Official 2017 NFL Draft Rounds 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

[sherck]

Lots of ILB, RB and TE prospects with solidly high grades still left on the board. Not so many CBs left with solid grades.

NFL.com top rated guy left is an OG whom their NFL comparison to is Jack Mewhort. Probably about the last O-Lineman remaining whom could be better than Good / Haeg / Schwenke.

Money time, Ballard. You have done well so far; now find us a RB and some good quality depth whom might develop to steal play time sooner rather than later!

Cheers,

[YDFL Commish]

The RB cupboard is getting bare in this draft, Perine and Mack are the only RB's that interest me.

I would think the Bengals will release either Hill or Bernard after drafting Mixon. More likely Bernard. I wouldn't mind bringing him into the mix.

[GoBigBlue88]

Too bad this OL class sucks so much. I'd love for this team to grab a groom-to-replace option at LT for Castonzo, given Castonzo's mileage. But I doubt that guy is in this draft class.

RB definitely today. And please please please not just a Frank Gore clone. This RB roster already has too many guys who can fight like hell for 3-4 yards but never break 20+.

I wouldn't rule out TE, honestly, if there's a good option on the board. Especially if Doyle is asked to be a featured receiver or gets hurt, there aren't a lot of great blocking options on the roster currently.

Would definitely be on the lookout for a return man of some sort. No obvious De'Anthony Thomas type guys I can think of in this draft, but coming from KC, you'd think Ballard would be about those guys who can scare other teams as a returner and still offer some package value on offense. Not sure Chester Rogers or Quan Bray are those guys.

[cq.noble]

Lol there are still plenty of decent RBs available. Brian Hill will be the pick.

[njcoltfan]

Please another pass rusher, Lawson would do!!

[VeveJones007]

Matt Miller mocked the following guys to the Colts in Rd 4 this morning:

RB Brian Hill
DL DJ Jones
LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin

I've seen both Hill and Jones discussed on here and they seem like good fits.

[Coltsalr]

DJ Jones would be awesome!

[Dewey 5]

Too bad this OL class sucks so much. I'd love for this team to grab a groom-to-replace option at LT for Castonzo, given Castonzo's mileage. But I doubt that guy is in this draft class.

RB definitely today. And please please please not just a Frank Gore clone. This RB roster already has too many guys who can fight like hell for 3-4 yards but never break 20+.

I wouldn't rule out TE, honestly, if there's a good option on the board. Especially if Doyle is asked to be a featured receiver or gets hurt, there aren't a lot of great blocking options on the roster currently.

Would definitely be on the lookout for a return man of some sort. No obvious De'Anthony Thomas type guys I can think of in this draft, but coming from KC, you'd think Ballard would be about those guys who can scare other teams as a returner and still offer some package value on offense. Not sure Chester Rogers or Quan Bray are those guys.

Jeremy Sprinkle from Arkansas is a good option at TE & he is a very strong blocker.

[Coltsalr]

I would just take Lawson, Brantley, and DJ Jones with our three 4th round picks. Just finish the job on completely remaking the Front Seven.

Then take whatever's left at RB in Round 5.

[Hoopsdoc]

BPA, Ballard.

Also, we do not have a 7th round pick, traded it for Billy Winn last year.

[Racehorse]

Give them a Philadelphia welcome? You mean, like, throw batteries at them?

[Coltsalr]

BPA, Ballard.

Also, we do not have a 7th round pick, traded it for Billy Winn last year.

Yep, one final going-away present from Grigson.

Thanks man. :rolleyes:

[omahacolt]

I want Lawson in the 4th here

[HoosierinFL]

Give them a Philadelphia welcome? You mean, like, throw batteries at them?

Exactly what I though of when he said that.

Also the stat the 2/3 of players in th NFL come from rounds 3 and later, well considering that is 2/3 of all players drafted, it's not a big surprise!

[njcoltfan]

Jesus Christ make the pick already!!! Man the draft could be over in a day and a half!!

