Jumping Around the South

Former Indianapolis Colts linebacker, Freddie Keiaho, has signed a one year deal worth $635,000 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The AFC South has a long history of signing former Colts players as free agents, and the recent signing of Keiaho is just another name to add to the list. Keiaho is certainly not the biggest name to ever leave the Colts and end up with an AFC South foe, more notable losses being David Thornton (Titans), Cato June (Texans), and Nick Harper (Titans). 

The loss of Keiaho on the field will not be that great, but the linebacker did make an effort to give back to the community often speaking at local high schools. However, Keiaho never panned out as a starting linebacker with the team, and he ultimately became expendable. The former third round pick was not a sound tackler, and was often out of position. In a defense that relies on linebackers and safeties being able to tackle, Keiaho’s stint as a starter was did not surpass the 2008 season. 

Bill Polian has shown time and time again that the Colts will not overpay for mediocre defensive play. Many solid defensive players have been shown the door by the Colts, and often the players that are allowed to leave experience a pay raise because of inflated numbers. Although Jacksonville is not exactly “strong” at linebacker, I highly doubt Keiaho will earn a starting position on the Jaguars defense.

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Undrafted Free Agent: Brandon James

Once again Bill Polian and the Indianapolis front office did not limit themselves to the conventional seven round NFL draft. Shortly after the draft was over the Indianapolis Colts were digging through the leftovers, looking for the next Jeff Saturday or Gary Brackett. Amongst the rookie free agents that the Colts were able to sign was University of Florida return specialist, Brandon James.

The speedy 5-7 and 185 pound Gator was able to establish himself as one of the most prolific punt and kick returners in college football. In his four years at Florida, James was able to return four punts and one kick for touchdowns. Granted, those aren’t exactly “eye-popping” stats, but the reason for the low amount of touchdowns can be attributed to the fact that teams simply did not kick towards James. In the SEC, the collegiate football powerhouse conference, teams were scared to kick and punt to James, for the simple fact that he a game changer. It is unlikely that NFL teams will give James as much respect as he earned in college, so pending he wins a return job he should be given every opportunity to show what he has got. 

It appears that seventh round draft pick, Ray Fisher, will compete with James for the punt return and kick return roles on this team. Both established themselves as excellent return men on the collegiate level, and chances are one of them will pan out to be a solid return man on the pro level. Whether it be with James or Fisher, the Colts clearly addressed an area of need for this football team. Coming into the season fans may be disappointed if they expect these two young men to return every kick or punt for touchdowns, that is just ridiculous. Instead I believe the greater benefit will come from the offense being able to start from the 30 or 40 yard line every possession, opposed to being stuck at the 20 because of an average return. Imagine how much more effective and efficient Peyton Manning and this offense could be when given an extra 10 or 20 yards every possession. It will be interesting to see how the battle for return man plays out, and whether or not James can solidify himself as a steadfast member of this team.

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A Look Back at the Draft

After the dust has settled and the rush and adrenaline of the NFL draft has calmed, we take a look back on the Indianapolis Colts draft. Here is a list of who the Colts selected:

Round One, Pick 31: Jerry Hughes, Defensive End, TCU

Round Two, Pick 63: Pat Angerer, Linebacker, Iowa

Round Three, Pick 94: Kevin Thomas, Cornerback, USC

Round Four, Pick 129: Jacques McClendon, Guard, Tennessee

Round Five, Pick 162: Brody Eldridge, Tight End, Oklahoma 

Round Seven, Pick 238: Ricardo Mathews, Defensive Tackle, Cincinatti

Round Seven, Pick 240: Kavell Conner, Linebacker, Clemson

Round Seven, Pick 246: Ray Fisher, Cornerback, Indiana

Coming into this draft I stated that the areas of need for this Colts team were defensive lineman, offensive lineman, and cornerback. The Colts had eight picks in this year’s draft, and five of them were used to address the issues that I believe the Colts needed to address. Of the other three selections, two were used on linebackers and one on a tight end. Clearly the Colts wanted to address their concerns in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and as usual the front office did a nice job and selected quality players that were areas of need. 

My favorite pick in the draft is, without a doubt, Jerry Hughes. I absolutely love his motor and he has the pass rushing skills to be effective from day one. Although they could have gone offensive tackle with this pick and selected someone, such as, Roger Saffold, they instead went with one of the best players on the board. I am shocked that a 3-4 team did not select Hughes in the mid to late 20’s to play as a rush outside linebacker, but in turned out well for the Colts. 

