!!!

by RamblinWreck7 on Feb 10, 2011 9:36 PM EST reply actions

Nice story on Hughes. I really like the pick last year. I wanted a DE. When Freeney or Mathis was hurt we had little to no pass rush. Hughes was to spell them during the game and keep them fresh. Hopefully, Hughes and step in up in year 2 and keep the others fresh and provide a pass rush.

by Team2 DaBears on Feb 11, 2011 11:35 AM EST reply actions

Bust?

He did not see the field. Why would he? Freeney and Mathis played every game this year when has that happened? He was drafted to llearn the system and to replace either Freeney or Mathis. I think he will be a pro bowl player in his third year. Right when D-Free starts to decline and Mathis is gone. This is when his value will be defined.

by dave1251 on Feb 20, 2011 5:21 AM EST reply actions