[Racehorse]

Jesus Christ make the pick already!!! Man the draft could be over in a day and a half!!

You DO know that none of our posters are making the picks, except Smitty, right?

[Coltsalr]

Jesus Christ make the pick already!!! Man the draft could be over in a day and a half!!

In fact, up until 2010, the draft used to be over in less than a day.

[njcoltfan]

In fact, up until 2010, the draft used to be over in less than a day.

I know, let's go back to that !!

[Coltsalr]

There goes Perrine, who I kinda liked.

[njcoltfan]

Fuck a the Bengals, there goes Lawson !!

[GoBigBlue88]

Wouldn't be shocked if the Colts take a TE this round.

[Coltsalr]

And Carl Lawson, who I really liked.

[njcoltfan]

I hope they NEVER have the draft in Philly again !!!!!!

[sherck]

Appears that we just traded back.

[Indiana V2]

Appears that we just traded back.

Wonder the details of the trade.

[Coltsalr]

Colts trade out of #121, get the 49ers #143 and #161.

According to the trusty NFL Drafttek Value Chart we came out ahead, so there is that.

Edit: I was hoping for a 6th or 7th just for the sake of wanting to have some interest in the last 2 rounds, but obviously that doesn't trump getting the best value possible.

[omahacolt]

The coverage of this draft has been the worst I have ever seen

[sherck]

Colts trade out of #121, get the 49ers #143 and #161.

According to the trusty NFL Drafttek Value Chart we came out ahead, so there is that.

I don't mind picking up another 5th rounder......

But lots of solid guys are going off the board.

Cheers,

[smitty46953]

I don't like trading back for fringe picks :cool: Could have gotten decent player here I think

[Coltsalr]

The coverage of this draft has been the worst I have ever seen

Are you on ESPN or NFLN?

[njcoltfan]

If these networks would worry about covering the draft instead of all of these fuckin puff pieces and guest announcers , we might know !!!!

[IndyNorm]

Lots of ILB, RB and TE prospects with solidly high grades still left on the board. Not so many CBs left with solid grades.



IMO this is pretty concerning b/c we need to add 2-3 CBs for at least depth. Even with Wilson being drafted don't we only have 3 CBs on the roster (4 if you count Butler)?

[njcoltfan]

I don't mind picking up another 5th rounder......

But lots of solid guys are going off the board.

Cheers,

I feel the draft is over in terms of drafting anyone who will help the Colts this season!

[Indiana V2]

I feel the draft is over in terms of drafting anyone who will help the Colts this season!

It is beginning to look that way.

[sherck]

I feel the draft is over in terms of drafting anyone who will help the Colts this season!
I don't agree with that.

With that attitude, Haeg was a write-off last season.

There are still good players going to be selected in the bottom of the 4th through the middle of the 5th round where we have 5 picks.

They may not be day one starters....but they will come in and give quality time.

Cheers,

[FatDT]

I think this was the round to trade up, not back. Missed on Lawson and Perine but maybe could've gotten one with a small trade up. Not many/any difference makers left now.

We still got three potentially very good defensive players so I will not complain too much here.

[sherck]

IMO this is pretty concerning b/c we need to add 2-3 CBs for at least depth. Even with Wilson being drafted don't we only have 3 CBs on the roster (4 if you count Butler)?

It is pretty bare in the draft.

CB1 = Davis
CB2 = Wilson
CB3 = Vet Free Agent yet to be signed
CB4 = Melvin
CB5 = Morris
CB6 = Butler moved back from Safety

That is a pretty solid lineup if we can get solid service out of Melvin and Morris again this season.

All is not lost.

Cheers,

[GoBigBlue88]

If these networks would worry about covering the draft instead of all of these fuckin puff pieces and guest announcers , we might know !!!!

I never watch the networks anymore. I watch the web broadcasts from people who actually talk about these players.