My more than expected pick in the draft goes to a player who may fly under the radar during the draft, but will push for playing time and excel with the Colts throughout his career. For this pick I like Kevin Thomas, who was selected in the third round out of USC. Thomas has good size for a cornerback at 6′0″ and 192 pounds, but he does not lack the top notch speed that you would expect a bigger defensive back to lose. He is coming from a defense that has produced many instant impact players, and has been a very solid starter for the Trojans. Although he will probably never develop into an elite corner, he certainly has the ability to step-in and become a solid starter for years to come on this Colts team. 

My favorite late round pick is cornerback and return specialist, Ray Fisher. Fisher brings an explosive ability to return punts and kicks to a Colts team that has been lacking in this area for the past few seasons. However, unlike other return specialists, Fisher’s ability to play corner may come in handy late in games or in pinches. He is very small and undersized, so it is doubtful that he will become a steadfast part of this defense. However, if Fisher can translate his college success at returning to the NFL, he could prove to be one of the most dynamic weapons on an already dangerous Colts team

This year’s draft was incredibly deep and teams were able to get ample talent throughout the entire seven rounds. The Colts were able to end the day with eight selections, and I believe that they addressed many of the questions surrounding this team. However, I would have liked it if the Colts would have been able to add a tackle prospect in the second or third round, one such as Charles Brown or Jared Veldheer. Regardless, the Colts showed once again why they have been able to stay atop a league that is supposedly set-up to even out the competition. I give this year’s draft for the Colts a solid B, and five years down the road I believe the Colts will have found several sound starters out of this year’s draft.

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Now What?

With the 31st pick in the NFL draft the Indianapolis Colts selected defensive end, Jerry Hughes, and I absolutely love the pick. I was a little bit surprised that Hughes was not gone by the time the Colts were on the clock, but I knew that once he became available he was the man for the Colts. Hughes fits perfectly into this defense, and he will be able to learn from two of the best pass rushers in the game. He brings the speed, talent, and high-motor that Colts fans have come to expect from their defensive ends, and he has already drawn comparisons to Dwight Freeney. However, now the Colts must figure out what direction they will be going in the second and third rounds of the draft. 

So far the draft has gone perfectly for the Colts. They got their defensive end of the future, but even more importantly, there are a plethora of offensive tackles, cornerbacks, linebackers, and defensive tackles still left on the board. All of these positions have been picked as areas of need for the Colts, and there is still plenty of talent left on the board for the second and third round. Roger Saffold, Charles Brown, and Edwin Veldheer are three very talented prospects who are not as polished as Bryan Bulaga, Russell Okung, or Trent Williams, but they do offer the potential to be good or even great left tackles in the league. 

It is very unlikely that Saffold or Brown will fall to the Colts, and whether or not the front office views them as players worthy of trading up for is yet to be seen. However, the Colts may opt to bolster the defense even further. Defensive tackles Brian Price and Lamarr Houston are still available, and cornerbacks Chris Cook, Jerome Murphy, Amari Spievey, and Brandon Ghee are all cornerbacks who can step-in and help right away. Maybe the most fascinating player still left on the board, excluding Jimmy Clausen, is USC safety Taylor Mays. Safety is not exactly a position of need for the Colts, who have Antoine Bethea, Bob Sanders (when healthy), and Melvin Bullitt, and Mays certainly has some knocks against his ability to cover and play safety in the NFL. However, if Polian and company believe that Mays projects well on this Colts defense, then they will certainly look to take the safety. Mays has the athleticism, size, and talent of a first round pick, but scouts have questioned his ability to translate that ability to the NFL. 

It will certainly be an interesting day, and as we saw in the first round teams will be looking to move around. The Colts have shown that they are more than willing to stand pat and wait their turn, but if they believe that one of the players they desperately want will be gone early in the second, then they may jump up.

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Excellent Outside the Draft

The Indianapolis Colts have certainly hit on their fair share of draft picks, but they have absolutely hit the jackpot on undrafted players out of college. The two most notable of whom are Jeff Saturday and Gary Brackett, maybe two of the best undrafted players in the NFL. Bill Polian has made it well known that he believes in his system and he trusts his scouts. He does not get shaken by what is going on around him, and the chaos that many teams experience on draft day is absent in the Colts “war room.” 

