Stampede Blue: All Posts by Evan Sidery

Post-Lottery Mock Draft Roundup: Pacers All Over The Board at 23

2013-05-24T02:27:29Z

Even though the Pacers are still waist-deep in the playoffs against Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals, the NBA Draft is just over a month away. At pick 23, Indiana will have a lot of good players still on the board at key positions they could address through the draft (backup point guard and power forward). Below is the roundup of all the latest mock drafts after the lottery.

Chad Ford's Mock Draft 3.0 (ESPN): Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga
Chris Mannix's Mock Draft 1.0 (Sports Illustrated): Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia
Jonathan Wasserman Post-Lottery Mock (Bleacher Report/NBADraft.net): Dario Saric, SF/PF, Croatia
Jonathan Givony's 2013 NBA Mock Draft (Draft Express): Shane Larkin, PG, Miami
Jonathan Tjarks's 2013 NBA Mock Draft (SB Nation): Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga

Any of these four players would come in and play a key role on the Pacers second unit. The most mentioned, Olynyk, would supplant Miles Plumlee as the third center on the depth chart. The two international prospects, Karasev, and Saric, would also come in and play at either the 3 or 4. Kevin Pritchard is known for his ability to scout international prospects, so it would not surpsise me a bit to see him take one on draft night. Then if D.J. Augustin leaves in free agency (looking more and more likely), then Shane Larkin could be taken to replace him. Larkin is much more explosive and has better ball-handling ability then Augustin.

All of these players all fit what the Pacers need off the bench, a reliable scoring threat off the bench. With a lot of the players in the second unit with expiring contracts, we could be in for another retooling of it this Summer as well. It will be interesting to watch how Ryan Carr (director of scouting) and Pritchard shorten down their prospect list as we inch closer and closer to June 27.

Once the playoffs conclude, be prepared for a lot of draft content on Indy Cornrows until Indiana is on the clock.

Stampede Blue Podcast: Ideas for a Name?

2013-05-18T18:10:55Z

This time of the year is the "dead" period of the NFL off-season. Brad Wells, Tyler Brooke, Josh Wilson, and I have thought of doing a podcast or Google plus hangout soon. We have thought of multiple names such as Stable Talk and Stampede Blue Crew Podcast. We are looking for a creative and fun name relating to the site. Also, with obvious ties to the Colts as well.

The podcast or Google plus hangout (whichever one) will last 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the length of topics and guests. I am looking forward to this, as are all the other writers on Stampede Blue. The dates and times are still unknown, but that will be solved later on.

Now, what will the name be? Express your thoughts on what you think the name of the podcast/hangout should be in the comments section below. If the readers agree on a name, I will pitch it to the rest of the writers and see if they also like it. This should be fun guys, I hope you will enjoy it!

2013 Colts Training Camp: Possible Training Camp Casulties

2013-05-16T15:11:32Z

Once the end of July-early August hits, the Colts will be heading to Anderson for this years training camp. Ryan Grigson, Jim Irsay, Chuck Pagano, and Jimmy Raye III all helped made significant upgrades to the roster for the upcoming season.

The Colts front office was determined to bring in competition for almost every starting spot on the team, and they certainly did that. Below, check out the names on the hot seat when we reach Anderson a few months down the road.

Weslye Saunders

It sounds like Mr. Irrelevant, Justice Cunningham was the star of rookie minicamp. He flashed the ability to be maybe the best blocking tight end on the team and even showed he is capable of being a reliable receiver. This leaves Saunders in a bad position come training camp.

Weslye was rarely used last season, even when Coby Fleener went down with an injury. If Cunningham can continue to show he has reliable hands for Andrew Luck, then there should not be a way that he does not supplant Saunders on the 53 man roster. Safe to say, if Saunders does not have a flawless camp, then he will be cut.

Ricardo Mathews, Martin Tevaseu, and Drake Nevis

By drafting Montori Hughes, these three become expendable. Hughes was being used at the 3-4 defensive end spot most of the time at rookie minicamp. Hughes also rotated in at nose tackle too last weekend. Mathews was used last year as a starter when Cory Redding went down with an injury last year. Tevaseu and Nevis were both in rotational roles last season. These three are mediocre, but Hughes could be a future starter.

Getting Hughes, Ricky Jean Francois, and Aubrayo Franklin along the defensive line means this trio is pretty much gone off the 53 man roster. One of them could still be placed on the practice squad, but with the young talent they added makes that unlikely as well.

