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.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
He's a shoo-in for the Nth round
To give you an idea of how wildly divergent draft predictors can be, ColtPlay has collected a list of all the players that all sources have said the Colts have shown interest in.* Beside each of them are the places where — respectively — New Era Scouting, Couch Scout and GBNReport say they will be drafted. I put them in the order New Era has for them, not because I have more respect for them than the others, but because I thought of them first. NOL means not on their list.
So please let this end all the "we could get him in the such-and-such round" talk. If you still aren't convinced, check out the opinions on Asher Allen, Dudley Guice Jr. Nate Davis, Joe Burnett, Rashad Jennings and Chip Vaughn.
7/11/8 Mark Sanchez QB Southern California
9/14/15 Michael Oher T Mississippi
15/10/7 Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
18/18/24 Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
19/68/43 Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
23/19/19 Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland State
Colts’ first-round pick
28/16/29 Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati
29/34/32 Alex Mack C Cal
37/30/28 Evander Hood DT Missouri
42/69/53 Clint Sintim LB Virginia
45/77/78 Ron Brace DT Boston College
49/62/48 Marcus Freeman LB Ohio State
50/90/47 Phil Loadholt T Oklahoma
58/59/64 Derrick Williams WR Penn State
Colts’ second-round pick
61/159/65 Nate Davis QB Ball State
62/33/21 Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
63/56/56 Fili Moala DT USC
74/150/59 Rashad Jennings RB Liberty
76/119/141 Zach Follett LB California
83/94/140 Mitch King DT Iowa
84/70/111 David Bruton S Notre Dame
88/334/129 Cody Brown DE Connecticut
Colts’ third-round pick
116/347/97 Chip Vaughn S Wake Forest
118/231/148 Michael Hamlin S Clemson
Colts’ first fourth-round pick
127/297/75 Asher Allen CB Georgia
Colts’ second fourth-round pick
146/65/171 Deon Butler WR Penn State
156/177/88 Corey Irvin DT Georgia
Colts’ fifth-round pick
171/61/NOL Joe Burnett CB Central Florida
Colts’ sixth-round pick
203/359/102 Demetrius Byrd WR LSU State
Colts’ seventh-round pick
290/562/NOL Jason Cook FB Ole Miss
298/2,259/NOL Thomas Morstead P SMU
319/307/NOL Frank Summers RB UNLV
331/255/NOL Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois
344/555/NOL Jordan Norwood WR Penn State
371/112/NOL Dudley Guice Jr. WR Northwestern State
387/241/NOL Andy Schantz ILB Portland State
399/225/NOL Dan Skuta DE Grand Valley State
NOL/296/NOL Russell Allen DE San Diego State
NOL/368/NOL Dewayne Lewis CB Southern Utah
NOL/377/NOL Billy Malone QB Abilene Christian
NOL/490/NOL Josh Gaines DE Penn State
NOL/547/NOL Al Afalava S Oregon State
NOL/551/NOL JaRon Harris WR South Dakota State
NOL/588/NOL Nick Santiago DT Syracuse
NOL/669/NOL Tez Doolittle DT Auburn
NOL/785/NOL Lonnie Harvey DT Morgan State
NOL/806/NOL Reggie Jones CB Portland State
NOL/918/NOL Andrew Johnson RB Akron
NOL/NOL/NOL Ramon Humber LB North Dakota State
*although I think a lot of them — especially at the top — are spurious
So please let this end all the "we could get him in the such-and-such round" talk. If you still aren't convinced, check out the opinions on Asher Allen, Dudley Guice Jr. Nate Davis, Joe Burnett, Rashad Jennings and Chip Vaughn.
