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The Indianapolis Colts brought in players based off of how well they fit with the team's scheme while addressing weaknesses on the depth chart. The prospects the drafted certainly have the potential to become regular starters in the NFL.
Unfortunately, no draft prospect is perfect.
Each pick has a thing or two they need to work on. No player has come out of the draft as a perfect player, but with time and development these guys can make big contributions to this team.
With that being said, let's go ahead and take a look at where each of these picks must improve over the offseason.
Bjoern Werner
The misconception with Werner is that he is only a pass rusher. That is simply not the case, as he showed on film that he can play against the run as well.
As a pass rusher, there are still things that Werner needs to work on. Unlike some of the names like Ezekiel Ansah and Dion Jordan, Werner lacks impressive explosiveness off of the snap. At time he tends to jump straight up instead of exploding past the line of scrimmage. At the pro level, he will also need to become a more consistent tackler. Rather than just making contact, he needs to finish tackles to the ground.
Hugh Thornton
Technique is something that Thornton needs to work on. He's an aggressive offensive lineman, but he struggles to consistently do the fundamentals to make him an outstanding player.
When blocking against the bull rush, Thornton tends to struggle. He needs to learn to keep inside of guys that are bull rushing in order to control them. Balance is also an issue with Thornton, as he will be dominated by bigger guys in the NFL whenever he is off balance.
Khaled Holmes
Balance is a bigger concern with Holmes than with Thornton. Too often on film is Holmes falling over when blocking. He tends to overextend himself, which can be a big problem against a smarter defender.
Along with balance, Holmes needs to learn how to get lower to gain leverage. At 6'3'', this is a challenge for him, but he must work on finding ways to get underneath the other guy's pads. He also must work on recognizing blitzes, particularly when the defenses are trying to hide them.
Montori Hughes
The things that Hughes needs to work on aren't difficult. He has the size and strength to be a force in the NFL one day, but he needs to get his head on straight.
Several scouts and someone within the Tennessee-Martin program have told me that work ethic is a problem with Hughes. Since he played in a smaller program and already possessed NFL-caliber size, he felt he could get by in college. However, this is something that quickly needs to change, especially with Chuck Pagano as his head coach.
Stamina is a concern as well. He struggles staying on the field for an extended period of time, and needs rest on the sideline more often than teams would like.
John Boyett
One thing Boyett can't change is his height. As a 5'10'' safety not a lot of teams would even consider him at the position. The Colts liked the toughness in this guy, however, and decided to bring him in.
Although Boyett doesn't often give up big plays, he tends to let guys catch passes underneath him too frequently. He needs to learn to play a little more closely to guys in slot. Closing speed is something else he struggles with, especially against quick receivers.
Kerwynn Williams
Size is a concern with Williams as well, who is listed at 5'8'' as a running back.
Tiny guys are usually expected to be fast and explosive out of the backfield, but Williams is a guy that needs some space before he can get up to full speed. When running routes out of the backfield, he doesn't impress with making cuts. When staying in to block, it isn't pretty. Ball security could also be a concern.
Justice Cunningham
You can't knock Cunningham for not making big plays as a blocker. However, at this point that's pretty much his only strength.
Cunningham needs to become a better option in the passing game. He isn't an athletic tight end like some of the guys in the NFL, and his speed is something that needs to improve. His hands aren't impressive either. At this point, he seems essentially like a third offensive tackle rather than a threat to make plays with the ball.