2019 Draft - Interior DL

[FatDT]

People seem interested, so let's do this.

edit: same caveat applies, I am compiling what I've consistently read from multiple seemingly-knowledgeable draft blogger types.

I've read people saying "I don't care where the pass rush comes from, DE or DT", and to an extent I agree. Look at Dante Fowler in LA, finally playing well next to Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh, and Michael Brockers. Excellent interior DL play frees up edge players to win their battles one-on-one against a RT or TE. And truly special DTs can seriously produce. With Donald, Chris Jones, JJ Watt, Deforest Buckner, Calais Campbell, Fletcher Cox, etc you are seeing a lot of sack production come from places other than the edges.

My only potential point against that is that we don't totally know what we have in Denico Autry and Tyquan Lewis. I was not initially a fan of Autry, but his production speaks for itself. He got a lot of sacks in the second half of the season (after perhaps getting healthy finally). And I've heard in interviews that the Colts are very high on Lewis as an interior rusher.

None of that would be enough for me personally to avoid DT in the 1st if the value was there. Just something that may factor in on draft day.

Quinnen Williams | DT | Alabama
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 289.
2018 Stats: 71 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 8 sacks

I actually did watch some of him vs. LSU and I can see why people have him going top 5ish. I don't think he is as dominant as Suh in college but he is stout vs. the run and has some very good pass rush moves. He was doubled a lot and still produced. There's a lot to say about him but the Colts have no shot.

Jeffery Simmons | DT | Mississippi State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 301
2018 Stats: 63 tackles, 18 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 4 batted passes

Seems like a solid penetrating DT that will pressure the pocket but will not create a ton of sacks. Long player with an explosive first step, often wins the snap there rather than fighting through blocks with technique or strength. Seems to get into the backfield a lot but struggles to finish the tackle. Had an incident in 2016 where he hit a woman on video. I don't personally see what the hype is about but maybe it's an eye test thing.

Ed Oliver | DT | Houston
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 280
2018 Stats (8 games): 54 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 3 sacks

I don't totally get the hype with this guy but most draft people seem to love him. His play style might be Aaron Donald-ish but he's not as good. Donald is compact but very powerful, Oliver just seems undersized and fast but without the power. He went to Houston but never had more than 5.5 sacks. Lots of TFL and he showed great speed from the interior. I've read he is actually smaller than listed. I'm not convinced his game translates to the NFL that well. And he had a weird shouting/shoving match with his head coach in 2018 that looked pretty bad. If the draft dorks are right he will be picked long before we get a chance and I'm good w/that.

Christian Wilkins | DT | Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 312
2018 Stats: 51 tackles, 14 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF

Just from reading about him I don't know why he's not the #2 DT prospect in the draft. But no one has him that high. Great size, good flexibility despite shorter arms and squatty build, quick athlete in short areas, plays very hard with great effort, knows how to defeat blocks or blow through them, anchors well against the run. Has the athleticism to play DE (he spent time there in 2016) but the body and mentality to play inside. He was arguably the best player on arguably the best defense in college football. He also earned his BA and MA in 4 years at Clemson. Everything I read tells me he'd be a great pick at #26 if he lasts that long.

Dre'Mont Jones | DT | Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 272-295???
2018 Stats: 43 tackles, 13 TFL, 8.5 sacks

Excellent athlete, good gap penetrator with a variety of pass rushing moves that he seems to know how to use. Plays like a DE playing DT. Struggles to anchor against the run and with double teams. Really good first step explosion but then he stands up once engaged, killing his own momentum. Maybe he should be a DE. There seem to be wild discrepancies about how much he actually weighs so pre-draft activities with weigh-ins will be important. His strengths seem to fit with what Eberflus wants to do with his non NT DL so I wouldn't be surprised if Jones is high on the board.

Jerry Tillery | DT | Notre Dame
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 304
2018 Stats: 28 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 7 sacks

With that size, 7 sacks, and ND hype, my first question is why is he ranked so low? Supposedly a high-effort player that can run a 4.8 40. He moved from noseguard to 3 tech this season and had his best year of football. Might be an eyeball test thing again but he seems like a pretty great prospect to me.

Gerald Willis III | DT | Miami
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285
2018 Stats: 59 tackles, 18 TFL, 4 sacks

Might be a sleeper, seems like a very good 1 gap 3 tech prospect. Good penetrator, great first step suddenness. Needs some coaching, but still had a very productive year at a top-tier football school. He was kicked off the football team at Florida, then took 2017 off of football to deal with whatever his problems were. Reports from 2018 say he used that time well and was a much more mature, focused, hard-working player when he returned. He lacks some technique but between his natural talent and apparent maturation he seems like a pretty good 4-3 prospect already, with significant room to grow and improve.

Dexter Lawrence | DT, Clemson
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 350

I won't spend a ton of time on him. He's a big 2 gap NT. Maybe has better-than-expected athleticism but I don't see him having much of a role in this defense. He had 6.5 sacks as a freshman so maybe that is noteworthy.

Isaiah Buggs | DT | Alabama
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 295
2018 Stats: 52 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 2 FF, 3 batted passes

Great stats were supposedly a result of Quinnen Williams drawing double teams while Buggs was usually only single-blocked. Not a great athlete and apparently does not play hard every down. But is pretty good when he does. I included him for his sack numbers but it sounds like he'll be more of a mid-round player.

Let me know who you think I missed, if anyone.

[Puck]

I’m really hoping Ballard finds another gem in this draft at 3 tech like he did with Leonard at LB

[VeveJones007]

Seems like there are good options available, but as with EDGE, I wonder if a player at DT will be BPA at 26. A lot is going to depend on how the board shakes out. It's possible there could be 4 QBs taken before 26, which could push one or two of these premium guys down the board.

Though, another part of me thinks DT may be a position like CB in this defensive scheme. Since the Colts need a unique skill-set, they may get better value picking a player after the first 50 picks.

[sherck]

Tillery from ND is the guy I have studied the most and he looks like the real deal to me. I will love to see how he tests at the combine.

But what I really hope is that Ballard does enough good work in free agency that our top picks become "luxury" picks instead of need pick. Find DE, DT, CB and WR of starting quality in free agency and then every pick truely becomes BPA.


Walk Worthy,

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Dam8610]

I watched the national championship game and did not see the "Christian Wilkins singlehandedly beat Alabama" hype. I felt like if that statement applied to anyone, it was Trayvon Mullen. Honestly, if I was ranking the Clemson DL guys, Wilkins is third on the list. He gets good gap penetration occasionally, but also gets pushed off his spot too often. Ferrell is the best of them and is just a nightmare off the edge, and Dexter Lawrence has nose size but also gets good gap penetration, at least as good as Wilkins, commands doubles, and gets his hands up and bats balls down in the passing game if he doesn't rush effectively.

I think Jones and Tillery are trait guys that fit what Eberflus likes to do, as you mention. He also likes his DTs lighter than the norm, so if Oliver is there, he might be the guy.

[Puck]

I watched the national championship game and did not see the "Christian Wilkins singlehandedly beat Alabama" hype. I felt like if that statement applied to anyone, it was Trayvon Mullen. Honestly, if I was ranking the Clemson DL guys, Wilkins is third on the list. He gets good gap penetration occasionally, but also gets pushed off his spot too often. Ferrell is the best of them and is just a nightmare off the edge, and Dexter Lawrence has nose size but also gets good gap penetration, at least as good as Wilkins, commands doubles, and gets his hands up and bats balls down in the passing game if he doesn't rush effectively.

I think Jones and Tillery are trait guys that fit what Eberflus likes to do, as you mention. He also likes his DTs lighter than the norm, so if Oliver is there, he might be the guy.

Dexter Lawrence is definitely one to look at

[VeveJones007]

Dexter Lawrence is definitely one to look at

Not in this scheme

[Butter]

Good read, thanks FatDT

[Puck]

Not in this scheme

Thought of that too. Hard to separate for this D

[Dam8610]

FatDT, have you watched film on Oliver? Just curious where the "no power" assessment comes from. I just watched 4 games of 2018 Oliver followed by 2 games of 2013 Donald, and the biggest differences I noticed were that Donald wasn't doubled, doubled and chipped, or tripled nearly as often, Oliver was way more effective at batting passes down, and Donald had a more refined set of pass rush moves. Other than that, lots of double team splitting, lots of gap penetration, lots of pocket pushing and power from both players.

[FatDT]

FatDT, have you watched film on Oliver? Just curious where the "no power" assessment comes from. I just watched 4 games of 2018 Oliver followed by 2 games of 2013 Donald, and the biggest differences I noticed were that Donald wasn't doubled, doubled and chipped, or tripled nearly as often, Oliver was way more effective at batting passes down, and Donald had a more refined set of pass rush moves. Other than that, lots of double team splitting, lots of gap penetration, lots of pocket pushing and power from both players.

The same caveat from the other thread applies here (I will update the original post), I'm mostly going by what I've read and trying to apply it to the Colts scheme. It makes sense that he must have good play on tape given how highly he is thought of. It just seems strange that he'd have a lower level of competition to go against and still he didn't produce the way you'd expect. Maybe that's just him being doubled every down (because what other Houston defender do you really have to worry about?).

[Dam8610]

The same caveat from the other thread applies here (I will update the original post), I'm mostly going by what I've read and trying to apply it to the Colts scheme. It makes sense that he must have good play on tape given how highly he is thought of. It just seems strange that he'd have a lower level of competition to go against and still he didn't produce the way you'd expect. Maybe that's just him being doubled every down (because what other Houston defender do you really have to worry about?).

Watching the game tape, that's exactly what it seemed like. Every team they played doubled him on every down at a minimum. Several times, the entire interior OL's assignment was to block Ed Oliver. He's not as compact as Donald, but if he's playing at 275 and throwing people around the way the tape shows, that's rare power. If a good DL coach gets a hold of him and can teach him some pass rush moves beyond his violent hand punch, he could be special. I'd like to see what Eberflus and co. could do with him.

