2012 NFL Offseason: Indianapolis Colts Draft Grade and Free Agency Review
The Indianapolis Colts’ offseason has been one fans will likely never forget. In a matter of two months, the Colts released legend quarterback Peyton Manning, who will likely have his own section in Canton someday, not to mention he will likely go down as the best player in Colts history, and then they drafted Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck is considered the best passing prospect to come along since Peyton Manning came out of Tennessee in 1998.
The Colts also parted ways with some players who were instrumental in their Super Bowl run from a few years ago. Gone are Dallas Clark and Jeff Saturday, two of Peyton Manning’s most prominent offensive teammates.
Here is a recap of the Colts’ draft picks and undrafted free agents signed (UDFA’s provided by NFL.com, confirmed by Colts official site)
- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
- Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
- Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
- T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International
- Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
- Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State
- Lavon Brazill, WR, Ohio
- Justin Anderson, OL, Georgia
- Tim Fugger, DE, Vanderbilt
- Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois
UDFA (UDFA Analysis on Colts.com)
East Carolina OT Steve Baker; Maryland CB Cameron Chism; Endicott DE Kevin Eagan; Wisconsin CB Antonio Fenelus; Rhode Island OL Jason Foster; USC LB Chris Galippo; Iowa State OL Hayworth Hicks; Pittsburgh DB Buddy Jackson; North Carolina S Matt Merletti; Hampton CB Micah Pellerin; Montana WR Jabin Sambrano; San Diego State P Brian Stahovich; Stanford R Griff Whalen
Best UDFA pickup: Griff Whalen, WR, Stanford
I figured the Colts would be a lock to get Chris Owusu, but they opted for Griff Whalen, who was Luck’s primary WR target in 2011. He has pretty solid athletic ability and is a reliable target that Andrew Luck knows well. I am a fan of this pickup and I think he should be in the discussion to make the final roster.
Overall Draft/UDFA Grade: A
Recap of Offseason moves from WalterFootball.com
(Player departures/cuts in bold)
- Colts claim RB Deji Karim
- Ravens sign QB Curtis Painter
- Colts waive WR Blair White
- Colts sign NT Brandon McKinney
- Raiders sign OLB Philip Wheeler
- Colts sign WR Donnie Avery
- Colts acquire QB Drew Stanton and 7th-rounder from Jets for 6th-rounder
- Packers sign C Jeff Saturday
- Broncos sign TE Jacob Tamme
- Colts announce retirement of G Ryan Diem
- Panthers sign C/G Mike Pollak
- Colts sign C Samson Satele
- Lions sign CB Jacob Lacey
- Broncos sign QB Peyton Manning
- Patriots sign WR Anthony Gonzalez
- Colts sign SS Tom Zbikowski
- Colts sign G Mike McGlynn
- Buccaneers sign QB Dan Orlovsky
- Colts sign DE/DT Cory Redding
- Colts acquire OT Winston Justice and 6th-round pick from Eagles for 6th-round pick
- Colts re-sign WR Reggie Wayne
- Redskins sign WR Pierre Garcon
- Colts cut TE Dallas Clark
- Colts cut QB Curtis Painter
- Colts cut ILB Gary Brackett
- Colts cut S Melvin Bullitt
- Colts cut RB Joseph Addai
- Colts cut QB Peyton Manning
- Colts re-sign DE/OLB Robert Mathis
Arrivals/Players Re-signed:
DE/OLB Robert Mathis
WR Reggie Wayne
OT Winston Justice
OG Mike McGlynn
DE Cory Redding
S Tom Zbikowski
C Samson Satele
QB Drew Stanton
WR Donnie Avery
DT Brandon McKinny
RB Deji Karim
TE Dominique Jones
Projected Starting Depth Chart (Offense)
R. Wayne D. Allen (R) A.Castonzo M.McGlynn S.Satele B.Ijalana W.Justice C.Fleener (R) A. Collie/D.Avery
A. Luck
D. Brown
Projected Starting Depth Chart (Defense)
K. Thomas C. Redding A.Johnson/J.Chapman (R) D.Nevis J. Powers
R.Mathis P.Angerer A.Edds D.Freeney
T. Zbikowski A.Bethea
Draft Pick Analysis/Reports
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Pre-season report:
Simply put, Luck is the prototypical quarterback prospect, and at least right now, is pretty much a lock to go first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. He has great vision, and probably the best accuracy of any quarterback to come along in a long, long time. This is a very smart player with great intangibles, and right now he is my leading candidate to win the Heisman trophy. Ideal size and arm strength, and this year, I just want to see him have that killer instinct. I have Stanford rated as the second team in the country right now, and I would love to see him compete for a national title. He had over 70 percent accuracy last year, and is coming from a pro-style offense. Luck is the Stanford single season touchdown record holder over the great John Elway. People are already heralding him as the next Peyton Manning, and this and that. No matter what he turns out to be, it looks as though Luck will be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL someday not too far away, both on and off the field.
