Indianapolis Colts NFL Team Column
| 17 March 2008 |
Colts draft: the run down
The Colts had some great players almost fall to them, only to be taken just a few spots away from their pick. This happened in rounds 2 (Quentin Groves DE) and 3 (Mike McGlynn OL, Bruce Davis DE, Cliff Avril DE). However, the Colts still got what they wanted. And if you check my past articles, you can see that Polian and Dungy stuck to their usual guns. it didn’t play out quite as I had mocked out because of those "stolen" picks, but the big picture is the same: Offensive need trumps Defensive need; LBers in round 3 or later; high character intense players; late round RB; drafting a player 1-2 years before you need him so he can replace a current starter, which is a long running theme on defense, but it may also hold true with C Jeff Saturday (contract is up after 2008 season) and either Mike Pollack or Steve Justice
2 - 59 Mike Pollack, C/G Arizona State - was work ethic in the weight room, on the field or in the community. Also earned Cecil Bono Team Captain Award and Pat Tillman Award. Earned Hard Hat Champion honors in the weight room for second consecutive year. Was member of Outland Trophy, Rimington TrFirst-Team All-Pac 10 choice as senior. Was recipient of Tim Landers Iron Man Award, given to Arizona State player with exemplary ophy and Lombardi Award watch lists. He has been compared to Jeff Faine for his excellent punch and technique.
I’ve thought since January this pick would either bring a G or DE. I really liked Bruce Davis, Quentin Groves, or Cliff Avril here, and would have thought one of those guys would surely be picked here. However, once again Polian proved the offense is more important than the D, and gets a versatile athletic lineman. (40yard dash: 5:02 - reps: 29 - shuttle: 4:47) Colts.com has already listed him as an OG, wearing #78. He will play RG, and probably the #3 C.
3 - 93 Phillip Wheeler, LB Georgia Tech - Four-year letterman and three-year starter who opened 38 of 51 career games…had 248 tackles, 138 solo, 35.0 tackles for losses, 19.0 sacks, 14 passes defended, three FF, five FR and four interceptions. One of the best blitzing LBers in this class. A top 10 LB performer in: bench, vertical jump, broad jump, 3 cone, and shuttle.
This is a pick I am very excited about. He was on the top of my "colts’ board" at the LB position. I thought the LB would come next round, but Wheeler brings some versatility that Highsmith and Woodyard don’t have. He is listed as LB and will wear #50, but I expect him to find some time at DE as well. Basically, his job will be to get sacks. He probably won’t start this year but he can play all 3 LB positions. May be the starting MIKE if Brackett goes down with injury, or when he eventually leaves. At worst he is a huge upgrade over Rob Morris, and a fantastic special teamer. I will explain more what I expect from him at the end of this article
4 - 127 Jacob Tamme, TE Kentucky - Four-year letter winner and three-year starter who opened 37 of 48 career games…was 133-1,417, 11 TDs receiving…133 receptions ranks 1st in school history and 2nd in SEC history among TEs. Was consensus All-SEC First-Team choice, becoming first TE in school history to earn honor twice in career. Was named SEC Scholar-Athlete-of-the-Year by league’s coaches. Also was recipient of National Scholar-Athlete Award from National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Was 2007 Draddy Award finalist, recognizing an individual for combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. Was voted Most Inspirational Offensive Player by teammates. Was Academic All-America choice by the College Sports Information Directors of America and three-time ESPN/COSIDA Academic all-district selection. Was four-time member of SEC Academic Honor Roll. 40 time: 4.58
There were some good LBers on the board at this pick, but with Wheeler taken the round before it was no longer a need. A backup TE was something Dungy and Polian had mentioned they wanted prior to the draft, but I did not expect to really see one here. Although, in my mock I did have Tamme as an alternative pick in round 5. He will be Clark's backup, and gives the option of running more 2 TE sets. May even see him lined up at TE with Dallas Clark in the slot. He’s smart and productive. Is probably the best fit at TE for the Colts in this draft behind Dustin Keller. He has great hands, and will be a reliable target. Will wear #84
5 - 161 Marcus Howard, DE Georgia - Four-year letterman and one-year starter who opened 13 of 50 career games. Had 79 tackles, 60 solo, 13.5 tackles for losses, 12.0 sacks, 52 QB pressures, four FF, three FR and three passes defended. Was First-Team All-SEC by The NFL Draft Report. senior year he had 41 tackles, 32 solo, 12.0 stops for losses, 10.5 sacks, 42 pressures, three FF, two FR and three passes defended.
