Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Depth Chart
QB 18 Peyton Manning, 12 Jim Sorgi, Curtis Painter
RB 29 Joseph Addai, 31 Donald Brown, 32 Mike Hart, 35 Chad Simpson, 27 Lance Ball
FL 87 Reggie Wayne, 85 Pierre Garcon, 14 Samuel Giguere, 83 John Matthews
SE 11 Anthony Gonzalez, 83 Roy Hall, 17 Austin Collie, 6 Taj Smith, 15 Brett McDermott
TE 44 Dallas Clark, 84 Jacob Tamme, 80 Jamie Petrowski
H-B 47 Gijon Robinson, 86 Tom Santi, 46 Colin Cloherty
RT 71 Ryan Diem, 75 Michael Toudouze, 72 Corey Hilliard
RG 78 Mike Pollak, 61 Jamey Richard, 60 Brandon Barnes
C 63 Jeff Saturday, 53 Steve Justice, 66 Kyle DeVan
LG 65 Ryan Lilja, 73 Jaimie Thomas, 64 Cornelius Lewis
LT 67 Tony Ugoh, 74 Charlie Johnson, 76 Daniel Federkeil, 69 Tom Pestock
RDE 93 Dwight Freeney, 92 Marcus Howard, 94 Curtis Johnson
NT 99 Antonio Johnson, 95 Fili Moala, 90 Daniel Muir, 62 Terrance Taylor
UT 96 Keyunta Dawson, 68 Eric Foster, 64 Adrian Grady, 97 Pat Kuntz
LDE 79 Raheem Brock, 98 Robert Mathis
WLB 55 Clint Session, 54 Freddie Keiaho, 51 Jordan Senn, 59 Rufus Alexander, 45 Ramon Humber
MLB 58 Gary Brackett, 52 Adam Seward, 57 Mike Okwo
SLB 50 Philip Wheeler, 56 Tyjuan Hagler, 46 Tyrell Sales
RCB 26 Kelvin Hayden, 23 Tim Jennings, 25 Michael Coe, 34 TJ Rushing, 39 Brandon Foster, 30 Travis Keys
LCB 28 Marlin Jackson, 20 Dante Hughes, 49 Jerraud Powers, 37 Nick Graham, 38 Brandon Harrison, 16 Jacob Lacey
SS 21 Bob Sanders, 43 Matt Giordano, 40 Jamie Silva
FS 41 Antoine Bethea, 33 Melvin Bullitt, 37 Brannon Condren
K 4 Adam Vinatieri
P 1 Pat McAfee, 8 Mike Dragosavich, 2 Tim Masthay
LS 48 Justin Snow
RB 29 Joseph Addai, 31 Donald Brown, 32 Mike Hart, 35 Chad Simpson, 27 Lance Ball
FL 87 Reggie Wayne, 85 Pierre Garcon, 14 Samuel Giguere, 83 John Matthews
SE 11 Anthony Gonzalez, 83 Roy Hall, 17 Austin Collie, 6 Taj Smith, 15 Brett McDermott
TE 44 Dallas Clark, 84 Jacob Tamme, 80 Jamie Petrowski
H-B 47 Gijon Robinson, 86 Tom Santi, 46 Colin Cloherty
RT 71 Ryan Diem, 75 Michael Toudouze, 72 Corey Hilliard
RG 78 Mike Pollak, 61 Jamey Richard, 60 Brandon Barnes
C 63 Jeff Saturday, 53 Steve Justice, 66 Kyle DeVan
LG 65 Ryan Lilja, 73 Jaimie Thomas, 64 Cornelius Lewis
LT 67 Tony Ugoh, 74 Charlie Johnson, 76 Daniel Federkeil, 69 Tom Pestock
RDE 93 Dwight Freeney, 92 Marcus Howard, 94 Curtis Johnson
NT 99 Antonio Johnson, 95 Fili Moala, 90 Daniel Muir, 62 Terrance Taylor
UT 96 Keyunta Dawson, 68 Eric Foster, 64 Adrian Grady, 97 Pat Kuntz
LDE 79 Raheem Brock, 98 Robert Mathis
WLB 55 Clint Session, 54 Freddie Keiaho, 51 Jordan Senn, 59 Rufus Alexander, 45 Ramon Humber
MLB 58 Gary Brackett, 52 Adam Seward, 57 Mike Okwo
SLB 50 Philip Wheeler, 56 Tyjuan Hagler, 46 Tyrell Sales
RCB 26 Kelvin Hayden, 23 Tim Jennings, 25 Michael Coe, 34 TJ Rushing, 39 Brandon Foster, 30 Travis Keys
LCB 28 Marlin Jackson, 20 Dante Hughes, 49 Jerraud Powers, 37 Nick Graham, 38 Brandon Harrison, 16 Jacob Lacey
SS 21 Bob Sanders, 43 Matt Giordano, 40 Jamie Silva
FS 41 Antoine Bethea, 33 Melvin Bullitt, 37 Brannon Condren
K 4 Adam Vinatieri
P 1 Pat McAfee, 8 Mike Dragosavich, 2 Tim Masthay
LS 48 Justin Snow
Post draft thoughts
Freddie Keiaho’s back. The spurned restricted free agent found no better offers elsewhere, so he came back to Indy. But he just might find his seat full. The team announced earlier that Clint Session was going to be moved into Keiaho’s old weakside spot. He's a better player than Keiaho, and Will is a more natural fit for him.