[smitty46953]

Kinda doubt Oliver is there at 26 :cool:

[Dam8610]

Kinda doubt Oliver is there at 26 :cool:

I would've doubted that myself, and he probably won't be, but apparently there's concern about his size among NFL teams and IMO there's a bit of prospect fatigue about him. It seems he's not a Top 5 lock as many think.

[FatDT]

I would've doubted that myself, and he probably won't be, but apparently there's concern about his size among NFL teams and IMO there's a bit of prospect fatigue about him. It seems he's not a Top 5 lock as many think.

A lot of that will be taken care of with weigh-ins at the Combine and other pre-draft stuff. No hiding behind friendly school-published numbers then.

[FatDT]

I am personally a big fan of TFL stats for college DL. A guy whose sack and TFL numbers are about the same is kind of a red flag. You want a player who was constantly in the backfield, even if it did not always mean a sack. TFL means he was in position to pressure the QB and the weird nature of college offense probably kept it from happening as much as it otherwise would.

That is what I find intriguing about Gerald Willis III. 18 TFLs is excellent production even though 4 sacks isn't anything to write home about. I see him projected as a 2nd rounder many places. I watched him vs. LSU and he beat his blockers a ton. Really good hand usage, power, and ball awareness. I think he lacks conditioning a little. And he stands up rather than keeping low and driving sometimes. Stuff that coaching and experience can help, and probably stuff that he would've worked through had he not taken a year off in 2017. When he was on he was hard to stop.

[VeveJones007]

I would've doubted that myself, and he probably won't be, but apparently there's concern about his size among NFL teams and IMO there's a bit of prospect fatigue about him. It seems he's not a Top 5 lock as many think.

The concern that I've heard is that he hasn't been a productive pass rusher. That's a red flag for a guy with his size and athleticism. Also, he didn't get much better from freshman to junior year. Is there much growth there? Maybe he just needs good coaching, but it's enough cause for concern that he's sliding down relative to how we was talked about before the college season.

[Dam8610]

The concern that I've heard is that he hasn't been a productive pass rusher. That's a red flag for a guy with his size and athleticism. Also, he didn't get much better from freshman to junior year. Is there much growth there? Maybe he just needs good coaching, but it's enough cause for concern that he's sliding down relative to how we was talked about before the college season.

He definitely needs to learn some pass rush moves (maybe learn martial arts like Jared Allen did to learn how to handfight well?), but watch his tape and the reason for the lack of productivity becomes obvious very quickly. He gets doubled at a minimum on every play. I'd wager that if he ever got any one on one opportunities, his tape in those scenarios would look a lot like Aaron Donald's.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Simmons injured his knee while training - initial reports suspect it is a torn ACL. Will probably have to sit out his entire rookie season.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1095337763568705536

[VeveJones007]

Simmons injured his knee while training - initial reports suspect it is a torn ACL. Will probably have to sit out his entire rookie season.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1095337763568705536

Would make a lot of sense for the Colts given the extra draft capital.

[Chromeburn]

Pick 34 would be a nice future investment assuming the knee looks like it can be repaired easily enough. Doubt anyone will spend a 1 on a guy that can't play this year.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Doubt anyone will spend a 1 on a guy that can't play this year.

I could see one scenario in which he still goes in the first. You need to remember that First Round contracts have the fifth year team option so a team may want to draft him in the First Round to gain that extra year of contract control. One such team could be the Raiders. They currently have first round picks 4, 24, and 27. They could even trade down a few spots from 27 and pick up more draft capital. It looks like they may be playing next year in Oakland again....and they have shown that they don't care what type of product they put on the field for the near term - although they will want to field a talented team for their debut in Vegas.

Pick 34 would be a nice future investment assuming the knee looks like it can be repaired easily enough.

I personally wouldn't use Pick 34. The Colts window is now and they need lots of help on defense right now. He probably won't play his rookie season. He will probably play his second season - but maybe not at 100%. FatDT's write-up indicated that he relies mostly on an explosive first step - that may be gone after the injury. It is worth monitoring to see how far down he slides and may be worth it later on, but hope the Colts look elsewhere at Pick 34.

[FatDT]

In my initial write-up I barely mentioned the 2016 incident w/hitting a woman.

Here is a better description:
“The video shows a woman, surrounded by a large group of people, lying in the street, covering her head. A man The Clarion-Ledger and other media outlets have identified as Simmons stands over her and repeatedly pummels her with his fists as she covers her head. Screaming can be heard in the background as children stand watching.”

The video looks bad. It was 2-3 years ago, in 2016. Supposedly he was "defending his sister" but rapid-fire punches from a 300+ lb. man to a woman laying in the street, no that goes beyond defense. Worse than the Kareem Hunt video IMO.

[VeveJones007]

Holder gave a radio interview today and one thing stuck out: he said he doesn’t think the front office is too concerned with WR. I’m starting to think Ballard will double dip at 26 and 34 with the two best EDGE & DT he can get. That fits with his MO based on last draft and his stated desire to improve the lines and pass rush. I would guess they grab a WR at some point in the middle rounds rather than use up a top pick at the position.

[ZionsvilleColtsFan]

Colts hit a grand slam with last years draft. I don't see lightning striking twice and they need to pursue some free agents. Need a pass rusher and a playmaker- whether its another RB or WR.

[Dam8610]

Holder gave a radio interview today and one thing stuck out: he said he doesn’t think the front office is too concerned with WR. I’m starting to think Ballard will double dip at 26 and 34 with the two best EDGE & DT he can get. That fits with his MO based on last draft and his stated desire to improve the lines and pass rush. I would guess they grab a WR at some point in the middle rounds rather than use up a top pick at the position.

Which is what they should do. The DL needs improvements much more, and it's much more difficult to find good pass rushers than it is to find a good WR2 or WR3. And, provided they resign Inman, I'm not terribly concerned about the position considering WR2 could be made the fourth or fifth option on this team in any given game. Resigning Inman and bringing in a couple Day 3 guys to compete should be sufficient for the position. That said, I wouldn't be opposed to signing Tyrell Williams or Golden Tate.

[Pez]

Colts hit a grand slam with last years draft. I don't see lightning striking twice and they need to pursue some free agents. Need a pass rusher and a playmaker- whether its another RB or WR.

Welcome, btw...

I'm not sure I want to spend draft or FA capital on a RB. I want to see Mack and our OL continue to improve and shore up EDGE and DL. We were 25th against the rush this year, 17th against the pass.

Yes those stats reflect 5 really crappy games, and in the last half of the season we were much better, but EDGE and DL are the only positions where we can address both these needs.

Meanwhile we are 6th best passing and 20th rushing. I think our rushing rank is pulled down by the fact that it took us 6 games to figure ourselves out. Once we did, I feel like we are probably in the top 15 rushing.

[Pez]

Golden Tate is intriguing.... he's on the wrong side of 30 though.

[Oldcolt]

Colts hit a grand slam with last years draft. I don't see lightning striking twice and they need to pursue some free agents. Need a pass rusher and a playmaker- whether its another RB or WR.

This. We need playmakers on offense. It doesn't matter where they play (except of course quarterback) Keep this offensive line dominant. Just one more exceptional player on offense, even with average guys at the other skill positions we have a great offense, certainly one good enough.

[Dam8610]

Golden Tate is intriguing.... he's on the wrong side of 30 though.

Stopgap signing. Get some mid round picks in to compete with Cain and Fountain and keep the best 5-6.

[Chromeburn]

I could see one scenario in which he still goes in the first. You need to remember that First Round contracts have the fifth year team option so a team may want to draft him in the First Round to gain that extra year of contract control. One such team could be the Raiders. They currently have first round picks 4, 24, and 27. They could even trade down a few spots from 27 and pick up more draft capital. It looks like they may be playing next year in Oakland again....and they have shown that they don't care what type of product they put on the field for the near term - although they will want to field a talented team for their debut in Vegas.

I personally wouldn't use Pick 34. The Colts window is now and they need lots of help on defense right now. He probably won't play his rookie season. He will probably play his second season - but maybe not at 100%. FatDT's write-up indicated that he relies mostly on an explosive first step - that may be gone after the injury. It is worth monitoring to see how far down he slides and may be worth it later on, but hope the Colts look elsewhere at Pick 34.

A talent like Simmons I would invest in. He could be a ten year player once he hits the field. Colts window just opened, you stay open by drafting the best talent you can.

[Dam8610]

A talent like Simmons I would invest in. He could be a ten year player once he hits the field. Colts window just opened, you stay open by drafting the best talent you can.

Simmons could be the Colts Jaylon Smith or Myles Jack (talented defender with top 15 projection who suffers knee injury late in draft year and essentially needs a redshirt year). Those two were LBs, but both worked out pretty well for the team that drafted them. Still think Ballard will stay away because character concerns.

[HoosierinFL]

I say we trade Brissett, our 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick to Arizona in exchange for their #1 pick and we take Quinnen Williams.

[Pez]

Fair, he might not be willing to accept such a deal. Would be interesting to see how much chemistry he had with Ebron. There's rumors that he's looking for a long term $15M a year contract.

I've not followed the lions/eagles that closely, but that seems like far fatter deal than he might be worth, and the likelihood that he will still be in the League in 5 years is likely small. I like the idea of pickup up a veteran WR as a stop gap, but if we Have to pay him more than TY Hilton I doubt its a good culture fit.

https://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/11/golden-tate-seeking-jarvis-landry-esque-contract

[Dam8610]

I say we trade Brissett, our 1st round pick and a 2nd round pick to Arizona in exchange for their #1 pick and we take Quinnen Williams.

