Here is the situation, Bill and Chris Polian are gone, YOU are the new GM. It is March 31st, you have the #1 draft pick, for the 2012 draft. Peyton Manning has gotten a clean bill of health and has been throwing as well as he ever has, by all accounts he's going to be the same great Peyton for the next few years. This years draft looks to be a good draft for QB's WR and DB's what would you do as the Colts new GM?

Let me know if I need to add another option to the poll

Hey folks Rob S. here, also known as BetterD, I have that name because the first post I ever did was a post on the Star web site arguing against a poser Colt fan named BET, I was arguing that the 2007 defense was going to be better than the 2006 defense, hence the name BetterD.  I’ve been posting here since the Star changed their format back in 07 or 08, and I have used that name since my first post. 

I used to post a lot when the evil Ron Meeks was the Defensive Coordinator, since he was not re-signed and a real defensive coordinator that uses real defensive tackles with real NFL talent and size were incorporated into the Colts defense, I really don’t have too many complaints about the Colts personnel.  I had a lot of heated arguments about the Colts personnel in 2008.

  It should be noted that my real complaint wasn’t the size of the defensive ends, but the defensive tackles.  I had no problem with a 290 – 310 NT and a 275 UT, but when 245 lbs Key Dawson was drafted and moved to UT, before Pitcock retired and before Ed Johnson got kicked off the team, I had a serious a problem with this move.  I also had a serious problem with a 265 lbs rookie, who was a defensive end in college, being inserted as the starting NT instead of a 280lbs veteran Darrel Reed, who probably still has more career sacks and pressures than both of those guys combined.  One the big arguments used against me back then was “these were the only guys available and other personnel would cost too much, this argument turns out to be total BS, the fact is, the defense got much better using other teams cast offs or other teams practice squad players.  The fact is the coaches went off the deep end on stopping the pass and their attempts to get smaller and faster not only destroyed the Colts ability to stop the run, but ultimately hindered their ability to stop the pass, here’s why after the jump. 

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Hey Vol fans,

I was hoping you could help me out with some insider info on recently drafted Jacques McClendon.  It is a bit of an understatement to say this kid has come in under the radar.  I can't find much info at all about this guy.  I read the bit about his bench and his ability to move.  I also understand he is pretty intelligent.  Any other info you might have would be appreciated.

He's big fast strong and smart, why didn't he get any love from any of the scouting agencies?  Does he have any issuses that would scare people away, maybe his height?  any idea how long his arms are?  There is an opening at LOG, any chance you think he could make a run at that spot?

Thanks for your time and patients

Good luck next fall

B

The Colts are no longer interested in zone only corners, if they wanted a zone only corner these guys would still be on the team.

Daymeion Hughes – "Lacks top playing speed, is slow transitioning off the line and struggles in man coverage" He got a lot of playing time his rookie year, but it disappeared when Larry Coyer took over.

Michael Coe - NEGATIVES: "Does not show great downfield speed or a second gear. Marginal closing burst."  Coe got plenty of playing time his rookie year, but that also changed when Larry Coyer took over.

Marling Jackson 4.52 forty time Marling is a great zone CB, but he is too one dimensional for the Coyer version of the Cover-2.  When he was healthy he was still limited to part time duty.  It is reported that he will move to FS for the Eagles, a move that was predicted during the days leading up to his draft in 2005

Once Larry Coyer arrived the slow footed zone only CB’s are an endangered species on the Colts roster.  The CB’s on the roster now all have the speed to play both man and zone.  They all have forty times in the low 4.4’sJackson .   

Jacob Lacy - forty time 4.36

Jerraud Powers- forty time 4.39

Kelvin Hayden - forty time 4.36

TJ Rushing - forty time 4.40

Terrail Lambert - forty time 4.37

One exception was Tim Jennings who had the speed to play both man and zone, but they let him go because he just wasn't getting the job done.  That doesn’t change the fact that the remaining CB’s are much faster than the Colts CB’s that have been cut when Larry Coyer took over. 

