Colts NFL Draft Prospects: Senior Bowl players to watch — South Roster

Senior Bowl week is nearly upon us as the practices start up on Tuesday. The Nation’s top Senior’s are beginning to arrive for a long week that will likely decide where they go in the NFL Draft. GM Chris Ballard and his scouts should have a close eye on this game as three of his first five picks last year played in this game (Darius Leonard, Tyquan Lewis, and Kemoko Turay).

Here are 10 players the Colts should be keeping a close eye on the South team. If you missed it, I already broke down 10 players to watch for the North team.

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10.) Isaiah Johnson, CB

School:

Houston

Size:

6’4” 204 pounds

Career Stats:

115 total tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 4 interceptions, and 12 pass deflections.

Fit with the Colts:

The Colts need more depth at corner. An interesting player to add who has a ton of upside is former wide receiver Isaiah Johnson. Johnson is a very athletic corner, even at 6’4”.

He has impressive burst out of his breaks and comes downhill with a ton of speed. He is still raw, as he is still learning the position, but he could be a nice developmental option.

Highlight:

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9.) Anthony Johnson, WR

School:

Buffalo

Size:

6’2” 210 pounds

Career Stats:

133 catches for 2,367 yards and 25 touchdowns. Averaged 17.8 yards per catch.

Fit with the Colts:

The Colts wide receiver room needs two major additions. It needs a high upside, athletic player who can stretch a defense to provide more open space for underneath weapons. It also needs what a player like Johnson brings to the table.

Johnson is not an elite athlete or the greatest route runner but he excels at finding soft spots in a defense. He wins with consistency and physicality. He has excellent hands and a good catch radius that would make him a great, dependable option for Andrew Luck.

Highlight:

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8.) Bruce Anderson, RB

School:

North Dakota State

Size:

5’11” 210 pounds

Career Stats:

418 carries for 2,431 yards and 17 touchdowns. Averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

Fit with the Colts:

While running back is a bit of a luxury for the Colts, they could use a short-yardage back who can grind out tough yards. Anderson may have a lot of tread on his tires but he is an absolute gamer with the ball in his hands.

He has nice burst and quickness but wins with constant leg drive and a deadly stiff arm. His violent running style is much needed in this backfield.

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7.) Rock Ya-Sin, CB

School:

Temple

Size:

6’2” 190 pounds

Career Stats:

47 total tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, and 12 pass deflections.

Fit with the Colts:

To address the need for depth in the Colts secondary, Ballard could choose talented cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Ya-Sin is an athletic, feisty corner who is physical in man coverage. As a press player and man corner, he can be solid in the NFL.

He would need to likely improve in zone coverage — as he just isn’t there yet in terms of footwork and zone eyes— but he could have a place backing up Pierre Desir.

Highlight:

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6.) David Sills, WR

School:

West Virginia

Size:

6’4” 210 pounds

Career Stats:

132 receptions for 2,097 yards and 35 touchdowns. Averaged 15.9 yards per catch.

Fit with the Colts:

David Sills fits into the same mold as Anthony Johnson. Sills is reliable but not the greatest athlete. He is an excellent route runner and creates separation with nuance and hip flexibility. He also has great size and looks natural adjusting to passes in the air.

Sills would be an excellent fit as the “X” receiver opposite of TY Hilton.

Highlight:

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5.) Isaiah Buggs, DT

School:

Alabama

Size:

6’5” 286 pounds

Career Stats:

103 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.

Fit with the Colts:

With the potential departures of Al Woods and Margus Hunt, the Colts need to add to their defensive line. Isaiah Buggs may not be a stellar athlete but he wins with size and strength at the point of attack. He possesses strong hands and is tough to move in the run game.

He is also an experienced pass rusher who can dominate inside in the NFL. He has all the tools to be a good inside rusher for the Colts.

Highlight:

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4.) Juan Thornhill, SAF

School:

Virginia

Size:

6’0 210 pounds

Career Stats:

208 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 26 pass deflections.

Fit with the Colts:

The Colts have a problem at safety. Three players who played a big role in stretches last season— Matthias Farley, Clayton Geathers, and Mike Mitchell— are all set to hit free agency. If Chris Ballard elects to re-sign Geathers and draft another player— which I think is likely— Juan Thornhill would be a nice addition.

Thornhill is a lengthy safety with excellent ball skills in deep coverage. He may not have elite range but he could excel in the Colts’ two deep zone scheme.

Highlight:

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3.) Johnathan Abram, SAF

School:

Mississippi State

Size:

6’0” 215 pounds

Career Stats:

195 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and 3 forced fumbles.

Fit with the Colts:

Another option at safety is Johnathan Abram. Abram’s range and hitting ability are deadly in the run game. He is an excellent athlete who can make plays all over the field.

Abram needs to show that he has instincts and awareness in coverage, but has all the tools to be great. He could immediately step into a Mike Mitchell role as a young upgrade.

Highlight:

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2.) Montez Sweat, Edge

School:

Mississippi State

Size:

6’6” 245 pounds

Career Stats:

105 total tackles, 30.5 tackles for a loss, 23.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.

Fit with the Colts:

The Colts’ pass rush needs a big boost. Ballard could try to address the need through free agency, with a number of player set to hit the market. If he decides to go through the draft again, Montez Sweat could be an excellent option.

Sweat is a highly talented rusher with great explosiveness, hand usage, and multiple pass rush moves. He may not be the twitchiest athlete or the best run defender, but he’d have an instant impact as a pass rusher.

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1.) Deebo Samuel, WR

School:

South Carolina

Size:

6’0 210 pounds

Career Stats:

148 catches for 2,076 yards and 16 touchdowns. Averaged 14 yards per catch.

Fit with the Colts:

I mentioned earlier that the Colts need to add an explosive receiver and a reliable receiver for 2019. Why not add both aspects in one player?

Samuel has the ability to break off big plays at any time and can stretch the field. He is also a reliable option underneath with excellent hands and the ability to adjust his body in the air to make difficult catches. He needs to prove that he can stay healthy in the NFL and be more consistent but he could really help this Colts’ offense.

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Other Notable Players To Watch on the South Team:

Jaquan Johnson, SAF, Miami

Tough, physical safety. A bit limited but plays the game the way it should be played.

Oshane Ximines, Edge, Old Dominion

Athletic pass rusher with a ton of moves in his skillset. Sky high potential for the small school rusher.

Hunter Renfrow, WR, Clemson

Dependable slot receiver with excellent hands. Long NFL career ahead of him.

Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State

Big strong offensive tackle with tons of upside. Could sit and develop behind Anthony Castonzo for a few seasons.

Terrill Hanks, ILB, New Mexico State

Athletic moving linebacker who plays with his hair on fire. Good fit backing up Anthony Walker and Darius Leonard and playing special teams.