Maybe it will be a corner with the first pick. Colts GM Ryan Grigson to ESPN's Paul Kuharsky that if he had to choose between a rookie offensive lineman and a rookie corner, he'd go with a defensive back. His reasoning is that the learning curve is steeper on the line and linemen see things in the NFL "they've never even dreamed of" during their college careers. Astute reasoning, I think.
***
He also spoke with the Indy star's Mike Chappell. Updating injuries on the defensive line, he thinks Josh Chpman will be ready for OTAs, as will Drake Nevis. Brandon McKinney will be take a little longer and Fili Moala longer still. He especially called out Chapman, saying he "played it safe with him" and that he has "big plans" for the giant nose tackle. That, I think, should quiet any more talk of a first-round nose tackle (unless, of course, a can't-miss mega-prospect falls into their laps). Grigson also said he hoped to re-sign Moala, an unrestricted free agent.
He also said he likes the teams halfbacks, especially Vick Ballard. He even outlined a Ballard-Godammit Donald Brown-Delone Carter pecking order.
The other meaningful thing he said was that TY Hilton has to hit the weight room. He even called him a "peanut." Not exactly Bill Parcells calling Terry Glenn "she," but I'm sure young Eugene gets the point.
***
Lots of talk on the net about the Colts potentially acquiring Nnamdi Asomugha after the Eagles renegotiate his contract. Not sure how that'd work. It wouldn't be feasible under his current deal (it calls for salaries of $15 million in 2013, $12 million is 2014 and 2015, the first $4 million is guaranteed), and if the Eagles are working to restructure him, they'd probably also like to retain him. Great guy, great player, but I can't see the Colts getting him unless he refuses to play for Philadelphia outright (which doesn't appear likely given his high character and ethical standards).
***
As I do every year, I'll keep a list of prospects the Colts have made contact with. Here's what I have so far (please feel free to add, provide links if you can): Note: Sharp-eyed mrcrayz888 has already been keeping a list and has supplied additions. Thanks.
Corey Fuller WR Virginia Tech (postseason game)
Vance McDonald TE Rice (postseason game)
Ty Powell OLB Harding (postseason game)
Shamarko Thomas S Syracuse (postseason game)
Earl Watford G James Madison (postseason game)
Sylvester Williams DE/DT North Carolina (postseason game)
Luke Marquardt T Azusa Pacific (combine interview)
Wes Horton OLB USC (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
Arthur Brown ILB Kansas State (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
Datone Jones OLB UCLA (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
Christine Michael HB Texas A&M (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
Josh Williams OLB Kansas (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
Ray Graham HB Pitt (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
DJ Fluker T Alabama (postseason game/thx mrcrayz888)
Lane Johnson T Oklahoma (combine interview)
***
I took a Wonderlic for a job last year. Because I'm telling you that, I was pretty proud of my score.
4 comments:
I keep a similar list, every name above Johnson was from East-West Shrine, Texas v. Nation and Senior Bowl from Twitter.
DE Wes Horton, USC
ILB Arthur Brown, Kansas State
OLB Datone Jones, UCLA
RB Christine Michael, Texas A&M
OLB Josh Williams, Kansas
RB Ray Graham, Pitt
OT DJ Fluker, Alabama
OT Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
Dude, you are a prince. I'll add and credit you.
I want to carefully consider what Grigson said about o-linemen and d-backs.
I dont think he was implying he would not draft an o-lineman high. He was stating, I believe, that you have to temper expectations the first year or so. Whereas with defensive backs you expect to see more production from the start.
Maybe I am indulging in wishful thinking because I do want 1 or 2 high draft picks to be o-linemen. This year's draft seems strong in that position.
Post a Comment