Indianapolis Colts Forecast
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Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
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(30) Laurence Maroney, RB. Minnesota
(62) Jon Alston, OLB. Stanford
(94) Jonathan Lewis, DT. Virginia Tech
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The Colts have been a juggernaut offensive team for years. That will change this year. Without Edgerrin James, the Colt's offense will be a stoppable force. Since Dominic Rhodes is obviously not a feature back in the NFL, running back will be the primary concern for the Colts next year. At pick 30, pickings may be slim . However, they simply have to take the best available running back in round one (see also: Legless Colts Need Fixing). Depth along the offensive front would be beneficial as well. Defensively, the loss of cap casualty, David Thornton, means the defense is quite thin at outside linebacker. Finding someone to step in and contribute immediately would keep the Colts defense churning.
(30) Laurence Maroney, RB. Minnesota
The Colts have the quarterback, the receivers, and the offensive line. They simply lack an identifyable running game at the moment. Laurence Maroney would solve that in a hurry. He has the ability to go the distance each and every time he touches the ball. This would add an element to the Colt's running game that even Edgerrin James could not. Maroney has good vision and instincts, and plays faster than his 4.50 timed speed might suggest. He isn't a great receiver out of the backfield, which might close up a big chunk of the playbook. One way or another, the Colts will make things work. Expect Maroney to be a big piece of the puzzle to find a running game in Indy.
(62) Jon Alston, OLB. Stanford
The Colts' defense has predicated its success on speed. Undersized and swarming, the Indy D has become one of the league's elite units. Having lost David Thronton to free agency, a viable option on the outside would make a ton of sense. Jon Alston of Stanford fits the mold and would present good value late in the second round. Undersized at 6'1"/224, Alston has the 4.40 speed of a defensive back. He is a smart player with excellent instincts that always sems to be around the ball. He is a tremendous cover linebacker, who can still lay the lumber and play bigger than he checks in. Alston is simply of the Colts' pedigree and would be a perfect match at #62.
(94) Jonathan Lewis, DT. Virginia Tech
Keeping with the defensive theme, Jonathan Lewis would exhibit excellent value to the Colts with their third round pick. Among all defensive tackles in the draft class, Lewis may have been the most productive in college week in and week out. He is an underrated talent with an unstoppable motor. His 6'1"/309 build is compact and perfect for the Colts' undersized system. He is an explosive athlete that is disruptive in the middle, especially when pass rushing. His career was incredibly consistent, meaning he is a safe pick for whomever chooses to draft him. Wanting to add a sure-fire talent as a pass rusher inside, Jonathan Lewis would be a steal for the Colts.
(*) Joseph Addai, RB. LSU
One thing Edgerrin James brought to the table that was truly rare was his pass-catching abilities. No running back in the draft class has ball skills better than Joseph Addai of LSU. He is simply an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. His 4.40 speed is considered elite among running backs, and his 5'11"/214 size is playable by NFL standards. Even at only average size, Addai is excellent running between the tackles and is not afraid to take on a big hit. He may lack the ability to make NFL defenders miss in the open field, but he has all the other skills to make him a dangerous and consistent option for the Colts should he be their selection. Remember: the Colts are not unfamiliar to passing on the big name guy (Ricky Williams) to acquire the best fit for their system (Edgerrin James).
Indianapolis Colts (14-2)
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(30) Laurence Maroney, RB. Minnesota
(62) Jon Alston, OLB. Stanford
(94) Jonathan Lewis, DT. Virginia Tech
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The Colts have been a juggernaut offensive team for years. That will change this year. Without Edgerrin James, the Colt's offense will be a stoppable force. Since Dominic Rhodes is obviously not a feature back in the NFL, running back will be the primary concern for the Colts next year. At pick 30, pickings may be slim . However, they simply have to take the best available running back in round one (see also: Legless Colts Need Fixing). Depth along the offensive front would be beneficial as well. Defensively, the loss of cap casualty, David Thornton, means the defense is quite thin at outside linebacker. Finding someone to step in and contribute immediately would keep the Colts defense churning.
Maroney is a home-run hitter at running back
(30) Laurence Maroney, RB. Minnesota
The Colts have the quarterback, the receivers, and the offensive line. They simply lack an identifyable running game at the moment. Laurence Maroney would solve that in a hurry. He has the ability to go the distance each and every time he touches the ball. This would add an element to the Colt's running game that even Edgerrin James could not. Maroney has good vision and instincts, and plays faster than his 4.50 timed speed might suggest. He isn't a great receiver out of the backfield, which might close up a big chunk of the playbook. One way or another, the Colts will make things work. Expect Maroney to be a big piece of the puzzle to find a running game in Indy.
Jon Alston is the super fast, undersized
type of player that Tony Dungee loves
(62) Jon Alston, OLB. Stanford
The Colts' defense has predicated its success on speed. Undersized and swarming, the Indy D has become one of the league's elite units. Having lost David Thronton to free agency, a viable option on the outside would make a ton of sense. Jon Alston of Stanford fits the mold and would present good value late in the second round. Undersized at 6'1"/224, Alston has the 4.40 speed of a defensive back. He is a smart player with excellent instincts that always sems to be around the ball. He is a tremendous cover linebacker, who can still lay the lumber and play bigger than he checks in. Alston is simply of the Colts' pedigree and would be a perfect match at #62.
(94) Jonathan Lewis, DT. Virginia Tech
Keeping with the defensive theme, Jonathan Lewis would exhibit excellent value to the Colts with their third round pick. Among all defensive tackles in the draft class, Lewis may have been the most productive in college week in and week out. He is an underrated talent with an unstoppable motor. His 6'1"/309 build is compact and perfect for the Colts' undersized system. He is an explosive athlete that is disruptive in the middle, especially when pass rushing. His career was incredibly consistent, meaning he is a safe pick for whomever chooses to draft him. Wanting to add a sure-fire talent as a pass rusher inside, Jonathan Lewis would be a steal for the Colts.
Joe Addai's skills may have Colts' management drooling
(*) Joseph Addai, RB. LSU
One thing Edgerrin James brought to the table that was truly rare was his pass-catching abilities. No running back in the draft class has ball skills better than Joseph Addai of LSU. He is simply an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. His 4.40 speed is considered elite among running backs, and his 5'11"/214 size is playable by NFL standards. Even at only average size, Addai is excellent running between the tackles and is not afraid to take on a big hit. He may lack the ability to make NFL defenders miss in the open field, but he has all the other skills to make him a dangerous and consistent option for the Colts should he be their selection. Remember: the Colts are not unfamiliar to passing on the big name guy (Ricky Williams) to acquire the best fit for their system (Edgerrin James).