Hey Jets fans I was wondering if you guys would share some of your knowledge with me.  I am a Colts fan, but also a fan of great defenses.  I have always been a fan of the 46 defense dating back to those awesome Bears defenses in the mid 80's  It's a defense that truly draws a line in the sand and says "none shall pass"  I love that stuff.

I was curious as to how this defense compare to the 46 that Buddy ran with the Bears?

Do they over load the one side of the line like the Bears did?

On the Jets web site they have the defense listed as a 34, is it a modified 34 or is it a true 46?

How do these players compare too the Bears defense back in the 80's?

I have been truly impressed with Rex has brought this team along.  I'm also impressed with the fact that the Ryan's have been apart of every great NFL defense in the modern age.

I do appreciate you taking the time to share you knowledge 

I am hoping for a Colts win, but expect a great game.

Thanks again for your time.

About 6 months ago I put together a post about which UDFA's, I thought were going to make the roster or practice squad.  Since then this community has really grown, so here's a link to the orginal post, just in case you wanted to take a look at what people thought about this years crop of rookies, before the season started.

The Colts signed 13 UDFA's before camp started.  Three of them were kept on the Colts roster or practice squad.  Four were picked up by other teams and finished the season on their practice squads.  Six guys are out of Football.  What is really amazing is that over half the UDFA's that Polian signed are still playing football, that is awesome.  Polian may have irritated a lot of people these past few weeks, but the man knows how to evaluate football players. 

Have fun looking over some of this years preseason UFFA's and let me know what you think.

I made a Poll back then, here are the results of that Poll.

Which Undrafted Free Agent is going to make the roster?

Brandon Anderson DB 5’10" 179 Akron 0 votes 0%

Colin Cloherty TE 6’2" 245lbs Brown 1 votes 25%

Adrian Grady DT 6’1" 298lbs Louisville 26 votes 1%

Brandon Harrison SS 5’9" 197lbs Michigan 2 votes 1%

Ramon Humber OLB 5’11" 232lbs North Dakota State 2 votes 13%

Pat Kuntz DT 6’2" 285lbs Notre Dame 14 votes 2%

Jacob Lacey DB 5’11" 177lbs Oklahoma State 3 votes 38%

Cornelius Lewis OG 6’3" 332lbs Tennessee State 40 votes 0%

John Matthews WR 6’0" 200lbs San Diego 1 votes 4%

Tom Pestock OG 6’6" 317lbs Northwest Missouri State 5 votes 8%

Tyrell Sales LB 6’2" 230lbs Penn State 9 votes 0%

Brett McDermott WR 6’0" 201lbs Holy Cross 1 votes

104 votes | Poll has closed

Most of us on here are hardcore fans that believe they know a lot about foot ball.  Then you take a look at this poll, oops.  Jacob Lacy got 2% of the votes; a whopping 3 people thought he would contribute.  Ramon Humbler who has gotten some playing time also receive 3 votes.  It is safe to say that Jacob Lacy has contributed more than any other UDFA; so if you voted for either Jacob or Ramon, you are way ahead of the curve.

I'll take look at all the UDFA's and what they are doning now, after the break.

Continue reading this post »

The right side of the O-line was a sieve, most of the game. Pollak looked terrible.  Diem had help from  the TE and still the 9ers were in the back field most of the game.  Manning was getting rid of the ball very quickly and was still getting hit a lot.  I was very disappointed in the right side of the o-line.

The offense looked out of sync, this can be attributed to the fact that the O-line, right side, was not able to handle the rush. The 9ers did a good job getting pressure on Manning using just 3 and 4 guys.  This made it hard on receivers, the deep routs were taken a way, and Manning didn't have the time. The medium  and short routs were crowded with 7 and 8 guys dropping back into zone. 

Manning, did a good job considering he had no time and had to hurry most throws. The porous o-line affected the rest of the offense.  Addai look ok, when he had some room  to run, which was not often.  The receivers didn't have time to get in and out of their routs.  Both Garçon and Clark had some costly drops and I think Collie may have had one also.  Wayne is the definition of Awesomeness he made the big plays when needed.

