Round 1, Pick 31 - Indianapolis Colts - Jerry Hughes

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.

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

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.