They're not going to give up on Rosen that quickly. I definitely approve of the idea, though, he's Aaron Donald but bigger and longer. I'd give up 26, 34, 58, and next year's 1 to get him, but I doubt they'd do even that deal.

[Chromeburn]

Simmons could be the Colts Jaylon Smith or Myles Jack (talented defender with top 15 projection who suffers knee injury late in draft year and essentially needs a redshirt year). Those two were LBs, but both worked out pretty well for the team that drafted them. Still think Ballard will stay away because character concerns.

Maybe, probably depends how he interviews and interviews with coaches/family. Like I said in the other thread I give a little more leeway with a kid in high school over say Hunt who is an adult and has much more security and resources. Even though Simmons case was worse.

[Racehorse]

Stopgap signing. Get some mid round picks in to compete with Cain and Fountain and keep the best 5-6.
You misspelled Inman. Not sure how autocorrect would make it into Fountain.

[Dam8610]

You misspelled Inman. Not sure how autocorrect would make it into Fountain.

WR1: Hilton
WR2: Tate
WR3: Inman
WR4: Cain
WR5: Fountain/mid round pick/late round pick
WR6: Fountain/mid round pick/late round pick
WR7: Fountain/mid round pick/late round pick

WR6 may or may not be on the practice squad. Why is that difficult to understand?

[Racehorse]

WR1: Hilton
WR2: Tate
WR3: Inman
WR4: Cain
WR5: Fountain/mid round pick/late round pick
WR6: Fountain/mid round pick/late round pick
WR7: Fountain/mid round pick/late round pick

WR6 may or may not be on the practice squad. Why is that difficult to understand?

You left Inman out of the equation. It is easy to guess that you thought he was not in the mix.

[Puck]

They're not going to give up on Rosen that quickly. I definitely approve of the idea, though, he's Aaron Donald but bigger and longer. I'd give up 26, 34, 58, and next year's 1 to get him, but I doubt they'd do even that deal.

If you would give up that much you have no chance of being right. Ballard wouldn’t trade that for Donald right now and neither would I

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

If you would give up that much you have no chance of being right. Ballard wouldn’t trade that for Donald right now and neither would I


I believe Dam was responding to the post about what it would take to move up to the #1 overall pick in this upcoming draft. His proposed trade would be closer but I doubt Arizona would agree to it.

Just the year before, the Colts were able to secure 3 Second Round picks from the Jets to move up 3 spots from Pick 6 to Pick 3.

So HoosierinFL's proposal of Brissett and 1 Second Round pick to move up 25 spots would be met with a dial tone from Arizona.

Dam's 2 Second Round picks and next year's First Round pick to swap Arizona's and the Colt's Firsts this year would probably be met with a counter offer wanting additional assets.

xxxxxx

But, I am in complete agreement with you that Ballard won't be looking to move up that far. I wouldn't mind him trying to move up a little from 26 if the price isn't too high. I am sure the front office will explore all kinds of options.

Besides their "home run" of talent evaluation last year, I thought that Ballard and his team did an exceptional job of maneuvering up and down the draft. I liked the trades with Philly to move 3 spots down and the trade with Cleveland to move 3 spots up.

[Dam8610]

If you would give up that much you have no chance of being right. Ballard wouldn’t trade that for Donald right now and neither would I

Well no, Donald is older and expensive. Part of the reason you'd give that up to get Quinnen Williams is that his upcoming season will be his age 21 season and you'll probably get close to Aaron Donald level impact at Mark Glowinski prices.

[HoosierinFL]

Well no, Donald is older and expensive. Part of the reason you'd give that up to get Quinnen Williams is that his upcoming season will be his age 21 season and you'll probably get close to Aaron Donald level impact at Mark Glowinski prices.

Yea that's what I was thinking. If Quinnen Williams is the next Aaron Donald, he would have a huge impact on this defense - and if it costs us a couple of draft picks and a player like Brissett, it would be worth it IMO.

[sherck]

Yea that's what I was thinking. If Quinnen Williams is the next Aaron Donald, he would have a huge impact on this defense - and if it costs us a couple of draft picks and a player like Brissett, it would be worth it IMO.
Absolutly not worth it.

"A couple of draft picks...." is a huge understatement. The deal that was bantered about earlier was:

Swap of 1st round picks this year.
Give both our 2nd round picks this year.
Give our 1st round pick next year.
Give Jacoby Brissett.

That about right?

Ballard picked an All-Pro off the ball Linebacker in the 2nd round this year.
Ballard picked a starting calibre right Offensive Tackle in the 2nd round this year.
Ballard picked a generational talent at Offensive Guard in the 1st round this year.

Giving away that many chances at good to superior players in order to draft ONE player with superior potential is the way franchises are run into the ground.

I don't care is Quinnen Williams is the 2nd coming of J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald and Reggie White combined, he is one injury away from being out of football. He is one bad decision away from being in jail. He is one targeted catfish sting away from being in legal trouble. He is one video game console from being addicted so much that he walks away from football (I could not resist).

I would MUCH rather see what Ballard can do with those four draft picks as is (plus potentially a 5th draft pick if someone comes calling for Brissett with a 2nd round pick) rather than roll it all into ONE guy who may or may not play up to his potential.

Walk Worthy,

[HoosierinFL]

"A couple of draft picks...." is a huge understatement. The deal that was bantered about earlier was:

Swap of 1st round picks this year.
Give both our 2nd round picks this year.
Give our 1st round pick next year.
Give Jacoby Brissett.

That about right?


at that price no, but what I had said was more like swap our first round picks, give one second pick this year, *maybe* a second round pick next year, and Brissett.
I would do that. We would only lose one pick this year, and the tradeoff for that is getting what might be the next Aaron Donald.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

at that price no, but what I had said was more like swap our first round picks, give one second pick this year, *maybe* a second round pick next year, and Brissett.
I would do that. We would only lose one pick this year, and the tradeoff for that is getting what might be the next Aaron Donald.


But the only way Arizona would do that deal is if Ballard had compromising photos of the Arizona GM.

The Jets gave 3 Second Round picks to move up 3 spots.

Your proposal is for the Colts to move up 25 spots (!!!) by giving up LESS than the Jets (even your "maybe" scenario of 2 Seconds + Brissett is basically a wash with what the Jets gave up to move up 3 spots)

[Chromeburn]

Here is a draft trade chart

https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp

We would have to give our 1st and two 2nds this year. Our 1st and 2nd next year. And maybe Brisset. That is 5 top 60 players for one all-pro player. Seems a lot.

Grady Jarret was a 5th round pick. There are lots of DTs in this class and will be a few next year. I think I would rather have a DE, CB, DT than just one DT. Plus whatever guys next year.

[Dam8610]

Absolutly not worth it.

"A couple of draft picks...." is a huge understatement. The deal that was bantered about earlier was:

Swap of 1st round picks this year.
Give both our 2nd round picks this year.
Give our 1st round pick next year.
Give Jacoby Brissett.

That about right?

Ballard picked an All-Pro off the ball Linebacker in the 2nd round this year.
Ballard picked a starting calibre right Offensive Tackle in the 2nd round this year.
Ballard picked a generational talent at Offensive Guard in the 1st round this year.

Giving away that many chances at good to superior players in order to draft ONE player with superior potential is the way franchises are run into the ground.

I don't care is Quinnen Williams is the 2nd coming of J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald and Reggie White combined, he is one injury away from being out of football. He is one bad decision away from being in jail. He is one targeted catfish sting away from being in legal trouble. He is one video game console from being addicted so much that he walks away from football (I could not resist).

I would MUCH rather see what Ballard can do with those four draft picks as is (plus potentially a 5th draft pick if someone comes calling for Brissett with a 2nd round pick) rather than roll it all into ONE guy who may or may not play up to his potential.

Walk Worthy,

You combined the two proposals there. I wouldn't give up Brissett on top of all the draft picks, but Arizona likely has no interest in Brissett. Arizona likely wouldn't do either proposal, anyway, as both are light for the #1 overall pick. They'd have to view Brissett as worth a top 5 pick and completely devalue the QB they spent a top 10 pick on last year to do HoosierinFL's proposal.

[Dam8610]

Here is a draft trade chart

https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp

We would have to give our 1st and two 2nds this year. Our 1st and 2nd next year. And maybe Brisset. That is 5 top 60 players for one all-pro player. Seems a lot.

Grady Jarret was a 5th round pick. There are lots of DTs in this class and will be a few next year. I think I would rather have a DE, CB, DT than just one DT. Plus whatever guys next year.

I don't think it's worth what it would actually take to get to 1, but having Quinnen Williams sure would be nice.

[Chromeburn]

I don't think it's worth what it would actually take to get to 1, but having Quinnen Williams sure would be nice.

It would, he looks about as close to a sure thing I have seen at DT in awhile. But I would rather take the picks. Collectively, five top 60 players on defense should do more than one all pro DT. And you might get lucky and get an all pro or all star like they got Leonard.

[VeveJones007]

Draft class pressures per pass-rush snap (via PFF):

Burns – 16.5%
Allen – 23.4%
Ferguson – 20.8%
Bosa (17) – 20.7%
Ferrell – 17.3%
Q Williams – 16.7%
Oliver – 10.2%
Sweat – 18.0%
Wilkins – 14.0%
Polite – 16.4%
Gary – 13.9%
Simmons – 10.6%

I think this stat is important because the Colts pointed to it as part of the reason they drafted Turay. Ferguson is a guy to keep an eye on here, as he could be in play for 26 or 34; however, he did compile those stats against lesser competition.

