According to Scout.com, the Colts have waived reserve middle linebacker Buster Davis. Presumably, Davis was let go because the Colts signed Adam Seward, a more reliable player at the same position. Seward also offers experience on the strong side, and does much more special teams.
So, the Colts current linebacker situation currently looks like this:
WLB: Clint Session, Jordan Senn, Rufus Alexander
MLB: Gary Brackett, Michael Okwo
SLB: Phillip Wheeler, Adam Seward
I put Seward at Sam because there’s no guarantee Wheeler will win that job, and Seward may be asked to start there. But if there were to be another injury to Brackett, you know Seward would be in there, not Okwo.
So it would appear that the Colts have five definite keepers at linebacker — Session, Senn, Brackett, Wheeler and Seward — for six or seven spots. Brackett, 29 in May, and Seward, 27 in June, are the graybeards, but don’t look like they are in decline.
So will the Colts draft a linebacker? Or two? That depends on two factors. Do they feel they can find prospects better than Alexander and Okwo? And will they need new starters to replace free agents? The Colts tend to keep middle linebackers, and let outside linebackers walk. Here’s what season the guys are signed through:
Rufus Alexander 2009
Gary Brackett 2009
Michael Okwo 2009
Adam Seward 2009
Jordan Senn 2010
Clint Session 2010
Phillip Wheeler 2011
So the Colts have some flexibility outside. Look for them to draft a long-range prospect — a kid with all the tools who may just be lacking in experience, perhaps because he went to a small school. Western Illinois’ Jason Williams certainly fills that bill.
Inside, both of the obvious options (Brackett and Seward) are set to be unrestricted free agents after this season. Brackett is likely to re-sign for a number of reasons, but in the unlikely case that both leave, Wheeler would most likely step in and the Colts would be looking for an outside guy.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
More prospects on the Colts radar
Asher Allen CB Georgia (5094/194/4.64c4.33pd) is a somewhat undersized corner with all the tools to be an effective pro, especially in a zone system like the Cover-2. He really could have used another season in college, but was solid as a junior and the consensus is that the arrow is very much pointed up on him. While he is a bit of a project at corner, he’s a finished product as a returner. At Georgia he went 10-146-0 (14.60 average) on punts and 47-1,110-0 (23.62 average) on kicks. Don’t let his 4.64 forty at the Combine fool you. He changed running coaches, altered his takeoff and ran a 4.33 at Georgia, which is not considered an especially fast track. He’ll probably be drafted in the third round, but could slip into the second.
Dan Skuta DE Grand Valley State (6025/249/4.72pd) is a super-productive D2 defensive end (17.5 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles as a senior) who improved throughout his career and generally stayed healthy. He’s not a big guy, so many teams (and draft experts) think he’ll be an outside linebacker. At his pro day, he had the numbers to make the switch a possibility, but teams like the Colts will interpret them as an indication that he’ll just be a better defensive end than they thought. Eerily similar to Trevor Scott, who played at Buffalo and was drafted by the Raiders sixth round last year and led all rookies with sacks. Skuta will most likely be taken in the sixth or seventh rounds.
Andy Schantz ILB Portland State (6003/234/4.71pd) played alongside Colts’ rookie sensation Jordan Senn in college. Although Schantz lacks Senns athleticism and speed, he is a tough, steady, by-the-book middle ’backer who can locate and drive to the ball carrier. He had 115 tackles as a senior, and looked comfortable in zone coverage. I saw him blitz at the Texas vs. the Nation game and he acquitted himself well. Schantz probably could have had a better chance being drafted if he ran a hair faster at his pro day, but he has a definite chance at sticking on an NFL squad as an undrafted free agent. Many people have compared him to the Bills’ John DiGeorgio, and it’s an apt analogy.