The Colts do not corner themselves into a certain position that they must address, especially if it means reaching. They go for the player that they believe will help the team the most. With only 7 picks per team set out every year for a draft, it is hard to believe that there are not a few players that slip through the cracks. The Colts have made it a point to snatch these players up, and they have had just as much success as any other team in the NFL. One of the reasons that they are so attractive to undrafted players, is the fact that they offer a winning culture that breeds players for success. Players now that the Colts organization is amongst the best in the NFL, so if it comes down to playing with Peyton Manning or Jamarcus Russell, it is a no brainer. 

When the draft is over and all is said and done, the Colts may not have addressed every need that the fans believe they should have. However, I say to fans and critics, have patience. The front office knows what they are doing and they will address what truly needs to be addressed. So if the draft comes and goes and the Colts disappointed you with their draft, then keep an eye out for the “under the radar” players.

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Draft Prospect: Kareem Jackson

Throughout the Peyton Manning era, the Indianapolis Colts have not had a shutdown cornerback. Sure they have had solid corners who usually leave to chase money elsewhere, but never have they had a player that opposing quarterbacks are afraid to target at the cornerback position. Now the Colts have had enormous success at safety, and if Bob Sanders could ever stay healthy they would have the best safety combination in the NFL. Thus, with the 31st pick the Colts may finally opt to select a cornerback who they believe will be a steadfast part of this defense for years to come. 

Kareem Jackson is a weathered and experienced cornerback out of the University of Alabama, and at 5-10 1/2 and 196 pounds he could be exactly what the Colts are looking for. Jackson is not exactly a “burner” at the corner position, but at the combine he did run a fair 4.48 40 yard dash. Jackson has been criticized for his lack of fluidity and transitional movement, and even for his lack of “playing speed.” Thus, most scouts assume he will have difficulties with quick and speedy wideouts, but he makes up for his lack of speed with his aggressive and physical play.

Jackson has good size for his position, and although he lacks pure speed he does have quick feet and good agility. He brings an excellent resume to the table, having played under defensive guru, Nick Saban, while starting three years on a terrific Alabama defense. Jackson makes up for his lack of speed with his great instincts and physical play. Playing in the SEC, Jackson became accustom to playing against big physical receivers, and it shows on film. He also bring a confident and competitive style of play to the field, he certainly has the type of swagger that the Colts defense brings to the field every Sunday. 

Although Jackson is not an elite rated cornerback, he has the pedigree and skills to rise up draft boards on draft day. Playing alongside Antoine Bethea and either Melvin Bullitt or Bob Sanders, Jackson will certainly have veteran leadership to guide him throughout his rookie season. His ability to play either man or zone will also move him up draft boards, and possibly into the first round. With the recent loss of Marlin Jackson, the Colts know first hand what it is like to draft a cornerback in the first round just to have him walk away. So unless the Colts are certain of the abilities of Jackson, I don’t see them risking the pick on him simply because of his background and physical play.

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Fanball Sports Network Mock Draft (Updated)

The NFL correspondents at Fanball Sports Network all chipped in their knowledge and expertise on their respective teams, and the result led to a one round mock draft. Earlier in the offseason we compiled another mock draft of the first round, but that was before free agency and before the major trades. Thus, with the NFL draft only a week away the Fanball correspondents put together another mock draft, one that was able to take free agency and trades into account.

For our mock draft each correspondent selected for the team they represent, and each site will have an in-depth look into the pick. In this year’s draft the Colts hold the 31st pick, and it is clear that they have some issues they must address. With the release of Ryan Lilja and the inconsistent play from the offensive line, it is clear that the Colts could benefit from using the 31st pick on any type of lineman. However, with the top two guards, Mike Iupati and Maurkice Pouncey, off the board and a run of offensive tackles taking place early in the first, I believe the Colts would have to turn to the defensive side of the ball. Defensively the Colts could use upgrades at several positions, but one that I believe the front office will focus on is defensive line, specifically defensive tackle. 

In the Fanball Mock Draft, I have the Indianapolis Colts selecting UCLA defensive tackle, Brian Price. Price not only fills a position of need for the Colts, but he is also the best player available. Most scouts have Price being selected within the first 25 picks of the draft. However, because of the depth and talent in this year’s draft class at this position, there is a possibility that Price will slip to the Colts. Price fits in perfectly with this defense, and his high-motor will force teams to focus on the interior of this talented defensive line. Mathis and Freeney have provided an amazing pass rush off the edge for years, and the addition of Price will free up the defensive ends even more. The Colts will look for Price to use his exceptional burst of the snap and his high motor to get into opposing teams backfields, and clog up the run. At 6-2 and 300 pounds, Price is big body that the Colts need to finally push opposing offensive lines around up front.