And for what it's worth – the top 5 draft-eligible edge defenders + interior D-linemen in terms of pressures per pass-rush snap from 2018 (min. 150 pass-rushes):

Ronheen Bingham: 23.6%
Josh Allen: 23.4%
Malik Reed: 21.0%
Jaylon Ferguson: 20.8%
Christian Miller: 19.2%

[Chromeburn]

Draft class pressures per pass-rush snap (via PFF):



I think this stat is important because the Colts pointed to it as part of the reason they drafted Turay. Ferguson is a guy to keep an eye on here, as he could be in play for 26 or 34; however, he did compile those stats against lesser competition.

I think Zach Allen is an underrated prospect. He isn't a bendy dynamo against the pass but he is solid all around and makes a lot of plays off effort. He also isn't a liability against the run like a lot of these guys.

[Dam8610]

I think Zach Allen is an underrated prospect. He isn't a bendy dynamo against the pass but he is solid all around and makes a lot of plays off effort. He also isn't a liability against the run like a lot of these guys.

Zach Allen is overrated if anything. He has no rush moves to speak of and his only plan of attack is "run through the guy in front of me" which rarely works and will work even less in the NFL.

[Coltsalr]

Here is a draft trade chart

https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp

We would have to give our 1st and two 2nds this year. Our 1st and 2nd next year. And maybe Brisset. That is 5 top 60 players for one all-pro player. Seems a lot.

Grady Jarret was a 5th round pick. There are lots of DTs in this class and will be a few next year. I think I would rather have a DE, CB, DT than just one DT. Plus whatever guys next year.

Grady Jarrett himself will also be a free agent this year.

I agree, no need to go all Ditka for Quinnen Williams.

[Coltsalr]

I don't think it's worth what it would actually take to get to 1, but having Quinnen Williams sure would be nice.

Four years ago you were outraged over Grigson not signing Suh.

Are you similarly hoping that Ballard does so this offseason?

[Dam8610]

Four years ago you were outraged over Grigson not signing Suh.

Are you similarly hoping that Ballard does so this offseason?

Four years ago, Suh was 28, now he's 32. Definitely not the same player and definitely on the decline, so I'm not nearly as interested. Besides, the Colts appear to have a competent GM now, meaning signing premium free agents won't be just about the only way to get top end talent on this team.

[Chromeburn]

Zach Allen is overrated if anything. He has no rush moves to speak of and his only plan of attack is "run through the guy in front of me" which rarely works and will work even less in the NFL.

I'll disagree on this one. I think he has great instincts for screens and short passes, bats down passes. Yeah he needs more moves, but he has good quickness and a very strong pop when he engages OL initially. Very strong hands to swipe and shed the OL arms. I think he is very effective in the run game and his relentless effort will get him a lot of clean up sacks. He will probably be a 5-tech anyway.

None of these ends besides Bosa look like a sure thing to me, they all have warts. I'll take some warts over others.

[Dam8610]

I'll disagree on this one. I think he has great instincts for screens and short passes, bats down passes. Yeah he needs more moves, but he has good quickness and a very strong pop when he engages OL initially. Very strong hands to swipe and shed the OL arms. I think he is very effective in the run game and his relentless effort will get him a lot of clean up sacks. He will probably be a 5-tech anyway.

He didn't really stand out on the BC tape of him that I watched, and he was entirely unimpressive at the Senior Bowl. I watched all the OL vs. DL reps for both teams, every time Allen got a chance, all he did was try to run through the tackle, and it failed. Even Anthony Nelson showed better hands usage and moves. To me, the team who drafts Allen will regret it if they do so before Round 4.

None of these ends besides Bosa look like a sure thing to me, they all have warts. I'll take some warts over others.

I can agree with this, but I would take the warts of a Clelin Ferrell, Montez Sweat, or Jachai Polite over the warts of a Zach Allen, especially in Round 1.

[Chromeburn]

He didn't really stand out on the BC tape of him that I watched, and he was entirely unimpressive at the Senior Bowl. I watched all the OL vs. DL reps for both teams, every time Allen got a chance, all he did was try to run through the tackle, and it failed. Even Anthony Nelson showed better hands usage and moves. To me, the team who drafts Allen will regret it if they do so before Round 4.



I can agree with this, but I would take the warts of a Clelin Ferrell, Montez Sweat, or Jachai Polite over the warts of a Zach Allen, especially in Round 1.

Oh I don’t have him as a round 1 guy. I think of him as late 2 to early 4. Ouch on the Anthony Nelson comp, I’m not too high on Nelson. Allen does need work, but I think he could be a solid consistent piece, good in short yardage and goaling situations. A guy who is always annoying to the offense.

I would take all those guys you listed before Allen. Ferrel is my favorite of that group. If any of those three make it to 26 I would definetly take them. I would only pause for one of the three techs at that spot.

[Coltsalr]

Four years ago, Suh was 28, now he's 32. Definitely not the same player and definitely on the decline, so I'm not nearly as interested. Besides, the Colts appear to have a competent GM now, meaning signing premium free agents won't be just about the only way to get top end talent on this team.

Fair, I was just curious.

I’d prefer Grady Jarrett personally obviously but I’d take Suh.

I know we’d probably get a Suh that wouldn’t turn it on for regular season games @Tennesse but if we can get an Uber motivated, Uber talented DT that’ll come alive during prime time and postseason, I say do it.

[Dam8610]

Oh I don’t have him as a round 1 guy. I think of him as late 2 to early 4. Ouch on the Anthony Nelson comp, I’m not too high on Nelson. Allen does need work, but I think he could be a solid consistent piece, good in short yardage and goaling situations. A guy who is always annoying to the offense.

I would take all those guys you listed before Allen. Ferrel is my favorite of that group. If any of those three make it to 26 I would definetly take them. I would only pause for one of the three techs at that spot.

I personally wouldn't invest a 3 in Zach Allen, but it seems like we have similar grades on him. Most draft rankings I've seen have Allen in that Round 1 tier, and he's absolutely not that to me.

Fair, I was just curious.

I’d prefer Grady Jarrett personally obviously but I’d take Suh.

I know we’d probably get a Suh that wouldn’t turn it on for regular season games @Tennesse but if we can get an Uber motivated, Uber talented DT that’ll come alive during prime time and postseason, I say do it.

1) Two of DeMarcus Lawrence, Frank Clark, and Dee Ford, and 2) Grady Jarrett would be my ideal free agency signings for the Colts. Picking up those three players would allow Ballard to draft exclusively BPA in the draft, even if it meant a WR at 26.

[Coltsalr]

I personally wouldn't invest a 3 in Zach Allen, but it seems like we have similar grades on him. Most draft rankings I've seen have Allen in that Round 1 tier, and he's absolutely not that to me.



1) Two of DeMarcus Lawrence, Frank Clark, and Dee Ford, and 2) Grady Jarrett would be my ideal free agency signings for the Colts. Picking up those three players would allow Ballard to draft exclusively BPA in the draft, even if it meant a WR at 26.

I’d also like to sign Landon Collins in my dream offseason and then yes, I’d honestly go WR in the 1st round. Particularly if we could get DK Metcalf (less likely) or AJ Brown (more likely) out of Ole Miss.

[smitty46953]

I personally wouldn't invest a 3 in Zach Allen, but it seems like we have similar grades on him. Most draft rankings I've seen have Allen in that Round 1 tier, and he's absolutely not that to me.



1) Two of DeMarcus Lawrence, Frank Clark, and Dee Ford, and 2) Grady Jarrett would be my ideal free agency signings for the Colts. Picking up those three players would allow Ballard to draft exclusively BPA in the draft, even if it meant a WR at 26.

It is conceivable all 4 (Lawrence, Clark, Ford, Jarrett, and I'll add L. Collins)could all be hit with the franchise tag. :cool:

[Dam8610]

I’d also like to sign Landon Collins in my dream offseason and then yes, I’d honestly go WR in the 1st round. Particularly if we could get DK Metcalf (less likely) or AJ Brown (more likely) out of Ole Miss.

It's a great idea, but I doubt Ballard shells out that much in free agency, and he already seems to be prepping the fanbase to not expect a WR early in this draft. I think Ballard is looking at DL early and often.

It is conceivable all 4 (Lawrence, Clark, Ford, Jarrett, and I'll add L. Collins)could all be hit with the franchise tag. :cool:

Unfortunately that's true, and we'll know whether or not they are in 11 days. There's already been reports that the Chiefs won't franchise Dee Ford. If any of them aren't, they'd likely be Ballard's top free agent target(s).

[VeveJones007]

It is conceivable all 4 (Lawrence, Clark, Ford, Jarrett, and I'll add L. Collins)could all be hit with the franchise tag. :cool:

Yeah, I don’t expect any of them to hit the market.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Unfortunately that's true, and we'll know whether or not they are in 11 days. There's already been reports that the Chiefs won't franchise Dee Ford. If any of them aren't, they'd likely be Ballard's top free agent target(s).


More recent reports out of KC suggest that they will franchise Dee Ford. Here is an article from 3 days ago:

https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article226472890.html

[Coltsalr]

It's a great idea, but I doubt Ballard shells out that much in free agency, and he already seems to be prepping the fanbase to not expect a WR early in this draft. I think Ballard is looking at DL early and often.



Unfortunately that's true, and we'll know whether or not they are in 11 days. There's already been reports that the Chiefs won't franchise Dee Ford. If any of them aren't, they'd likely be Ballard's top free agent target(s).

Where did you get where Ballard is prepping the fan base for no WR in the 1st round? I saw Kiper and MMQB give us AJ Brown just this week. Kiper for sure is quite connected around the league and MMQB definitely does a lot of educated guesses in their Mocks.

[Puck]

It's a great idea, but I doubt Ballard shells out that much in free agency, and he already seems to be prepping the fanbase to not expect a WR early in this draft. I think Ballard is looking at DL early and often.



Unfortunately that's true, and we'll know whether or not they are in 11 days. There's already been reports that the Chiefs won't franchise Dee Ford. If any of them aren't, they'd likely be Ballard's top free agent target(s).