Billy Malone QB Abilene Christian (6022/235/4.95e) was a high school star in 2002 who turned down scholarship offers at Texas, LSU, Tennessee and other schools to play with his brother at Tulane. He didn’t play for two seasons behind future first rounder J.P. Losman, then was diagnosed with a circulatory problem. When he was finally cleared to play, it was too late to get into a major school, so he signed with D2 Abilene Christian. While there, he shredded the record book and brought the program renewed respect. In four seasons as a starter, he went 1,319-818-12,012-114-39 (62.02 completion percentage, 9.11 yards per attempt) — those are great numbers in any league. And if you look at him on film, you’ll see that he has all the NFL tools — big strong arm, accuracy, a nice touch, an understanding of coverages and blitzes, an ability to sense and escape the rush, great pre-snap reads and some running ability. But with all the good comes the bad. No less a source than The New York Times reported that his problems at Tulane had just as much to do with low grades, partying and marijuana use than they did with his medical condition. Malone says he’s changed, but teams will take that into consideration. And you can’t discount a circulatory condition. Perhaps the biggest problem for Malone is his age. He’ll be 26 in less than two weeks. It’s hard to be a quarterback of the future at that age, especially if you’re coming out of a D2. But there are very, very few people in the world who have Malone’s skill set and a dearth of quality quarterback prospects (not just in this draft, but in this era) will drive up his value. Right now people are saying he’s likely to be a priority free agent or perhaps a seventh rounder. But if he checks out on his physical, and he interviews well, he could climb up to the fifth round. He could be the steal of the draft, or cut before he ever plays a professional down.
Dan Skuta DE Grand Valley State (6025/249/4.72pd) is a super-productive D2 defensive end (17.5 TFL, 11.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles as a senior) who improved throughout his career and generally stayed healthy. He’s not a big guy, so many teams (and draft experts) think he’ll be an outside linebacker. At his pro day, he had the numbers to make the switch a possibility, but teams like the Colts will interpret them as an indication that he’ll just be a better defensive end than they thought. Eerily similar to Trevor Scott, who played at Buffalo and was drafted by the Raiders sixth round last year and led all rookies with sacks. Skuta will most likely be taken in the sixth or seventh rounds.
Andy Schantz ILB Portland State (6003/234/4.71pd) played alongside Colts’ rookie sensation Jordan Senn in college. Although Schantz lacks Senns athleticism and speed, he is a tough, steady, by-the-book middle ’backer who can locate and drive to the ball carrier. He had 115 tackles as a senior, and looked comfortable in zone coverage. I saw him blitz at the Texas vs. the Nation game and he acquitted himself well. Schantz probably could have had a better chance being drafted if he ran a hair faster at his pro day, but he has a definite chance at sticking on an NFL squad as an undrafted free agent. Many people have compared him to the Bills’ John DiGeorgio, and it’s an apt analogy.
Billy Malone QB Abilene Christian (6022/235/4.95e) was a high school star in 2002 who turned down scholarship offers at Texas, LSU, Tennessee and other schools to play with his brother at Tulane. He didn’t play for two seasons behind future first rounder J.P. Losman, then was diagnosed with a circulatory problem. When he was finally cleared to play, it was too late to get into a major school, so he signed with D2 Abilene Christian. While there, he shredded the record book and brought the program renewed respect. In four seasons as a starter, he went 1,319-818-12,012-114-39 (62.02 completion percentage, 9.11 yards per attempt) — those are great numbers in any league. And if you look at him on film, you’ll see that he has all the NFL tools — big strong arm, accuracy, a nice touch, an understanding of coverages and blitzes, an ability to sense and escape the rush, great pre-snap reads and some running ability. But with all the good comes the bad. No less a source than The New York Times reported that his problems at Tulane had just as much to do with low grades, partying and marijuana use than they did with his medical condition. Malone says he’s changed, but teams will take that into consideration. And you can’t discount a circulatory condition. Perhaps the biggest problem for Malone is his age. He’ll be 26 in less than two weeks. It’s hard to be a quarterback of the future at that age, especially if you’re coming out of a D2. But there are very, very few people in the world who have Malone’s skill set and a dearth of quality quarterback prospects (not just in this draft, but in this era) will drive up his value. Right now people are saying he’s likely to be a priority free agent or perhaps a seventh rounder. But if he checks out on his physical, and he interviews well, he could climb up to the fifth round. He could be the steal of the draft, or cut before he ever plays a professional down.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Today's News
The Colts are having Tez Doolittle DT Auburn (6022/285/4.92pd) in for a meeting. A touch undersized by NFL DT standards, Doolittle is very talented and productive. He’s very explosive off the snap, plays low and has good hand use. He’s plenty strong for his size and has a nonstop motor and a good understanding of the game. The problem, though, is that he’s been injury-prone in his college career, missing games every year, including the entire 2007 season. Most draft guides say he won’t be drafted, but I disagree. He has the tools to be an effective NFL DT, and those guys are rare. Someone will take a chance on him. Doolittle seems like a fine young man.
