It took over three hours for the Colts to eventually get on the clock on day three of the NFL Draft, but as soon as they did, it didn't take them long at all to make their selection. They took defensive end Jonathan Newsome out of Ball State with the 166th overall pick in the fifth round.
Newsome will likely move to an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense like the one the Colts run and will likely contribute initially on special teams and some pass rushing situations. He started out at Ohio State in 2009 and played there two seasons before being ruled academically ineligible (while he wasn't getting much playing time, either). He transferred to Ball State and sat out the 2011 season before playing two seasons there. In 23 games for the Cardinals he racked up 116 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass deflections, and 1 pick. He does have some off-the-field issues, however. Here's the NFL.com scouting report on him:
STRENGTHS
Very good edge burst. Has a long second step and attacks the edges with speed and leverage. Flattens down the line -- good lateral pursuit. Can get depth in coverage and spot drop. Flashes explosive striking ability as a tackler.WEAKNESSES
Strength-deficient and gets hammered in the box. Thin-legged and narrow-based. Too light to set the edge. Limited cover skills -- is tight in the hips and not natural moving in reverse or coming out of breaks. Immature early in college career.DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 5-6BOTTOM LINE
A 4-3 open-side speed rusher ideally suited for an elephant end or 3-4 Jack linebacker role. Is at his best rushing the passer and has shown improved maturity since departing Ohio State before the 2011 season.
Many fans wanted the Colts to take additional pass rush help in the draft, and that's what the pick of Newsome is, as well as a guy who can likely contribute on special teams. Several thought the Colts should have gone safety with this pick, but I'm not sure there were any safeties left that would beat out Delano Howell, so that would be a depth move too. There's nothing super exciting about this pick, but it's day three of the NFL Draft and teams are just looking for someone who can contribute, and if Jonathan Newsome can do that, then it'll be a good pick. I don't mind this one, as I think that Newsome could turn out to be a nice value pick for the Colts. But, as is always the case this late in the draft, it's anything but certain.
Colts Draft Picks:
Round 2 (Pick 59): Jack Mewhort, G, Ohio State
Round 3 (Pick 90): Donte Moncrief, WR, Mississippi
Round 5 (Pick 166): Jonathan Newsome, DE/OLB, Ball State
Round 6 (Pick 203):
Round 7 (Pick 232):