More Look-Sees

Add four more prospects to the list of guys the Colts’ have shown interest in:

Al Afalava SS Oregon State (5107/207/4.47pd): This kid is a big hitter and excellent open-field tackler (real football fans know that those two don’t always coincide) with excellent instincts and short-area quickness. But like many thumper safeties, he’s much better facing the plays than he is in deep coverage. If that seems like the kind of college safety the Colts turn into outside linebackers, then you’re thinking like I am. But Afalava has had a few character issues, including ramming a bus shelter at 4:30 a.m., then fleeing on foot. Most draft guides will tell you he won’t be drafted, but they were written before he ran a 4.47 forty, jumped 40 inches in the vertical and pushed the bar up 25 times. If he checks out on the character side, don’t be surprised if you hear his name in the sixth or even fifth round.

Josh Gaines DE Penn State (6003/276/4.92pd): Gaines was effective in college, but lacks the explosiveness you look for in an end and the size and strength you want in a tackle. He’s got a good motor and great technique, though, so he can be effective in the NFL — especially in short bursts. In the Colts’ scheme, he’d likely play a combination end/tackle position like Josh Thomas used to. May be drafted in the sixth or seventh round, or could just as likely go undrafted.

Lonnie Harvey DT Morgan State (6030/346/5.20pd): It’s okay of you haven’t heard of this small-school behemoth, but he’s a legit pro prospect. This monster in the middle is much more mobile than you’d expect for a guy his size, and has good tackling skills. Otherwise he’s pretty raw, but he could be coached up. Probably won’t be drafted, but will be in somebody’s camp.



Andrew Johnson HB Akron (5104/215/4.42e): Is a very interesting prospect. A much ballyhooed high school prospect, Johnson went to Miami where he was buried on the depth chart despite obvious skill. He had a few carries and then tore his ACL. He came back, played a little and tore his other ACL. Sure he wouldn’t get another chance with the Hurricanes, Johnson took a year off and transferred to Akron. And with the Zips he was taken off the field in an ambulance twice. He’s definitely got talent if he can stay on the field, but with that kind of medical history it’s very unlikely he’ll be drafted.

In other news, veteran Colts writer John Oehser reports on his blog, The Indy Football Report, that the Colts are sending Clint Session to the weakside, and Phillip Wheeler will compete for the strongside spot. This makes sense, as Session is a natural weakside backer, and Wheeler is big enough to handle the strongside. Should Wheeler fail to secure the spot it would likely fall to veteran free agent signee Adam Seward. He’s not awesome, but he is capable.