They also took a long look at Ramon Humber OLB North Dakota State (5106/224/4.56pd). This All-Missouri Valley player is a run-and-chase OLB with strong blitzing ability. He played the strong side with Bisons, and seemed able to handle most tight ends and backs on routes through his zone, but may be too small to play there in the pros. It’s unlikely that Humber will be drafted, but he should be a priority free agent, and we all know the Colts are very good and finding those. Humber is, by all reports, a high character prospect.
Uncle Rico lives! Yahoo! Sports reports that 41-year-old Jeff George is throwing and staying in shape in hopes of yet another NFL comeback. “It just amazes me that I’m not on somebody’s roster,” they report him as saying. “You can’t tell me I’m not better than some of the QBs that are out there — I look at teams like Minnesota or Chicago, and I want to scream at the people in charge, ‘What are you thinking?’ ” They go on to report that if he says that if he was signed by the Vikings last season, he’d be wearing a Super Bowl ring now.
Of course, Jeff. Screaming, threats, claims of greatness and empty promises are how Super Bowls are won. Face it, the Colts made a huge mistake drafting you. You were not a quality NFL player because of your mental and emotional state. Your personal stats were okay, but you tore up every team you played for and never won anything significant. And your claims to the contrary only make me (and no doubt others) believe you haven’t changed.
Look, you had a chance to play in the NFL and you should be grateful for that. But I’m pretty sure it’s done now. Best of luck on whatever you do next.
Bullet dodged: ESPN is reporting that NFL teams are showing very “sparse” interest in free agent wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Kind of makes you feel good the Colts decided not to pay him $13.4 million this year.
They also took a long look at Ramon Humber OLB North Dakota State (5106/224/4.56pd). This All-Missouri Valley player is a run-and-chase OLB with strong blitzing ability. He played the strong side with Bisons, and seemed able to handle most tight ends and backs on routes through his zone, but may be too small to play there in the pros. It’s unlikely that Humber will be drafted, but he should be a priority free agent, and we all know the Colts are very good and finding those. Humber is, by all reports, a high character prospect.
Uncle Rico lives! Yahoo! Sports reports that 41-year-old Jeff George is throwing and staying in shape in hopes of yet another NFL comeback. “It just amazes me that I’m not on somebody’s roster,” they report him as saying. “You can’t tell me I’m not better than some of the QBs that are out there — I look at teams like Minnesota or Chicago, and I want to scream at the people in charge, ‘What are you thinking?’ ” They go on to report that if he says that if he was signed by the Vikings last season, he’d be wearing a Super Bowl ring now.
Of course, Jeff. Screaming, threats, claims of greatness and empty promises are how Super Bowls are won. Face it, the Colts made a huge mistake drafting you. You were not a quality NFL player because of your mental and emotional state. Your personal stats were okay, but you tore up every team you played for and never won anything significant. And your claims to the contrary only make me (and no doubt others) believe you haven’t changed.
Look, you had a chance to play in the NFL and you should be grateful for that. But I’m pretty sure it’s done now. Best of luck on whatever you do next.