If all goes to plan, the Colts would start Session at Will, Gary Brackett at Mike and second-year man Phillip Wheeler at Sam. Should Wheeler falter, the Colts have free-agent signee Adam Seward and veteran Tyjuan Hagler to take up the slack. If worst comes to worst, Session could go back to Sam, and Keiaho would fight Jordan Senn (and potentially others) for the Will spot. Most likely, Keiaho will battle Hagler for a swing backup/special-teams role.
• Pro Football Weekly intimated that the Colts are dissatisfied with Brackett, and will let him walk after this year. I’m not discounting that. You can see the Colts getting heavier and younger on defense. So who’s his heir apparent? They didn’t draft anyone. It’s not Keiaho. They wouldn’t have risked him signing elsewhere if it was. Seward? He’s plenty capable, but signed to a one-year deal. At best, he’s auditioning for the job. Some wags have said the Colts might acquire Steelers starter Larry Foote. He’s a good player, would probably cost less than Brackett and would be available for little compensation. He’d also probably be a better run defender, but would have to be replaced on third downs. Even under the new management, the Colts will expect a lot of their Mike in coverage, and Foote’s not up to it. The logical answer is Wheeler. He was better inside than out in college. Keep in mind, it’s easier to find a new Sam than it is a new Mike.
• The Colts cut cornerback Brandon Sumrall. He was picked up by the Giants on waivers, but failed his physical.
• The Cardinals, to nobody’s surprise, cut Edgerrin James. The only way the Colts would sign him would be so he could retire hours later.
• In two draft books, I saw Austin Collie compared to Brandon Stokley, Wes Welker, Wayne Chrebet and Kevin Curtis. Are they trying to tell us something? Why not Drew Bennett? He has as much in common with him as the others do. Stokley is a skinny, kamikaze deep threat over the middle. Collie is much slower and fears the middle. Welker is a tiny waterbug who moves like he’s made of Jell-o. Collie isn’t stiff, but he’s no shape-shifter like Welker, nor is he small. Chrebet was a stocky little chain mover with amazingly strong arms and hands. Collie’s more an intermediate threat who could use a little more muscle. Curtis is a speed demon who can jump through the roof. Collie’s not fast, nor a great leaper. I’m not saying Collie’s not a great prospect — he is — but there are many more apt comparisons.
• That Pat McAfee is a good kid. Love how he distanced himself from Mike Vanderjagt.
• The average weight of the Colts’ defensive tackles before the draft was 285.25. After the draft, it was 293.83. And after the UDFAs were signed, it was 293.25. They are, from heaviest to lightest:
Terrance Taylor 319
Daniel Muir 312
Antonio Johnson 310
Fili Moala 303
Adrian Grady 298
Pat Kuntz 285
Eric Foster 265
Keyunta Dawson 254
An interesting side note: Taylor weighs 25.59 percent more than Dawson.
• What an amazing amount of talent the Colts have on the o-line. Who do they cut?
If all goes to plan, the Colts would start Session at Will, Gary Brackett at Mike and second-year man Phillip Wheeler at Sam. Should Wheeler falter, the Colts have free-agent signee Adam Seward and veteran Tyjuan Hagler to take up the slack. If worst comes to worst, Session could go back to Sam, and Keiaho would fight Jordan Senn (and potentially others) for the Will spot. Most likely, Keiaho will battle Hagler for a swing backup/special-teams role.
• Pro Football Weekly intimated that the Colts are dissatisfied with Brackett, and will let him walk after this year. I’m not discounting that. You can see the Colts getting heavier and younger on defense. So who’s his heir apparent? They didn’t draft anyone. It’s not Keiaho. They wouldn’t have risked him signing elsewhere if it was. Seward? He’s plenty capable, but signed to a one-year deal. At best, he’s auditioning for the job. Some wags have said the Colts might acquire Steelers starter Larry Foote. He’s a good player, would probably cost less than Brackett and would be available for little compensation. He’d also probably be a better run defender, but would have to be replaced on third downs. Even under the new management, the Colts will expect a lot of their Mike in coverage, and Foote’s not up to it. The logical answer is Wheeler. He was better inside than out in college. Keep in mind, it’s easier to find a new Sam than it is a new Mike.
• The Colts cut cornerback Brandon Sumrall. He was picked up by the Giants on waivers, but failed his physical.
• The Cardinals, to nobody’s surprise, cut Edgerrin James. The only way the Colts would sign him would be so he could retire hours later.