You only hope he doesn’t sign a WR early in the draft or a big time WR. Be prepared to be disappointed it’s gonna happen.

He’s not picking D with every pick like you want. He will pick WR OL And I believe a real RB earlier than later when the BPA is in that position

[VeveJones007]

Where did you get where Ballard is prepping the fan base for no WR in the 1st round? I saw Kiper and MMQB give us AJ Brown just this week. Kiper for sure is quite connected around the league and MMQB definitely does a lot of educated guesses in their Mocks.

1) Holder had an interview last week where he said the Colts weren’t as down on their WRs as the fans.

2) Ballard gave an interview a couple weeks ago. When asked what he saw as biggest area of weakness, he said fans would answer WR, but he saw it as pass rush.

3) Ballard has been very clear that he wants to build the trenches. I would be shocked if 26 and 34 aren’t defensive linemen.

[Chromeburn]

1) Holder had an interview last week where he said the Colts weren’t as down on their WRs as the fans.

2) Ballard gave an interview a couple weeks ago. When asked what he saw as biggest area of weakness, he said fans would answer WR, but he saw it as pass rush.

3) Ballard has been very clear that he wants to build the trenches. I would be shocked if 26 and 34 aren’t defensive linemen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUCc9bOtWrs

[VeveJones007]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUCc9bOtWrs

Yep. That’s the interview with #2. He’s said #3 several times.

[Coltsalr]

1) Holder had an interview last week where he said the Colts weren’t as down on their WRs as the fans.

2) Ballard gave an interview a couple weeks ago. When asked what he saw as biggest area of weakness, he said fans would answer WR, but he saw it as pass rush.

3) Ballard has been very clear that he wants to build the trenches. I would be shocked if 26 and 34 aren’t defensive linemen.

Gotcha, I hadn’t seen any of that, so thanks.

Still, this time of year there’s the cliche that everyone is lying but in light of that my hope for them drafting a WR has certainly diminished some.

[VeveJones007]

Gotcha, I hadn’t seen any of that, so thanks.

Still, this time of year there’s the cliche that everyone is lying but in light of that my hope for them drafting a WR has certainly diminished some.

I’ve learned to take Ballard at his word. When was the last time he intentionally mislead in an interview?

I’ve also come around to the fact that this draft class is deep at WR. They’ll get a really good player in Rd 3 or 4.

[FatDT]

I know our WRs looked bad vs KC. But people forget just how injured TY was. They forget Doyle is coming back, and that Inman will improve with a full team offseason, and that Deon Cain is the baddest motherfucker on the planet. We don’t need a 1st round WR to have a great offense.

[Chromeburn]

Gotcha, I hadn’t seen any of that, so thanks.

Still, this time of year there’s the cliche that everyone is lying but in light of that my hope for them drafting a WR has certainly diminished some.

A rookie WR isn’t really going to come in and blow things up anyway. They are not like running backs. WRs are usually long term investments. I would look for more contribution from the second year guys they drafted last year. I bet they will draft someone but just not very high. A lot of depth in this WR class so they should be able to find someone in the 3rd to 5th round and he probably won’t be that different from a guy taken in the second.

[Coltsalr]

I’ve learned to take Ballard at his word. When was the last time he intentionally mislead in an interview?

I’ve also come around to the fact that this draft class is deep at WR. They’ll get a really good player in Rd 3 or 4.

Gimme Damarkus Lodge, then:

https://twitter.com/draftreign/status/1099490958025113600?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftreign/status/1099496308543578112?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftreign/status/1099502188676698112?s=21

[VeveJones007]

Gimme Damarkus Lodge, then:

https://twitter.com/draftreign/status/1099490958025113600?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftreign/status/1099496308543578112?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftreign/status/1099502188676698112?s=21

Yep, Lodge is one good example. Preston Williams is another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mmUrpehhgA

[Chromeburn]

Yep, Lodge is one good example. Preston Williams is another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mmUrpehhgA

Anthony Johnson is a small school guy who has gotten lost in the logjam this year. Before the season he was talked about a top 60 pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXguvaQGIZs

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

There's already been reports that the Chiefs won't franchise Dee Ford. If any of them aren't, they'd likely be Ballard's top free agent target(s).


Today's latest: Kansas City IS franchising Dee Ford and are OK having him as part of their defensive unit. However, they are listening to trade offers and would be willing to trade.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1101964188803584000


So I guess they are looking to trade one of their edge defenders - either Justin Houston or Ford.

[smitty46953]

I’ve learned to take Ballard at his word. When was the last time he intentionally mislead in an interview?

I’ve also come around to the fact that this draft class is deep at WR. They’ll get a really good player in Rd 3 or 4.

He does practice some misdirection though, I heard Nelson say after his Pro-Day at N.D. they told him your going be heck of a player wherever you end up and they didn't talk to him at all at combine. Said was surprised when he heard them call his name at #6 ... :cool:

[JAFF]

He does practice some misdirection though, I heard Nelson say after his Pro-Day at N.D. they told him your going be heck of a player wherever you end up and they didn't talk to him at all at combine. Said was surprised when he heard them call his name at #6 ... :cool:

Why would any team intentionally link themselves to a particular player? The draft is like 32 hand poker. You dont show your cards.

[HoosierinFL]

Today's latest: Kansas City IS franchising Dee Ford and are OK having him as part of their defensive unit. However, they are listening to trade offers and would be willing to trade.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1101964188803584000


So I guess they are looking to trade one of their edge defenders - either Justin Houston or Ford.

They also don’t think he can play in a 4-3 so if that’s true, I’m not sure why we’d want him.

[Puck]

Might be just what we need.

If he’s available

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1102258086759329802?s=20

[Chromeburn]

Might be just what we need.

If he’s available

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1102258086759329802?s=20

He will be gone in the top 15 if not top ten. I don't think our choices will be as good as people hope. I'm hoping Dra'mont Jones makes it to 26.

[apballin]

Might be just what we need.

If he’s available

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1102258086759329802?s=20

No way he’ll be there, Dexter Lawrence should be though

[Dam8610]

Might be just what we need.

If he’s available

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1102258086759329802?s=20

He's a top 10 pick now.

[FatDT]

He will be gone in the top 15 if not top ten. I don't think our choices will be as good as people hope. I'm hoping Dra'mont Jones makes it to 26.

He came into the Combine smaller than I hoped for.

[Dam8610]

After Combine results, Brian Burns is the most interesting realistic option to me at 26. I'm hoping that pro days will produce better times for Omenihu, Jones, and Polite, as they may be options at 26 or 34. Tillery also had a strong showing as well.

[Chromeburn]

He came into the Combine smaller than I hoped for.

He will need someone next to him with some beef. He had a good combine and can play all along the line though. I think he will be the best interior pass rusher available when our pick rolls around. Simmons might be there, I'm pretty sure Wilkins won't be.

[Dam8610]

He will need someone next to him with some beef. He had a good combine and can play all along the line though. I think he will be the best interior pass rusher available when our pick rolls around. Simmons might be there, I'm pretty sure Wilkins won't be.

If the Raiders don't grab him at 27, Simmons is the perfect pick at 34.

[smitty46953]

It is conceivable all 4 (Lawrence, Clark, Ford, Jarrett, and I'll add L. Collins)could all be hit with the franchise tag. :cool:

Lawrence, Clark, Ford, Clowney, and Jarrett all tagged as of 3/4/2019 :cool:

[smitty46953]

Free Agent Tracker

https://www.rotoworld.com/article/free-agency-update/2019-nfl-free-agent-tracker

:cool:

[smitty46953]

Adam Schefter‏Verified account @AdamSchefter

Falcons placed franchise tag on DT Grady Jarrett, per source.

:cool:

[VeveJones007]

Just jumping back to FatDT's OP for a sec, Christian Wilkins sure sounds like Chris Ballard's type of player. He'll probably be gone between 15-25, but it's one name that I think will be high on the Colts board.

"I just really want teams to realize that if they get me then they're investing in something bigger than just football. They're investing in so much more. The ability I have to not only dominate on the field and be effective on the field, but to also just improve culture — whether it's good, bad, ugly, different, (I’ll) just improve culture,” Wilkins said.

“I feel like ultimately I'm the kind of guy you want in the locker room, you want on your team, and you just want on the field with you, because I'm someone who's just extremely committed at being the best at my craft, and to my teammates just being the best player I can be,” Wilkins continued. “That's my goal, and that's what I plan to do on any team that I go to in the NFL."

[Dam8610]

So the stupidest thing I'm seeing in mock drafts right now is the Colts passing on Clelin Ferrell to draft a WR. Not a chance that happens if he's available, unless a better DL is available.

[smitty46953]

So the stupidest thing I'm seeing in mock drafts right now is the Colts passing on Clelin Ferrell to draft a WR. Not a chance that happens if he's available, unless a better DL is available.

Mocks are fun to look at, but worthless. We both know Ferrell will never fall to us without some significant "Red Flag" that I am not aware of … :cool:

[Dam8610]

Mocks are fun to look at, but worthless. We both know Ferrell will never fall to us without some significant "Red Flag" that I am not aware of … :cool:

Yeah there's still two months left in the process, and a lot will change between now and then, but I find nothing more frustrating than seeing a WR to the Colts, then a top end edge rusher going after that. It just shows complete lack of knowledge of how this FO operates.

[VeveJones007]

So the stupidest thing I'm seeing in mock drafts right now is the Colts passing on Clelin Ferrell to draft a WR. Not a chance that happens if he's available, unless a better DL is available.

Saw that too and thought the same thing. I think it was Jeremiah. Bad pick, but he's also way too low on Ferrell, who will be gone much sooner.