Bullet dodged: ESPN is reporting that NFL teams are showing very “sparse” interest in free agent wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Kind of makes you feel good the Colts decided not to pay him $13.4 million this year.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
ColtPlay Interview: Dudley Guice Jr.
A couple of days ago, the Colts looked at an exciting small-school prospect named Dudley Guice Jr. I didn’t really know much about him (I’ve only seen him play once), but was really impressed by his statistics and his workout numbers. Then I looked at his bio, and he seemed like a great guy. He had a 3.597 grade-point average, graduated cum laude and aspires to be a federal agent.
So ColtPlay asked Guice a few questions. I’m glad I did. Not only is Guice an intriguing prospect, he’s also a witty, candid guy. Read what he says, he seems like a natural-born Colt.
CP: I saw you play in the Texas vs. the Nation Game, and you did great. Was it difficult playing a game with players from other teams after four years at NSU?
DGJ: No, not at all. I mean, it’s one of those things where I’ve been playing football pretty much my whole life; and more than anything, it was an honor just to play with such a great group of guys from all calibers of schools. I adapted well to the environment, and I had a great time to show not only scouts and players my God-given ability, but to prove to myself that I belong there in the mix.
CP: What’s the best part of your game as relates to a pro career?
DGJ: If I had a phrase to describe me it would say “A Very Versatile Athlete” … meaning I think personally I do all of the intangibles very well. I pride myself on route running and God gave me the ability to have soft big hands. I’m a great deep threat, short, or over the middle. I’m very physical, and I love to mix up with DBs at the line of scrimmage. I definitely think I'm a home run hitter, and I will block for my running back at all times and not take plays off. Most of all, I’m self-motivated and a hard worker.
CP: What do you need to work on?
DGJ: Not trying to sound arrogant by any means, but I think we all have room for improvement in every aspect of our games. And I’m always open mentally and physically for improvement — but the one thing that pops out to me is that I may need to work on is playing and focusing in on my assignment at 100 percent while playing tired or fatigued.
CP: I noticed that you move very well laterally for a big receiver, is that something you’ve specifically worked on?
DGJ: Yes sir. I have. I think a lot of big receivers rely only on their natural body and talent to get open, but myself, I pride myself on route running and doing the intangibles to make it even harder to cover me. When it’s the 4th quarter and a DB’s saying to himself ‘what is he about to do?’ I would like more than one bullet in the chamber. LOL
CP: I know you did a lot of work at NSU on special teams, is this something you see yourself doing in the pros?
DGJ: Of course. I know you have to crawl before you walk, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field, whether it’s playing special teams or catching the game-winning touchdown. As long as our team’s winning, I'm all for it.
CP: Despite your production at NSU and your great workout numbers, there’s a chance you might not get drafted. If that becomes the case, you will get lots of offers — what factors would help you decide on what team to sign with (eg. signing bonus, chance of making playoffs, offensive philosophy)?
DGJ: That’s a big factor, and I just try not think about it, and let God work His magic. But if that was to happen, I would like to go to an organization who’s about the team first and that take pride themselves the same way whether they’re winning or losing, and just treating everyone with respect.
CP: Is playing the slot significantly different than playing wide? Which do you prefer?
DGJ: Actually, I like both. I like the wide because DBs have a hard time pressing me and matching up man to man. And I like the slot cause I give safeties and linebackers a major threat. I just try to make plays when my number’s called whether it's in the slot or out wide.
CP: Who was the toughest DB you faced in college?
DGJ: I can honestly say up until this point I haven't met my match yet but maybe in the near future I can answer that question. LOL
CP: You turned down a scholarship to play DB at Mississippi State to play WR at NSU, why was it so important to play WR?
DGJ: It's just one of those things that receiver is my passion, and it’s something I love to do. At the time, I led the state with 11 or 12 INTs my senior year and a lot of bigger schools wanted me to play DB because I was 6'1 and 207 pounds coming out of high school. I helped my team out on the defensive side, but also led the state in receptions with about 52, 54 or 56 with 1,100 or 1,200-plus yards receiving. So to me it's one of those things — are you going to play DB just to go to a bigger school and get more recognition, or are you going to go to a school and play the position that you love to play and want to get better in? So I picked WR.
