Indianapolis Colts 2010 Draft Review

The Colts have done it again. They have scoured the draft and found players that fit their system perfectly.  Jerry Hughes is a great replacement for Rahim Brock and makes for a great rotational player along with Freeney and Mathis. Pat Angerer is a typical, smart, hard- nosed Colts' linebacker who will add depth and play special teams. Kevin Thomas comes from an NFL atomosphere at USC and might be another Colts' third rounder who could contribute immediately. McClendon is a tough run blocker, and the Colts are looking for developmental prospects for their offensive line. The Colts' draft won't make any national headlines, but if these players make headlines winning Super Bowls, it really won't matter.


Round 1, Pick 31

Jerry Hughes, OLB/DE, TCU

Ht: 6’ 1 ¾” Wt: 255

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  This pick reminds me of the Dwight Freeney pick in 2002.  A small compact pass rusher with deadly speed, Hughes fits in perfectly with the Colts front four.  Another great first round pick.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Might not fit the prototype from a height-weight-speed standpoint and still could improve defending the run but is fast off the edge, plays on his feet and shows the type of flexibility and relentlessness desired of pass rushers at the next level. Can be effective pressurizing the edges for an up-the-field, one-gap scheme like that of the Colts, or stand up as a rush linebacker in an aggressive, slanting “30” front such as that of the Steelers, 49ers or Ravens. Will bring immediate value as a nickel rusher.

NFL projection: Top-40 pick

GM Jr’s scouting report: Hughes is a very talented defender with the physical talent that NFL teams are always looking for, but he must improve his technique and consistency to become the player he has the talent to be.  He is quick footed athlete with the playing speed and explosive closing burst to make hard, violent hits when he gets in good position.  His lack of ideal size makes his a very good candidate for the switch to rush-linebacker – He has the quicks, agility and athleticism to drop off the ball into coverage smoothly and effectively.  His consistent production making plays vs the run in pursuit would serve him very well playing upright in an outside linebacker alignment.  Overall, Hughes is not as productive as he has the talent to be, but is very impressive when he is playing well and really shined at his Pro Day workout, which has led to him moving up draft boards – He will likely be drafted in the 2nd round after such a strong spring.  In time he will become a productive starter (either in DE in a 43 scheme or a rush-linebacker in a 34), but if he does not improve his technique and become more consistent he will struggle to become the highly productive and consistent play her has show the ability to be.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Most teams using the four-man fronts view Hughes as a pass-rush specialist, but those using a base 3-4 alignment might move the undersized Hughes to linebacker – the move made by Chargers’ 2009 first-round pick Larry English.  A bit raw technique-wise, Hughes’ closing speed and secure tackling make him a threat to tack down the ball anywhere he lines up.

Round 2, Pick 63

Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa

Ht: 6’ 0 1/4” Wt:  235

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Angerer is another hustle type player who will contribute to an NFL immediately through special teams.  He can play either inside or outside linebacker but is limited by his speed.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Compactly built, undersized, high- motor ’backer who compensates for his size limitations with instincts and anticipation. Is most effective when he is free to run to the ball and will have to be protected in a 4-3 scheme, but Angerer has an intense, competitive, special- teams mentality. Could be tried on the weak side.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:   Angerer lacks great size, but his motor, fluidity, awareness in zone coverage and hustle to the ball should intrigue teams looking for a weak-side – or undersized, active middle – linebacker in the mid-to-late rounds. 

Round 3, Pick 94

Kevin Thomas, CB, USC

Ht: 6’ 0” Wt: 192

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Thomas was a pre-draft riser because of his excellent measurables, but it seems that many think those skills don’t equate to on the field results.  He heads to a team with an excellent coaching staff, and it’s possible they have a specific plan to make him a nickel or situational corner. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Was derailed by injuries earlier in his career but was healthy as a senior and elevating his stock by showing natural cover skills and quickness to get his hands on the ball. Press corner who needs to improve functional strength but has starter potential.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Like fellow USC corner Josh Pinkard, much of Kevin Thomas’ college career was spent in the training room.  When he finally got on the field, it became apparent that he does not have the speed or all around athleticism to transition to CB at the next level.  He rarely plays with a proper pedal and looks choppy and awkward when he does, and he consistently loses a step in transition if he is not physical with his man.  While he probably needs to transition to tackle in order to hide his lack of athleticism and take advantage of his physicality, he needs to make huge strides in his tackling technique, as he whiffs on way too many tackles by giving up his ground and diving at the ball carrier.  Thomas may get a shot in the NFL training camp because of his size and decent instincts and awareness, but he will struggle to catch on because of his lack of speed and inconsistent technique. 