• In two draft books, I saw Austin Collie compared to Brandon Stokley, Wes Welker, Wayne Chrebet and Kevin Curtis. Are they trying to tell us something? Why not Drew Bennett? He has as much in common with him as the others do. Stokley is a skinny, kamikaze deep threat over the middle. Collie is much slower and fears the middle. Welker is a tiny waterbug who moves like he’s made of Jell-o. Collie isn’t stiff, but he’s no shape-shifter like Welker, nor is he small. Chrebet was a stocky little chain mover with amazingly strong arms and hands. Collie’s more an intermediate threat who could use a little more muscle. Curtis is a speed demon who can jump through the roof. Collie’s not fast, nor a great leaper. I’m not saying Collie’s not a great prospect — he is — but there are many more apt comparisons.
• That Pat McAfee is a good kid. Love how he distanced himself from Mike Vanderjagt.
• The average weight of the Colts’ defensive tackles before the draft was 285.25. After the draft, it was 293.83. And after the UDFAs were signed, it was 293.25. They are, from heaviest to lightest:
Terrance Taylor 319
Daniel Muir 312
Antonio Johnson 310
Fili Moala 303
Adrian Grady 298
Pat Kuntz 285
Eric Foster 265
Keyunta Dawson 254
An interesting side note: Taylor weighs 25.59 percent more than Dawson.
• What an amazing amount of talent the Colts have on the o-line. Who do they cut?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Depth Chart
QB 18 Peyton Manning, 12 Jim Sorgi, Curtis Painter
RB 29 Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, 32 Mike Hart, 35 Chad Simpson, 27 Lance Ball
FL 87 Reggie Wayne, 85 Pierre Garcon, 14 Samuel Giguere, John Matthews
SE 11 Anthony Gonzalez, 83 Roy Hall, Austin Collie, 6 Taj Smith
TE 44 Dallas Clark, 84 Jacob Tamme, 80 Jamie Petrowski
H-B 47 Gijon Robinson, 86 Tom Santi, Colin Cloherty
RT 71 Ryan Diem, 75 Michael Toudouze, 72 Corey Hilliard
RG 78 Mike Pollak, 61 Jamey Richard, Brandon Barnes
C 63 Jeff Saturday, 53 Steve Justice, Kyle DeVan
LG 65 Ryan Lilja, Jaimie Thomas, Cornelius Lewis
LT 67 Tony Ugoh, 74 Charlie Johnson, 76 Daniel Federkeil, Tom Pestock
RDE 93 Dwight Freeney, 92 Marcus Howard, 94 Curtis Johnson
NT 99 Antonio Johnson, Fili Moala, 90 Daniel Muir, Terrance Taylor
UT 96 Keyunta Dawson, 68 Eric Foster, Adrian Grady, Pat Kuntz
LDE 79 Raheem Brock, 98 Robert Mathis
WLB 55 Clint Session, 51 Jordan Senn, 59 Rufus Alexander, Ramon Humber
MLB 58 Gary Brackett, 52 Adam Seward, 57 Mike Okwo
SLB 50 Philip Wheeler, 56 Tyjuan Hagler, Tyrell Sales
RCB 26 Kelvin Hayden, 23 Tim Jennings, 25 Michael Coe, 34 TJ Rushing, 39 Brandon Foster, 30 Travis Keys
LCB 28 Marlin Jackson, 20 Dante Hughes, Jerraud Powers, 37 Nick Graham, Brandon Harrison
SS 21 Bob Sanders, 43 Matt Giordano, 40 Jamie Silva
FS 41 Antoine Bethea, 33 Melvin Bullitt, 37 Brannon Condren
K 4 Adam Vinatieri
P Pat McAfee, 8 Mike Dragosavich, Tim Masthay
LS 48 Justin Snow
RB 29 Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, 32 Mike Hart, 35 Chad Simpson, 27 Lance Ball
FL 87 Reggie Wayne, 85 Pierre Garcon, 14 Samuel Giguere, John Matthews
SE 11 Anthony Gonzalez, 83 Roy Hall, Austin Collie, 6 Taj Smith
TE 44 Dallas Clark, 84 Jacob Tamme, 80 Jamie Petrowski
H-B 47 Gijon Robinson, 86 Tom Santi, Colin Cloherty
RT 71 Ryan Diem, 75 Michael Toudouze, 72 Corey Hilliard
RG 78 Mike Pollak, 61 Jamey Richard, Brandon Barnes
C 63 Jeff Saturday, 53 Steve Justice, Kyle DeVan
LG 65 Ryan Lilja, Jaimie Thomas, Cornelius Lewis
LT 67 Tony Ugoh, 74 Charlie Johnson, 76 Daniel Federkeil, Tom Pestock
RDE 93 Dwight Freeney, 92 Marcus Howard, 94 Curtis Johnson
NT 99 Antonio Johnson, Fili Moala, 90 Daniel Muir, Terrance Taylor
UT 96 Keyunta Dawson, 68 Eric Foster, Adrian Grady, Pat Kuntz
LDE 79 Raheem Brock, 98 Robert Mathis
WLB 55 Clint Session, 51 Jordan Senn, 59 Rufus Alexander, Ramon Humber
MLB 58 Gary Brackett, 52 Adam Seward, 57 Mike Okwo
SLB 50 Philip Wheeler, 56 Tyjuan Hagler, Tyrell Sales
RCB 26 Kelvin Hayden, 23 Tim Jennings, 25 Michael Coe, 34 TJ Rushing, 39 Brandon Foster, 30 Travis Keys
LCB 28 Marlin Jackson, 20 Dante Hughes, Jerraud Powers, 37 Nick Graham, Brandon Harrison
SS 21 Bob Sanders, 43 Matt Giordano, 40 Jamie Silva
FS 41 Antoine Bethea, 33 Melvin Bullitt, 37 Brannon Condren
K 4 Adam Vinatieri
