Jared Odrick

In the Fanball Sports Network Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Jared Odrick, a defensive tackle out of Penn State. Coming into this offseason there are two main areas in which the Colts must address, the offensive line and the defensive line. Both were options at the 31st pick, but I went with the mentality of picking the best player available in either area. Thus, Odrick fit the bill, a 6-5/305 defensive tackle who has been compared to the “energizer bunny.” The Colts build their defense around high-motor guys who can fly around and hit people. On their defensive line they are built to get pressure on the quarterback from the edges. Odrick strengths seem to be an almost perfect match with this Colts team, and he supplies talent and depth to an area that has not received much attention from the Colts in the past. 

There is some question as to whether Odrick would be better in the NFL as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle, and this is perfect for the Colts. Odrick is a superb pass rusher for a tackle, and would allow the Colts to get pressure from the center of the pocket to go along with the pressure Freeney and Mathis bring from the outside. He is an outstanding penetrator, and is very quick and has nice agility for a lineman. Scouts love his hands, very fast and strong, and said that he has the natural instincts that raise players to the “next level.” The fact that he could presumably play a 3-4 end shows that Odrick is a quality pass rusher, and is athletic for his position. In my opinion, if the Colts can add another player to go along with Freeney and Mathis, especially one as gifted as Odrick, they will be able to get even more pressure on opposing teams. Odrick is also a physical football player, which will bolster the run defense, just as you assume any defensive tackle will be able to do. 

However, Odrick also comes with some possible weaknesses. The biggest of which is the fact that he can struggle against the run. Even though he will bolster the line and increase the Colts ability to stop the run because he is a 300 pound high-motor guy, it is not his strength. His strength is penetrating gaps and using his quickness and hands to get up field. He is not a tackle that will be able to take on two lineman, and teams shouldn’t force him to be. In this defense the Colts will simply ask him to do what he does best, and that is get in the backfield and cause havoc. Another flaw in Odrick’s game is that at times he relies on his athleticism, and shows a lack of technique. In the NFL you must be precise and mindful of technique, or you will not succeed. 

Odrick is certainly not my first choice, however, the Colts don’t have the first choice, they have the 31st. Thus, a lot of how you go about your draft depends on the teams in front of you. Personally I would prefer the Colts to go offensive lineman in the first. However, it looks very likely that there will be a long run of offensive lineman taken in the first, and unless the Colts trade up they will not be able to get one of them. 

Remember to keep an eye out for the next Fanball Mock Draft, because that one will go three rounds deep and allow teams to make trades. Trust me, the Colts draft will be interesting.