129.)  Indianapolis Colts
Jacques McClendon, OG, Tennessee
Ht 6' 3" Wt 324

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A relative unknown, McClendon seems to be the type of run blocker that the Colts have been lacking for several seasons.  His ability to knock people off the ball should be of great interest because Bill Polian is known for drafting gems at the offensive guard position in the late rounds.  

GM Jr scouting report:  McClendon is a strong guard prospect that I knew nothing off when I began evaluating Tennessee, but when he torqued a DT off his feet early in Georgia game he grabbed my attention. He is a thickly built guard with the strength to physically dominate man once he locks up on man with both hands, but he needs to show more aggressiveness as a blocker to take full advantage of his playing strength. He is not going to fit every team’s of- fensive system because he is not as productive in pass pro when he has to move his feet a lot, but for teams looking for strong and physical blockers who can control their man he would fit perfectly. Overall, I doubt McClendon will be drafted as highly as we have him rated, if he is drafted at all, but he has everything it takes to develop into a very good # 3 guard or solid starting guard. He reminds us a bunch of former NFL guard Bennie Anderson who was undrafted out of Tennessee State, but developed into a solid starting guard in the NFL

162.)  Indianapolis Colts
Brody Eldridge, TE, Oklahoma
Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 261

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Strictly a run blocker, Eldridge is being brought in to help contribute to the transformation of the offensive line into a more physical run blocking team.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Compares favorably to Jets 2006 fifth-rounder and current Seahawks TE Jason Pociask and could bring solid value in two-TE sets as a blocker if he could stay healthy.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

238.)  Indianapolis Colts

Ricardo Mathews, DE, Cincinnati

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 294

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Mathews projects to defensive tackle in the Colts' one-gap, upfield, penetrating defensive system.  A smart player who provides his team with energy and effort, he could make the practice squad on a team even as talented as the Colts. 

GM Jr’s scouting report:   Mathews is a decent athlete who has enough positives to bring to training camp, but not enough to be drafted. He is a squatty body player that when he is playing hard and low, is a force. But he tends to come off the ball high, expose his chest and gets stalemated. He is good for 2 or 3 plays, then he gets tired and stays blocked. He has enough natural strength to hold the point of attack versus the run at him, but more often than not, he will miss with his hands off the ball, turn his shoulders and give up his body. He will end up on the ground and is blocked with ease. When he does stay square, he has the lateral quickness and strength to play off the block, shed with strong hands and slide down the line to make the tackle. He is a good wrap up tackler who will put all his force into the ball carrier to get him on the ground. Mathews does not play with much awareness and will get out of position too often. He is not a threat as a pass rusher. He lacks any type of pass rush moves but the bull rush. He ends up standing around the line of scrimmage more times than not as a pass rusher. Mathews will get into training camp for a NFL team, but he will have a hard time making a NFL roster. 

240.)  Indianapolis Colts
Kavell Conner, LB, Clemson
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 242

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Perfect Colts' linebacker:  quick and compact, flies to the football.  Will probably be brought in to play special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Undersized, active, run-and-hit linebacker best suited for the weak side in a one-gap defense, though he might bring the most value as an energetic special-teams player.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

246.)  Indianapolis Colts 

Ray Fisher, DB, Indiana

Ht: 5' 9" Wt: 185

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  You can never count out a late round Colts' pick as they find ways to get their draft picks and free agents to contribute to their team.  Fisher is the perfect example of the type of smart, disciplined prospect that the Colts' value.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   More-quick-than-fast converted receiver who showed good football aptitude by adjusting to a position change as a senior. Kick-off-return ability will be his meal ticket and could eventually help in dime package.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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