P Pat McAfee, 8 Mike Dragosavich, Tim Masthay
LS 48 Justin Snow
The UDFAs
John Matthews WR (5113/200/4.52pd) San Diego is a sneaky-fast slot guy with great hands and routes. He played at a low level of competition, but was consistently productive (102-1,478-21 as a senior) and numbers actually improved after star QB Josh Johnson graduated. Saw him in Texas vs. the Nation game, looked like he belonged. Solid citizen, high IQ. Not much experience on special teams. Biggest problem may be adjusting to speed and roughness of the pro game — especially beating jams.
Colin Cloherty TE (6021/245/4.78pd) Brown is a very productive (40-418-3 as a senior) small-school tight end. Does pretty much everything right as a receiver, and gives a solid effort as a blocker. Lacks strength blocking and is not an asset in-line, but can do some damage if he’s on the move. Faced Ivy League competition and looked good, but not dominant. Intelligent, high character guy. Projects to an H-back, fullback type in the pros.
Cornelius Lewis T (6034/332/5.22c) Tennessee State is an outstanding physical specimen with technique and character issues. Kicked off Florida State for fighting, he re-emerged at Tennessee State. At times he was absolutely dominant, but relied too much on brute strength against lesser competition. Has no mirror moves or kick. Has the raw tools to be great, but has put nothing together. Worth a flyer by the Colts to see if Howard Mudd can wring anything worthwhile out of him.
Tom Pestock T (6064/300/5.04pd) Northwestern Missouri State is incredibly raw, but has great tools. He came to NWMSU as a defensive lineman, but started three years on the other side of the ball. Very strong, with good use of his arms, Pestock has a habit of setting up too high and too narrow and can be beaten by speedy rushers. Though a left guard in college, he projects to a right tackle prospect for the Colts. He’ll need intensive coaching to improve, but seems to have the right attitude.
Adrian Grady DT (6013/298/5.19c5.18pd) Louisville is a guy lots of Colts fans will like because of his very quick first step and lateral quickness, but he has no pass-rush moves and isn’t as strong as his size would indicate. While he has flashed some really great moments, he doesn’t have a great motor and has a rep for taking plays off.
Pat Kuntz DT (6021/285/5.05pd) Notre Dame is more like the defensive tackles the Colts are used to. Not very big or strong, Kuntz is cat-quick, makes himself small and can be very productive. He has a great motor, is excellent at getting to the ball and has an uncanny ability to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage. Is not strong at the point of attack and can be ridden out by one blocker if he doesn’t beat him outright. Intelligent, high character guy with a good work ethic, but a rep for being a bit of a goofball. Played end at Notre Dame, but will play inside for the Colts. Best acse scenario is as a part-timer, but don’t underestimate this kid.
Tyrell Sales OLB (6022/231/4.58pd) Penn State is an athletic, instinctive outside linebacker who excels in zone coverage and is a solid open-field tackler. Hard to knock down and shows good shedding ability. Not an effective blitzer. Does not play as fast as he times and is not explosive. Has a lot of special-teams experience and that may be his ticket into the NFL. Intelligent and hard working, but has had some off-field issues.
Ramon Humber OLB (5106/224/4.56pd) North Dakota State 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. Humber is, by all reports, a high character prospect.
Brandon Harrison CB (5090/205/4.42pd) Michigan is a tough but short strong safety the Colts will try at corner. Understands zone coverage well and is effective in short and intermediate zones. Is a legitimate weapon against the run, and a good open-field tackler. Is an excellent blitzer. Is a liability in man coverage, especially deep. Can’t turn around and run with most wideouts. Not a threat to intercept. Can carve out a career in specials, as he told NFL Draft Bible: “I am all for special teams, special teams all day. Whatever a team asks me to do, I’ll do, no questions asked.” Has some return experience, but is not a threat in that department. Seems like a good, intelligent kid.
