On the Clock: Indianapolis Colts

Discussion in 'NFL Draft' started by NewsGrabber, Mar 19, 2009.

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  1. NewsGrabber

    NewsGrabber Guest

    <p><em>Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky</em></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="4" cellpadding="0" width="203" align="right"> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0318/ncf_u_nicks_200.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td align="left"><font size="1" style="line-height: 1em">Dale Zanine/US Presswire</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td align="left"><font size="1" style="line-height: 1.2em"><strong>North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks could step in as the No. 2 receiver for the Colts.</strong></font></td> </tr> </table> <p><strong>Team needs</strong>: Defensive tackle, receiver, outside linebacker, running back</p> <p><strong>Dream scenario</strong>: Of course the Colts have some major holes to patch on defense, and they will spend a lot of picks on those spots. But team president Bill Polian's obligated to surround <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1428" target="_new">Peyton Manning</a> with the best weapons possible as the quarterback comes off his third MVP season. So it would help the Colts play to their strength if a quality wide receiver is available at No. 27.</p> <p>Darrius Heyward-Bey will probably be gone, and while he needs polish he would be a vertical threat that could pull attention away from Wayne or make defenses pay. At least a couple scouts think Rutgers' <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24701">Kenny Britt</a> and North Carolina's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24744" target="_blank">Hakeem Nicks</a> are capable of stepping in as the second receiver, behind <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2578" target="_new">Reggie Wayne</a> but ahead of slot-specialist <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10476" target="_new">Anthony Gonzalez</a>, very quickly. At 6-foot-3, 218, Britt would bring the sort of size Manning hasn't thrown to and Nicks has potential to be Harrison like in his route-running and his hands, though he won't be as exciting after the catch.</p> <p><strong>Plan B</strong>: Polian has said the best defensive tackles usually disappear in the first 15, then don't re-emerge as a value until the latter rounds of the draft. But the guys rated as the second- and third- best defensive tackles in this draft could be around in the late 20s - Mississippi's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=23891">Peria Jerry</a> and Missouri's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=23879">Evander Hood</a>. They both can help settle the Colts down against the run up the middle and help collapse the pocket and get to the passer.</p> <p><strong>Scouts Inc. take</strong>: If history has taught us anything about the Colts organization it is that Bill Polian and company will use first round picks to surround Peyton Manning with plenty of skill position talent. It is a long illustrious list of first rounders and that trend could continue once again this year. With Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez and <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4482" target="_new">Dallas Clark</a>-all former first rounders-in the fold right now, another wide out might not appear to be as high of a draft priority as defensive tackle, which is a position made up of adequate-at-best starters. But the Colts decision makers understand what has made them so successful throughout the Manning era and probably will continue with that strategy. While defensive tackles like Peria Jerry, Ziggy Hood and <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24588">Ron Brace</a> will be attractive to Indianapolis, do not be surprised when Kenny Britt or <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=23968">Brian Robiskie</a>'s name is taken to the podium for the Colts in round one. -- <strong>Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc.</strong></p> <p><strong>Who has final say</strong>: Polian equals personnel in Indianapolis. His scouts know what works in the Colts' schemes and he's not got input from a new head coach in Jim Caldwell and a new defensive coordinator in Larry Coyer. But one of the league's best drafters has the final word.</p> <p><strong>Now on the clock</strong>: Baltimore Ravens, March 20.</p> <p><strong>Previous pick</strong>: <a href="/blogs/nfceast/0-8-275/On-the-Clock--New-York-Giants.html" target="_blank">New York Giants</a>. The <a href="/blogs/nflnation?tag=on%20the%20clock" target="_blank">team-by-team</a> series.</p>

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  2. BigRed3

    BigRed3 Straight Cash, Homey

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  3. RollTide

    RollTide All-Pro

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    It was disappointing for scouts that harvin couldn't run a cone or shuttle because of the ankle. Quickness is his best attribute.

    Since harvin could provide some help at 2 of the 4 need positions i would think he is a definite possibility for them especially if peria comes off the board before they pick.
     
  4. GMITTS

    GMITTS WHY VY SHOULD BE OUR #3

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    colts will go 8-8 this year...no matter who they draft
     
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