CP: You’re a cum laude graduate and aspire to be a federal agent; is it important to you to go to a team that deems character to be an essential part of a prospect’s value?
DGJ: Of course. Definitely growing up throughout my life, a wise man (which is my dad) told me to remember a saying and till this day I know it frontwards and backwards. My dad said: “Adversity brings character; and character can take you to a place that fame, money or whatever it is can’t.”
CP: You’ve spoken with a number of NFL teams, how do the Colts compare with the others?
DGJ: Just saying the name Colts speaks for itself. There are a lot of great veteran players on that team, and they pride themselves in the same manner whether it's winning or losing — and that’s playing till it’s 0:00 on the clock. I would love to catch a few bombs from Peyton Manning. It would not only be a biggest dream, but it would be an honor.
CP: Do people consistently mispronounce your last name? Does it rhyme with “spice?”
DGJ: Yes sir. Whether there are saying geese, juice, or grice, it keeps a smile on my face. Hopefully, one day I can become a household name — a Got Guice instead of juice. LOL
So ColtPlay asked Guice a few questions. I’m glad I did. Not only is Guice an intriguing prospect, he’s also a witty, candid guy. Read what he says, he seems like a natural-born Colt.
CP: I saw you play in the Texas vs. the Nation Game, and you did great. Was it difficult playing a game with players from other teams after four years at NSU?
DGJ: No, not at all. I mean, it’s one of those things where I’ve been playing football pretty much my whole life; and more than anything, it was an honor just to play with such a great group of guys from all calibers of schools. I adapted well to the environment, and I had a great time to show not only scouts and players my God-given ability, but to prove to myself that I belong there in the mix.
CP: What’s the best part of your game as relates to a pro career?
DGJ: If I had a phrase to describe me it would say “A Very Versatile Athlete” … meaning I think personally I do all of the intangibles very well. I pride myself on route running and God gave me the ability to have soft big hands. I’m a great deep threat, short, or over the middle. I’m very physical, and I love to mix up with DBs at the line of scrimmage. I definitely think I'm a home run hitter, and I will block for my running back at all times and not take plays off. Most of all, I’m self-motivated and a hard worker.
CP: What do you need to work on?
DGJ: Not trying to sound arrogant by any means, but I think we all have room for improvement in every aspect of our games. And I’m always open mentally and physically for improvement — but the one thing that pops out to me is that I may need to work on is playing and focusing in on my assignment at 100 percent while playing tired or fatigued.
CP: I noticed that you move very well laterally for a big receiver, is that something you’ve specifically worked on?
DGJ: Yes sir. I have. I think a lot of big receivers rely only on their natural body and talent to get open, but myself, I pride myself on route running and doing the intangibles to make it even harder to cover me. When it’s the 4th quarter and a DB’s saying to himself ‘what is he about to do?’ I would like more than one bullet in the chamber. LOL
CP: I know you did a lot of work at NSU on special teams, is this something you see yourself doing in the pros?
DGJ: Of course. I know you have to crawl before you walk, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get on the field, whether it’s playing special teams or catching the game-winning touchdown. As long as our team’s winning, I'm all for it.
CP: Despite your production at NSU and your great workout numbers, there’s a chance you might not get drafted. If that becomes the case, you will get lots of offers — what factors would help you decide on what team to sign with (eg. signing bonus, chance of making playoffs, offensive philosophy)?
DGJ: That’s a big factor, and I just try not think about it, and let God work His magic. But if that was to happen, I would like to go to an organization who’s about the team first and that take pride themselves the same way whether they’re winning or losing, and just treating everyone with respect.
CP: Is playing the slot significantly different than playing wide? Which do you prefer?
DGJ: Actually, I like both. I like the wide because DBs have a hard time pressing me and matching up man to man. And I like the slot cause I give safeties and linebackers a major threat. I just try to make plays when my number’s called whether it's in the slot or out wide.