Pick analysis:
With Luck, the Colts have a franchise QB of the future. You aren’t going to see many QB prospects come along of this caliber, and it makes the cutting of Peyton Manning an almost painless move for the Colts. Luck has very little pressure on him nationally because nobody really expects much of the Colts, but I actually think that he really wouldn’t care either way. Luck is tough, both mentally and physically. He is a deceptively great athlete, and I think he will be an impact player from the very start. The Colts won 2 games last year basically with no production from their quarterbacks. I think Luck automatically adds at least three or four wins to this club.
2. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
Pre-season report:
Get used to hearing this guy’s name, because you will be hearing it a lot in the coming months and years. Fleener is a big tight end prospect that reminds me physically of Tony Scheffler. He has imposing size and excellent speed for his size, and he really broke out as a junior with Stanford when he had 28 receptions for 434 yards and seven touchdowns, three of which came in Stanford’s big bowl game win over Virginia Tech. His numbers won’t exactly jump out at you other than his bowl performance, but this is a guy ready to emerge as one of the country’s top tight ends. His combination of size and speed are scary for opposing defenses. He can line up as an in-line tight end, or possibly also as a wide receiver in some packages. He will be a great red zone threat and a very good target for Andrew Luck in 2011.
Pick analysis:
This pick has to be a favorite of QB Andrew Luck, who won’t have to get used to not playing without Fleener. He is a very good receiving tight end who will provide a serious mismatch in the red zone. This was a great pickup by the Colts, getting someone who makes their young QB’s transfer to the NFL even easier.
3. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
Pre-season report:
Allen is an emerging tight end prospect who had a pretty solid sophomore season following a freshman campaign where he caught three touchdown passes. Last year, he finished third on the team with 33 receptions and had 373 yards and a touchdown through the air. He’s a pretty good receiver but more of an outlet than a primary target in the passing game, and he really excels in blocking. He has the potential to be a “five tool” type of player at the tight end position, and you’ve seen flashes if you watch any Clemson games. He will still drop passes here or there, but the size and potential are there for him to be a good NFL player.
Pick analysis:
Allen actually emerged as a very critical target in the passing game for the Tigers this past season, largely due to the emergence also of QB Tahj Boyd. This pick provides the Colts with another weapon at a critical position for young quarterbacks. I really like loading up on positions in the draft, and since the Colts will be without both Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme this season, this is a pick that I really like.
4. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International
Scouting report:
Pros:
Versatile….Really Good return man….speed, speed, speed (4.3 40 yard dash)…does a good job finding space in zones…tough as played through injuries…tough to tackle in open field because he has some wiggle…really good field vision with the ball in his hands and in space
Cons
size (prone to nagging injuries)…not asked to run a different routes…not really a threat in the red-zone…has had some games where he really did nothing, even against inferior competition… doesn’t always catch the ball cleanly…a guy this size you’re always worried about how he’ll handle press coverage (if a defender gets his hands on him it’s over, but if they miss look out) and run blocking because he doesn’t have a ton of strength
Pick analysis:
Hilton is an explosive playmaker who will provide the Colts with the speed that Pierre Garcon took to Washington, though I think Hilton will wind up being an even better receiver. He gets into the open field, forget about it–he’s gone. I love this pick.
5. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
Pre-season report:
When the 2012 NFL Scouting combine rolls around, you can expect Chapman to be one of the guys who leads the group of defensive linemen in the bench press. According to Alabama trainers, Chapman bench presses 580 pounds and squats 630. This man is a gap clogger and ideal fit for the nose guard in any defense. He might draw comparisons to Stephen Paea, and could play a similar role at the NFL level. He likely won’t put up huge numbers, because he will be the one opening up lanes for the top tier talent behind him at linebacker. He might not be as good a player as Terrence Cody was for the Tide, but he will play the same role. Very hard worker off the field, and had the large task or replacing the All-American Cody at NT. Shared the Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter award at the ‘Bama Spring game with LB Dont’a Hightower.
Pick analysis:
Hard not to like this pick, especially with Indy moving to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Chapman will eat up double teams, and if he can get healthy, he might start as a rookie in 2012. This was absolutely great value for the Colts.
6. Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State
Pre-season report:
Had a breakout season last year as a junior after transferring from junior college, where he was a first team All-American. At JUCO, Ballard rushed for 1,728 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he continued that success with Mississippi State, setting a school record by running for 19 touchdowns. He carried the ball last year 186 times for 968 yards, and added another score through the air. He actually has a pretty similar running style to that of fellow former SEC running back Mark Ingram. He’s not the fastest but he’s quick and has good size for a running back. Thanks to Mississippi State’s depth at running back, he likely won’t be forced to take too many carries and get wear and tear on his body. Good vision and quickness, and better breakaway speed than his size would indicate. He will be a key component of the Mississippi State offense as a senior in 2011.