This is a guy that a lot of Colts fans and I have been big about. This is probably the most predictable pick of the class. Like Wheeler, Howard gives the Colts a DE/OLB pass rushing option. At 6-0', 237lbs, he is built very well for a Tampa2 OLB. He has the speed (4.45 40 time) and explosion off the line to be a very good edge rusher. He’s not as strong or big as Robert Mathis, but does compare to him quite a bit. Listed as DE, will wear #92. More on him later
6 - 196 Tom Santi, TE Virginia - Four-year letterman who opened 25 of 47 career games. Was 97-1,184, 6 TDs receiving. Opened five of 12 games as senior. Team captain. Was Second-Team All-ACC choice by Associated Press. Received Bill Dudley Award as team’s most outstanding first-year player
Santi was a surprise to me, after selecting Tamme. The Colts currently have 6 other TEs on roster including Tamme, and one would think that Ben Utech's replacement would come from that crop. But he will be the lead candidate as the blocking TE, which I didn’t think the Colts needed, but here he is. Didn’t produce many stats in college but was consistent on the field.
6 - 201 Steve Justice, C Wake Forest - Four-year letterman and three-year starter who opened 38 of 49 career games at C. in last two seasons, registered 121 knockdowns and 21 touchdown-resulting blocks while allowing two sacks on 701 pass plays. Started 13 games as senior. Earned First-Team All-America honors from The NFL Draft Report, Associated Press and the American Football Coaches Association. Earned Second-Team honors from Walter Camp Football Foundation and Sports Illustrated. Was First-Team All-ACC selection. Was runner-up for Rimington Trophy, given to nation’s top center. Was recipient of ACC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to conference’s top lineman. Started 14 games as junior. Compares to Tom Nalen. Was a top 10 OL performer in 3 cone drill, and shuttle.
I first noticed Justice his JR year while watching a WF game. He really stood out to me. While Pollack should be the future at RG, Justice should be the future at C. there’s very little to not like about him.
6 - 202 Mike Hart, RB Michigan - Four-year starter who opened 39 of 43 career games…was 1,015-5,040, 41 TDs rushing and 67-566, 2 TDs receiving. set school rushing records in attempts and yards, while his 41 TDs rank 3rd. ranks 4th in Big Ten history in career rushes, 4th in yards and 11th in TDs. produced school records with 28 career 100+-yard games, 12 150+-yard games and five 200+-yard games. Also had school-record 1,082 ‘touches’. As a senior was 265-1,361, 14 TDs rushing and 8-50 receiving. Had nine 100+-yard games and converted 12-of-14 third-downs. Was Second-Team All-America choice by The NFL Draft Report, Associated Press and Walter Camp Football Foundation. Was finalist for Doak Walker Award. Team co-captain was named team’s MVP. Was Second-Team All-Big Ten choice by league’s coaches and media. Led conference and ranked 6th in nation with 136.1 rushing yards per game
He’s going to be a fan favorite for sure. He’s not quite the type of player I believe they were looking for, though. The Colts showed a lot of interest in big guys like Jalen Parmele and Matt Forte, but Hart is still the tough between the tackles runner they needed. Very reliable RB too. 1 fumble in last 1000 touches.
6 - 205 Pierre Garcon, WR Mount Union - Four-year player who saw action in 51 games at Norwich (Vt.) and Mount Union. Played one year at Norwich before transferring to Mount Union as sophomore. 246-4,380, 60 TDs receiving and 19-176, 4 TDs rushing. Also was 20-24.6, 1 TD KOR and 10-10.0 PR. 60 TD receptions rank 2nd in NCAA Division III history. Started 39 of 41 games in three seasons with Mount Union and led team to two national titles. Set school records with 202 receptions and 47 TD receptions. Was First-Team All-Ohio Athletic Conference choice and Ed Sherman Award winner as league’s most outstanding receiver for second consecutive year
Has a history of hamstring injuries. Is equally fast and quick. Amazing production at the DIII level. He definitely has a chance to make the team. I was sure the Colts would get a WR, but Garcon wasn’t on my radar at all. I guess he’s this year’s version of Roy Hall.
7 - 236 Jamey Richard, OL Buffalo - Four-year letterman and three-year starter who opened 37 of 42 career games. in final two seasons, had 166 knockdowns, 25 touchdown-resulting blocks and allowed two sacks on 736 pass plays. Started 12 games as senior. Was Pro Football Weekly All-America honorable mention. Became school’s first player to earn national honors since university joined major college ranks in 1999. Was Second-Team All-Mid American choice. Was semi-finalist for Draddy Award, given to player for his combination of academic and athletic performance. Currently listed as OG, but can play OT too.