[Coltsalr]

Raiders draft David Sharpe OT Florida, who I also kinda liked.

[smitty46953]

I never watch the networks anymore. I watch the web broadcasts from people who actually talk about these players.

Which one is your favorite?
:cool:

[Coltsalr]

Wouldn't be shocked if the Colts take a TE this round.

Seven TE's drafted already today, though none of which are Jake Butt.

[FatDT]

I never watch the networks anymore. I watch the web broadcasts from people who actually talk about these players.

I have been watching the nfl.com broadcast. It's fine. They talk about the players, mostly. Do you have other suggestions?

[GoBigBlue88]

Which one is your favorite?
:cool:

I'm watching BR's right now just cuz I like Matt Miller.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2706584-facebook-live-2017-nfl-draft-round-4-and-5-live-grades-and-reaction (or on Facebook directly)

[Coltsalr]

Pats select Deatrich Wise DE Arkansas who I also kinda liked.

[omahacolt]

Pats select Deatrich Wise DE Arkansas who I also kinda liked.

Of course you did

I bet you like him more now

[Colt Classic]

Seems like every damn network is too busy following their own followers' comments and it turns into a bunch of confusing inside joke situations that go nowhere.

[omahacolt]

Are you on ESPN or NFLN?

Nfln

I refuse to watch espn

[smitty46953]

Nfln

I refuse to watch espn

Same here :cool:

[smitty46953]

Pats select Deatrich Wise DE Arkansas who I also kinda liked.

meh :rolleyes: lol

[smitty46953]

Desmond King ? :cool:

[Coltsalr]

Nfln

I refuse to watch espn

I prefer Kiper/McShay/Riddick to anything NFLN has, but the way ESPN is presenting right now is just godawful.

[smitty46953]

OL Zach Banner ? :cool:

[YDFL Commish]

Marlon Mack, Isaac Asiat or Blair Brown would be nice

[Coltsalr]

Zach Banner, G, USC. I like it:

Analysis
Strengths Massive man with good upper-body strength. Has length and girth to overwhelm smaller opponents. Able to withstand a bull rush thanks to enormous frame. Powerful road-grader who blasts holes open as down-blocker and generates movement with his base blocks. Leverage not always necessary to produce push at point of attack. Won't find him on the ground much. Decent athlete for his size. Functional combo blocker. Initial kick-slide is fairly smooth. Can make life miserable for pass rushers when he latches strong hands into their frame. Could play right tackle but would need help against edge speed. Balance and redirect are adequate.
Weaknesses Weight concerns are a huge issue. Has seen weight balloon to 385 pounds. Pass pro is a major concern. Could be too big and bulky to handle NFL edge talent. Lacks athleticism and quickness to recover when beaten. Slower than desired out of stance. Has to open early and lunge to protect the edge in pass pro. Rarely flat-footed at punch, relying on girth over technique. Takes wide route to his target with punch. Doesn't mirror well enough to keep defender from escaping from side door once engaged. Lack of bend and high center of gravity could make move to guard a challenge. Has had issues with penalties during time as starter at USC.
Draft Projection Rounds 3-4
Sources Tell Us "He's a really big guy. That's his body type. If he doesn't work his tail off to manage it, there is no doubt his weight will shoot way up again. Everyone is going to write him as a guard but I'm writing him as a tackle. They all have issues. I think we could work around him at tackle." -- Western regional scout from AFC team
NFL Comparison Trent Brown
Bottom Line Rare size, but some teams will question whether he can bend enough to be a functional NFL guard. As a tackle, he lacks quickness to consistently protect the passer, and teams might focus too heavily on that shortcoming. Teams who focus on Banner's strength -- drive blocking -- should be rewarded with a starting right guard who is average in pass protection, but who can help turn run creases into running lanes.


http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/zach-banner?id=2557908

[smitty46953]

Sweet got one right in draft contest !!! :cool:

[Colt Classic]

6' 8" and a buffet stop shy of 4 bills. Kinda small.