Mike McGlynn and Joe Reitz

Drafting Khaled Holmes and Hugh Thornton in the third and fourth round put these two immediately on thin ice. Holmes could play guard, but looks like he will be playing center (started at center during rookie minicamp). Thornton played right guard throughout camp, which is Mike McGlynn's spot.

You do not draft offensive lineman that high to rot on the bench for many years, you draft them to play right away. It sounds like Holmes and Thornton will both be doing that early on, meaning Reitz and McGlynn are in trouble. Likely only one would be released, but the question is who? Reitz and McGlynn could both be backups, but for money purposes could be gone. If one or both has a terrible camp, watch out for them getting the pink slip.

Donald Brown and Delone Carter

It will be one or the other possibly gone if Kerwynn Williams can show he can be a good running back along with his return abilities. Williams was the main returner throughout rookie minicamp and also played running back. I have been high on the Williams pick due to him bringing possibly a new wrinkle to the offense on third down. Kerwynn could be the team's Darren Sproles.

Usually, teams only keep three running backs on the roster. That means if Williams outperforms Brown, Carter, or both one could be gone. Brown does not really fit Pep Hamilton's offense at all, while Carter is only used in goal-line situations. Keep an eye out on this situation if Williams shines in Anderson.

Cassius Vaughn

Sheldon Price and Daxton Swanson both did well at rookie minicamp. It is unlikely but if one or both of the rookies outplay him, Cassius Vaughn could be cut loose. Vaughn played the number two spot over Darius Butler most of the season last year, before he was replaced by him late in the year. Now with Greg Toler, Butler, and possibly even Price and Swanson he might be on the hot seat.

Vaughn struggled in one-on-one coverage a lot last year. He was a pest to Colts fans due to his poor ability to cover as well. Fans might rejoice him getting cut, but it is unlikely. The Colts need as much depth as possible at the cornerback spot and Vaughn provides that.

Chandler Harnish

This also is another unlikely scenario, but it could happen. It is well known now that Matt Hasselbeck is the backup to Luck. Harnish is the third string quarterback, so the question is if the Colts will keep three on the 53 man roster. There is a lot of talent on defense, and that could force Grigson and Pagano to release Harnish. He would likely be picked back up right away and put on the practice squad.

If he is kept, Harnish would learn a lot from a veteran like Hasselbeck. Teams could be all over Chandler if he hits the waiver wire. If I was a betting man, I would say this has a low chance of happening but always keep your options out there.

Griff Whalen and Jabin Sambrano

This will be one of the more underrated battles at training camp. This will decide who will be the fifth wide receiver on the 53 man roster. Both are young and likely one would be put on the practice squad immediately after they are released. Whalen would be a good slot receiver, while Sambrano would be a good deep threat on Hail Mary-like packages.

Whoever wins this spot could be a key to the Colts offense this year. Whalen could fill the role Austin Collie left, while Sambrano could eventually replace Reggie Wayne as the number one wide out (I know it is a long shot). Both fit the West Coast Offense in specific packages. This should be one of the best battles for a roster spot in training camp, so keep your eye on this match-up.

Come August, all Colts fans' eyes will be on Anderson University to see how these camp battles play out. Who will be getting the pink slip during training camp?

Jim Irsay Hinting At Colts Signing 6'9" 419 Pound Strongman, Hafthor Bjornsson

2013-05-13T14:58:27Z

Jim Irsay is once again tweeting about a possible free agent signing. This is not no ordinary signing though. It's a 'wopper' of a different kind.

Irsay sounds like he is hinting at signing Hafthor Bjornsson, an Icelandic strongman. Here are the tweets below to make it much clearer for you all.

Off/Def Lineman,so many 6-3 to 6-7..320-365 lbs/Big,Physical and Nasty! Speaking of size/strength..GM Grig's just might sign "The Icelander"
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 13, 2013

This 6-9..419 lbs..."The Icelander"...for $200 n Colts T-shirt n Cap...who is this 23 year old Monster Strong Man? 1 guess only by 3pm EST
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 13, 2013

Abby's hatpick for ties....I like him at Nose/3-4 Def...if he can demonstrate enough knee bend at 6-9
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 13, 2013

Bjornsson is 24 years old and recently finished 3rd in the 2012 World's Strongest Man competition. Before becoming a strongman, he was a basketball player. Unfortunately, a knee injury injured his basketball career.

If he can actually come in and make an impact at training camp, I think Bjornsson could push for a roster spot. I mean who would not want to have a strongman from Iceland on their team? We now have Bjoern Werner and Hafthor Bjornsson along the defensive line.