Tim Masthay P (6014/198/4.80c) Kentucky is a decent-legged punter, who — like draft pick Pat McAfee — is better at hanging them up there than booming them downfield. Good athlete who is not a liability in coverage. Get punts off pretty quickly. Outstanding hands, can adjust to badly snapped balls and hold for placements. Has some value kicking off. Has almost no directional ability and his stats are inflated by all his straight-line punts. Excellent character and intelligence, but some have questioned his dedication to the game.
Colin Cloherty TE (6021/245/4.78pd) Brown is a very productive (40-418-3 as a senior) small-school tight end. Does pretty much everything right as a receiver, and gives a solid effort as a blocker. Lacks strength blocking and is not an asset in-line, but can do some damage if he’s on the move. Faced Ivy League competition and looked good, but not dominant. Intelligent, high character guy. Projects to an H-back, fullback type in the pros.
Cornelius Lewis T (6034/332/5.22c) Tennessee State is an outstanding physical specimen with technique and character issues. Kicked off Florida State for fighting, he re-emerged at Tennessee State. At times he was absolutely dominant, but relied too much on brute strength against lesser competition. Has no mirror moves or kick. Has the raw tools to be great, but has put nothing together. Worth a flyer by the Colts to see if Howard Mudd can wring anything worthwhile out of him.
Tom Pestock T (6064/300/5.04pd) Northwestern Missouri State is incredibly raw, but has great tools. He came to NWMSU as a defensive lineman, but started three years on the other side of the ball. Very strong, with good use of his arms, Pestock has a habit of setting up too high and too narrow and can be beaten by speedy rushers. Though a left guard in college, he projects to a right tackle prospect for the Colts. He’ll need intensive coaching to improve, but seems to have the right attitude.
Adrian Grady DT (6013/298/5.19c5.18pd) Louisville is a guy lots of Colts fans will like because of his very quick first step and lateral quickness, but he has no pass-rush moves and isn’t as strong as his size would indicate. While he has flashed some really great moments, he doesn’t have a great motor and has a rep for taking plays off.
Pat Kuntz DT (6021/285/5.05pd) Notre Dame is more like the defensive tackles the Colts are used to. Not very big or strong, Kuntz is cat-quick, makes himself small and can be very productive. He has a great motor, is excellent at getting to the ball and has an uncanny ability to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage. Is not strong at the point of attack and can be ridden out by one blocker if he doesn’t beat him outright. Intelligent, high character guy with a good work ethic, but a rep for being a bit of a goofball. Played end at Notre Dame, but will play inside for the Colts. Best acse scenario is as a part-timer, but don’t underestimate this kid.
Tyrell Sales OLB (6022/231/4.58pd) Penn State is an athletic, instinctive outside linebacker who excels in zone coverage and is a solid open-field tackler. Hard to knock down and shows good shedding ability. Not an effective blitzer. Does not play as fast as he times and is not explosive. Has a lot of special-teams experience and that may be his ticket into the NFL. Intelligent and hard working, but has had some off-field issues.
Ramon Humber OLB (5106/224/4.56pd) North Dakota State 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. Humber is, by all reports, a high character prospect.
Brandon Harrison CB (5090/205/4.42pd) Michigan is a tough but short strong safety the Colts will try at corner. Understands zone coverage well and is effective in short and intermediate zones. Is a legitimate weapon against the run, and a good open-field tackler. Is an excellent blitzer. Is a liability in man coverage, especially deep. Can’t turn around and run with most wideouts. Not a threat to intercept. Can carve out a career in specials, as he told NFL Draft Bible: “I am all for special teams, special teams all day. Whatever a team asks me to do, I’ll do, no questions asked.” Has some return experience, but is not a threat in that department. Seems like a good, intelligent kid.
Tim Masthay P (6014/198/4.80c) Kentucky is a decent-legged punter, who — like draft pick Pat McAfee — is better at hanging them up there than booming them downfield. Good athlete who is not a liability in coverage. Get punts off pretty quickly. Outstanding hands, can adjust to badly snapped balls and hold for placements. Has some value kicking off. Has almost no directional ability and his stats are inflated by all his straight-line punts. Excellent character and intelligence, but some have questioned his dedication to the game.
Monday, April 27, 2009
A look at the picks
1/27 Donald Brown RB (5102/210/4.51c) Connecticut
What’s to like: Most everything. Brown is a surprisingly powerful runner and receiver with a top character and non-stop motor. He’s very elusive and hard to bring down. Strong. Find holes and hits them hard. Quick off the snap. Adjusts well. Can improvise. Advanced spin and power moves. Great nose for the end zone. Runs nice routes and has soft hands. Understand passing game. Very durable. Intelligent.
Second guesses: Doesn’t have elite long speed and isn’t a great blocker. Won’t give you much after the catch.
