With the 119th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft (Round Four), the Colts took Syracuse runningback Delone Brown.
This pick is the first head-scratcher so far in this draft. Unless the Colts have no plans to re-sign free agent Joseph Addai, they already have a ton of recent draft picks invested in the RB position. Addai was a first round pick in 2006. Donald Brown is another first rounder from 2009. Mike Hart is a very productive back (when healthy) taken in the sixth round back in 2008. In addition, there is popular and productive veteran Dominic Rhodes.
In 2010, Addai, Rhodes, and Hart all averaged over 4 yards a carry behind a very poor offensive line. The one back who did not play well, and really hasn't done anything since he was taken in the first round back in 2009, is Brown.
Delone Carter is a massive back. at 5'9, 222 pounds, he is a LOAD!
From NFP's Wes Bunting:
With this news, some might think that this is a threat to Mike Hart. I disagree. Hart can block and catch the ball very well. These areas are weaknesses for Carter, and they are still major issues for Brown. So, if the Colts dump Hart and keep both Carter and Brown, that really doesn't make much sense.
I see this move as a 'seeya!' to Brown. If not, then this was a bad pick that fills no needs. The Colts have just one more pick to go in the 2011 NFL Draft, and they have yet to get fill the much needed strong safety position. They also passes on Tadon Doss, WR from Indiana.
The Colts used their No. 22 pick on day one taking left tackle Anthony Castonzo from Boston College. Day two saw Indy snatch up Ben Ijalana after a trade with the Redskins in Round Two. The Colts then went on to take LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis in Round Three.