In my opinion the Indianapolis Colts must address the offensive line, interior defensive line, and the cornerback position in this year’s draft. However, because of the depth of this draft, I believe that the Colts should go with the best player available in areas of need. Just because they need an offensive lineman does not mean that they should reach for one in the late first who may fall into the late second round. Based on how the mock draft went, I had the Colts selecting a player who fills an area of need, but may also be the best player available this late in the draft.

1) St. Louis Rams – (RamsHerd.com) – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

2) Detroit Lions – (RoarOfTheLions.com) – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

3) Tampa Bay Bucs – (WhatTheBucs.com) – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

4) Washington Redskins – (PaintItRedskins.com) – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

5) Kansas City Chiefs – (ChiefsChatter.com) – Dan Williams, DT, Kansas City

6) Seattle Seahawks – (FlockOfSeahawks.com) – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

7) Cleveland Browns – (GridironBrownies.com) – Joe Haden, CB, Florida

(Who knows where Big Al will go with this one) Oakland Raiders – (Raidersradar.com) – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

9) Buffalo Bills – (BillsHerd.com) – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

10) Jacksonville Jaguars – (TealPower.com) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

11) Denver Broncos – (BroncosStable.com) – Earl Thomas, S, Texas

12) Miami Dolphins – (BlogWithAPorpoise.com) – Brandon Graham, LB, Michigan

13) San Francisco 49ers – (NinersNuggets.com) – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

14) Seattle Seahawks- (FlockOfSeahawks.com) – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

15) New York Giants – (GmenDen.com) – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

16) Tennessee Titans – (HonkyTonkTitans.com) – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF

17) San Francisco 49ers- (NinersNuggets.com) – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

18) Pittsburgh Steelers – (SteelersMill.com) – Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

19) Atlanta Falcons – (DirtyBirdBlog.com) – Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

20) Houston Texans – (DontMessWithTexans.com) – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

21) Cincinnati Bengals – (BengalsJaw.com) – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

22) New England Patriots – (PatsChowder.com) – Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

23) Green Bay Packers – (PackingCheese.com) – Taylor Mays, S, USC

24) Philadelphia Eagles – (EaglesHaveLanded.com) – Maurkice Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida

25) Baltimore Ravens – (FootBaltimore.com) – Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

26) Arizona Cardinals – (DesertFlock.com) – Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson

27) Dallas Cowboys – (Respectthestar.com) – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers 

28) San Diego Chargers – (Chargingbolts.com) – Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama 

29) New York Jets – (Turnonthejets.com) – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

30) Minnesota Vikings – (Vikingsthrone.com) – Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama 

31) Indianapolis Colts – (Coltschatter.com) – Brian Price, DT, UCLA 

32) New Orleans Saints – (Whodatblog.com) – Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame

Similar to most mock drafts, this draft does not take into account all of the draft day trades that will certainly take place. If the draft did happen to shake out this way, I believe the Colts would be ecstatic to add a high intensity player, such as, Brian Price. However, the Colts front office has been known to take offensive players in the first round, and over the years they have hit on quite a few in the early and late rounds. So not matter which direction they go, fans should feel comfortable with the brain trust that the Colts have in place on draft day.

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Draft Prospect: Brian Price

The defensive tackle position has been a weakness for the Indianapolis Colts for the last several seasons, especially compared to the exceptional play from the defensive end position. This year’s draft offers a plethora of strong defensive tackles, and although there are big names, such as, Suh, there are also plenty of superb tackle prospects who will not be selected until late in the first round. One of these prospects is UCLA defensive tackle, Brian Price.

At 6-2 and 300 pounds, Price is a thick and squat plug in the middle who has the ability to blow plays up in the backfield. He has very quick first step, and he has shown tremendous short area quickness. Price is a difference-maker at defensive tackle, and his high motor, great instincts, and explosion off the snap makes him one of the best prospects in this year’s class. What makes even more appealing, especially to the Colts, is that he has the ability to demand double teams. With Freeney and Mathis coming off the edge, if Price was able to take on multiple blockers, the edge would become even more open for the speed ends of the Colts. Most scouts have Price going within the first 25 picks, however, should he fall to the Colts, the front office would be hard pressed to find a player with more talent and upside. 

Although Price is heavy at 300 pounds, his short stocky frame is believed to be “maxed out.” Thus, he will not be able to add much more size to his frame, which could hamper his development should he struggle against large offensive lineman. There are also some questions regarding his upside. Some scouts rave about his ability, especially the improvement he will receive with proper coaching at the next level. However, others believe he was a bit of an overachiever at UCLA, and he does not show the same high-ceiling as other defensive tackles in this class. 