How he fits: As bad as the Colts were at stopping the run last year (24th in the league), they were far worse at running the ball (31st). Last year’s No. 2 back, Dominic Rhodes, left for Buffalo as a free agent and last year’s No. 3, Mike Hart, tore his ACL. Brown will go to camp as the No. 2 and situational back and will serve in that role unless he shows himself to be a better workhorse. If he works on his blocking, that could be sooner than later. Do not expect to see him play on special teams.
Reminds me of: Clinton Portis
2/56 Fili Moala DT (6040/305/5.07c) Southern California
What’s to like: He’s a big, aggressive DT with lots of experience at what is perhaps college’s best program. Great burst off the line, and a rare ability to move laterally. Good tackler with strong arms and upper body. Can collapse the pocket.
Second guesses: Has unsophisticated pass-rush moves. Not always in the greatest condition and stamina is a concern. Not exactly a Colts-type high-character guy.
How he fits: Moala is there to stop the run. Though they won’t admit it, the Colts’ defense is moving in a different direction. Gone will be the interchangeable rush-rush DTs, replaced by an NT and a UT. The UTs are already in the house, and Moala will complete with vets Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir and fellow rookie Terrance Taylor for the NT spot. Since it’s basically a two-down position, Moala looks like the favorite at this point.
Reminds me of: Chris Hovan
3/92 Jerraud Powers CB (5091/188/4.51c4.43pd) Auburn
What’s to like: Fast and very aggressive corner who was avoided by enemy QBs. Fluid athlete. Excellent short-area burst and closing speed. Breaks well on the ball and usually knows where it is. Not afraid to tackle and does it well for a man his size. Knows how to shed and excels at busting up screens. Came out as a junior, and is seen as an ascending prospect. Decent hands. Seems like a good kid.
Second guesses: He’s 5’9 and 188 pounds. Not great in transition, and can be beaten on pure deep routes. Faces the curse of the Colts’ third rounder.
How he fits: He’s a nice hit-and-bail prospect who can be very effective on short and intermediate routes, but will need safety help on the long ones. The Colts will throw him on the cornerback prospect pile and hope he will emerge as Tim Jennings’ backup and potential replacement at nickel back — although the past has shown they are not afraid to line a small man up outside. May participate on specials, but is not seen as a returner prospect.
Reminds me of: Jabari Greer
4/127 Austin Collie WR (6011/198/4.63c4.53pd) Brigham Young
What’s to like: Unbelievable production, especially in the red zone. Great hands, body control, routes etc. Sharp cuts. Will not be bumped off routes. Much quicker, niftier and athletic than many believe. Can sell fakes. Great character and intelligence.
Second guesses: Not all that fast. Does not explode of the line. Could improve strength in hands and arms. Not an accomplished blocker or a fearless over-the-middle guy. Will be a 24-year-old rookie.
How he fits: Is this the slot guy from Day 1? Could be. Collie is as polished as any receiver in the draft and will need little development. Will compete with veterans Pierre Garcon, Roy Hall and Jacob Tamme for playing time. Is unlikely to be a big factor on special teams.
Reminds me of: Jason Avant
4/136 Terrance Taylor DT (6001/306/5.39c5.24pd) Michigan
What’s to like: Three-year starter at NT for a big-time program. Was considered a first-round prospect at one time. Can be very hard to block one-on-one. Will explode on the snap when he’s fresh. Stays low and uses his arms well. Can slip through holes into enemy backfields. Will pursue. Textbook tackler. Very respected by teammates.
Second guesses: Short with short arms. Poor conditioning and stamina. Rudimentary pass-rush moves. Can be double-teamed out of the play. Previous Michigan NTs — like Alan Branch and Gabe Watson — have been huge disappointments as pros.
How he fits: Taylor has the ability to be an excellent two-down NFL NT, but has to show he wants it. At his best, he’s a Kelly Gregg-style wrestler inside (but without the pass-rush moves), but unless he gets serious about conditioning he’ll never be more than a backup … or an early cut.
Reminds me of: Hollis Thomas
6/201 Curtis Painter QB (6027/225/4.87pd) Purdue
What’s to like: Good size with a huge arm. Very durable four-year starter at program that has produced NFL starters at his position. Statistically very productive, especially as a junior. Can be very accurate when comfortable.
Second guesses: Has a big problem sensing and escaping pass-rush. Can be stunningly inaccurate when pressured. Make high schooler mistakes on reads, despite experience. Locks on to favorite receivers. Not an athlete with little threat to roll out or run. Stats were inflated by Purdue’s offense. Suffered through tough senior season.
How he fits: Unless Frank Reich can perform a Vulcan mind-meld, there’s little chance Painter will emerge as an NFL starter. Instead, look for him to replace veteran backup Jim Sorgi.
Reminds me of: Andrew Walter
7/222 Pat McAfee P (5114/228/4.90e) West Virginia
What’s to like: Four years as kicker, two as punter at big-time program. Big leg. Consistently gets 4.5-second hang times. Pretty good with directional punts. Nice hands and can handle wayward snaps. Is not a bad placement kicker. Decent athlete who’s a much better defender than most at his position.