7/11/8 Mark Sanchez QB Southern California
9/14/15 Michael Oher T Mississippi
15/10/7 Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
18/18/24 Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
19/68/43 Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
23/19/19 Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland State
Colts’ first-round pick
28/16/29 Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati
29/34/32 Alex Mack C Cal
37/30/28 Evander Hood DT Missouri
42/69/53 Clint Sintim LB Virginia
45/77/78 Ron Brace DT Boston College
49/62/48 Marcus Freeman LB Ohio State
50/90/47 Phil Loadholt T Oklahoma
58/59/64 Derrick Williams WR Penn State
Colts’ second-round pick
61/159/65 Nate Davis QB Ball State
62/33/21 Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
63/56/56 Fili Moala DT USC
74/150/59 Rashad Jennings RB Liberty
76/119/141 Zach Follett LB California
83/94/140 Mitch King DT Iowa
84/70/111 David Bruton S Notre Dame
88/334/129 Cody Brown DE Connecticut
Colts’ third-round pick
116/347/97 Chip Vaughn S Wake Forest
118/231/148 Michael Hamlin S Clemson
Colts’ first fourth-round pick
127/297/75 Asher Allen CB Georgia
Colts’ second fourth-round pick
146/65/171 Deon Butler WR Penn State
156/177/88 Corey Irvin DT Georgia
Colts’ fifth-round pick
171/61/NOL Joe Burnett CB Central Florida
Colts’ sixth-round pick
203/359/102 Demetrius Byrd WR LSU State
Colts’ seventh-round pick
290/562/NOL Jason Cook FB Ole Miss
298/2,259/NOL Thomas Morstead P SMU
319/307/NOL Frank Summers RB UNLV
331/255/NOL Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois
344/555/NOL Jordan Norwood WR Penn State
371/112/NOL Dudley Guice Jr. WR Northwestern State
387/241/NOL Andy Schantz ILB Portland State
399/225/NOL Dan Skuta DE Grand Valley State
NOL/296/NOL Russell Allen DE San Diego State
NOL/368/NOL Dewayne Lewis CB Southern Utah
NOL/377/NOL Billy Malone QB Abilene Christian
NOL/490/NOL Josh Gaines DE Penn State
NOL/547/NOL Al Afalava S Oregon State
NOL/551/NOL JaRon Harris WR South Dakota State
NOL/588/NOL Nick Santiago DT Syracuse
NOL/669/NOL Tez Doolittle DT Auburn
NOL/785/NOL Lonnie Harvey DT Morgan State
NOL/806/NOL Reggie Jones CB Portland State
NOL/918/NOL Andrew Johnson RB Akron
NOL/NOL/NOL Ramon Humber LB North Dakota State
*although I think a lot of them — especially at the top — are spurious
Monday, April 6, 2009
Texans look at three ex-Colts, sign two, miss boat
The Texans had former Colts linebackers Tyjuan Hagler, Buster Davis and Cato June in for tryouts, and ended up signing Davis and June.
I can see why they passed on Hagler. He’s a pretty good player and a great guy who can play any linebacker spot and will help on specials, but he is injury prone. Playing in just 30 of a potential 64 regular-season games in his four-year Colts career, he just doesn’t offer a great return on investment. At least at this point. In all likelihood, some team — probably from the AFC South — will come calling when one of their linebackers gets hurt, or a rookie they were depending on doesn’t work out.
I can see why they signed June. A former Pro Bowler, June didn’t really work out in Tampa after he left the Colts (mainly due to injuries), but he still has the skills that got him there in the first place. A one-year, $1.5 million contract from a team with tons of cap room isn’t a huge gamble. His skills may have eroded some due to injuries and age, but June adds savvy, experience and athleticism to a linebacking corps in need of all of them. And if he doesn’t work out at all, they cut him in camp and are stuck with just his $500,000 signing bonus against the cap.
Davis? Well, as fans of the Cardinals, Lions and Colts have heard: “he was a beast in college.” Eventually, it becomes a mantra for optimistic fans — until they see him play.
I can see why they passed on Hagler. He’s a pretty good player and a great guy who can play any linebacker spot and will help on specials, but he is injury prone. Playing in just 30 of a potential 64 regular-season games in his four-year Colts career, he just doesn’t offer a great return on investment. At least at this point. In all likelihood, some team — probably from the AFC South — will come calling when one of their linebackers gets hurt, or a rookie they were depending on doesn’t work out.
I can see why they signed June. A former Pro Bowler, June didn’t really work out in Tampa after he left the Colts (mainly due to injuries), but he still has the skills that got him there in the first place. A one-year, $1.5 million contract from a team with tons of cap room isn’t a huge gamble. His skills may have eroded some due to injuries and age, but June adds savvy, experience and athleticism to a linebacking corps in need of all of them. And if he doesn’t work out at all, they cut him in camp and are stuck with just his $500,000 signing bonus against the cap.