[omahacolt]

Practice squad dude. Not liking that

[YDFL Commish]

Practice squad dude. Not liking that

Me either.

[sherck]

In Philbin we trust.

Good golly, this kid is a mountain. Be interesting to see what can be done with him.

BUILD..........THE...........TRENCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers,

[FatDT]

Ballard has done a good or great job overall. But this would've been the round to cash in those extra picks to move up for a fourth player that matters. Blimpo McFatface here isn't going to help the team.

[ukcolt]

His biological father is former nfl lineman Lincoln Kennedy, who had a fair career. Looks like he is going to be thrown in to compete at right guard and will probably be out best lineman in the running game instantly. Always happy to invest in the big boys.

[smitty46953]

Ballard has done a good or great job overall. But this would've been the round to cash in those extra picks to move up for a fourth player that matters. Blimpo McFatface here isn't going to help the team.

I hated the trade back, otherwise am pleased ... 5th round on is a crap shoot in my opinion ... Should have stood pat and taken Siragusa or Howard Wilson :cool:

[omahacolt]

I prefer Kiper/McShay/Riddick to anything NFLN has, but the way ESPN is presenting right now is just godawful.

Of course you do

[smitty46953]

Rumor is: Joe Philbin flew out and met Banner. He wanted him, and Joe knows OL ? :cool:

[IndyNorm]

It is pretty bare in the draft.

CB1 = Davis
CB2 = Wilson
CB3 = Vet Free Agent yet to be signed
CB4 = Melvin
CB5 = Morris
CB6 = Butler moved back from Safety

That is a pretty solid lineup if we can get solid service out of Melvin and Morris again this season.

All is not lost.

Cheers,

Yeah, forgot about Morris and since I didn't watch many games last year don't know much about him. Would think Butler goes back to CB3 if he does get moved back to CB. Suppose if we do pick up a vet and 1-2 UDFAs that can be depth then we'll be ok.

[smitty46953]

RB ? Mack perhaps :cool:

[DrSpaceman]

I read Banner is trying to slim down a a "svelte" 340 or so

[smitty46953]

Mack is quick and good reciever had 63 receptions regardless of Mayocks comments hand cant be that bad :cool:

[ukcolt]

I would say that he has no chance of seeing any playing time unless he gets down to that sort of weight. He was 360 at the Senior Bowl and was still the biggest man at the combine when he came in at 353.

[njcoltfan]

Whoo-Hoo I finally got one right in the contest!

[Coltsalr]

Marlon Mack is like what GBB88 was asking for before the day began, we need an RB that'll be a change-up from Frank Gore's style. Marlon Mack is a home-run hitter, so he is that. He's not much of a pass-blocker or pass-catcher, so there's a reason why he's available at the end of the 4th.

Grover Stewart, bah. Caleb Brantley and DJ Jones are available and you get the guy from nowhere?

[smitty46953]

Round 4

Zach Banner, USC, OT
Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
Grover Stewart, DT, Albany St

With Banner and Stewart the grocery bill for training camp just went up, like seeing a couple big uglies come on board ... :cool:

[sherck]

Marlon Mack is like what GBB88 was asking for before the day began, we need an RB that'll be a change-up from Frank Gore's style. Marlon Mack is a home-run hitter, so he is that. He's not much of a pass-blocker or pass-catcher, so there's a reason why he's available at the end of the 4th.

Grover Stewart, bah. Caleb Brantley and DJ Jones are available and you get the guy from nowhere?
Brantley might be going to jail and Jones is a NT.

Different needs; I guess.

Cheers,

[smitty46953]

Marlon Mack is like what GBB88 was asking for before the day began, we need an RB that'll be a change-up from Frank Gore's style. Marlon Mack is a home-run hitter, so he is that. He's not much of a pass-blocker or pass-catcher?