Second guesses: Slow release. Not a booming kickoff man. Doesn’t appear to have ice water mentality of top placement kickers. Good kid. Well-liked and respected.
How he fits: The favorite to replace Hunter Smith as the Colts’ punter, McAfee is an eerily similar player. He’ll also get a chance to be the team’s kickoff specialist and, if all the cards fall in the right places, could eventually become the team’s punter AND kicker, saving a roster spot.
Reminds me of: Hunter Smith
7/236 Jaimie Thomas T (6040/323/5.29c) Maryland
What’s to like: Three-year starter (at left guard) at big-time program. Big, solid young man. Very aggressive and makes the most of his strength. Extremely long arms for his height. Uses hands well. Has some footwork. Understand pass-pro, and sets up very quickly. Good motor. Very intelligent, well-respected guy.
Second guesses: Not the greatest athlete around, and not super strong. Needs coaching on how to handle blitzes and block downfield. Not as solid in running game as he is in passing. Lacks mean streak and may not be totally dedicated to game (à la Tony Ugoh).
How he fits: Although he played guard at Maryland, the Colts are likely to put him at right tackle to take advantage of his huge arms and quick pass-pro moves. If he hits the weight room, improves his run-blocking and shows that he’s more interested in the NFL than in his post-footbal career, he could eventually start.
Reminds me of: Shane Olivea
What’s to like: Most everything. Brown is a surprisingly powerful runner and receiver with a top character and non-stop motor. He’s very elusive and hard to bring down. Strong. Find holes and hits them hard. Quick off the snap. Adjusts well. Can improvise. Advanced spin and power moves. Great nose for the end zone. Runs nice routes and has soft hands. Understand passing game. Very durable. Intelligent.
Second guesses: Doesn’t have elite long speed and isn’t a great blocker. Won’t give you much after the catch.
How he fits: As bad as the Colts were at stopping the run last year (24th in the league), they were far worse at running the ball (31st). Last year’s No. 2 back, Dominic Rhodes, left for Buffalo as a free agent and last year’s No. 3, Mike Hart, tore his ACL. Brown will go to camp as the No. 2 and situational back and will serve in that role unless he shows himself to be a better workhorse. If he works on his blocking, that could be sooner than later. Do not expect to see him play on special teams.
Reminds me of: Clinton Portis
2/56 Fili Moala DT (6040/305/5.07c) Southern California
What’s to like: He’s a big, aggressive DT with lots of experience at what is perhaps college’s best program. Great burst off the line, and a rare ability to move laterally. Good tackler with strong arms and upper body. Can collapse the pocket.
Second guesses: Has unsophisticated pass-rush moves. Not always in the greatest condition and stamina is a concern. Not exactly a Colts-type high-character guy.
How he fits: Moala is there to stop the run. Though they won’t admit it, the Colts’ defense is moving in a different direction. Gone will be the interchangeable rush-rush DTs, replaced by an NT and a UT. The UTs are already in the house, and Moala will complete with vets Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir and fellow rookie Terrance Taylor for the NT spot. Since it’s basically a two-down position, Moala looks like the favorite at this point.
Reminds me of: Chris Hovan
3/92 Jerraud Powers CB (5091/188/4.51c4.43pd) Auburn
What’s to like: Fast and very aggressive corner who was avoided by enemy QBs. Fluid athlete. Excellent short-area burst and closing speed. Breaks well on the ball and usually knows where it is. Not afraid to tackle and does it well for a man his size. Knows how to shed and excels at busting up screens. Came out as a junior, and is seen as an ascending prospect. Decent hands. Seems like a good kid.
Second guesses: He’s 5’9 and 188 pounds. Not great in transition, and can be beaten on pure deep routes. Faces the curse of the Colts’ third rounder.
How he fits: He’s a nice hit-and-bail prospect who can be very effective on short and intermediate routes, but will need safety help on the long ones. The Colts will throw him on the cornerback prospect pile and hope he will emerge as Tim Jennings’ backup and potential replacement at nickel back — although the past has shown they are not afraid to line a small man up outside. May participate on specials, but is not seen as a returner prospect.
Reminds me of: Jabari Greer
4/127 Austin Collie WR (6011/198/4.63c4.53pd) Brigham Young
What’s to like: Unbelievable production, especially in the red zone. Great hands, body control, routes etc. Sharp cuts. Will not be bumped off routes. Much quicker, niftier and athletic than many believe. Can sell fakes. Great character and intelligence.
Second guesses: Not all that fast. Does not explode of the line. Could improve strength in hands and arms. Not an accomplished blocker or a fearless over-the-middle guy. Will be a 24-year-old rookie.
How he fits: Is this the slot guy from Day 1? Could be. Collie is as polished as any receiver in the draft and will need little development. Will compete with veterans Pierre Garcon, Roy Hall and Jacob Tamme for playing time. Is unlikely to be a big factor on special teams.