Davis? Well, as fans of the Cardinals, Lions and Colts have heard: “he was a beast in college.” Eventually, it becomes a mantra for optimistic fans — until they see him play.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Draft needs: Defense
Defensive end: The Colts are lucky enough to have three premier players at the position — Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and Raheem Brock — and two serviceable young prospects in Marcus Howard and Curtis Johnson. That would be enough for most teams, but the Colts live by the rush, never blitz and really don’t have any push from the inside. Besides, Brock plays inside on third downs, and the Colts have not (and probably will not) re-signed veteran backup Josh Thomas. Bill Polian’s oldest adage is that you can never have enough pass rushers, but with other holes to fill, I think he may go elsewhere early and get his DE fix later on. If they select an end, look for it to be a high-production, high-motor guy, probably from a small school. NFL equivalent: Trevor Scott
Defensive tackle: There have always been two schools of thought about DTs: a) bigger is better, and b) faster is better. Since the Tony Dungy/Ron Meeks regime began, the Colts have gone with Plan B. And they have traditionally been easy to run against, particularly up the middle. So with them gone, do the Colts go back to Plan A? Nobody but Polian knows. ColtPlay’s best guess is that they go somewhere in-between. Obviously every team wants a DT with size and speed, but unless you’re picking in the top 5, your chances of getting one are limited. The Colts will have to compromise, and will probably sacrifice size for speed again, although not as much as they have in the past. The need is acute, and they will almost certainly grab a defensive tackle in the first three rounds (and maybe another one later). NFL equivalent: Kevin Williams would be ideal, but there isn’t one in this draft, so a Rocky Bernard is probably more appropriate.
Outside linebacker: Traditionally, the Colts select an outside linebacker or linebackers in the middle of the draft and develop him over a year or two. Usually it works out (David Thornton) and sometimes it fails (Gilbert Gardner). This year is not likely to be much different. They look for fast guys with coverage skills and solid tackling technique. Don’t be surprised if they take a big college safety and move him to OLB. NFL equivalent: Justin Durant
Inside linebacker: The Colts prefer motor, intelligence and leadership to size and strength in the middle. They also highly prize zone-coverage skills. It’s getting to be about time to find Gary Brackett’s heir (unless the plan is to eventually move starting SLB Phillip Wheeler there). A middle- or late-round flier will probably net a prospect. NFL equivalent: London Fletcher
Cornerback: Polian loves to collect corners and will grab 5’6 munchkins and 225-pound behemoths with equal amounts of zeal. Generally, the teams looks for tackling ability and desire, leaping ability, quick transitions and good closing speed. As it stands, the team could use some new corners, but are not in need of an immediate starter. Look for them to target the position in the middle or late in the draft. Small school is not problem, and they could use a guy who can catch the ball. NFL equivalent: Cortland Finnegan
Safety: The Colts have some enviable talent at the safety position, but Bob Sanders’ status as an injury magnet causes some concern. The Colts are always looking to upgrade here and hunt out guys with great instincts, tackling skills and leadership ability, and could grab a safety late. NFL equivalent: Tanard Jackson
Defensive tackle: There have always been two schools of thought about DTs: a) bigger is better, and b) faster is better. Since the Tony Dungy/Ron Meeks regime began, the Colts have gone with Plan B. And they have traditionally been easy to run against, particularly up the middle. So with them gone, do the Colts go back to Plan A? Nobody but Polian knows. ColtPlay’s best guess is that they go somewhere in-between. Obviously every team wants a DT with size and speed, but unless you’re picking in the top 5, your chances of getting one are limited. The Colts will have to compromise, and will probably sacrifice size for speed again, although not as much as they have in the past. The need is acute, and they will almost certainly grab a defensive tackle in the first three rounds (and maybe another one later). NFL equivalent: Kevin Williams would be ideal, but there isn’t one in this draft, so a Rocky Bernard is probably more appropriate.
