Yes, The Colts Should Make A Waiver Claim For Ball State Alum Robert Brewster

Last year this time, before Coltzilla ever saw its first page view, blogger Brett Mock was a frequent poster here at Stampede Blue. In late March of 2009, he wrote The 'Ultimate' Colts Draft Preview, which was Brett's 'humble' way of saying he was awesome and had a pretty good idea of how certain players would fall within the order of the 2009 NFL Draft. In this preview, he wrote something about Ball State offensive lineman Robert Brewster:

Robert Brewster - OT - Brewster is known more for pass protecting, as he helped keep Nate Davis upright and helped solidify the line for one of the more dangerous offenses in the NCAA last year.  A high character guy who may still be around in the 7th round but has 6th round value and could also challenge Diem whilst being an immediately capable back-up.

Brett had Brewster going in Round Six, even though he would actually get taken by the Dallas Cowboys in Round Three. Despite Brett's Kiperesque prediction as to where Brewster would get drafted, his observations on the tackle from Ball State were strong and are worth noting because yesterday, for reasons as not yet explained, the Cowboys cut Brewster.

Brewster is now eligible to be 'claimed' on the waiver wire. This means teams with poor records have a better 'claim' to Brewster's rights (and his contract) than teams with better records.

Despite this, the Indianapolis Colts absolutely should make a claim for Brewster for no other reason than they need all the offensive line talent they can get, especially at the guard position (where Brewster played for the Cowboys this year).

Brewster's rookie season last year was cut short before it could even begin. He tore a pectoral muscle during OTAs that year, and the team IRed him before training camp started. In essence, 2010 is his real rookie year. So far, it hasn't gone swimmingly for him and the Cowboys who, like the Colts, have had serious offensive line issues this season.

NFLDraftScout.com (via CBS Sports) did this scouting report on Brewster prior to the NFL Draft in 2009:

Positives: Good initial quickness off the snap, lateral agility and flexibility for the cut block. Can get out and run to make blocks at the second level. Good initial pop. Can turn the defender and seal. Flashes some nastiness and looks to finish his opponent when he feels vulnerability. Bends naturally at the knees and eases out of his stance fluidly with the balance to mirror defenders.

Negatives: Operates out of the spread and is rarely asked to block out of a three-point stance. Inconsistent hand punch. Only marginal hand quickness. Will allow his hands to get outside the chest-plate when run blocking. Lacks the strength to consistently sustain.

At 6'4, 325 pounds, Brewster likely fits the build of what offensive line coach Pete Metzelaars likes in his linemen. The former-Ball State tackle can also play guard, which is a big plus in Indy's offensive system.

For me, it's worth making a claim, especially since Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard are so bad at the starting guard spots that I'd almost consider starting Mike Hart at guard an upgrade.