Reminds me of: Jason Avant
4/136 Terrance Taylor DT (6001/306/5.39c5.24pd) Michigan
What’s to like: Three-year starter at NT for a big-time program. Was considered a first-round prospect at one time. Can be very hard to block one-on-one. Will explode on the snap when he’s fresh. Stays low and uses his arms well. Can slip through holes into enemy backfields. Will pursue. Textbook tackler. Very respected by teammates.
Second guesses: Short with short arms. Poor conditioning and stamina. Rudimentary pass-rush moves. Can be double-teamed out of the play. Previous Michigan NTs — like Alan Branch and Gabe Watson — have been huge disappointments as pros.
How he fits: Taylor has the ability to be an excellent two-down NFL NT, but has to show he wants it. At his best, he’s a Kelly Gregg-style wrestler inside (but without the pass-rush moves), but unless he gets serious about conditioning he’ll never be more than a backup … or an early cut.
Reminds me of: Hollis Thomas
6/201 Curtis Painter QB (6027/225/4.87pd) Purdue
What’s to like: Good size with a huge arm. Very durable four-year starter at program that has produced NFL starters at his position. Statistically very productive, especially as a junior. Can be very accurate when comfortable.
Second guesses: Has a big problem sensing and escaping pass-rush. Can be stunningly inaccurate when pressured. Make high schooler mistakes on reads, despite experience. Locks on to favorite receivers. Not an athlete with little threat to roll out or run. Stats were inflated by Purdue’s offense. Suffered through tough senior season.
How he fits: Unless Frank Reich can perform a Vulcan mind-meld, there’s little chance Painter will emerge as an NFL starter. Instead, look for him to replace veteran backup Jim Sorgi.
Reminds me of: Andrew Walter
7/222 Pat McAfee P (5114/228/4.90e) West Virginia
What’s to like: Four years as kicker, two as punter at big-time program. Big leg. Consistently gets 4.5-second hang times. Pretty good with directional punts. Nice hands and can handle wayward snaps. Is not a bad placement kicker. Decent athlete who’s a much better defender than most at his position.
Second guesses: Slow release. Not a booming kickoff man. Doesn’t appear to have ice water mentality of top placement kickers. Good kid. Well-liked and respected.
How he fits: The favorite to replace Hunter Smith as the Colts’ punter, McAfee is an eerily similar player. He’ll also get a chance to be the team’s kickoff specialist and, if all the cards fall in the right places, could eventually become the team’s punter AND kicker, saving a roster spot.
Reminds me of: Hunter Smith
7/236 Jaimie Thomas T (6040/323/5.29c) Maryland
What’s to like: Three-year starter (at left guard) at big-time program. Big, solid young man. Very aggressive and makes the most of his strength. Extremely long arms for his height. Uses hands well. Has some footwork. Understand pass-pro, and sets up very quickly. Good motor. Very intelligent, well-respected guy.
Second guesses: Not the greatest athlete around, and not super strong. Needs coaching on how to handle blitzes and block downfield. Not as solid in running game as he is in passing. Lacks mean streak and may not be totally dedicated to game (à la Tony Ugoh).
How he fits: Although he played guard at Maryland, the Colts are likely to put him at right tackle to take advantage of his huge arms and quick pass-pro moves. If he hits the weight room, improves his run-blocking and shows that he’s more interested in the NFL than in his post-footbal career, he could eventually start.
Reminds me of: Shane Olivea
UDFAs
Analysis on everyone is coming soon. But first, here are the numbers on the UDFAs:
John Matthews WR (5113/200/4.52pd) San Diego
Colin Cloherty TE (6021/245/4.70e) Brown
Cornelius Lewis T (6034/332/5.22c) Tennessee State
Tom Pestock G (6064/300/5.00e) Northwestern Missouri
Adrian Grady DT (6013/298/5.18pd) Louisville
Pat Kuntz DT (6021/285/5.05pd) Notre Dame
Tyrell Sales OLB (6022/231/4.58pd) Penn State
Ramon Humber OLB (5106/224/4.58e) North Dakota State
Brandon Harrison CB (5090/205/4.55e) Michigan
Tim Masthay P (6014/198/4.80c) Kentucky
John Matthews WR (5113/200/4.52pd) San Diego
Colin Cloherty TE (6021/245/4.70e) Brown
Cornelius Lewis T (6034/332/5.22c) Tennessee State
Tom Pestock G (6064/300/5.00e) Northwestern Missouri
Adrian Grady DT (6013/298/5.18pd) Louisville
Pat Kuntz DT (6021/285/5.05pd) Notre Dame
Tyrell Sales OLB (6022/231/4.58pd) Penn State
Ramon Humber OLB (5106/224/4.58e) North Dakota State
Brandon Harrison CB (5090/205/4.55e) Michigan
Tim Masthay P (6014/198/4.80c) Kentucky
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