Outside linebacker: Traditionally, the Colts select an outside linebacker or linebackers in the middle of the draft and develop him over a year or two. Usually it works out (David Thornton) and sometimes it fails (Gilbert Gardner). This year is not likely to be much different. They look for fast guys with coverage skills and solid tackling technique. Don’t be surprised if they take a big college safety and move him to OLB. NFL equivalent: Justin Durant
Inside linebacker: The Colts prefer motor, intelligence and leadership to size and strength in the middle. They also highly prize zone-coverage skills. It’s getting to be about time to find Gary Brackett’s heir (unless the plan is to eventually move starting SLB Phillip Wheeler there). A middle- or late-round flier will probably net a prospect. NFL equivalent: London Fletcher
Cornerback: Polian loves to collect corners and will grab 5’6 munchkins and 225-pound behemoths with equal amounts of zeal. Generally, the teams looks for tackling ability and desire, leaping ability, quick transitions and good closing speed. As it stands, the team could use some new corners, but are not in need of an immediate starter. Look for them to target the position in the middle or late in the draft. Small school is not problem, and they could use a guy who can catch the ball. NFL equivalent: Cortland Finnegan
Safety: The Colts have some enviable talent at the safety position, but Bob Sanders’ status as an injury magnet causes some concern. The Colts are always looking to upgrade here and hunt out guys with great instincts, tackling skills and leadership ability, and could grab a safety late. NFL equivalent: Tanard Jackson
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Draft needs: Offense
Quarterback: Peyton Manning’s bursa sac reminded the Colts that he probably won’t last forever. And everyone except Jim Sorgi’s mother knows he’s not the heir apparent. The Colts aren’t in the draft or salary cap positions to allow them to choose a sure-thing franchise quarterback, so if they want to get one this year, they’ll have to gamble. That means a small schooler or someone whose stock is reduced by injury or some other reason. Then they have to hope he develops. NFL equivalent: Matt Cassell
Runningback: Joseph Addai’s a good back, but not the kind of workhorse you can tie your team to. But his presence also means they don’t need to draft that guy either. Instead, look for them to draft a complementary guy. He should do the things Addai can’t — succeed in short yardage, drag defenders and tire them out — and the things the Colts consider essential — pick up blitzes and act as an outlet receiver. And he should be able to start should Addai get hurt. NFL equivalent: Ladell Betts
Wide receivers: We’ve been through this before, folks. In the Colts’ offense, the third receiver plays more often than on other teams — he is essentially a starter. And stealing Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme from the tight end corps weakens both groups. There’s an outside chance that holdover Pierre Garcon could fill the spot (dare I bring up the concept of Roy Hall? I think not), but more likely, they will look at the draft for help. To get a guy who can contribute like that — even in a receiver-rich draft like this — you’re looking at the first day. Look for them to invest in a guy whose skills far outweigh his triangle numbers. NFL equivalent: Anquan Boldin
Tight end and H-back: The Colts took two solid prospects in last year’s draft, and have two starters (and Clark’s a genuine star) ahead of them. There’s no real need here, but Bill Polian likes to surprise us, so a interesting guy who could come along wouldn’t be out of the question. NFL equivalent: Evan Moore
Tackle: Right tackle Ryan Diem is still solid, but has been bothered by nagging injuries and makes a lot of money. Left tackle Tony Ugoh has all the tools, but is wildly inconsistent. Many observers believe he’s not as dedicated to the game as he could be. Behind those two is inside-outside backup Charlie Johnson. While he’s fairly capable, he’s not the athlete you want starting. After him, there’s not much. The Colts have a tendency to draft offensive linemen late and try to develop them, but they may have to go early to get the quality they’ll soon need. Look for a guy who's a top athlete and gets into his stance extremely quickly. NFL equivalent: Joe Staley
Guards and centers: Since the Colts drafted three interior linemen last season — all of whom worked out in varying degrees — re-signed star center Jeff Saturday and get starting guard Ryan Lilja back from injury, it’s unlikely they’ll need to pick anyone here. Besides, holdovers Johnson and Dan Federkeil have started inside too. If they pick someone at all, it’ll be some small-school athlete who can be developed. NFL equivalent: Rich Seubert
Runningback: Joseph Addai’s a good back, but not the kind of workhorse you can tie your team to. But his presence also means they don’t need to draft that guy either. Instead, look for them to draft a complementary guy. He should do the things Addai can’t — succeed in short yardage, drag defenders and tire them out — and the things the Colts consider essential — pick up blitzes and act as an outlet receiver. And he should be able to start should Addai get hurt. NFL equivalent: Ladell Betts