Lets hope that Hafthor could use his strongman mentality and push centers straight back into the quarterback. If Grigson found another diamond in the rough like Jerrell Freeman, then I will applaud Grigson for days.

I am loving the international flavor, Ryan Grigson!

Stampede Blue Draft Grades: Indianapolis Colts Address Some Needs, Ignore Others

2013-04-28T23:45:06Z

The perfect way to describe this draft by the Colts is in one simple phrase, "a meat and potatoes kind of draft." Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano addressed needs on both the offensive and defensive line. Adding a hard-hitting safety that Pagano compared to a 'buzzsaw' should help on special teams next season. Then, they added an explosive playmaker with return ability and a crucial blocking tight end in Pep Hamilton's three tight end sets. Overall, this draft will not win them any super bowls, but key glue players to help solidify the roster.

24) Bjoern Werner, DE/OLB, Florida State

Even though I had the Colts trading down with the Eagles and getting Bjoern Werner, I will still humbly brag that I got this pick right.

Werner fills a massive need to help the outside pass-rush. Outside of Robert Mathis, they had no legitimate options to take games over. Bjoern has one of the best snap anticipation/bursts in this entire draft. His powerful hands make it easy for him to shed blocks and closes very well on runners. The German product also is great at setting the edge to force running backs to cut inside. Another factor that could be crucial with Werner is his batted passes. He batted down seven for Florida State and I imagine Ryan Grigson would love to have someone to compare to JJ Watt in the AFC South.

In the 3-4 defense, Werner looks like he should be able to make the transition. He compares very well to Paul Kruger, who Pagano molded into a 3-4 edge-rusher in Baltimore. Robert Mathis and Werner could the new duo that wrecks havoc around the league for the next few years. I absolutely loved this pick for the Colts.

86) Hugh Thornton, OG, Illinois

There were many great prospects available at 86, but Hugh Thornton was the pick here. I did not like the pick at first, but after more research I am starting to like it a little more.

Thornton is expected to be an above-average pass protector in the NFL. He is great at setting a wide base, using his hands on defenders, and using a low pad level to blow defenders off the line of scrimmage. Pagano has been preaching the mantra of running the ball and stopping the run, Thornton should ensure that comes to fruition. He is very aggressive in the run game, always play to the whistle. Hugh has good feet that help his speed to help him get to the next level of the defense. His upper body strength will help him latch onto defenders, stabilize them at the line of scrimmage. In Pep's power run scheme, Thornton looks like a great fit at right guard alongside Gosder Cherilus.

Hugh lacks the movement to stay outside at tackle, but as mentioned he will become a guard on this team. The one issue is that he bends too much in pass protection. This could open him up to be an easy target for swim moves or spin moves. If he pans out, Thornton should be a day one starter at guard for the Colts.

121) Khaled Holmes, OC/OG, USC

Taking a center here this early surprised me a lot. Even though Samson Satele was one of the worst lineman last year, A.Q. Shipley looked like an eventual starter. By taking Khaled Holmes this early, the writing is on the wall that one of two will be gone after training camp.

Holmes is a true leader along the offensive line. He is cerebral enough to make changes along the lines, easily reads blitzes. He also gets after teammates that do not give their best effort, a definition of a true leader. Khaled has fast feet that help him accelerate to the second level, sustains blocks until whistle is blown. He is great for screen plays in which he can pull out and lead runners down field due to his size and feet as mentioned. Has powerful hands that can push the defensive lineman out of the hole. Holmes has a great anchor that helps him well in pass protection. Another great thing about Holmes is he's a great student, which should help on the field, He graduated with a double major of classics and communication.

The only negatives on Holmes is that he does not play with great knee bend, overextends and ends up on the ground a lot. He attacks the lineman he is assigned to, but usually stays on him which opens up a free lane for a linebacker. Holmes projects as a starting center in the NFL. I expect him to battle Satele and Shipley for the starting spot during training camp.

139) Montori Hughes, DE/NT, Tennessee-Martin

I was surprised to see the Colts trade up, but for a guy like Hughes it is worth it. Coming in to the draft, he was one of he higher ranked run-stuffers. Getting another player to stop the run and clog up holes is what Pagano will need in his defense.

Montori Hughes has the build to become a key player on the Colts defense for years to come. He can either play at nose tackle or eventually replace Cory Redding at defensive end. For his size, Hughes is exceptionally fast. He holds his own against double teams, becoming a true space-eater. Hughes wrecks havoc up the middle by using a simple bull rush, forces quarterback out of comfort zone. Has powerful hands to rip off of blockers, also has quickness to chase down quarterback if freed off his man.

