My Lame Attempt at a Colts Thread

[cka203]

Admittedly, I am not an X's and O's guru, and I don't watch college football, so when it comes to the draft, etc., I am clueless. The only info I have is what the pundits say about players, their draft position, etc.

So, I'd be curious to know what you guys think of our draft and off-season moves. Do you think we've gotten better? Filled some holes? Shored up some weak spots?

Based on past history, it seems Polian is efficient at choosing the right guys for our system. We usually win 12+ games a season, and usually win our division, and are in the playoffs. I expect that to continue, but... I really have no idea if the other AFCS teams have gotten better, and are capable of winning the South next season.

I still believe Pats-Colts are the best rivalry, and I still expect us both to be in the mix.

If anyone here has any thoughts, I'd like to hear them. TIA!

[bishbash]

Indianapolis Colts 2010 NFL Draft Review
By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

(Sports Network) -

1 - Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU (6-2, 257); 2 - Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa (6-0, 235); 3 - Kevin Thomas, CB, USC (6-0, 192); 4 - Jacques McClendon, G, Tennessee (6-2, 315); 5 - Brody Eldridge, TE/OL, Oklahoma (6-5, 261); 7 - Ricardo Matthews, DT, Cincinnati (6-2, 287); 7 - Kavell Conner, LB, Clemson (6-0, 242); 7 - Ray Fisher, CB, Indiana (5-10, 211)

Analysis: Hughes was regarded as a late first-round pick by most scouts, but a player seen as a 3-4 outside linebacker didn't seem like a natural selection for the 4-3 Colts. It will be interesting to see what Indy has planned for Hughes. Indy got itself a more pure version of a linebacker in Round 2, but Angerer is not huge or athletic, and will have to defy some skeptics to make it. The third-round pick Thomas was viewed as a Top 10 corner in this Draft, and is another good young defensive back for Jim Caldwell's squad. The interior o-line depth the team coveted came in Round 4 with McClendon, who helped himself with a good pro day. Who knows what Indy has in mind for Eldridge, who played fullback, tight end, guard, and center in college. Fisher could make it as a return guy.

Bottom Line: Hughes' development will eventually tell the tale for the Colts' draft class, but there's no question that need-free Indy found some quality football players.

Grade: B+
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/t...spx?id=4306682

Indianapolis Colts: 2010 NFL Draft Review & Grade
April 25, 2010 by luckylester
Indianapolis Colts: Jerry Hughes was a great pick and great value. Pat Angerer will compete for a starting spot right away, and will make an impact regardless – he was the leader of a very good defense for Iowa. Kevin Thomas was a perfect fit for the Colts – and his selection and Indy’s success has me realizing how beneficial it is to be one of the few teams that plays a certain defensive scheme. They always get great value in every draft because they get guys that only fit perfectly in their system. Freaking brilliant. Outside of those three picks, I see a bunch of reaches that will probably turn out to be great future players for the Colts. That being said I can only grade them on what I see now, a very good start to the draft and a questionable finish. But what a pick with Hughes! B

http://www.luckylester.com/2010/04/i...-review-grade/

—The Colts concentrated on picking up some defensive help in the first three rounds of the draft with the addition of defensive end Jerry Hughes, linebacker Pat Angerer and cornerback Kevin Thomas.
"Obviously they were chosen for a reason," Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell said. "Simply because of the reason that they do fit what we're doing. They do give us some flexibility because they're all versatile guys. And we feel they'll be able to help us right away."

Polian said that in order to find the right kind of defensive players that possess the traits that the Colts are looking for, they had to find them in the first few rounds of the draft.

"We always have a bias toward defensive players early in the draft because athleticism is so important to us. And in the early rounds, what you find is athleticism. That's where those guys go. If you like a defensive player that you think can help the team, you'd better get them in the early rounds because they're not going to last," he said.

"We would have taken plenty of offensive players that went off (the draft board) before we picked had they been available to us. But they just weren't. Despite all of the movement that you saw by certain teams, we had no real opportunities to move up. We tried on a couple of occasions but we couldn't get any traction. These are players that we are happy to have and wanted on our football team. No question about that. If you're at the back part of the early rounds, the odds are pretty good that defensive players are going to be there."