He had 63 receptions over his career, what do you base your opinion on? :cool:

[Coltsalr]

He had 63 receptions last year, what do you base your opinion on? :cool:

He's apparently more of a body catcher that doesn't trust his hands. That doesn't translate well in the NFL.

[smitty46953]

He's apparently more of a body catcher that doesn't trust his hands. That doesn't translate well in the NFL.

Never seen him play, was curious? I also found out was 63 receptions in career not last year I typed it wrong ... :eek:

[Coltsalr]

Apparently Zach Banner completely shut down Takk McKinley when they faced one another this year, so there is that.

[Coltsalr]

Never seen him play, was curious? I also found out was 63 receptions in career not last year I typed it wrong ... :eek:

I don't generally tend to watch much USF football, but being from Tampa, I know enough USF fans. I'll ask around.

[smitty46953]

Shit Jags got Blair Brown :eek:

[smitty46953]

The Colts are scout Jamie Moore is really, really excited about Grover Stewart. He says he won't be limited in position. Can play NT/DT/DE. :cool:

[Coltsalr]

The interesting part about flipping back and forth between networks, both McShay and Mayock said the same thing, that they both got calls very late in the process on Grover Stewart saying to take a look at him and they both came away impressed.

[smitty46953]

CB Corn Elder goes to Panthers :cool:

[smitty46953]

Redskins take Ark TE Jeremy Sprinkle, kinda wanted him ... :cool:

[IndyNorm]

Seems like Mack is a good pick at this spot and a good fit for change of pace with Gore, but this is pretty concerning in particular the fumbling (from his NFL.com profile):

Too willing to make wild bounces to the furthest reaches of the perimeter if interior lanes are gummed up. Lacks a committed approach between the tackles. Feet start dancing if he doesn't see an early point of entry. On jet sweeps, he rarely looked to cut it downhill in space and defaulted to the wide track. Has a very poor fumble rate over this three years and has put the ball on the ground twelve times.

And since our coaching staff either doesn't care to or doesn't know how to teach fundamentals I doubt any of this gets fixed anytime soon.

Stewart is obviously an unknown and a head scratcher, and based on his ranking (317 overall by ESPN FWIW). Ballard must have really liked him to have taken him here.

[ukcolt]

I wouldn't mind taking a look at TE Bucky Hodges with this pick or CB William Likely

[smitty46953]

Seems like Mack is a good pick at this spot and a good fit for change of pace with Gore, but this is pretty concerning in particular the fumbling (from his NFL.com profile):



And since our coaching staff either doesn't care to or doesn't know how to teach fundamentals I doubt any of this gets fixed anytime soon.

Stewart is obviously an unknown and a head scratcher, and based on his ranking (317 overall by ESPN FWIW). Ballard must have really liked him to have taken him here.

Ouch, lot of drops ... if can't learn to hold on to ball he wont last :cool:

[smitty46953]

Wyoming RB Brian Hill to Falcons ... :cool:

[ukcolt]

And if they are not very high on some of the guys left in the draft, try to trade away the pick for future picks.....although i don't think that was the opinion of the front office, they seemed to think that it was one of the deepest drafts in a long time.

[Luck4Reich]

Very excited about the defense.

[YDFL Commish]

And if they are not very high on some of the guys left in the draft, try to trade away the pick for future picks.....although i don't think that was the opinion of the front office, they seemed to think that it was one of the deepest drafts in a long time.

Can't trade comp picks?

[Coltsalr]

Nate Hairston, CB, Temple.

Instincts/Recognition 3 Only two seasons at CB but appears to have natural FBIs. Former WR who has an understanding of splits and how receivers are trying to attack him. Quality awareness in zone coverage. Reads quarterbacks eyes well. Quick to identify route combinations and does a nice job of maintaining quality correlation with targets. Anticipation and route recognition in man coverage are still developing. Quick to read and react vs the run.