Wide receivers: We’ve been through this before, folks. In the Colts’ offense, the third receiver plays more often than on other teams — he is essentially a starter. And stealing Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme from the tight end corps weakens both groups. There’s an outside chance that holdover Pierre Garcon could fill the spot (dare I bring up the concept of Roy Hall? I think not), but more likely, they will look at the draft for help. To get a guy who can contribute like that — even in a receiver-rich draft like this — you’re looking at the first day. Look for them to invest in a guy whose skills far outweigh his triangle numbers. NFL equivalent: Anquan Boldin
Tight end and H-back: The Colts took two solid prospects in last year’s draft, and have two starters (and Clark’s a genuine star) ahead of them. There’s no real need here, but Bill Polian likes to surprise us, so a interesting guy who could come along wouldn’t be out of the question. NFL equivalent: Evan Moore
Tackle: Right tackle Ryan Diem is still solid, but has been bothered by nagging injuries and makes a lot of money. Left tackle Tony Ugoh has all the tools, but is wildly inconsistent. Many observers believe he’s not as dedicated to the game as he could be. Behind those two is inside-outside backup Charlie Johnson. While he’s fairly capable, he’s not the athlete you want starting. After him, there’s not much. The Colts have a tendency to draft offensive linemen late and try to develop them, but they may have to go early to get the quality they’ll soon need. Look for a guy who's a top athlete and gets into his stance extremely quickly. NFL equivalent: Joe Staley
Guards and centers: Since the Colts drafted three interior linemen last season — all of whom worked out in varying degrees — re-signed star center Jeff Saturday and get starting guard Ryan Lilja back from injury, it’s unlikely they’ll need to pick anyone here. Besides, holdovers Johnson and Dan Federkeil have started inside too. If they pick someone at all, it’ll be some small-school athlete who can be developed. NFL equivalent: Rich Seubert
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Okay, mock my mock
1/27 Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina (6006/212/4.51c)
This kid has it all except blazing speed — but how many great wideouts are track stars and vice versa? Has eventual greatness written all over him. The Dolphins are talking about him at No. 25. But I worked in New York/New Jersey for years, so I know Bill Parcells lies.
2/61 Eben Britton T Arizona (6060/309/5.14c)
Hard-nosed kid can definitely play RT today, could develop into LT. Besides, dude is Estelle Parsons’ grandson! If you don't remember Estelle, you have to watch Bonnie and Clyde again. If you haven't seen Bonnie and Clyde, see it now. Estelle rocks.
3/92 Myron Pryor DT Kentucky (6002/319/5.03c)
Here’s the guy who’s going to stop the bleeding up the middle. Very explosive off the snap and stays low. Could be the steal of the draft if the team who gets him keeps him motivated. The Colts can do that.
4/127 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M (6027/225/4.61c)
All the tools of a franchise quarterback, but he’s lacking experience. He'd be in the right place in Indy.
4/136 Gerald McRath ILB Southern Mississippi (6017/231/4.49c)
Speedy, undersized Mike is perfect for the Colts’ system and looks like Gary Brackett’s eventual replacement. Forget that 231 Combine weight, he plays at about 220-225.
5/165 Joe Burnett CB/RS Central Florida (5093/192/4.58c)
Capable but short Cover-2 corner with excellent return skills. Very tough in run support.
6/201 Tyrell Sutton HB Northwestern (5080/211/4.68c4.64pd)
Does everything well except run the forty and stay healthy. Quick first step could make him effective in short yardage. Ecellent receiver, good blocker, smart kid.
7/236 Dudley Guice Jr. WR Northwestern State (6024/209/4.40pd)
Of course Dudley’s on my mock, and why not? He has all the tools and is a great guy to boot.
Blockbuster: Jay Cutler’s a pretty good QB with nice stats, but aren’t two firsts, a third and Kyle Orton a bit much to pay for a guy with a 17-20 record as a starter (and a throw-in fifth rounder)? I’m not sure. Franchise quarterbacks are extremely rare, and Cutler really is one. The last time the Bears had one were those few shining moments Jim McMahon was healthy. They won the Super Bowl then. And haven’t since.
Cutler’s won-loss record was more a product of:
• a mediocre defense
• reliance on frequently injured, often marginally talented backs
• no better than average receiving options
… than any lack of skill or effort on his part.
Perhaps most important, the Bears kept Cutler out of the hands of division rival Vikings. With Cutler, they would have been awesome.
Why is this all on ColtPlay? Because the Colts play the Broncos at home in 2009, and don’t see the Bears unless it’s a rematch of Super Bowl XLI.
Kicking the tires: According to KFFL.com, the Texans are looking at a pair of ex-Colt linebackers. In Tyjuan Hagler, you have a quality guy who can contribute on defense at any linebacker spot and will help you on specials — but only on those rare occasions he’s healthy. In Buster Davis, you have a superproductive college player who has failed in a number of pro trials. If it were me, I’d roll the dice on Hagler, and run like hell from Davis.