Pick analysis:
The Colts have a lot of options at the RB position now with Donald Brown and Delone Carter, and now Vick Ballard. Ballard definitely has the desire, and what I like most about him is his quickness to the hole. He might be a rotational guy in the NFL, but he will provide good depth for Indy.
7. Lavon Brazill, WR, Ohio
Scouting report:
Brazill is a guy who has been competing for five years as an Ohio Bobcat, one of which was spent getting over knee and hand injuries. He bounced back in 2011 to become the leading receiver in Ohio history and has been a fantastic target in the passing game, leading the team with 64 receptions for 1,042 yards and 10 touchdowns. Capable of making big plays in the passing game, averaging over 16 yards per reception for the season. I really like what I see from him in terms of being able to get open, but can he do it against top competition? Taylor Price had elite speed and really struggled to adjust to the NFL game. Capable of returning punts and kicks at the next level as well. I really like his upside and versatility because pretty much no one is talking about him or looking at him right now, and I think he has a chance to make a name for himself on a national stage. He doesn’t have elite size but he has a good build for his height and is capable of playing physical and making plays after the catch. Capable of being a change-of-pace player as well with a rushing touchdown this season and 73 yards on just five carries. You can see why he was voted to some All-American teams in 2009 with three punt return touchdowns in just 33 returns overall, hitting paydirt once every 11 returns.
Pros:
Experienced, productive, return ability, not an elite athlete (a good one though), doesn’t have great size, catches the ball well
Cons:
Not an elite athlete, more of a slot guy/return man than a starter, doesn’t have great height, hasn’t played great competition
Pick analysis:
The Colts continue to add depth to a position that was depleted this offseason with the departures of Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon, and Blair White. I think Brazill has the ability to contribute early on special teams and develop into a solid rotational receiver.
8. Justin Anderson, OL, Georgia
Pick analysis:
Massive offensive line prospect who will be some kind of project, and I’m not so sure the Colts don’t have intentions of trying him out as a nose tackle. He made that position transition from defense to offense in college, and he might go back in the NFL. If not, he provides some powerful depth on the interior offensive line at about 6’5″ 335 pounds.
9. Tim Fugger, DE/OLB, Vanderbilt
Pick analysis:
I like Fugger’s potential as a developmental hybrid linebacker. He showed excellent athletic ability at the Vanderbilt pro day with a 4.60 in the 40, 29 bench press reps, and a 34 inch vertical leap. Along with that, he had solid production for the Commodores, with 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles last season. This is a solid late-round pick and could pay dividends down the road.
10. Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois
Scouting report:
Redshirted in 2007. Harnish started 9 games as a freshman redshirt throwing 8 touchdowns and 9 interception. By the time Harnish entered his sophomore redshirt year he became a household name at Northern Illinois. Harnish threw 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions as a sophomore redshirt.
In 2010 Harnish improved his completion percentage from 64.1 to 64.7. Harnish also exceeded the 2,500 passing mark at Northern Illinois as a junior redshirt.
Northern Illnois has gotten off to a 3-3 start in 6 games in 2011. Harnish is not to blame for any of the Huskies early misfortunes. Harnish has thrown a completion percentage of 67.9 as a senior redshirt. Harnish has thrown 12 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Harnish has also rushed for 7 rushing touchdowns for Northern Illinois this season.
DRAFT STATUS: Harnish graduates this season. Harnish should be a backup for the North team in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Harnish has a chance to become a day 2 pick possibly a late 2nd round pick if he impresses scouts in the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and pro day workouts if he gets any.
PROS: Harnish has physical tools that scouts love. Harnish has the rocket arm, toughness with his durability, and good size for a mid round pick. Harnish is a dual threat quarterback who provides amazing production. Harnish has a chance to be a sleeper quarterback among the 2012 senior prospects.
Harnish is very mobile and does well throwing the ball out of the pocket, a plus athlete, good enough arm
CONS: Mental attributes are a project at this point. The mental aspects of Harnish’s game have potential. Coaches just need to work with Harnish improving these aspects of his game. Harnish just needs to improve his accuracy. He has the capacity and intangibles to adjust to an NFL playbook at the next level. Harnish has a really good offensive line that buys him time in the pocket. This may compensate for some of Harnish’s throws to a certain degree.Needs to improve reading his progressions. Sometimes Harnish sits like a duck in the pocket and waits to take off if his primary reciever does not get open. Harnish needs to wait for 2nd and 3rd progressions before taking off and scrambling.Harnish plays against weaker opponents in the MAC Conference. This is another disadvantage that could work against Harnish on draft day.
His accuracy is also below average.
Summary: Harnish is a project player. He could end up becoming the best senior quarterback of this class the way he is playing right now.
NFL Player Comparison: Dan LeFevour
Pick analysis: I am okay with this pick. The Colts lost their two backup QBs, who weren’t very good anyway, and they got another solid project in the late rounds in Harnish, who may actually develop into a solid backup. He is a very good athlete, was really productive in college, and knows how to put the ball in the end zone. I definitely like his upside as a backup in Indy.
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