[VeveJones007]

Yeah there's still two months left in the process, and a lot will change between now and then, but I find nothing more frustrating than seeing a WR to the Colts, then a top end edge rusher going after that. It just shows complete lack of knowledge of how this FO operates.

Holder did an all beat-writer mock and picked CB Deandre Baker. The top DLs were gone, but I would expect Ballard to go for a guy like Ferguson, Tillery, Simmons, or Winovich before corner in Rd1.

[Dam8610]

Holder did an all beat-writer mock and picked CB Deandre Baker. The top DLs were gone, but I would expect Ballard to go for a guy like Ferguson, Tillery, Simmons, or Winovich before corner in Rd1.

If all the top end edge rushers are gone, I suspect Ballard will pick Tillery at 26, Simmons at 34, and the best edge rusher at 59 (maybe Ferguson, Ximines, or Omenihu).

[smitty46953]

Personally assuming 1st round Edge rushers are gone, I like Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State if he is there @ 1.26 and Wilkins is gone.

Don't really want to "Red Shirt" Jeffery Simmons @ 2.02, injury and assault charge kind of takes him off my board.

I would rather get best edge available. Just my opinion.

Fine with Tillery as well should Jones be gone.

:cool:

[smitty46953]

Curious if anyone has ever went back and graded all of these talking heads mock drafts? See if any of these guys are any better than us un-paid amateurs !!! :cool:

[Chromeburn]

So the stupidest thing I'm seeing in mock drafts right now is the Colts passing on Clelin Ferrell to draft a WR. Not a chance that happens if he's available, unless a better DL is available.

It's funny how off some of these guys are in mocks.

[Chromeburn]

Lawrence, Clark, Ford, Clowney, and Jarrett all tagged as of 3/4/2019 :cool:

So, it's looking like we won't even have a shot at a top FA pass rusher. They just don't become FA's. I sometimes wonder if we should have entered the Khalil Mack sweepstakes.

I keep going over the draft and I don't see a good pass rusher dropping to us. They are all gone and I don't like the idea of reaching for a Ferguson or Ximines.

[FatDT]

It's funny how off some of these guys are in mocks.

Mocks are entertaining but useless, especially before FA.

[Chromeburn]

Personally assuming 1st round Edge rushers are gone, I like Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State if he is there @ 1.26 and Wilkins is gone.

Don't really want to "Red Shirt" Jeffery Simmons @ 2.02, injury and assault charge kind of takes him off my board.

I would rather get best edge available. Just my opinion.

Fine with Tillery as well should Jones be gone.

:cool:

If you think he might be a Fletcher Cox type player would you take him then?

[Dam8610]

Personally assuming 1st round Edge rushers are gone, I like Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State if he is there @ 1.26 and Wilkins is gone.

Don't really want to "Red Shirt" Jeffery Simmons @ 2.02, injury and assault charge kind of takes him off my board.

I would rather get best edge available. Just my opinion.

Fine with Tillery as well should Jones be gone.

:cool:

Jones came in light and had a poor combine showing that makes his athleticism, which was one of his biggest selling points, come into question. Tillery, OTOH, is exactly what Eberflus wants in a DL if his time with Dallas and here last year is any indication. Tillery is big, long, fast for his size, and weighed in just under 300 pounds. From strictly a size and athleticism perspective, Tillery is very similar to David Irving (and again I stress, this comparison is limited to body type and on field play style), a player who produced very well when he was on the field for Dallas. If the choice is between Tillery, Jones, and Jaylon Ferguson or someone of the like at 26, Tillery is the pick for me easily.

I like the idea of picking up Simmons at 34 because he's a top 15-20 talent in this draft, but I can understand the argument against.

I think in this draft, unless someone like Clelin Ferrell unexpectedly falls, the value at edge rusher likely won't be there until the end of Round 2.

[Dam8610]

Mocks are entertaining but useless, especially before FA.

I agree, I just thought it was stupid to see the Colts getting a WR, then seeing the Chiefs or Cheaters(!) get Ferrell, since that would NEVER happen with Ballard as GM.

[VeveJones007]

Jones came in light and had a poor combine showing that makes his athleticism, which was one of his biggest selling points, come into question. Tillery, OTOH, is exactly what Eberflus wants in a DL if his time with Dallas and here last year is any indication. Tillery is big, long, fast for his size, and weighed in just under 300 pounds. From strictly a size and athleticism perspective, Tillery is very similar to David Irving (and again I stress, this comparison is limited to body type and on field play style), a player who produced very well when he was on the field for Dallas. If the choice is between Tillery, Jones, and Jaylon Ferguson or someone of the like at 26, Tillery is the pick for me easily.

I like the idea of picking up Simmons at 34 because he's a top 15-20 talent in this draft, but I can understand the argument against.

I think in this draft, unless someone like Clelin Ferrell unexpectedly falls, the value at edge rusher likely won't be there until the end of Round 2.

Based on what Ballard did with Leonard and Smith last year, I expect him to take his top-rated EDGE at 34 rather than risk the wait. That's assuming he doesn't go ahead and do it at 26.

[smitty46953]

Jones came in light and had a poor combine showing that makes his athleticism, which was one of his biggest selling points, come into question. Tillery, OTOH, is exactly what Eberflus wants in a DL if his time with Dallas and here last year is any indication. Tillery is big, long, fast for his size, and weighed in just under 300 pounds. From strictly a size and athleticism perspective, Tillery is very similar to David Irving (and again I stress, this comparison is limited to body type and on field play style), a player who produced very well when he was on the field for Dallas. If the choice is between Tillery, Jones, and Jaylon Ferguson or someone of the like at 26, Tillery is the pick for me easily.

I like the idea of picking up Simmons at 34 because he's a top 15-20 talent in this draft, but I can understand the argument against.

I think in this draft, unless someone like Clelin Ferrell unexpectedly falls, the value at edge rusher likely won't be there until the end of Round 2.

Watched Ohio State couple times and Jones impressed me, had not looked at combine results. I don't put in much time watching combine, probably should. As a ND fan I am fine with Tillery as well. :cool:

[smitty46953]

If you think he might be a Fletcher Cox type player would you take him then?

Personally if it was my call "No" I want my 2nd round picks on the field this year. :cool:

[Dam8610]

Based on what Ballard did with Leonard and Smith last year, I expect him to take his top-rated EDGE at 34 rather than risk the wait. That's assuming he doesn't go ahead and do it at 26.

I don't think Ballard would reach for need,and I don't see him having a high enough grade on someone like Jaylon Ferguson to pull the trigger at 26 or 34.

Personally if it was my call "No" I want my 2nd round picks on the field this year. :cool:

Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack worked out pretty well.

[VeveJones007]

I don't think Ballard would reach for need,and I don't see him having a high enough grade on someone like Jaylon Ferguson to pull the trigger at 26 or 34.



Jaylon Smith and Myles Jack worked out pretty well.

I don’t know how you can be so confident about that. Isn’t Jaylon Ferguson a similar situation to Leonard? Both very productive non-D1 players with question marks due to the competition level.

[Luck4Reich]

Went back and read last years draft threads where a lot of people put down the Leonard pick. Glad Ballard makes the decisions and not people here.:p

[VeveJones007]

Went back and read last years draft threads where a lot of people put down the Leonard pick. Glad Ballard makes the decisions and not people here.:p

That’s all I’m saying. Don’t be surprised if Ballard is higher on a player than you or the pundits and takes him “early.”

[Luck4Reich]

So the stupidest thing I'm seeing in mock drafts right now is the Colts passing on Clelin Ferrell to draft a WR. Not a chance that happens if he's available, unless a better DL is available.

If he is available no way Ballard takes a WR... at least I hope not.

[Dam8610]

I don’t know how you can be so confident about that. Isn’t Jaylon Ferguson a similar situation to Leonard? Both very productive non-D1 players with question marks due to the competition level.

Ferguson is D1, led D1 in sacks. He also got disinvited from the Combine due to a battery conviction as a Freshman and was arrested for public intoxication while at La Tech. That alone will drop him rounds on Ballard's board (may even drop him off).

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Tillery had surgery today to repair a torn labrum.

Normal recovery time is 3-4 months.....so he should be ready for training camp, assuming no setbacks.

With the depth of DL in this draft - perhaps he may slide a little down the board??


https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1103393193431830528

[Dam8610]

Tillery had surgery today to repair a torn labrum.

Normal recovery time is 3-4 months.....so he should be ready for training camp, assuming no setbacks.

With the depth of DL in this draft - perhaps he may slide a little down the board??


https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1103393193431830528

He put up 23 reps of 225 with a torn labrum. Wonder how many he'd put up healthy?

[FatDT]

Tillery seems like he'll be a good pro. I hope he is not the BPA at 26.

[Chromeburn]

Jones came in light and had a poor combine showing that makes his athleticism, which was one of his biggest selling points, come into question. Tillery, OTOH, is exactly what Eberflus wants in a DL if his time with Dallas and here last year is any indication. Tillery is big, long, fast for his size, and weighed in just under 300 pounds. From strictly a size and athleticism perspective, Tillery is very similar to David Irving (and again I stress, this comparison is limited to body type and on field play style), a player who produced very well when he was on the field for Dallas. If the choice is between Tillery, Jones, and Jaylon Ferguson or someone of the like at 26, Tillery is the pick for me easily.

I like the idea of picking up Simmons at 34 because he's a top 15-20 talent in this draft, but I can understand the argument against.

I think in this draft, unless someone like Clelin Ferrell unexpectedly falls, the value at edge rusher likely won't be there until the end of Round 2.

I agree that Tillery seems to fit what the Cowboys would look for in a d-lineman almost to a T. Long, athletic, tall. He might be the pick at 26, I also wonder if Omenihu might sneak in there also, he seems to fit the mold as well. I think Rennell Wren might be in that group also.