CP: Who was the toughest DB you faced in college?
DGJ: I can honestly say up until this point I haven't met my match yet but maybe in the near future I can answer that question. LOL
CP: You turned down a scholarship to play DB at Mississippi State to play WR at NSU, why was it so important to play WR?
DGJ: It's just one of those things that receiver is my passion, and it’s something I love to do. At the time, I led the state with 11 or 12 INTs my senior year and a lot of bigger schools wanted me to play DB because I was 6'1 and 207 pounds coming out of high school. I helped my team out on the defensive side, but also led the state in receptions with about 52, 54 or 56 with 1,100 or 1,200-plus yards receiving. So to me it's one of those things — are you going to play DB just to go to a bigger school and get more recognition, or are you going to go to a school and play the position that you love to play and want to get better in? So I picked WR.
CP: You’re a cum laude graduate and aspire to be a federal agent; is it important to you to go to a team that deems character to be an essential part of a prospect’s value?
DGJ: Of course. Definitely growing up throughout my life, a wise man (which is my dad) told me to remember a saying and till this day I know it frontwards and backwards. My dad said: “Adversity brings character; and character can take you to a place that fame, money or whatever it is can’t.”
CP: You’ve spoken with a number of NFL teams, how do the Colts compare with the others?
DGJ: Just saying the name Colts speaks for itself. There are a lot of great veteran players on that team, and they pride themselves in the same manner whether it's winning or losing — and that’s playing till it’s 0:00 on the clock. I would love to catch a few bombs from Peyton Manning. It would not only be a biggest dream, but it would be an honor.
CP: Do people consistently mispronounce your last name? Does it rhyme with “spice?”
DGJ: Yes sir. Whether there are saying geese, juice, or grice, it keeps a smile on my face. Hopefully, one day I can become a household name — a Got Guice instead of juice. LOL
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
News Roundup
Ed Thompson of Scout.com reports the Colts took a look at Central Florida’s CB/RS Joe Burnett (5093/192/4.58c). He’s a very interesting prospect . If you look at his Combine numbers, you see a seventh rounder or an undrafted free agent. But if you look at his game film, you see a first rounder. Okay, Burnett hasn’t faced top competition as a Knight, but he started from Day 1 as a corner and set records as a return man.
Burnett makes up for his lack of timed speed as a corner with perfect technique and short area quickness and as a return man with natural elusiveness and extraordinary agility and body control. And the results were obvious. In four years as a corner, he had 164 tackles, 38 assists, 11.5 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 16-262-0 interceptions and 33 passes broken up. And as a returner, he went 96-1,304-3 (13.58 average) on punts and 28-791-2 (28.25 average) on kicks. In college, he showed every talent you want in a Cover-2 corner and as a returner, but is shorter and slower in a straight line than you’d expect. That combination makes teams wonder if he’s a great college player lacking the physical prerequisites to be an NFLer, or if he’s just one of those players who simply doesn’t test well, but brings it all on game day. The problem is that it will probably take a fifth-round pick to find out.
Yesterday, the league awarded the Colts a fourth-round pick as compensation for Jake Scott, the free-agent offensive lineman who signed with the Titans. I like Scott, but am really surprised by what a great pick they got for him.
In other news, the Colts cut Clifton Dawson. The book on him is that he’s a great guy with all the skills a halfback needs except quickness and deep speed. So he’s perfect for the CFL (and the fact that he’s a Canadian citizen doesn’t hurt, either). Their camps have just opened. Let’s hope he goes to my hometown Hamilton Tiger-Cats rather than the contemptible Toronto Argonauts.
