Getting closer

More prospects:

Aaron Brown RB TCU (6004/200/4.49pd) is a blinding quick, naturally elusive runner with great hands. Small and fairly easy to bring down, some teams would like to move Brown to wide receiver, but if he becomes a Colt, he’d likely stay at halfback. No matter what team he plays for, he’ll get his best shot at sticking in the NFL as a return man — he went 37-1,015-1 (27.43 average) on kicks in college. Probably an UDFA.

Blake Schleuter C TCU (6023/290/4.79pd) is an undersized, technically sound center with a great character and a non-stop motor. How many of these guys do the Colts really need?

Henry Melton DE Texas (6035/269/4.664pd) is a former fullback who is still growing into his frame and still learning how to play defensive end. Still he’s an excellent athlete with some natural pass-rush moves and enviable explosion and pursuit skills. Has great special-teams attitude and ability. Had a DUI arrest, but still seems like a decent kid. Will surprise on draft day. Looks like a Colt.

Roger Allen G Missouri Western (6035/326/5.25pd) is a massive and talented small-school guard who needs coaching and a bit more determination at finishing his blocks to make it in the pros. Has good footwork, but short arms will keep him inside. Very effective on the move/second level. Late second-day pick.

Bradley Fletcher CB Iowa (6003/197/4.47c4.44pd) is considered a bit too stiff and straight-linish by many scouts, but could succeed in the NFL depending on the scheme or if he’s moved to free safety. Very physical and instinctive. Still improving, and will be drafted in the fourth or fifth rounds.

James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State (6017/244/4.76c4.72pd) is a shadowy figure I know nothing about.

• ColtsCorner reports that the Colts signed Kyle DeVan C Oregon State (6015/308/5.18pd in 2008). Undrafted last year despite a great career at OSU, DeVan signed with the Redskins. They released him, and he was signed to the Jets’ practice squad. After they released him, he played with the Boise Burn of the AFL. He’s a typical fringe-y Colts lineman prospect — quick, smart and determined, but undersized and not all that strong. Throw him on the pile, see what he can do.

• Published reports say Kenny Britt has called Bill Polian to draft him or pay the consequences. Looks like you just blew your shot to catch passes from Peyton Manning, son.

Giordano's back!

In a bit of a surprise, the Colts re-signed safety Matt Giordano. It’s not that Matt’s a bad player — far from it — but because of his years of experience he did not come cheap. Although the team did not disclose terms of the contract, published reports have put it at one year, $670,000.

His presence means that the Colts have four safeties under contract who have started for them — Bob Sanders, Antoine Bethea, Melvin Bullitt and Giordano — and two noteworthy prospects in Jamie Silva and Brannon Condren.

Does that mean the Colts won’t draft any safeties? Yes and no. Although there appears to be no room at safety on the roster, many of this year’s top safety prospects are the type the Colts would probably convert to linebacker, an area of some need.

Two more prospects looked at:





Marlon Favorite DT LSU (6007/317/5.09pd) is a one-dimensional nose tackle type who had an inconsistent season next to fellow prospect Ricky Jean Francois. If you’re looking for a guy to stand there and be a block against the run, he’s your man. He has a great first step, stays low, uses his hands well, tackles adriotly and has a non-stop motor. The problem is that he’s not a great athlete, has no real pass-rush moves and surprises himself when he’s on the other guy’s side of the line of scrimmage. Back on the plus side, he’s great guy who already has his degree and is a noteworthy rapper. I could see the Colts taking him in the seventh or “eighth” rounds. He could be a part-time player on defense and carve a decent career for himself.

Endor Cooper ILB Howard (6005/247/4.83pd) looks a lot like a young Gary Brackett to me. Okay, he’s bigger and faster, but he has the same kind of intellect and instinct you rarely see at the position. He’s not as good in zone coverage — few are, but it’s a skill that can be improved — but is stouter against the run. Because MEAC games are so rarely on TV, most experts are saying Cooper probably won’t be drafted. Those who have seen him may differ. If he wound up with the Colts, he’d get a shot and could definitely surprise. Besides, you gotta love a guy named after the home of witches.

Keeping up

Remember when I bet the Bills wouldn’t sign Dominic Rhodes? As StampedeBlue’s Shake points out, he should have taken the bet. When it comes to Rhodes, I do tend to err on the side of negativity. Never been a fan. Well, that’s not entirely true. I just never thought he was as good as other Colts fans generally do.

So, now he’s in Buffalo. Until Marshawn Lynch’s suspension is over, Rhodes will likely be the No. 2 guy behind Fred Jackson. Jackson’s an okay, underrated, back. The Bills could still draft a guy who could oust Rhodes, but signing him could be their editorial comment on this year’s crop of rookie backs.

• Some newspaper wags have said the Raiders are considering signing Marvin Harrison. I'd like to see Marvin play again, but I think that team's a bad place to be.

• Apparently Marlin Jackson will be ready for training camp. Awesome. Does that change draft plans? Not really.

• Every time I play a season on Madden 09, you know who the guy who gets the most receptions is? Jacob Tamme. Must be a good sign.

Back in business

Couple more look-sees for the Colts:

Jeremy Navarre DT Maryland (6026/285/4.95e in 2009) was a starter at defensive end who moved inside to help his team as a senior. Although he got fewer sacks (2.5, as compared to 5.5 the year before), his overall play was just as good, if not better. Most NFL teams (especially those with 3-4 defenses) will look at him as an end, but the Colts would try him inside. He lacks the explosiveness and athleticism of the first-day guys, but he has the technique, intelligence and motor to make a contribution. He’s a former wrestler, and it shows when you watch him in traffic. He could get stronger, though. Navarre should be a late, perhaps sixth-round, draft pick.

Pierre Walters DE Eastern Illinois (6042/269/4.76e in 2009) is a one-dimensional pass-rush specialist. Some teams are looking at him as an OLB, but with the Colts, he’d play end. A project for sure, Walters has solid instincts and is very explosive, but hasn't faced top competition.

• The Buffalo Bills had Dominic Rhodes in for a visit. Bet they don’t sign him.

• The Colts put in a waiver claim for Will Franklin WR Missouri (6003/214/4.37c in 2008) when the Chiefs cut him, but the Lions got him because of their (far) worse record. It’s too bad, because the kid had potential. Still, it could give us an idea of what the Colts are looking for in the draft. Franklin is noted for his speed, his ability to make yards after the catch and his lack of fear of going over the middle. The drawbacks? Concentration and hands.

• No way the Colts draft Percy Harvin. He’s just not their type. My mind has been changed on this guy.

• Another guy I wouldn’t wait to see wear a horseshoe is Nate Davis. I know most of Colt-land loves him, but he’s not impressing anyone with his intelligence and people skills. To me, the problem is more the feeling I get that Davis is happy with how good he is now, and has no real desire to get any better. Check out this story.

Hmmph

After a ridiculous spat with Google, a big family-style Easter and a new book proposal about Mexican organized crime, ColtPlay is back is business. You'll get a post tomorrow.