He has to learn to use his hands more to disengage off blocks. Also lacks closing speed to chase down runners. Hughes has questions about his troubled past (academic issues), but if he stays out of trouble he will be a steal. Outside of Werner, this pick was one I loved. He should come in and play a major role right away due to his pure ability.

192) John Boyett, FS, Oregon

Boyett is a true thumper on defense. As mentioned earlier, Coach Pagano called Boyett a 'buzzsaw', that means that he should bring an instant impact and intimidation on the field. I loved this pick, it's a high reward one if he pans out. He could be the eventual replacement to Antoine Bethea once he hits free agency in 2014.

He set the intensity on Oregon defense and is a tackling machine for a safety. Has range on downfield throws, takes aggressive angles to go for the ball. Boyett is not afraid to lay out for an interception or tipped ball. Very savvy defender who can read what is going on in the backfield. He always is in the middle of the action, once in on every play. Relentless on every play, grabs on to defenders legs to drag them and fights off blocks with quick hands.

John has major concerns with both his knees. He had surgery on both during this season and is currently rehabbing them. The Colts medical staff must have seen the injury as treatable and was not taken off their draft board. He sometimes is too aggressive, and might be called for a lot of penalties. Boyett should make an impact his first year or two on special teams. Then eventually, he should grow into a starting role down the road.

230) Kerwynn Williams, RB/KR, Utah State

Outside of the Werner pick (my highest grade), this is my favorite one. Kerwynn Williams will bring a Darren Sproles/Jacquizz Rodgers feel to the offense. His speed will be a major asset on third downs and in the passing game. Also as a returner, Williams should come in and start due to his blazing speed.

When running, Williams keeps the ball out of harms way with great technique. At Utah State, he was used in five receiver sets flexed to the outside. He loves to cut up the field on outside runs to use his speed to go around the corner. His running style is also surprisingly powerful. Williams is not afraid to run north and south to create contact. He is very reliable in the passing game and can be used on wheel routes, to exploit his matchup on a linebacker. Kerwynn makes the defender miss when he is up to full speed. His big play ability will be a major asset to the offense next season.

Williams does not have the ideal size for a running back at 5'8". He does not explode out of his stance, builds up speed. Kerwynn has questionable vision as a runner. Consistently taken down on first contact and is prone to fumbles. Whiffs on blocks a lot in pass protection. With the negatives on Williams though, he should be a major help on special teams. As a returner, he could take a few for touchdowns next season with his breakaway speed.

254) Justice Cunningham, TE, South Carolina

With the Mr. Irrelevant pick, I was expecting Grigson and Pagano to take a flyer on a guy like Da'Rick Rogers. Instead, they went with a blocking tight end in Justice Cunningham. He should battle with former Gamecock, Weslye Saunders for the third tight end spot on the roster.

Cunningham is a very good blocker. Most of the time, he acts as a third offensive tackle in most play packages. In protection, he has a powerful punch that slows down rushers off the edge. Surprisingly has a nice array of catching ability. Fakes out defenders by going out for screens after blocking for a few seconds. When he is thrown the football, Cunningham adjusts well to throws. His route running is also good enough for him to go across the middle at times.

Justice is not a great athlete. He is not very fast and not a big threat on passing downs. Cunningham lacks the height and length to be a playmaker. Mr. Irrelevant should compete for a roster spot alongside Saunders and Dominique Jones. It will be an interesting battle in training camp to see who gets the third tight end spot on the roster.

Final Grade: B

This was not a sexy draft, but one that will help in the trenches and special teams. Werner should come in and battle for a starting spot alongside Walden, or be used as a pass-rushing specialist his first year. Thornton and Holmes both are capable of starting on the offensive line from day one and fit the offense well. Hughes should also compete for a starting spot at nose tackle or be a key rotational player at both defensive end and nose. Boyett will be a key contributor on special teams and eventually grow into the starting spot if Bethea leaves in free agency. Williams also will be a Darren Sproles-like player for the offense and an instant impact as a kick returner. Finally, Cunningham should be able to fight for a roster spot to be on the field as the main blocking tight end in Pep's three tight end sets.

This draft was not perfect, but warrants a B with how the players will be put into their expected roles. What are your thoughts on my draft grade and the draft overall for the Colts?