Burnett makes up for his lack of timed speed as a corner with perfect technique and short area quickness and as a return man with natural elusiveness and extraordinary agility and body control. And the results were obvious. In four years as a corner, he had 164 tackles, 38 assists, 11.5 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 16-262-0 interceptions and 33 passes broken up. And as a returner, he went 96-1,304-3 (13.58 average) on punts and 28-791-2 (28.25 average) on kicks. In college, he showed every talent you want in a Cover-2 corner and as a returner, but is shorter and slower in a straight line than you’d expect. That combination makes teams wonder if he’s a great college player lacking the physical prerequisites to be an NFLer, or if he’s just one of those players who simply doesn’t test well, but brings it all on game day. The problem is that it will probably take a fifth-round pick to find out.
Yesterday, the league awarded the Colts a fourth-round pick as compensation for Jake Scott, the free-agent offensive lineman who signed with the Titans. I like Scott, but am really surprised by what a great pick they got for him.
In other news, the Colts cut Clifton Dawson. The book on him is that he’s a great guy with all the skills a halfback needs except quickness and deep speed. So he’s perfect for the CFL (and the fact that he’s a Canadian citizen doesn’t hurt, either). Their camps have just opened. Let’s hope he goes to my hometown Hamilton Tiger-Cats rather than the contemptible Toronto Argonauts.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Nate Davis: QB of the Future?
According to published reports, the Colts were the only NFL team to watch Ball State QB Nate Davis (6013/226/4.95c) work out at his Pro Day. Not surprisingly, this — not too long after the Colts worked out USC QB Mark Sanchez — has led Colts fans to believe that the team is not just looking for a better back-up than Jim Sorgi, but also an eventual replacement for Peyton Manning.
It makes sense. Manning will be 33 tomorrow, and he looked very mortal this year after a bursa sac problem that began before the season slowed him down considerably. Everyone, all at once realized he won’t actually last forever. So it makes sense for the Colts to invest in a young passer with upside — as the Patriot did with Matt Cassell — but is Davis the guy? Let’s look at the pluses and minuses.
Positives
• Great arm, with stunning accuracy on deep passes
• Quick release
• Good footwork and overall athleticism
• Excellent college production (1,124-678-9,233-74-22 passing)
• Is a viable running option
• Very tough and durable
Negatives
• Short
• Overall mechanics are lacking, especially on short passes
• Will fumble
• Played in spread offense and very rarely took snaps from center
• Did not play as well in big games or against tougher opponents
• Has been diagnosed with a learning disability
• Plays with glove on his throwing hand and does not use laces, despite coaches’ advice
I’d have to say that Davis has the tools to be an effective NFL starter if he develops. His height doesn’t bother me (he’s taller than Drew Brees). Nor does his lack of experience behind center or against top competition, because those things can gradually disappear with experience in the NFL.
But what does bother me about Davis is between his ears. And I’m not talking about the learning disability. While natural intelligence is a nice thing to have, it doesn’t always translate to the field; and Davis’ decision-making process as a football player seemed as unimpaired as most prospects at his stage of development. The alarming thing is his reluctance to heed his coaches’ advice. While Davis has had undeniable success throwing the ball, he has done so while ignoring some basic fundamentals. It makes one wonder how good he could be if he took the gloves off and used the laces. It also makes you wonder if he’ll listen to his coaches as a pro.
And that’s the key. If Davis is to develop, it will only happen if he realizes that his coaches (and potential veteran NFL quarterbacks) know more about the game than he does. But if he didn’t listen to Stan Parrish and Eddie Faulkner when his draft status (ie. pay day) was on line, what makes us think he’ll listen to Jim Caldwell, Tom Moore, Frank Reich and Manning after a contract is signed? It has nothing to do with a learning disability; it’s about maturity. And coming out as a junior when he clearly had a lot to learn didn’t help anyone believe he was maturing.
Personally I’d like to see the kid succeed, but I realize he’s a lottery ticket at this point. He’ll never be a Manning, but if he responds to coaches, he could maybe be a Jay Cutler type, or an Aaron Rodgers — a guy whose physical talents often transcend his occasional lapses and shortcomings. More likely he’s a Joey Harrington — the guy with the live arm who just doesn’t have the patience or discipline for the NFL game. And, or course, there’s always a chance he’ll be an Akili Smith — a guy who just doesn’t belong in the NFL at all.