Pollak's play is starting to become very concerning, the more games like this we see, the more the opposing defenses are going to focus on this guy.  He needs to get it together in a hurry.

The Defense looked good.  They missed a few tackles and gave up a couple of big plays, but for the most part, they controlled the offensive line, hurried the passer and took a way running lanes from  Gore.

I love Muir and Mookie starting, hurray for "two fatties in the middle," they looked good.  They anchored down the d-line and allowed the awesome ends to do their thing.  Foster also looked good coming in on passing downs and helping apply pressure up the gut.  Mathis and Freeny both got sacks and made life tuff for Smith.

The LB's missed some tackles, but, did an ok job in zone and run support.  Haggler had a costly missed tackle. I keep waiting for Session to have a big impact on a game, I think he is doing ok just not as well as I thought he would.  Besides the one run up the middle I think Bracket also did ok, nothing spectacular.

 The secondary continued to look good, no matter who is in there. 

Special teams, the coverage units look ok keeping the returner’s in check and not allowing any big returns.  The return units still have trouble blocking.  Silva had a scary moment, but didn't turn the ball over.  Simpson had an ok day; he at least gets the ball out to the twenty, and didn't have any turn overs.  He is not awesome, but I'll take it.

The cramps have been covered pretty well by BBS, I will add that the rule needs to be changed.  If play is stopped for an injury then that player should have to leave the game for the rest of the quater.

All in all it was not a pretty win, but a win is a win and I'll take and move on.

For most of his career Tim Jennings has been a favorite whipping boy for Colts fans.  It seemed that any and all problems with the secondary can be attributed to TJ.  If the Colts gave up a big play, it must have been TJ’s fault.  If the Colts lost a game it must have been TJ’s fault, hell if we could we would blame this guy for all the worlds’ problems. 

He has been burnt and has given up some big plays, he has been picked on by opposing QB’s, there is no arguing that, but he’s a CB and those guys get burnt and give up big plays, it happens it’s part of being on the island that is an NFL CB.  Champ Bailey, Darrel Green, Ronny Lott, all are considered great shutdown corners, and all of them have been burnt and given up long TD’s it’s part of the job.

This year, Tim is quietly having a good year.  He has been playing quite a bit and playing well.  He is second on the team with 22 tackles and first on the team with 3 passes defended, and hasn’t given up many big plays.  As injuries in the secondary mount, the coaches call on him as the next man up, and he keeps responding by playing solid football.

He was drafted by the colts in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft, he has battled injuries during the early part of his career, and that might have stunted his development.  He struggled last year, but seems to have learned a lot from those struggles and is now playing good football.  The only thing left is for the hard core Colts fans to recognize that he is no longer the goat and is now playing like a 2nd round draft pick.  So Colts fans, give this guy some love.

 Any one else a little skeptical when comes to injury reports form the Colts?  Didn't Marvin Harrison miss, like, a whole season with a knee "bruise?"  That's not the only time the FO has been misleading with IR info, it's just the one that pisses me off the most.

So knowing that the FO isn't exactly the boy souts when it comes to IR info you have to look at their actions. My feeling has been that if they bring in a vet from the out side, there is a strong possibility that Gonzo will be gone longer than 6 weeks.  It takes at least a few weeks to learn the offense and longer to earn trust with PM.  So bringing in a vet for a short stint makes no sense.

Reports are they are bringing guys in for tryouts, so there is a good possibility that that sprain could really be a Marvin type "bruise."  If they sign one of these guys, it could indicate that they think Gonzo cold be gone for more then five or 6 weeks, or they are worried about the ability of the young guys to step up and be a #2 WR.  So hang on it could be  a crazy ride.  Hopefully Garcon or Collie will step up and these guys won't be needed.   

After the jump we'll look at the three guys that they have reportedly brought in for a work out.

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Every year the Colts seem to find a diamond in the rough from the UDFA scrap heap.  For the past couple of years I have spent some time and tried to guess choose who might make the squad and contribute.  Last year I chose Colin Farrell and Chad Simpson.  Simpson ended up making a contribution near the end of the season, but Colin Farrell was a disappointment.   The year before I chose Melvin Bullitt and some body else that I can’t remember, Bullitt made the squad, participated on special teams, got a start on defense near the end of the season and even got a pick in that game.  Of course we all know how Melvin’s second year turned out, I'm still feeling pretty good about that one.

