The Colts re-signed Tyjuan Hagler LB Cincinnati (5115/236/4.59c in 2005) today. Interesting. A former starter whose career has been largely derailed because of a series of injuries, Hagler will do what he did last year — serve as a swing backup and special teamer. His presence reduces the likelihood that the Colts will draft a linebacker high.
Drew Rosenhaus said the Colts reached out to one of his clients — unrestricted free agent Reynaldo Hill CB Florida (5110/187/4.38c in 2005). Personally, I'd love it if they signed him. He's not big, but super-fast, truly athletic and has really good hands. A former starter fallen on tough times in Tennessee after some injuries, a fresh start would really help him out. If he signed in Indy, he'd battle Dante Hughes, Michael Coe and a bunch of others for the No. 4 corner position. And he'd probably win.
And the Colts have looked at another interesting potential draft pick. Brandon Tate WR North Carolina (5117/183/e4.50 in 2009) is an outstanding returner prospect, who is also has potential as a receiver, although he is very raw when it comes to real wide receiver skills. Tate suffered an ugly ACL tear last season, but if he checks out okay, he could be drafted as early as the fourth round. He's not testing it until June, though, so any team that picks him could be rolling the dice. If the Colts select him, he'd be the favorite for both punt- and kick-return jobs and would be allowed time to grow as a receiving prospect.
They also looked at another small-school guy in Steven A. Jackson CB Fort Valley State (5093/182/4.20pd). Yeah, that's a 4.20. Unofficial it may be, but an indication that this kid is historically fast. Even though he's small, he's played both corner and safety for the Wildcats. As a senior he grabbed seven pick. I saw him in the Cactus Bowl, and he looked like a pro prospect, showing good instincts and athleticism. Nobody's mentioned him as a draft pick yet, but I wouldn't be too surprised if he sneaked his way in.
And they may have found Hunter Smith's replacement in Jake Richardson P Miami (Ohio) (6001/205/e4.72). A good athlete who could play a scrimmage position, Richardson averages 45.4 yards a punt as a senior, dropped 18 of 52 in the opponents' 20, and also threw a 16-yard pass. Good kid, eldest of nine, so you know he's responsible. Looks like a seventh rounder at this point.
1 comment:
I think Hagler has a good shot at being the starting SAM. He started there for the excellent 2007 Colts D and was very good when he saw the field (and in my opinion got royally screwed when he was basically benched to give Bustah a try out),
While Wheeler is still a project and was sitting behind Jordan Senn at OLB. Unless the new defensive staff really wants Wheeler's blitzing ability on the field, he'll have to take a big step forward to win the job.
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