Like all gambles, a talent like Davis is only worth an investment you can afford to lose. It’s tempting to say the Colts should draft him in the third round because they haven’t gotten anything decent out of a third-round pick in years, but I think that’s still too steep. I’d be very impressed if the Colts managed to get Davis with no greater loss than a fourth rounder. Keep in mind there are three guys in this draft with the potential to be a franchise QB in the NFL, and Davis is the only one who won't cost a first rounder.
Note: It’s not a huge deal that other teams did not attend Davis’ Pro Day; he went through all the workouts at the Combine and it's not uncommon for teams to stand on what they saw there.
It makes sense. Manning will be 33 tomorrow, and he looked very mortal this year after a bursa sac problem that began before the season slowed him down considerably. Everyone, all at once realized he won’t actually last forever. So it makes sense for the Colts to invest in a young passer with upside — as the Patriot did with Matt Cassell — but is Davis the guy? Let’s look at the pluses and minuses.
Positives
• Great arm, with stunning accuracy on deep passes
• Quick release
• Good footwork and overall athleticism
• Excellent college production (1,124-678-9,233-74-22 passing)
• Is a viable running option
• Very tough and durable
Negatives
• Short
• Overall mechanics are lacking, especially on short passes
• Will fumble
• Played in spread offense and very rarely took snaps from center
• Did not play as well in big games or against tougher opponents
• Has been diagnosed with a learning disability
• Plays with glove on his throwing hand and does not use laces, despite coaches’ advice
I’d have to say that Davis has the tools to be an effective NFL starter if he develops. His height doesn’t bother me (he’s taller than Drew Brees). Nor does his lack of experience behind center or against top competition, because those things can gradually disappear with experience in the NFL.
But what does bother me about Davis is between his ears. And I’m not talking about the learning disability. While natural intelligence is a nice thing to have, it doesn’t always translate to the field; and Davis’ decision-making process as a football player seemed as unimpaired as most prospects at his stage of development. The alarming thing is his reluctance to heed his coaches’ advice. While Davis has had undeniable success throwing the ball, he has done so while ignoring some basic fundamentals. It makes one wonder how good he could be if he took the gloves off and used the laces. It also makes you wonder if he’ll listen to his coaches as a pro.
And that’s the key. If Davis is to develop, it will only happen if he realizes that his coaches (and potential veteran NFL quarterbacks) know more about the game than he does. But if he didn’t listen to Stan Parrish and Eddie Faulkner when his draft status (ie. pay day) was on line, what makes us think he’ll listen to Jim Caldwell, Tom Moore, Frank Reich and Manning after a contract is signed? It has nothing to do with a learning disability; it’s about maturity. And coming out as a junior when he clearly had a lot to learn didn’t help anyone believe he was maturing.
Personally I’d like to see the kid succeed, but I realize he’s a lottery ticket at this point. He’ll never be a Manning, but if he responds to coaches, he could maybe be a Jay Cutler type, or an Aaron Rodgers — a guy whose physical talents often transcend his occasional lapses and shortcomings. More likely he’s a Joey Harrington — the guy with the live arm who just doesn’t have the patience or discipline for the NFL game. And, or course, there’s always a chance he’ll be an Akili Smith — a guy who just doesn’t belong in the NFL at all.
Like all gambles, a talent like Davis is only worth an investment you can afford to lose. It’s tempting to say the Colts should draft him in the third round because they haven’t gotten anything decent out of a third-round pick in years, but I think that’s still too steep. I’d be very impressed if the Colts managed to get Davis with no greater loss than a fourth rounder. Keep in mind there are three guys in this draft with the potential to be a franchise QB in the NFL, and Davis is the only one who won't cost a first rounder.
Note: It’s not a huge deal that other teams did not attend Davis’ Pro Day; he went through all the workouts at the Combine and it's not uncommon for teams to stand on what they saw there.
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