Cover Skills 2 Fluid and balance mover. Feet are rarely caught outside of fame. Good mirror skills in press man coverage. Uses hands well to reroute receivers near the line of scrimmage. Does display some tightness in ankles when forced to quickly gather breaking forward. Transitions well out of breaks. Good short-area quickness. Balance allows him to transition and recover when caught out of position. Good speed to carry receivers down field but lacks an elite extra gear to make up ground when caught in trail.


Ball Skills 3 Former WR who has quality hand-eye coordination. 4 PBU and 2 INT in two season at CB (2015-'16). 3 PBU and 2 INT in 2016.Knows when to play the ball and play man. Quality leaping ability in contested situations (VJ: 35 ½ ' ) Will be a split second late turning and locating the ball at times when his back is to the football.


Run Support 1 Hard edge setter that is active and willing in this in this area. Physical and shows active hands taking on and shedding blocks (14 bench reps). Can occasionally be a quarter count late getting off of blocks against bigger and more physical WRs. Works to keep to outside contain on the perimeter. Good body and balance as a tackler. Firm wrap upon contact to finish tackles. Also flashes the ability to deliver a heavy blow.

[smitty46953]

Colts take CB Nate Hairston :cool:

[DragonTails]

Nate Hairston | CB, Temple
Height: 6-0 Weight: 196
A former wide receiver with only one year of starting CB experience and it shows. Will need time to develop mentally and technically before he sees action.
D-

[Coltsalr]

More on Hairston:

trengths Has good size and well-built lower body. Built like a more physical player and lives up to it. Competes hard when the ball heads his way. Will knife in at full-speed when he reads hitch or wide receiver screen. Quick to shuck and attack in run support. Former wide receiver at Temple who plays with fluid movement in space. Loose hips allow for smooth transitions in matching patterns and longer strides in space. Has adequate foot quickness and twitch. Plays with a good feel for coverage responsibilities. Diligent to protect against speed and is rarely beaten over the top.
Weaknesses Only one season as a full-time starter. Targeted just 36 times in college with only six passes defensed. Man cover skills are work in progress. Footwork can be a little uneven in his backpedal and transitions. Will panic and face guard rather than finding the ball when he gets beat over the top. Protected somewhat by cover-2 and cover-3 looks. Needs more man experience. Scouts question his long speed. Leaves an excessive buffer in his bail technique leading to easy completions underneath.
Draft Projection Round 5-6
Bottom Line Raw but very moldable prospect. Hairston shows good awareness from zone and his physical style and willingness to come tackle make him an immediate fit for primarily zone cover teams. However he may have the tools to eventually become a solid bump-and-run cornerback as he becomes more experienced at the position. Hairston is a projection-based talent who should become a much better player in two years than he is today.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/nate-hairston?id=2558108

[Luck4Reich]

Colts take CB Nate Hairston :cool:

Thought I saw somewhere Patriots were taking a look at him

[sherck]

Can't trade comp picks?

You can now. Changed in the last year or two.

Cheers,

[smitty46953]

Colts select LB Anthony Walker Jr. Northwestern :cool:

Little early to me ?

[smitty46953]

Colts select LB Anthony Walker Jr. Northwestern :cool:

Little early to me ?

Guess we must have liked him? :cool:

[ukcolt]

That is a fabulous pick in the 5th round! If he is now fully healed from his injury in 2015 and can get back to that level of play we have one of the steals of the draft.