While The 2013 Draft Rolls On, The Denver Broncos Poach OLB Shaun Phillips

2013-04-27T20:04:37Z

After drafting Bjoern Werner, there wasn't really much of a need for the Colts to dip their toes into the free agency market. However, the Denver Broncos lost defensive end Elvis Dumervil this offseason. In an effort to replace Dumervil, Denver has signed OLB Shaun Phillips (a favorite of our own Brad Wells), taking him off the free agent market. Denver addressed the inside of their 4-3 by drafting Sylvester Williams, but they needed another pass-rusher on the outside.

Phillips has always played standing up, but for Denver he will have to put his hand into the ground. The intrigue is that he will have to put his hand in the dirt on almost every play. With this signing, Dwight Freeney and John Abraham are likely not options for the Broncos anymore. This makes the signing of Phillips even more intriguing for the massive matchup on October 20th between Indianapolis and Denver.

The former San Diego Charger could have been a nice, cheap signing for the Colts. He has worked with defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, he obviously knows the defense, and is very good friends with Robert Mathis.

If the Colts would not have drafted Bjoern Werner, I would have been clamoring for a free agent signing like Philips. Werner fills the need that Phillips would have been signed for. Getting younger talent for the long term would be better then signing a veteran for the short me.

For me, I like the Bjoern Werner pick over a possible Shaun Phillips contract signing.

2013 NFL Draft: Teams Go On Quarterback Run In 4th Round

2013-04-27T18:58:39Z

As Brad Wells already stated that the Eagles traded up for Matt Barkley at the beginning of the fourth round, there has been a run on quarterbacks ever since. It all started when the Giants surprisingly traded up to get Syracuse quarterback, Ryan Nassib. After Nassib, Tyler Wilson and Landry Jones were shortly taken afterwards.

New York took my second rated quarterback in Nassib. Outside of David Carr, the Giants obviously had a major need at the backup spot. Some felt Nassib could have gone in the top ten to Buffalo. Once Nassib slipped past Buffalo again at 41, then we all expected him to slip pretty far afterwards.

Nassib could be in an Aaron Rodgers or Matt Cassel situation in the Meadowlands. He could eventual start five or so years down the road, or he could be groomed and eventually traded for picks. Ryan could have started from day one, but he is in a great spot behind Eli Manning.

Oakland and Pittsburgh addressed their backup quarterback needs by taking Wilson and Landry respectively. Both Wilson and Jones were projected to go in the third to fourth round of the draft. They will go to spots where they will not play right away. Sitting behind guys like Matt Flynn (Wilson) and Ben Roethlisberger (Jones) could do some good for both of them.

If either of their starting quarterbacks go down, both of these guys could step in and play well. Wilson was my fifth rated quarterback, while Jones was right behind him in the sixth spot.

2013 NFL Draft: Colts Address Need At Pass Rusher With Werner

2013-04-26T03:49:04Z

Ryan Grigson, Chuck Pagano, and the rest of the Colts staff truly went the best player available route tonight. Many teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills reached for prospects which helped the Colts land their man. At pick 24, the Colts took OLB Bjoern Werner out of Florida State.

The biggest need entering the draft was a pass-rusher and they addressed it right out of the gate with Werner. I imagine Grigson and Pagano imagine they want to mold Werner into a hybrid of J.J. Watt, Paul Kruger, and Jarrett Johnson. All three of these players either have wrecked havoc on Indianapolis or have Pagano connections.

Werner earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 42 tackles and 13 sacks. The transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 for him will be interesting to watch. Bjoern has the frame (6'3, 266 pounds) to become an OLB in Pagano's system though.

The german-born product will come in and play an immediate role. He will be a pass-rushing specialist in his first year, but eventually will replace Robert Mathis down the line. Werner can also sub-in for Erik Walden on third downs on the opposite side of Mathis.

Right after the Colts selected Werner, Grigson and Pagano held their post-pick press conference. Here are the quotes below provided by Kevin Bowen of Colts.com.

Pagano: "He's a dynamic pass rusher. We knew we needed to address that. He was the higheset rated player on the board at the time."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) April 26, 2013

Grigson said that him and Pagano went down to Florida State to work Werner out. He can play both SAM and RUSH linebacker.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) April 26, 2013

Grigson on Werner's film: "He's the first guy off the ball every down. His closing speed is excellent on the film."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) April 26, 2013

Also, here is Grigson and Pagano talking about the Werner pick in the video below from 1070 The Fan's Conrad Brunner.

I love this pick folks. It fills a massive need and gives the Colts an immediate weapon on defense. What is everyone else's thoughts on the Werner selection? Did you like it?