Looking at the UDFA's can give you a feel for which direction the team is heading, for instance OG.  The colts drafted a huge guard named Jamie Thomas, in the 7th round, thirty pounds heavier then the guards/centers they drafted last year.  One player is not a trend, but, look at the two UDFA's picked up to compete for an O-line position and you realize both are much bigger then last years drafted guards/centers.  Conclusion they want a big guard on the interior of the O-line and want to get better at running the ball.

Another trend I noticed was at CB, this year, 3rd round draft pick, Jerraud Powers, is smaller and faster then Coe and Hughes, two CB's drafted the previous year.  Once again one player is not a trend, but, look at the UDFA’s and both of those guys are smaller and faster.  Conclusion, they’re looking for another corner that can cover one on one, to allow the LB's and safeties to blitz more.

As much info as I could find about this years UDFA's after the jump.

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That is pretty much the theme of an article written at BR, it is also a reoccurring nightmare for me.  There are a few things that I don't ever want to see happen, at the top would be Peyton Manning dawning another teams jersey.  the pats or the Steelers winning another super bowl and of course; Mike (I'm a giant deuchbag) Vanderjagt ever attempting another field goal in a colts uniform, would have to be right up there.

The fact is Adam Vinatieri had hip surgurry in the offseason, that is serious, but I can't believe Vanderjagt, would be a viable option.  He may have been the most accurate kicker in NFL history, but his reputation as a choker in playoff games is what I remember most about him.  Against Miami and Pittsburg he had a chance to win those games or get them into overrtime and he failed.  He has embarrised him self and the colts with his comments and his actions.  I wold think Bill P. would rather have John Daily attempting field goals instead of Mike Vanderjagt, at least Daily is likeable.

I'll look at the article some more after the jump.

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via fun.platinum.linux.pl

Not sure who Clifton Brown is, but, he can't be too bright, he is grading the colts draft a as a D, what a dumbass. 

Every once in a while you see a 'taliking head'   criticize the Bill for some of his draft selections; it doesn't much any more because the BP will make you look like a Dumbass.    I'm sure you remember reading the Marlin Jackson selection,' was a reach, not a true 1st rounder, not an NFL corner will have to convert to saftey'; oops he seems to be doing fine.  BP has had great success with most of his 1st rounders  and considered one of the great NFL personal men.

This guy gave them a D but didn't really justify it, what a dumbass.

Indianapolis Colts: D

Running bck Donald Brown is a complete player, and backs have a history of doing well in Indy. Bill Polian has a great track record with late-round picks. Defensive tackle Fila Moala better be an overachiever because the Colts need help stopping the run.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=542934

I wanted to take a second and thank you guys for your help on my Cards picks, for stampedeblues mock draft. I spent quite a bit of time on your site looking over your articles.

I chose Donald Brown in the 1st, Wells was already snatched up by Philly and Brown looked like a good fit, if  Wells had been there I would have grabbed him.  In the second round  I chose Cody Brown, which was right on the money.  That 2nd pick was all you guys, the first was easy, but, getting the second round right was all you.

You guys definitely know your team.

Thanks again for making me look good.

Yes I know the colts don't run a 3-4 defense, just bare with me.

I came accross this link looking at a fan post at revengeofthebirds.com, I was there doing research for the Stapede Blue mock draft.  Here is the Link

It's  a list of players that would fit well into a 3-4 defense.   What I noticed with the first group the 3-4DE's, is how tall they are, except for Magee.  A few have been mentioned as possible colts targets like: Gilbert, Jackson, Moala, and Magee.  I kind of expected Ziggy Hood to be on this list, I thought his athletism matched up well with any of these DE's.  I think it goes back to hieght.  He and Perry just don't project to the outside on a 3-4 defense, this is good really good for Colts fans.

1. Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State (6-5, 288)
2. Tyson Jackson, LSU (6-4, 296)
3. Alex Magee, Purdue (6-3, 298)
4. Fili Moala, USC (6-4, 305)
5. Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa (6-6, 305)
6. Zach Potter, Nebraska (6-7, 279)
7. Khalif Mitchell, East Carolina (6-5, 318)
8. Kyle Moore, USC (6-5, 272)
9. Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin (6-5, 266)
10. Pannel Egboh, Stanford (6-6, 276)

There are so many teams that run a 3-4 style defense that you could just imagine a run on theses players somewhere in the middle of the fist to the end of the second round.  I'm guessing MontersBox is not happy seeing his Man crush Jarron Gilbert so high on this list, but , it may allow some other prospects to fall.  At some point as these guys start to disappear it will send 3-4 teams in to a frenzy casuing some to reach and allowing good players to slip. 

The next group I looked at were the nose tackles - the big uglies - I was sad to see the Ron Brace near the top of this list, but the dude is an athletic 330 pounder, that screams nose tackle.  Others on the list that have been mentioned as colts prospect are Martin Pryor and Taylor.

1. B.J. Raji, Boston College (6-2, 337)
2. Ron Brace, Boston College (6-3, 330)
3. Dorell Scott, Clemson (6-3, 312)
4. Chris Baker, Hampton (6-2, 326)
5. Roy Miller, Texas (6-1, 310)
6. Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman (6-4, 329)
7. Vaughn Martin, Western Ontario (6-3, 331)
8. Myron Pryor, Kentucky (6-0, 319)
9. Terrance Taylor, Michigan (6-0, 306)
10. Antonio Dixon, Miami (6-3, 324)

Of all the OUtside and Inside LB's that they listed none of them were on any of the colts porspects lists that I have seen.  I thought Laurinaitis may have been a possible inside LB, he was just big enough and seem more then athelic enough to make the change to a 3-4 defense, but he does not appear to be thought of as a 3-4LB, this is also good. 

there seems to be a lot more teams running the 3-4 defense then there are prospects that can play those 3-4 specific positions.  I'm hoping all the competition for these 3-4 players will create the perfect storm, that would alow a  stud OT to fall to the Colts in the first round, a run on all the 3-4DE's allows Hood to fall to the colts in the second and another run on inside and outside LB's let Laurinaitis fall to the third round.

yeah I know pipe dreaming

It has been brought up that the colts may be changing their philosophy, moving away form "smaller faster" LB's and replacing them with "larger slower" LB's.  The addition of, FA Adam Seward and the drafting of Phillip Wheeler, two players that are at least 10lbs. heavier then the other LB's on the roster; have lit a spark, amongst the passionate colts fans that has them thinking the BP will be looking for "big slow" guys opposed to "fast small" guys in the up coming draft.

One of the suggested reasons to go big is that the coaches will be blitzing the LB’s more this year.  Larry Coyer has blitz the LB's in the past, but, I think that was only way he could get pressure on the QB.  With the DE's he has he won't have to blitz the LB's to get pressure on the Passer.   In college both Seward and Wheeler have shown the ability to get to the QB.    I do think the LB’s will blitz a little more this year, but they will not be known as blitzing LBers.  Their main job on passing downs, is going to be dropping back into zone coverage just like they always have.

In years past a coaches or GM have to chosen between ’big and slow’ or ‘small and fast’.   On most skill levels college, high school, this trade off is true.  In the NFL you have arguably some of the best athletes in the world, you can have big and fast.    That’s the direction that a couple of the LB spots are heading.  The Colts have added some size with out sacrificing any speed.  The change in hilosophy isn’t going away from speed it’s actually adding size to that speed.  The new philosophy is speed is good, but speed and size are better.  I like it.

The links below are a look at some of the numbers of the LB’s on the current roster and on last years roster.  Of the 4 LB’s added since last year, only two are noticeably larger then the other LB’s on the list.  The other guys added alexzander and Okwo fall right in line with the size of LB’s the Colts have had for a number of years.