[Coltsalr]

Anthony Walker, ILB, Northwestern is the final pick of the draft:

Strengths Carries NFL thickness throughout his frame. Adequate straight-line pursuit speed. Flashes burst gear to close out runners looking to get the corner. Smart player with excellent work ethic. Considered a great teammate and leader. Instinctive downhill runner, and productive. Always looking to play tackles near the line of scrimmage. Works around second-level blocks with limp inside shoulder and upper body turn, causing blockers to miss the target and fall forward. Able to adjust path to the ball in space. Instinctive with good peripheral vision. Outstanding field awareness. Urgent helper on wide receiver screens and hitches. Plays with balanced eyes in coverage, darting between his coverage area and the quarterback's eyes. Crowds target in his area, but willing to come off and hustle to a passing lane if he reads pass. Has 16 passes defensed over his three years.
Weaknesses Has some stiffness in his movement. Has been too muscle-bound and tight at times during career. Got too big, too fast. Missed tackle total on the high side. Comes downhill with some rigidity in his feet that prevent quick, lateral shifts. Sluggish to redirect his weight to mirror shifty runners in the hole or in open field. Should continue to work on functional flexibility. Will need to meet lead blocks with better knee bend and more force. Take-on skills need work. Feet are ahead of his hands when taking on climbing linemen. Allows blockers into his frame rather than punching and maintaining distance. Struggles to play off blocks. Can be obliterated and erased from his gap by angle blocks.
Draft Projection Round 7-PFA
Sources Tell Us "He is playing way too heavy right now, and I don't think he's in the shape he needs to be in. But, hey, he's always productive and he plays in a physical conference, so that's a plus. He can run but he's not a great athlete. I think he'll be a much better player if he plays around 230." -- Director of scouting for AFC team
NFL Comparison Kiko Alonso
Bottom Line Has packed muscle onto his frame that looks good in the uniform but might be limiting his flexibility and athletic ability. A productive, downhill linebacker who misses too many tackles and struggles as a take-on player. He checks all the desired boxes for football and personal character and can be counted on to do what it takes to improve his game. He could become a decent starting linebacker within his first few years.

www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/anthony-walker jr.?id=2558015

[smitty46953]

6 of 8 picks were defense ... :cool:

[Coltsalr]

More on Anthony Walker:

Instincts/Recognition 1 Quarterback of the defense. Has the football acumen to quickly pick up a new scheme and weekly game plans. Active eyes. Quick to read keys and locate the ball against the run. Above average route recognition and good feel for crossers in underneath coverage. Reads quarterback and gets an early break on the ball. Discipline is a touch inconsistent and occasionally gets caught out of gap. Quick to sniff out play action at times. Late seeing it at other times.


Take-on Skills 3 Beats blockers to the point and make plays in the backfield. Thick lower body and flashes ability to hold ground at the point when he keeps his pads down. Slips some blocks quickly but developing hand fighter with room to improve in terms of stacking and shedding in phone booth. Pad level is inconsistent and gets washed out or gives ground when doesn't play with good leverage.


Range vs. Run 2 Instincts and reaction time amplify range. Chases with good effort. Good initial burst and closes fairly well on a straight line. Flashes ability to sift through traffic but inconsistent angles and gets caught up in the wash running under blocks that he should fight over. Lacks the extra gear to chase down most backs on a straight line. Tight hips and struggles to recover when he overruns play.


Tackling 3 Tends to wrap up and wrestle ball carriers to the ground when he's in sound position to make play. Brick wall that has good stopping power and limits production after contact but not a violent downhill striker that jars ball carriers on contact. Tight and not nearly as effective trying to make one-on-one plays in space as he is between the tackles. Rips at the ball in gang tackle situations and forced four fumbles last year.


3rd Down Capabilities 3 Gets to depth and rarely gets caught out of position in underneath zone. Flashes ability to play the ball and intercepted four passes in three seasons at Northwestern. Active hands and good strength rushing the passer off the edge and between the tackles. Stiff in space and question ability to stay with NFL backs in man coverage at the NFL level.

[Colt Classic]

Who has the hot take for how the draft went? Did the Colts win?!

[Luck4Reich]

Somebody remove the :cool: emoji from Smitty's selections...:D

[Coltsalr]

Interesting Tale of Two Drafts for Ballard.

Day One/Two was mostly contribute-now guys. Hooker/Wilson are very likely day one starters. Basham will probably be a day one contributor, or at least they'll try to hope he contributes from day one.