This kid has it all except blazing speed — but how many great wideouts are track stars and vice versa? Has eventual greatness written all over him. The Dolphins are talking about him at No. 25. But I worked in New York/New Jersey for years, so I know Bill Parcells lies.
2/61 Eben Britton T Arizona (6060/309/5.14c)
Hard-nosed kid can definitely play RT today, could develop into LT. Besides, dude is Estelle Parsons’ grandson! If you don't remember Estelle, you have to watch Bonnie and Clyde again. If you haven't seen Bonnie and Clyde, see it now. Estelle rocks.
3/92 Myron Pryor DT Kentucky (6002/319/5.03c)
Here’s the guy who’s going to stop the bleeding up the middle. Very explosive off the snap and stays low. Could be the steal of the draft if the team who gets him keeps him motivated. The Colts can do that.
4/127 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M (6027/225/4.61c)
All the tools of a franchise quarterback, but he’s lacking experience. He'd be in the right place in Indy.
4/136 Gerald McRath ILB Southern Mississippi (6017/231/4.49c)
Speedy, undersized Mike is perfect for the Colts’ system and looks like Gary Brackett’s eventual replacement. Forget that 231 Combine weight, he plays at about 220-225.
5/165 Joe Burnett CB/RS Central Florida (5093/192/4.58c)
Capable but short Cover-2 corner with excellent return skills. Very tough in run support.
6/201 Tyrell Sutton HB Northwestern (5080/211/4.68c4.64pd)
Does everything well except run the forty and stay healthy. Quick first step could make him effective in short yardage. Ecellent receiver, good blocker, smart kid.
7/236 Dudley Guice Jr. WR Northwestern State (6024/209/4.40pd)
Of course Dudley’s on my mock, and why not? He has all the tools and is a great guy to boot.
Blockbuster: Jay Cutler’s a pretty good QB with nice stats, but aren’t two firsts, a third and Kyle Orton a bit much to pay for a guy with a 17-20 record as a starter (and a throw-in fifth rounder)? I’m not sure. Franchise quarterbacks are extremely rare, and Cutler really is one. The last time the Bears had one were those few shining moments Jim McMahon was healthy. They won the Super Bowl then. And haven’t since.
Cutler’s won-loss record was more a product of:
• a mediocre defense
• reliance on frequently injured, often marginally talented backs
• no better than average receiving options
… than any lack of skill or effort on his part.
Perhaps most important, the Bears kept Cutler out of the hands of division rival Vikings. With Cutler, they would have been awesome.
Why is this all on ColtPlay? Because the Colts play the Broncos at home in 2009, and don’t see the Bears unless it’s a rematch of Super Bowl XLI.
Kicking the tires: According to KFFL.com, the Texans are looking at a pair of ex-Colt linebackers. In Tyjuan Hagler, you have a quality guy who can contribute on defense at any linebacker spot and will help you on specials — but only on those rare occasions he’s healthy. In Buster Davis, you have a superproductive college player who has failed in a number of pro trials. If it were me, I’d roll the dice on Hagler, and run like hell from Davis.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Two more prospects get Colts' attention
Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina (6006/212/4.51c) is one of the top receiving prospects in this draft. In all likelihood, there’s not much I can tell you about him you don’t already know. Large and naturally gifted, he has all the qualities you look for in the position. Fluid, agile and blessed with great hands, Nicks’ best attribute is his ability to make yards after the catch. If he has any drawbacks, it’s limited to the sharpness of his routes, his upper-body strength and his blocking. I’ve heard rumors that he’s immature, and a bit of a prima donna, but he doesn’t come off that way in interviews. Nicks will likely be a late first round selection, and I’d be surprised if the Dolphins don’t pick him at No. 25.
Sam Allen T Grand Valley State (6051/296/4.89pd) is a surprisingly athletic small-school left tackle who will need to add upper-body strength to play that position in the pros. Some observers project him inside, but he doesn’t have the build for it. Instead, his long arms, excellent balance and top footwork give him the building blocks to play blind-side. Allen has better leg drive than you'd expect for his size. Colts fans can think of him as a more athletic, less polished Jake Scott. A top student and a former tight end, Allen is likely to be drafted in the fifth or sixth round.
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