Angerer (6-1, 235) was the nation's fourth-leading tackler in 2009 with 145 total stops. He will be the third former Hawkeyes player on the team's roster, joining tight end Dallas Clark and safety Bob Sanders. Caldwell is also a former Iowa player and assistant coach at the school.

"(He) runs really well. Tough, hard-nosed player. Coached by the same position coach (Darrell Wilson) that coached (current Colts middle linebacker) Gary Brackett at Rutgers. Very, very similar players," team president Bill Polian said.

"If you like the way that Gary plays, you'll like the way that Pat plays. He's in the mold of pretty much all the players we have on our team. Tough, hard-nosed physical guy. To steal a phrase from (Jim Caldwell), he's smart, fast and physical. And the fact that he's a Hawkeye didn't hurt."

NOTES, QUOTES

Jerry Hughes has specialized talents.

The Indianapolis Colts' first-round draft pick — who stands in at 6-foot-1 and 255 pounds — is cat quick off the line of scrimmage.

His pass-rushing skills are expected to mesh pretty well with starters Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, who aren't exactly slouches when it comes to putting heat on National Football League quarterbacks.

"We've said for the last seven years we needed a third rusher. We needed a guy who could step in there and perform at a similar level when one of the other two guys was out and injured," team president Bill Polian pointed out.

"We haven't had that guy because they are so hard to find. Players, who have this kind of speed and this kind of ability to come off the edge, are first-round players."

The Sugar Land, Texas, native, who played running back in high school before being moved to defensive end as a freshman at Texas Christian, figures that he's landed with the right team.

"My game is very fast, very tenacious. When I get out there on the field, I just play at one speed and that's fast," Hughes said. "To be with those guys (Freeney and Mathis), I have to sit and learn from them. Those are the best two defensive ends in the NFL. I have a great opportunity to sit with them and learn from them.

"(The Colts are) a class franchise. These guys know how to win. I have to caught up to speed and learn how they play football because it's one thing the Colts know how to do and that's win football games. I can't wait to help out and do my job."

—"I like the way he plays defensive end. He and I are kind of similar. Whenever he was on television — Sunday nights, Sunday afternoons — I would always tune in to see what he does out there to be successful. That is somebody that I try to kind of model myself after. Just the way that he uses his speed. And the way he uses it to be successful by getting that offensive tackle off guard and then just adding in different power rushing moves. Also that deadly spin [move] that he has. Just things like that.

"I play fast just like him. I have to work on that spin (move). (Freeney) has a pretty nasty spin right there. That's sometime that I have to work on. It might take me awhile. But that's something I plan on adding to my [pass rushing] repertoire." — Colts first-round draft pick Jerry Hughes on new teammate Dwight Freeney.

—It may sound corny but Hughes was rooting for the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Especially when he heard the news that Freeney was going to try and play on a gimpy ankle.

"When (it was announced) that (Freeney) was going to be playing (after incurring an ankle injury in the 2009 AFC Championship Game), and he went out there and performed the way that he did, I was excited. I was upset that [Indianapolis] lost, but at the same time excited that he was out there playing. It was a great game," Hughes said.

—Seventh-round draft pick Ray Fisher believes that he can help solve the Colts' problems in returning kickoffs and punts. While Indianapolis hasn't been terrible returning kicks, there is certainly a lot of room for improvement.

"I know I can bring a lot of excitement to Indianapolis," Fisher said. "Not saying they don't have great players, but they haven't had that big impact kick returner. I think I can bring that to the team."

Fisher had two kickoff TDs last season as a senior at Indiana University and averaged 37.4 yards on 17 returns, with a long of 93 yards. He returned only six punts but broke a 35-yarder. Fisher injured a knee against Iowa in November and missed IU's final three games.

—OG Jacques McClendon was not invited to Indianapolis for the annual scouting combine. The Colts selected McClendon in the fourth round of the draft, making him the highest-drafted player who wasn't invited to the combine.

For his part, McClendon is just happy to be a teammate of quarterback Peyton Manning. McClendon and Manning both played at the University of Tennessee.