The Colts have not used many first round picks on defensive players in the past. However, other than offensive line, there are not any positions of need on the Colts offensive roster. This draft will come down to whether or not the Colts have the mindset of taking the best player available or going with a player for a positional need. Should it come down to best player available Price will more than likely be the player selected by the Colts, but the great thing is that Price also fits an area of need as well.

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Draft Prospect: Rodger Saffold

Indiana University is not exactly known for their football program, let alone for their first round prospects. However, IU offensive lineman, Rodger Saffold, is creating buzz amongst NFL teams as one of the better tackles in this year’s draft. Saffold will likely be taken in the late first or early second round, but may fly up draft boards should there be a run on offensive tackles. Even though he is from Indiana and doesn’t receive the same hype as fellow tackle prospects, he is a vert talented lineman with the potential that general managers look for on draft day. 

At 6-5 and 315 pounds, Saffold has the physique to play offensive lineman in this league. However, even with his height and weight, Saffold has great technique. He shows excellent knee bend when coming out of his stance, and he has a good punch and burst off the ball. He even has the versatility to play left tackle or left guard in the NFL. He is a more established run blocker than pass blocker, but he is very solid in both aspects. Saffold brings 100 percent effort throughout the entire game, and Indiana coaches loved the leadership qualities that he brought everyday. Maybe the most important part of the draft process for Saffold was his Senior Bowl performance. Scouts and coaches thought Saffold soared up draft boards throughout the week, and he was able to show off his talent and technique live, and he did not disappoint. 

Even with his solid build and body structure, Saffold has been exposed against bull-rushing defensive ends. His struggles against bull-rushers is tied to his lack of strength. Saffold can certainly bulk up and increase his strength, and to be an elite tackle at the next level he will have to hit the weight room even harder. Another knock on him could be the fact that Saffold several scouts believe he projects better as a left guard in the NFL, rather than a left tackle. If this is the case, the Colts may not opt to spend a first round pick on a guard. However, taking a guard in the first round is not unheard of. 

This pick once again implies that the focus of the Colts draft is on the offensive line. Saffold may not be the best player available at this pick, but he clearly addresses an area of need for this Colts team. Once again, it will be interesting to see what side of the ball the front office will look to bolster with this first pick.

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Draft Prospect: Jerry Hughes

The Indianapolis Colts front office has made it a point to emphasize the necessity of having a franchise quarterback and terrific pass rushers. For years Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines, but both are coming on 30 years old and may soon be on the decline. This Colts defense is built on getting pressure and constantly attacking the quarterback, and this years draft has several capable pass rushing ends. Although it is not an immediate need based on the Colts past, I believe it is possible that we may see the team select a talented rusher who has plenty of upside. The Colts love speedy and undersized ends, and TCU defensive end/outside linebacker, Jerry Hughes, offers the Colts the exact mold at end that they look for. 

At 6-2/260 Hughes is a bit undersized for defensive end in the NFL, but Freeney is only 270 pounds and Mathis a mere 245 pounds. Thus, the Colts would have no second thoughts about drafting Hughes based on his relatively light weight. Hughes plays with tremendous speed and has a nonstop motor, all qualities shown in the Colts current ends. However, it is not just about his natural speed and athleticism. Scouts rave about his natural instincts, his high level of perception, and his leadership abilities. Hughes brings just about everything to the table that you could want from, not only a defensive end, but a football player in general.

As we have seen with Freeney and Mathis, speed rushing ends can sometimes be liabilities against the run. Hughes is no exception, and in the NFL he may struggle against massive offensive tackles. However, that is to be expected from a smaller end, but to counter this the Colts have been able to mask this weakness and have hidden their defensive ends size by building the rest of their defensive around them. Based on Hughes athleticism he may also end up playing a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Granted, this won’t really come into play if the Colts should draft him, but Hughes’ ability to drop back into coverage is also very questionable. 

Hughes is a very talented defensive end with an enormous upside. He has already developed several moves for his rushing repertoire, including a nice swim move, club, and a spin move that Freeney will certainly be able to help develop even more. Although it is not the greatest need for the Colts, in the NFL you can never have to many pass rushers. Selecting Hughes would give the Colts an even better pass rush, and it would allow for Freeney and Mathis to stay even fresher throughout the course of the game. This pick would be one that placed quality over necessity.

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