I like Jones for a couple of reasons. I thought Jones had a good combine. His 40 was lackluster but I don't care about that concerning DT's. His explosion showed up in his shuttle which was excellent, and his long jump and verticle jump. They were good. Also Jones is very advanced in technique and strategy for a DT, more so that the other guys in his class. When Bosa went down, Jones still had a good season even though he was the main focus of the opposing offensive line. I think he could have an early impact. We drafted Lewis who is very similar. Jones is bigger, has better production, and is a better athlete. I think he will be a very good internal disrupter.

I would love Simmons on this team. I think he is a top ten pick in this draft healthy. The year off doesn't scare me if I think he will become what I think he will.

I hear a lot of differing opinions on Ferguson, I'm not quite sold. I certainly don't want to spend 26 on him.

[FatDT]

I agree that Tillery seems to fit what the Cowboys would look for in a d-lineman almost to a T. Long, athletic, tall. He might be the pick at 26, I also wonder if Omenihu might sneak in there also, he seems to fit the mold as well. I think Rennell Wren might be in that group also.


Reading this paragraph and the one below it about Jones got me excited all over again for this draft. There are just so damn many good front 4 players available. And for the first time ever as a Colts fan I have a good reason to think our GM is going to prioritize that, take the easy win, and get one. No Anthony Gonzalez or Philip Dorsett when we need defensive help.

I read up and watched Wren about a month ago and I think he's going to be really good. As in Richard Seymour good, if he gets the coaching he needs to clean up technique and put his athleticism to work. And I think we have the DL coach that can do that. 6'5, 320, albatross wingspan, plenty of strength. I expect teams value him more than mock drafters on the internet. We might need to use a 2nd on him if we want him.

[VeveJones007]

Completely forgot about Jihad Ward. He looked pretty good early this season before his ankle injury put him on IR. If he comes back healthy, he could definitely contribute to the rotation on the interior DL.

[Chromeburn]

Reading this paragraph and the one below it about Jones got me excited all over again for this draft. There are just so damn many good front 4 players available. And for the first time ever as a Colts fan I have a good reason to think our GM is going to prioritize that, take the easy win, and get one. No Anthony Gonzalez or Philip Dorsett when we need defensive help.

I read up and watched Wren about a month ago and I think he's going to be really good. As in Richard Seymour good, if he gets the coaching he needs to clean up technique and put his athleticism to work. And I think we have the DL coach that can do that. 6'5, 320, albatross wingspan, plenty of strength. I expect teams value him more than mock drafters on the internet. We might need to use a 2nd on him if we want him.

Yeah no 'Dammit' Donald Brown. That's only an easy win with some fans who can't see past a 2nd receiver. And DK Metcalf's talent is enticing, but too many other flags for me to pick at 26 and he is the only receiver that could go in the 1st for me. I don't like WR's in the first anyway, too much of a high bust rate.

I went back and looked at Wren after reading the huge Reddit post that guy made and had us picking Wren at 26. I think that is high for him, I think right now he is a late 2nd to 4th round pick. He does have very good potential and as you can see in the graphic he actually topped out on the Next Gen Stats defensive tackle board over even Quinnen Williams. The Reddit poster claimed ASU misused him as a NT in their system and he should be more of a penetrating 3-tech. He has the first step for it, but the coaches wanted him to use his bull rush so much b/c it was effective he needs work on his other moves. Because of that I see him more as a 3rd rounder, about the same as where Chris Jones went. He will need some coaching and development, but the talent is there if he is willing. Also notice Tillery and Hill is on there as well.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0won8SU4AAIOsC.png:small

I'm trying to figure out who will be available and where they might go with the picks. Ballard has said he wants an 8 man rotation on the line. We resigned Hunt so I believe we now have:

Defensive End:
Tyquan Lewis
Jabaal Sheard
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Kemoko Turay

Nose Tackle:
Margus Hunt
Grover Stewart

Under Tackle:
Denico Autry
Hassan Ridgeway
Jihad Ward

I think we will take a DT and DE in the draft. The only guys I think will definitely make the roster are Sheard, Lewis, Turay, Hunt, and Autry. Everyone else will likely be in competition. So hopefully upgrading two dline positions. I would almost like the top three picks on dline, but I have a hard time seeing them spend three on dline. Might be like last year where they spent two oline, 2 dline, and slipped another position in there. A BPA is my guess.

[sherck]

I would almost like the top three picks on dline, but I have a hard time seeing them spend three on dline.
We have SO much flexibility in free agency with the huge pile of cap space we are sitting on that almost anything is possible.

If Ballard signs in free agency:

1x UFA WR capable of being WR2 plus Inman as WR3 before competition.
1x UFA SS capable of starting plus Geathers as Safety3 and RFA tag Farley
1x UFA CB capable of starting to put alongside Wilson and Moore and then perhaps a value CB as quality depth

Then I could see the possibility of drafting 3x D-Linemen in the 1st and 2nd rounds if that is where he thinks the value is.

The above UFA signing scheme is very doable; in fact, if that is ALL that happens besides signing some low level jouneymen for depth which will happen every year, most Colts fans will be disappointed that is all we accomplished with the huge pile of cash.

If Ballard wants the D-Line "fixed" like he fixed the O-Line last year with 3 new staters, he WILL devote the resources to do that.

Walk Worthy,

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

We resigned Hunt so I believe we now have:

Defensive End:
Tyquan Lewis
Jabaal Sheard
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Kemoko Turay
Geneo Grissom

Nose Tackle:
Margus Hunt
Grover Stewart

Under Tackle:
Denico Autry
Hassan Ridgeway
Jihad Ward




Grissom is an unrestricted free agent.

[VeveJones007]

Yeah no 'Dammit' Donald Brown. That's only an easy win with some fans who can't see past a 2nd receiver. And DK Metcalf's talent is enticing, but too many other flags for me to pick at 26 and he is the only receiver that could go in the 1st for me. I don't like WR's in the first anyway, too much of a high bust rate.

I went back and looked at Wren after reading the huge Reddit post that guy made and had us picking Wren at 26. I think that is high for him, I think right now he is a late 2nd to 4th round pick. He does have very good potential and as you can see in the graphic he actually topped out on the Next Gen Stats defensive tackle board over even Quinnen Williams. The Reddit poster claimed ASU misused him as a NT in their system and he should be more of a penetrating 3-tech. He has the first step for it, but the coaches wanted him to use his bull rush so much b/c it was effective he needs work on his other moves. Because of that I see him more as a 3rd rounder, about the same as where Chris Jones went. He will need some coaching and development, but the talent is there if he is willing. Also notice Tillery and Hill is on there as well.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0won8SU4AAIOsC.png:small

I'm trying to figure out who will be available and where they might go with the picks. Ballard has said he wants an 8 man rotation on the line. We resigned Hunt so I believe we now have:

Defensive End:
Tyquan Lewis
Jabaal Sheard
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Kemoko Turay
Geneo Grissom

Nose Tackle:
Margus Hunt
Grover Stewart

Under Tackle:
Denico Autry
Hassan Ridgeway
Jihad Ward

I think we will take a DT and DE in the draft. The only guys I think will definitely make the roster are Sheard, Lewis, Turay, Hunt, and Autry. Everyone else will likely be in competition. So hopefully upgrading two dline positions. I would almost like the top three picks on dline, but I have a hard time seeing them spend three on dline. Might be like last year where they spent two oline, 2 dline, and slipped another position in there. A BPA is my guess.

I’m still operating under the assumption that DL and EDGE are taken at 26 and 34. That would be a serious talent infusion and deep group on paper. In free agency, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ballard grabs a low tier NT and an upside EDGE like Shaq Barrett.

[VeveJones007]

We have SO much flexibility in free agency with the huge pile of cap space we are sitting on that almost anything is possible.

If Ballard signs in free agency:

1x UFA WR capable of being WR2 plus Inman as WR3 before competition.
1x UFA SS capable of starting plus Geathers as Safety3 and RFA tag Farley
1x UFA CB capable of starting to put alongside Wilson and Moore and then perhaps a value CB as quality depth

Then I could see the possibility of drafting 3x D-Linemen in the 1st and 2nd rounds if that is where he thinks the value is.

The above UFA signing scheme is very doable; in fact, if that is ALL that happens besides signing some low level jouneymen for depth which will happen every year, most Colts fans will be disappointed that is all we accomplished with the huge pile of cash.

If Ballard wants the D-Line "fixed" like he fixed the O-Line last year with 3 new staters, he WILL devote the resources to do that.

Walk Worthy,

I suspect Ballard is in a holding pattern on Inman until he sees how the free agent market shapes up (and maybe even after the draft). Inman is primarily an outside receiver, so his role is redundant if you find an upgrade.

[Puck]

Yeah no 'Dammit' Donald Brown. That's only an easy win with some fans who can't see past a 2nd receiver. And DK Metcalf's talent is enticing, but too many other flags for me to pick at 26 and he is the only receiver that could go in the 1st for me. I don't like WR's in the first anyway, too much of a high bust rate.

I went back and looked at Wren after reading the huge Reddit post that guy made and had us picking Wren at 26. I think that is high for him, I think right now he is a late 2nd to 4th round pick. He does have very good potential and as you can see in the graphic he actually topped out on the Next Gen Stats defensive tackle board over even Quinnen Williams. The Reddit poster claimed ASU misused him as a NT in their system and he should be more of a penetrating 3-tech. He has the first step for it, but the coaches wanted him to use his bull rush so much b/c it was effective he needs work on his other moves. Because of that I see him more as a 3rd rounder, about the same as where Chris Jones went. He will need some coaching and development, but the talent is there if he is willing. Also notice Tillery and Hill is on there as well.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0won8SU4AAIOsC.png:small

I'm trying to figure out who will be available and where they might go with the picks. Ballard has said he wants an 8 man rotation on the line. We resigned Hunt so I believe we now have:

Defensive End:
Tyquan Lewis
Jabaal Sheard
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Kemoko Turay

Nose Tackle:
Margus Hunt
Grover Stewart

Under Tackle:
Denico Autry
Hassan Ridgeway
Jihad Ward

I think we will take a DT and DE in the draft. The only guys I think will definitely make the roster are Sheard, Lewis, Turay, Hunt, and Autry. Everyone else will likely be in competition. So hopefully upgrading two dline positions. I would almost like the top three picks on dline, but I have a hard time seeing them spend three on dline. Might be like last year where they spent two oline, 2 dline, and slipped another position in there. A BPA is my guess.