"Peyton Manning, he comes around the (UT practice) facility all the time," said McClendon. "I still have the Peyton Manning jersey and I've got his autographed helmet at my mother's house. I'm a huge Peyton Manning fan and the type of player he is. To be able to go to an organization with a quarterback like that is an unbelievable blessing."

—Indianapolis is expected to sign around 13 to 14 undrafted free agents. while the team hasn't officially announced the entire list, among those expected to be on the Colts' offseason roster are quarterback Tim Hiller (Western Michigan), running back Javarris James (Miami), wide receiver Blair White (Michigan State), offensive tackle Jeff Linkenbach (Cincinnati), cornerback Thad Turner (Ohio), defensive back Mike Newton (Buffalo), kick returner Brandon James (Florida), placekicker Brett Swenson (Michigan State), cornerback Brandon King (Purdue), linebacker Vuna Tuihalamaka (Arizona), safety Donye McCleskey (Indiana State), offensive tackle Andrew Tyschovnytsky (Fordham) and safety David Caldwell (William and Mary).

Javarris James is a cousin of former Indianapolis first-round draft choice Edgerrin James.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We certainly are pleased with the young men that we have coming into our franchise. Without question, we think we've strengthened our team. Added some skills and some athleticism. But then also some depth at a number of different areas." — Colts head coach Jim Caldwell on the team's eight-player draft class.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...olts/notes.htm

Grade: C
•Indianapolis Colts: Defensive end Jerry Hughes should be a perfect fit in the Colts' fast, undersized defense. And he can learn while adding relief for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, rather than be counted on as an instant starter. Second-round linebacker Pat Angerer will do likewise behind Gary Brackett.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...terstitialskip

[PatsFanLisa]

Originally Posted by cka203

Admittedly, I am not an X's and O's guru, and I don't watch college football, so when it comes to the draft, etc., I am clueless. The only info I have is what the pundits say about players, their draft position, etc.

So, I'd be curious to know what you guys think of our draft and off-season moves. Do you think we've gotten better? Filled some holes? Shored up some weak spots?

Based on past history, it seems Polian is efficient at choosing the right guys for our system. We usually win 12+ games a season, and usually win our division, and are in the playoffs. I expect that to continue, but... I really have no idea if the other AFCS teams have gotten better, and are capable of winning the South next season.

I still believe Pats-Colts are the best rivalry, and I still expect us both to be in the mix.

If anyone here has any thoughts, I'd like to hear them. TIA!

Well, CKA, I must admit, I was jealous of your pick of Jerry Hughes. I think he's going to be outstanding and wouldn't have minded seeing him here at all. Also, Angerer was a great pick. Looks like your D-line is going be shored up significantly, not that it needed all that much help.

As for the other picks, I'm just not familiar enough to discuss them. But, most definitely, the rivalry will be outstanding this year, as always!

[SamtheBam]

Well, CKA, I must admit, I was jealous of your pick of Jerry Hughes.

I'm told the Saints were gonna take Hughes if the Colts didn't.

I'm sure the Colts draft will turn out just fine based on their track record.

[cka203]

I'm hopeful we got/have a good corner. I love Sanders, but let's face it, the guy spends a lot of time on the injury list.

And I also hope we got some help for Freeney and Mathis, as pass-rushing can never be understated.

I know we beefed up our offensive line, though frankly, I never bought Polian blaming them for our SB loss.

As for defense, they have improved over the years, and I'm curious to see how this shift plays out (seems we're moving towards bulk, instead of quickness).

I still think special teams is a big weakness for us, and I'm not sure we've addressed that.

I just can't wait for the season to begin!

[ParanoidPatriot]

I think the Hughes pick was good and I was sad to see him go to the Colts.

However I still maintain that the Colts are Peyton Manning and would be at best at .500 team without him. Nothing has changed in the off season so far to change my thinking.

[cka203]

Originally Posted by ParanoidPatriot

I think the Hughes pick was good and I was sad to see him go to the Colts.

However I still maintain that the Colts are Peyton Manning and would be at best at .500 team without him. Nothing has changed in the off season so far to change my thinking.

I don't disagree with that.

We were non-factors before Manning, and I fear we will be again when he calls it quits. :(

One caveat to my statement - Captain Comeback was awesome. Unfortunately, he didn't have the supporting cast to help him.