Banner/Stewart/Hairston/Walker all feel like project picks. Mack will probably contribute sooner rather than later, though.

[Luck4Reich]

Who has the hot take for how the draft went? Did the Colts win?!

I'd rather be the winner after the season has played out than called the winner now.

[sherck]

Love our 5th round picks.

A CB who apparently has all the skills to be an NFL CB but is limited on experience. Great CB5 or CB6 to carry on a roster to learn for a year or two before seeing if he can make the transition.

And Walker at ILB has some great coverage skills and becomes a really nice rotation piece to move onto the field on passing downs and off the field on run downs. We got some "thumpers" in Morrison and Jackson. Now we have some coverage guys in Spence an Walker. Bostic is an unknown.

Great, great picks. I love our draft.

Cheers,

[smitty46953]

Somebody remove the :cool: emoji from Smitty's selections...:D

What one? This one :cool::cool: ?

[njcoltfan]

Colts select LB Anthony Walker Jr. Northwestern :cool:

Little early to me ?

Another one right in draft contest, but wrong round

[njcoltfan]

Love our 5th round picks.

A CB who apparently has all the skills to be an NFL CB but is limited on experience. Great CB5 or CB6 to carry on a roster to learn for a year or two before seeing if he can make the transition.

And Walker at ILB has some great coverage skills and becomes a really nice rotation piece to move onto the field on passing downs and off the field on run downs. We got some "thumpers" in Morrison and Jackson. Now we have some coverage guys in Spence an Walker. Bostic is an unknown.

Great, great picks. I love our draft.

Cheers,
I'm beginning to like it too

[smitty46953]

Another one right in draft contest, but wrong round

Good job !!! :cool:

[ukcolt]

I am very happy with the draft as a whole:-
Malik Hooker, was the best player available and a major coup to get him at the 15th pick and will be a major upgrade over anything we have had since Bethea left.
Quincy Wilson in the 2nd could become our No. 1 corner in a few years if we decide not to resign Davis, and hopefully will be our best No. 2 corner in almost a decade.
Tarrell Basham, was a very productive pass rusher in college, who should readily contribute this year and could potentially lead the team in sacks, (that might just be indicative of who else we have, rather than being something amazing).
Zack Banner, is a guy who might be plugged in at right guard and become our best run blocking offensive lineman, or he might end up being cut if he can't control his weight.
Marlon Mack is a great complimentary back, something completely different to anything we have had on the roster in many a year. But he must keep hold of the ball.
Grover Stewart, is a guy that the coaching staff seem to have fallen in love with, and someone who could provide some interior pass rush on obvious passing downs.
Nate Hairston, will probably start the season as the No. 5 guy behind Davis, Wilson, Butler and Melvin but could progress quickly into the starting slot replacing Butler next year.
Anthony Walker, if he is fully recovered and back to his 2015 form he might actually be a day one starter, and will likely see cosiderable playing time on 3rd downs covering TE's as he is good in coverage.

[Racehorse]

Who has the hot take for how the draft went? Did the Colts win?!

One of the commentators on NFLN started to praise our draft when they cut to a pick.

[IndyNorm]

Interesting Tale of Two Drafts for Ballard.

Day One/Two was mostly contribute-now guys. Hooker/Wilson are very likely day one starters. Basham will probably be a day one contributor, or at least they'll try to hope he contributes from day one.

Banner/Stewart/Hairston/Walker all feel like project picks. Mack will probably contribute sooner rather than later, though.

If he's past his injuries that slowed him down in '16 Walker might not be too much of a project. Agree on Banner and highly agree on Stewart and Hairston.

[smitty46953]

I really wanted Jake Butt, just to get the jersey, not so much the player ! :cool:

[Colt Classic]

I really wanted Jake Butt, just to get the jersey, not so much the player ! :cool:

Woulda seen a lot of Hooker jerseys sitting next to Butt jerseys.