Legless Colts Need Fixing
For the past seven seasons, the Indianapolis Colts have had one of the most consistent and potent offenses in the National Football League. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison hold the records for most receptions, yards, and touchdowns in tandem. The 2004 team set single season marks for passing touchdowns with 49. Three of the Colts receivers had ten or more touchdown receptions: Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Brandon Stokley. Yet, such a passing attack was only possible because of a dominant running game centered around feature-back, Edgerrin James. His departure via free agency leaves the Colts hurting in the Running Back department. Four-year veteran no-name back-up, Dominic Rhodes is certainly not the answer.
Among all teams in the NFL, the Colts are in most need of a Running Back. This seems hard to believe, especially considering how much fear the phrase, "Colt's Offense" strikes into the minds of every NFL fan. Even with the salary cap looming low and Edgerrin James' contract coming to a close, the Colts mustered no back-up plan and are forced to address their need in this upcoming draft. By the end of the first round, at pick 30, pickings at Running Back may be slim; however, recent history proves that one can find a productive player that late into the drafting. Cowboy running back, Julius Jones, was not taken until pick 44, and Denver Bronco, Tatum Bell, was selected 42nd.
Every Colts fan in America should be hoping for Laurence Maroney to slide come draft day. He is bounds better than the next best option, and would be a good fit into the offense. Maroney presents a "Home Run" threat at the running back position, which could presumably gives opposing defensive coordinators fits. His college career was littered with productivity. Along with Ted Ginn and Marcus Robinson, he was among the most feared offensive players in the Big Ten. Different from Robinson and Ginn, his game is much more easily translated to the NFL. Sadly for the Colts and their fans, it is unlikely that a player of Maroney's caliber will slip to #30. It would be much more likely to see Maroney be taken by Denver at 22 or 29, Carolina at 27, or the Patriots at 21.
With Maroney off the board, LSU's Joseph Addai would be the frontrunner to become the successor to Edgerrin James. More than any running back in the draft, Addai possesses receiving skills out of the backfield. Addai seems to lack creativity in the open-field; but, his 4.40 speed is enough to make any team want to read further. At 5'11"/214, Addai has only average size. However, he has shown again and again that he is willing to bruise inside the tackles for hard yardage. While injuries limited his field time at LSU, Joseph Addai made the most of what he was given. He displayed leadership and a hard-nosed mentality. He also let the NFL scouts know just how patient he is as a runner and dominant he is in pass protection. His skill set appears top-shelf, but durability and inexperience concerns have his stock set at questionable. Regardless, Addai's measureables are substantial enough for a team like the Colts to invest a first-round pick on him.
Ultimately, the Colts need an effective running game to make their play-action pass effective. Manning and Harrision's success hinges greatly on the success of the Colt's first-round pick. Whether Maroney or Addai, the Colts will have a capable runner who can share time -at the very least- with Dominic Rhodes during their rookie season. As a Colt's fan, I would be crossing my fingers for Laurence Maroney to slip down the board. I would not be disappointed by the intriguing Joseph Addai either. Addai is less proven, but has more potential. Nevertheless, expect the juggernaut Colt's offense to slow down and become a stoppable force this upcoming season. Watch closely the progress of their #1 pick. The franchise's chances of making and winning a Super Bowl may hinge greatly on his progress to become a star the caliber of Edgerrin James.
Will Maroney fall to the Colts in Round One?
Among all teams in the NFL, the Colts are in most need of a Running Back. This seems hard to believe, especially considering how much fear the phrase, "Colt's Offense" strikes into the minds of every NFL fan. Even with the salary cap looming low and Edgerrin James' contract coming to a close, the Colts mustered no back-up plan and are forced to address their need in this upcoming draft. By the end of the first round, at pick 30, pickings at Running Back may be slim; however, recent history proves that one can find a productive player that late into the drafting. Cowboy running back, Julius Jones, was not taken until pick 44, and Denver Bronco, Tatum Bell, was selected 42nd.
Every Colts fan in America should be hoping for Laurence Maroney to slide come draft day. He is bounds better than the next best option, and would be a good fit into the offense. Maroney presents a "Home Run" threat at the running back position, which could presumably gives opposing defensive coordinators fits. His college career was littered with productivity. Along with Ted Ginn and Marcus Robinson, he was among the most feared offensive players in the Big Ten. Different from Robinson and Ginn, his game is much more easily translated to the NFL. Sadly for the Colts and their fans, it is unlikely that a player of Maroney's caliber will slip to #30. It would be much more likely to see Maroney be taken by Denver at 22 or 29, Carolina at 27, or the Patriots at 21.
With Maroney off the board, LSU's Joseph Addai would be the frontrunner to become the successor to Edgerrin James. More than any running back in the draft, Addai possesses receiving skills out of the backfield. Addai seems to lack creativity in the open-field; but, his 4.40 speed is enough to make any team want to read further. At 5'11"/214, Addai has only average size. However, he has shown again and again that he is willing to bruise inside the tackles for hard yardage. While injuries limited his field time at LSU, Joseph Addai made the most of what he was given. He displayed leadership and a hard-nosed mentality. He also let the NFL scouts know just how patient he is as a runner and dominant he is in pass protection. His skill set appears top-shelf, but durability and inexperience concerns have his stock set at questionable. Regardless, Addai's measureables are substantial enough for a team like the Colts to invest a first-round pick on him.
Addai's versatility makes him a great fit in Indy
Ultimately, the Colts need an effective running game to make their play-action pass effective. Manning and Harrision's success hinges greatly on the success of the Colt's first-round pick. Whether Maroney or Addai, the Colts will have a capable runner who can share time -at the very least- with Dominic Rhodes during their rookie season. As a Colt's fan, I would be crossing my fingers for Laurence Maroney to slip down the board. I would not be disappointed by the intriguing Joseph Addai either. Addai is less proven, but has more potential. Nevertheless, expect the juggernaut Colt's offense to slow down and become a stoppable force this upcoming season. Watch closely the progress of their #1 pick. The franchise's chances of making and winning a Super Bowl may hinge greatly on his progress to become a star the caliber of Edgerrin James.