Just makes me thankful for the Brady-Manning era... I think it will be one of the all-time greatest rivalries in the NFL, and we are very fortunate to see it all play out.

[tehmackdaddy]

I'm going to be succinct.

• Hughes was a really good pickup, but not great. He needs to learn a lot to be a contributor, but I've been begging for years for a third legitimate pass rushing option given the drop off in the Colts defense when Freeney is out. The cornerstone of the defense is Freeney. Don't let anyone tell you different and if they mention Bob Sanders feel free to open hand slap them.
• Angerer was a reach. He isn't a second round talent. I hope I am pleasantly surprised, but I don't expect to be. Polian was quoting as saying, and I'm paraphrasing, "If you like the way Gary Brackett plays, you'll like Angerer." I don't like the way Gary Brackett plays, Bill. He's good in coverage, but he's too short and too small. I expected a better second round pick and thought Angerer could be had later in the draft.

The rest of the draft? Perhaps a diamond in the rough, but we drafted based on need and I don't expect much from rounds 3-7 at this point.

[cka203]

Tmack and others... Do you think Colts win the division this year? Do you see any real potential threat from other AFCS teams?

[gomezcat]

I agree that the Colts needed a third pass rusher. Hughes could really come into his own to spell Freeney, in particular. As good at rushing the passer as your team is, I think a little more bulk against the run would be beneficial. I'm not talking about a NT type, but rather someone who is 280-300 to clog things up more and get more teams into 3rd and longs. I'm nitpicking at this point; a team that makes the SB from the AFC is a very good team.

[midgar8784]

To the fact that I live in the Dallas Ft worth now. I actually go to TCU games. I love Hughes, not sure he was a fit on the pats, but he is a player, and fits the colts really well. If it helps I do not think that the colts are all manning, they have a very opportunistic defense, great wideouts, and a very intelligent Oline. Of course you cannot just throw any crappy Qb in there, but not sure you can on any team. Not sure they addressed the run game, but maybe they are booking on brown to maybe be more of a force. As usual, the colts are in the thick of things.

[TGIASM]

Lame = Colts. :p j/k

[Box_O_Rocks]

Hughes fits Indy's system to a T.

Angerer is a playmaker, a bit of a poor man's Zach Thomas.

Kevin Thomas is a good fit for the Indy defense.

Jacques McClendon -

Brody Eldridge was considered the best blocking TE in the draft.

Ricardo Matthews, tough NT for Cincinnati, strong against the run with some ability to penetrate.

Kavell Conner - I know NE worked him out.

Ray Fisher is another physical CB with some Special Teams value.

UDFAs

Hiller is a tall, gangly kid with a decent arm.

White is a WR I coveted for NE, you'll love him.

J. James isn't a candle on his cousin, but he's a skeeter bug who can catch the ball a bit too.

Linkenbach is a good LT, he'll add some nice depth to your O-line.

Turner

Newton is a nice scrappy sort.

B. James

Swenson

King

Tuihalamaka fits your defense.

McCleskey

Tyschovnytsky

Caldwell is nice physical small school Safety.

[Newbologist]

I hope all the colts picks turn out to be busts

[EasyBigFella*]

Originally Posted by cka203

Admittedly, I am not an X's and O's guru, and I don't watch college football, so when it comes to the draft, etc., I am clueless. The only info I have is what the pundits say about players, their draft position, etc.

So, I'd be curious to know what you guys think of our draft and off-season moves. Do you think we've gotten better? Filled some holes? Shored up some weak spots?

Based on past history, it seems Polian is efficient at choosing the right guys for our system. We usually win 12+ games a season, and usually win our division, and are in the playoffs. I expect that to continue, but... I really have no idea if the other AFCS teams have gotten better, and are capable of winning the South next season.

I still believe Pats-Colts are the best rivalry, and I still expect us both to be in the mix.

If anyone here has any thoughts, I'd like to hear them. TIA!

I think Indy is going to struggle this year. As much as it may seem foolish, the "Curse of the Super Bowl loser" is something more real than people want to believe (not that I think that is the sole reason for their struggles).