Clint Session  6’0” 235lbs. 4.57 40 time

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=9345&draftyear=2007&genpos=OLB

Philip Wheeler 6’2” 240lbs.  4.67 40 time

http://warroomreport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=58&Itemid=1

Jorden Seen,  5’11” 224lbs.  Couldn’t find much info on Seen, Walter had him listed as a safety with a projected 4.52, 40 time.

http://walterfootball.com/draft2008S.php

Adam Seward 6’3” 250lbs. 4.60

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/lookback2005combine.htm

Gary Brackett   5’11” 235lbs,  NA an undrafted free agent from 7 yrs ago, just not much info on him.

Rufus Alexzander 6’1” 232lbs, 4.69 – 4.79 40 time

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=8545&draftyear=2007&genpos=OLB

Michael Okwo 6’0” 225lbs. 4.65 – 4.75 40 time

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=15508&draftyear=2007&genpos=ILB

Some of last years LB's that are no longer with the team.

TYJUAN HAGLER 6’0” 236lbs.  ran between 4.56 and 4.63 in the 40, while leading his group in the bench press with 35 reps of 225 pounds.

http://www.neworleansprofootball.com/030305nextlevel.html

Freddy Keiaho 5’11” 226lbs.  4.65 40 time

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=14599&draftyear=2006&genpos=ILB

Buster Davis, 5’9” 239lbs,   4.64 40 time

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=8270&draftyear=2007&genpos=ILB

Next years starting LB line up looks like it will be bigger and more physical then in past years, and still be solid in coverage.  Session is 10lbs. heavier then Keiaho and faster then Keiaho, I expect him to be a major up grade over Freddy.  Brackett  is still solid at the MIKE.   Wheeler should be fine at the SAM, if he cracks the starting line up.  He is a little heavier, and not as fast as Session, but, that isn’t as important at the SAM.  That is a big reason Session is moving from SAM because the cover-2 demands that your most athletic LB play at the WILL and that is, with out a doubt, Sessions.  Wheeler will provide sure tackling, an occasional blitz to keep the O line honest and should be fine in coverage on the SAM side.

If the BP and the coaches are able to sure up the middle of the D-line, it should be a good year for the LB’s and the D as a whole.

Hey Bird watchers I'm am drafting for the Cardinals at stampedeblue's mocking the draft.  I have been looking over your website and several others trying to get a grip on the Cards needs and players they are interested in.

From what I've seen on the net, most "experts" think the Cards go RB, C and OLB.  In about that order as far as needs go.  I personally think they go BPA, that fits their system.  I was wondering if you guys had any insight on who the cards might go after in the 1st and 2nd rounds.

Thanks for your help

r

I've been critical of the smurf D-line since I noticed 265lbs baby smurf E. Foster was starting at NT, not only way to small, but, a rookie at that.  I was already concerned about big brother smurf 255lbs Dawson starting next to him.

Now I have read numerous reasons why this happens ranging from:  the cover-2 requires smaller tackles that can penetrate, a rash of injuries,  unexpected retirement, people getting kicked off the team; but, this is a "next man up team."  The problem being that the next man up was 265lbs and not ready. 

Well these two guys must have been sack artist, because they sure weren't stopping the run. I'll get to the sacks, but, first lets look at the smallish tackle issue.

I checked out the rosters of the some of the other cover-2 teams in the league, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions.  Not one team had a DT listed under 275lbs.  The Bears had one D-tackle at 275lbs, the rest of their D-tackles were close to 300lbs or over.  Two other teams had one tackle listed around 285.  Most of the D-tackles on these teams were all around 300lbs.  None of these guys are close to the size of a 3-4 NT, but,  they are all much heavier then Clots D-tackles

The Colts went with penetration and speed at the starting tackle, so they must have had at least 10 sacks from those two starters,  well no, Dawson 0 sacks, Foster 0 sacks.  Brock had 3.5 and Reid had 2 and those guys weren't even full time tackles.

So both of the starting tackles can't stop the run and haven't gotten to the QB all year,  I can sure see why they were left in there all year.  It's amazing the colts won that many games and made the playoffs.

I'm hoping Coyer will get some real tackles and stop going after cast offs, left overs and smurfs.