* As far as surprises go, the 2nd TE was the only one that really caught me off guard. Overall this is another very good draft by Bill Polian and the Colts staff. 3 offensive linemen may be a surprise to others, but depth was needed there. Plus, I think we got 2 future OL starters.
* I’m glad to see Mike Hart fall to us. He is an instant upgrade over Kenton Keith who may not even be there much longer due to his arrest in Indianapolis. Moreover, he’s not a very good player. Hart will be a great backup, and should sell a ton of jerseys with his name on them in his own right
* What has me really excited about this class is Wheeler and Howard. These are 2 OLB/DEs that can really collapse the pocket. These 2 guys give the Colts some blitzing options that we've never had before. maybe something like a "zone fire" where the 2 rookies blitz from the OLB spots, while Mathis drops into zone coverage to take away a slant pass. The defense went through some major changes with the coverages and packages last year, and should get even more exciting this year in the front 7. The defense was ranked #3 overall last year, and it will be even better now. This is great considering the Colts have the 2nd toughest schedule in the league.
| 17 March 2008 |
Colts mock Draft
2nd round - DE Cliff Avril, Purdue
- the Colts main focus going into the draft this year should be the pass rush. Freeney may not be back for the start of the season, and they're week at depth anyway. General Manager Bill Polian, never one to draft solely on need, does recognize this however and will look to address it early, and maybe more than once. Avril is a player much in the same mold as former teammate, now Dallas Cowboy, Anthony Spencer. Avril had 6.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last year. he should contribute right away with Indy, if he is still on the board when they pick.
* alternates - CB Tracy Porter, DT Trevor Laws
3rd round - G Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh
- very versitile player. the Colts need some depth on the O Line, and this may be just the guy for them. played most of his career at RT (31 games), but can also play G. smart, hard working player that Polian always looks for. and above all, hes coachable. Graded 90% or better for blocking consistency in four consecutive games in 2007, the first Panthers offensive lineman to receive 90% grades in four or more games in the same season since Mark May in 1980. C Jeff Saturday's contract is up after next year, and if he dosnt come back (i beleive he will) McGlynn could also take over that position.
*alternates - DE Bruce Davis, S Tom Zbikowski
4th round pick - LB Ali Highsmith, LSU
- since Dungy has been head coach, the Colts have never drafted a LB before round 3, and rounds 3 - 5 have seen the most LB picks. i really think this pick brings a LB but its hard to say which one because there are quite a few good ones here. ill go with the guy thats being comapared to Derrick Brooks. his 40 time was shockingly bad, although i dont think you can read too much into it. Ali has been productive for 3 years at a major school. he is as much of a playmaker as you will find at the position. he has the instincts and ability to be a very good Tampa2 OLB.
*alternates - LB Wesley Woodyard, DE Ezra Butler, CB Trae Williams
5th round pick - WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachian ST
- another need is at WR and one that could return kicks and/or punts would be even better. theres 3 great WRs on the roster and then no one at all behind them. Courtney Roby was signed as a FA, and may get the return duties, so whatever rookie WR comes in will probally contribute right away on some level. he will get more time if theres an injury. Dexter is a little guy from a small school. in the right situation, he should blossom into a quality WR.
*alternates - TE Jacob Tamme, OT Jearmy Zuttah, WR Armon Sheilds
6th round - S Joe Fields, Syracuse
- always looking at add depth and get a future starter, the Colts are never shy about picking DBs. Sanders is often injured, and there was a rumor last year that they were very interested in Michael Griffin as a 1st round pick. Fields should add good depth, and make good on special teams. he had 91 tackles (53 solo) and 4 INTs last year. played 25 games at FS, after moving from QB.
6th round - S Jamie Silva, BC
- just like Sanders, this guy should be too small to play in the NFL. but he is a gifted, physical talent. offenses are lucky he is as small as he is. he and Sanders are a lot alike. hes a great tackler with great instincts. always around the ball. i wouldnt be surprised to see him taken a round or even two higher. Over his last three seasons, he registered 259 tackles, making 151 plays vs. the run, (the opposition gained 535 yards on those plays). On 192 pass plays targeted into his area, he intercepted 12 tosses, deflected seven others and prevented the opposition from getting to 57 other throws, as they averaged 3.77 yards per pass attempt against him. He also produced 73 stops on third-down plays, including 36 vs. the run, adding 13 stops on fourth-down over the last three seasons. Also made 29 tackles inside the red zone, with 19 coming on goal-line plays during that span
7th round - RB Jalene Parmele, Toledo
- Polian has drafted 3 RBs in the 7th round in recent years. although 3 RBs that have made the roster have been undrafted rookies. its hard to see Polian breaking that routine for a backup RB. i think they want someone bigger than who they've had in the past. and ofcourse he needs to be able to catch and pass block. Jalen also has the speed and experiance to be the teams kick returner.
7th round - TE Gary Barnidge, Lousiville
- he isnt going to come in and be a blocking TE, but the Colts dont have or seem to need one anyway. he has very sure hands and at 6'6, would be the Colts tallest target. also had a good combine and ran a 4.65 40 yard dash.
| 11 January 2008 |
Caldwell could be next to coach Colts
Colts assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell has had a few offers this year for head coaching jobs with other teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins. His name may not be familiar with fans, but he is well known around the league.
He has just finished his 6th year with the Colts. In 2001, he was quarterbacks coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From 1993-2000 he was the head coach at Wake Forest. During Caldwell’s tenure, Wake Forest ranked among the nation’s Top 25 teams in passing offense on 4 different occasions, including 10th in the NCAA in 1995. That season, QB-Rusty LaRue established seven NCAA passing records.
Caldwell was an assistant coach at Southern Illinois, Northwestern, Colorado, Louisville and Penn State. He joined Penn State as wide receivers coach, then coached quarterbacks the following season and added passing game coordinator responsibilities in 1988. At Penn State, Caldwell tutored QB-Kerry Collins, who went on to win the Davey O’Brien Award and the Maxwell Award. And Peyton Manning’s stats over the last 6 years speak for themselves.
That brings us into Tony Dungy’s situation. If he decides to return for another season, Caldwell may very well take a head coaching job elsewhere in the league if it is offered to him. If Dungy decides to retire, its very likely he would be promoted to head coach. Its an obvious fit. He’s one of Dungy’s understudies, knows how the team works and the 2 assistant coaches would still be there. Whatever happens with Dungy though, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him coach a team next year whether its Indianapolis or elsewhere.
Colts winning ways starts with draft
The secret to the Colts championship franchise is based on simple principles. there is consistency, continuity, and a winning philosophy to which everyone is committed. it starts with the front office of owner Jim Irsay, President Bill Polian, and head coach Tony Dungy. they are all committed to the same goals. a high powered, explosive offense; a fast defense built with young players; and above all, players with great character.
when the NFL draft comes around, these are the things they are committed to building upon. and on the offensive side of the ball, the passing game trumps the running game. when the Colts couldn’t afford to keep both Reggie Wayne and Edgerrin James, they chose their Pro Bowl WR. its the perfect example of a system built around a great QB. and its a system that works. if the Colts have a real need for a position on the offense, they have historically addressed that need with their 1st round pick. even when others would have thought it would be better spent on defense.
That’s the beauty of the system. the defense doesn’t have to be made up of first day picks. the most important part of the D, is the pass rush, where Dwight Freeney (a first round pick) and Robert Mathis are the most important parts. the rest of the team, for the most part, has always been made up of late round picks. 7 of the 11 starters on defense this year were drafted in round 3 or later. its in the mid-late rounds that you find the smaller players with a lot of speed. and when a starter leaves, he can be easily replaced. just look at the LB position alone. from Keiaho to June to Peterson. the Colts lost 2 starting CBs from last year, and the backups Jackson and Hayden have proved to be upgrades. its a rotating door of young players that allows for the offense to keep their players around for years. that consistency is what has brought success to the offense. in the 2008 draft id look for the Colts to draft at the DE and LB positions
the offense is based on a 1 back 3 receiver set. when the offense is healthy and they have the TE, and slot WR that can stretch the field quickly, it is probably the most explosive in the NFL. out of this formation, they can run the stretch play, throw it from under center or shotgun, or run up the middle. they have other formations of course, but if this set is rolling, then all is good in Indianapolis. the skill players are there now, but depth is needed badly. in the 2008 draft, I expect them to take a WR, OT, and RB. depending on who leaves in free agency, they could take a OG early.
at first look, it seems as though the Colts draft is really unpredictable. but, if you know the system and the history, you can see the philosophy in what they are doing. Polian and Dungy know exactly the type of player they need to get. and most of the time, that player is there for them, if only because no one else wants him. Offense first; fast defense; passing game over running game; high character players.