You don't think Ward is a for sure to make the roster? I do

[Chromeburn]

You don't think Ward is a for sure to make the roster? I do

Depends how much they invest in the dline. I think Ward has a better shot than say Muhammed. But if they draft a couple DTs or draft one and get another through FA, yeah I think he is on the bubble.

[Chromeburn]

Stampede Blue did a Rennel Wren interview

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2019/3/12/18262335/colts-prospect-interviews-arizona-state-dt-renell-wren

[VeveJones007]

You don't think Ward is a for sure to make the roster? I do

Depends on how he comes back from injury. If he looks as good as he did in September, he’ll be fine.

[Dewey 5]

I would love for Dexter Lawrence to be sitting there at 26. If Clelin Ferrell is there that would be even better but he won't be.

[Dam8610]

I would love for Dexter Lawrence to be sitting there at 26. If Clelin Ferrell is there that would be even better but he won't be.

If Dexter Lawrence is sitting there at 26, he'll likely be sitting there at 27, at least if the Colts make the pick.

[apballin]

If Dexter Lawrence is sitting there at 26, he'll likely be sitting there at 27, at least if the Colts make the pick.

I think you’re wrong

[YDFL Commish]

Trade down and take Dre'Mont Jones?

[Chromeburn]

I would love for Dexter Lawrence to be sitting there at 26. If Clelin Ferrell is there that would be even better but he won't be.

Ferrel didnt have the best pro day. There is talk of him dropping.

[FatDT]

Trade down and take Dre'Mont Jones?

I'm crossing my fingers for Jones at 34.

[FatDT]

Ferrel didnt have the best pro day. There is talk of him dropping.

I think he's a rich man's Derrick Morgan. And I think a team will talk themselves into picking him before we can. I think he'll be a good pro but he will probably not threaten to lead the league in sacks.

I'm wary of all three Clemson linemen. All three plus Austin Bryant were so much better overall than any OL they faced. How will they do individually, when the difference in talent is a lot less in the NFL?

[Dam8610]

Ferrel didnt have the best pro day. There is talk of him dropping.

He didn't work out at Clemson's pro day.

[Chromeburn]

He didn't work out at Clemson's pro day.

Hmm I just listened to them talk about it yesterday on NFL radio. Somebody got some bad info. So he didn’t do anything bc of turf toe. His combine was just ok. Wonder if this will hurt him more or he can do private workouts.

[Chromeburn]

I think he's a rich man's Derrick Morgan. And I think a team will talk themselves into picking him before we can. I think he'll be a good pro but he will probably not threaten to lead the league in sacks.

I'm wary of all three Clemson linemen. All three plus Austin Bryant were so much better overall than any OL they faced. How will they do individually, when the difference in talent is a lot less in the NFL?

I like Wilkins, I think he will be an effective 3-tech with the ability to play other positions on the line if necessary. The other guys I’m more wary of. I think Ferrel will be solid but not spectacular.

[VeveJones007]

I don’t think it’s been brought up: according to the value chart, Colts could move 26 and 34 to get to around #8 or so. I don’t think Ballard would do it...but Eberflus was at Josh Allen’s pro day today. I wonder if there’s a guy they would consider doing it for.

[Coltsalr]

I don’t think it’s been brought up: according to the value chart, Colts could move 26 and 34 to get to around #8 or so. I don’t think Ballard would do it...but Eberflus was at Josh Allen’s pro day today. I wonder if there’s a guy they would consider doing it for.

If Josh Allen fell freakishly to #8 I would totally do it.

In terms of Eberflus’ presence, here’s the other Kentucky Defenders that got invites to the Combine:

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/lonnie-johnson?id=32194a4f-4800-0020-6142-473a18150e9b

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/mike-edwards?id=32194544-5733-7482-6117-be7ecaabc884

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/darius-west?id=32195745-5317-2116-2138-0e7c4a0e73d9

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/derrick-baity?id=32194241-4943-9674-b382-1adb15d1a9a1


https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jordan-jones?id=32194a4f-4e26-3737-6691-be748bb8c8ce

[Chromeburn]

I don’t think it’s been brought up: according to the value chart, Colts could move 26 and 34 to get to around #8 or so. I don’t think Ballard would do it...but Eberflus was at Josh Allen’s pro day today. I wonder if there’s a guy they would consider doing it for.

I just don’t see that happening. Not for Allen. Would need to move up higher I think. But there is Lonnie Johnson Jr. who is a very big corner. 6-2 I think. They also have Bennie Snell, not sure Eberflus would scout a RB though. Probably wasn’t alone.

[Coltsalr]

I don’t think it’s been brought up: according to the value chart, Colts could move 26 and 34 to get to around #8 or so. I don’t think Ballard would do it...but Eberflus was at Josh Allen’s pro day today. I wonder if there’s a guy they would consider doing it for.

This Mock has Sweat dropping to #8, do you do that one?:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/25/18279472/2019-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-raiders-kyler-murray-dwayne-haskins

[smitty46953]

This Mock has Sweat dropping to #8, do you do that one?:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/25/18279472/2019-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-raiders-kyler-murray-dwayne-haskins

Nope :cool:

[FatDT]

This Mock has Sweat dropping to #8, do you do that one?:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/25/18279472/2019-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-raiders-kyler-murray-dwayne-haskins

He has two years of good stats against quality competition. He tested well athletically. He looked like the best player at the Senior Bowl. And he'd be part of a rotation here rather than the #1 guy immediately. While I don't think trading both picks away to take him at 8 is a good idea, if Ballard traded #26 and some other picks to move up for him I think it would make sense. He seems like a good player with the potential to be an excellent player as he gets stronger and develops more technique.

[VeveJones007]

He has two years of good stats against quality competition. He tested well athletically. He looked like the best player at the Senior Bowl. And he'd be part of a rotation here rather than the #1 guy immediately. While I don't think trading both picks away to take him at 8 is a good idea, if Ballard traded #26 and some other picks to move up for him I think it would make sense. He seems like a good player with the potential to be an excellent player as he gets stronger and develops more technique.

It's a move that would make sense and is certainly justifiable, but I think Ballard would prefer to get two shots in the top 34 rather than one higher pick.

Though, I may be reading too much into last year's trade and his comments like "I like them picks," which is why I broached this and said I wonder if there's a specific player exception he would make.

[Coltsalr]

It's a move that would make sense and is certainly justifiable, but I think Ballard would prefer to get two shots in the top 34 rather than one higher pick.

Though, I may be reading too much into last year's trade and his comments like "I like them picks," which is why I broached this and said I wonder if there's a specific player exception he would make.

He apparently at least considered parting with draft picks for Dee Ford so it stands to reason that he might not be as hard-line on that as he lets on.

[VeveJones007]

This Mock has Sweat dropping to #8, do you do that one?:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/25/18279472/2019-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-raiders-kyler-murray-dwayne-haskins

Another option could be packaging 26 + 59 to get to somewhere like 14-16. Would Ballard be interested in doing that if Oliver starts to fall? What if he and Eberflus love a guy like Brian Burns? Am I spending too much time considering this? Undoubtedly.

[FatDT]

Another option could be packaging 26 + 59 to get to somewhere like 14-16. Would Ballard be interested in doing that if Oliver starts to fall? What if he and Eberflus love a guy like Brian Burns? Am I spending too much time considering this? Undoubtedly.

I would do that for Burns no problem.

[Oldcolt]

I seriously doubt Ballard moves up with those two picks. Ballard seems to understand that he is going to miss on at least half of his picks, so he wants numbers. Unless he is convinced that this is a can't miss position of need (in which case it will cost us a fortune in draft picks) can't see him making that move.

[VeveJones007]

I would do that for Burns no problem.

I would as well. After Bosa, he's my favorite 4-3 end.

[smitty46953]

Am I spending too much time considering this? Undoubtedly.

Yes :cool: I think Ballard would rather pick twice

[Luck4Reich]

Yes :cool: I think Ballard would rather pick twice

He said it himself "I like them picks."

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Yes :cool: I think Ballard would rather pick twice

He said it himself "I like them picks."


Ballard needs to keep the "Avengers of Scouting" busy and happy.

[Chromeburn]

This Mock has Sweat dropping to #8, do you do that one?:

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/3/25/18279472/2019-nfl-mock-draft-two-rounds-raiders-kyler-murray-dwayne-haskins

Sweat certainly caught the attention of Irsay. I have a feeling they were looking at him till he blew up at the combine. Ballard might have to talk him down from that deal. Then again, if Ballard likes him, he might trade a pick to get him.

Still I think we get a DT and DE with those top three picks. The last one I’m trying to figure out what they do. Maybe just BPA.

[VeveJones007]

Sweat certainly caught the attention of Irsay. I have a feeling they were looking at him till he blew up at the combine. Ballard might have to talk him down from that deal. Then again, if Ballard likes him, he might trade a pick to get him.

Still I think we get a DT and DE with those top three picks. The last one I’m trying to figure out what they do. Maybe just BPA.

My money’s on either SS or WR.

[JAFF]

I can't remember which article it was, but the consensus was that Ballard likeds having a lot picks, which creates young controllable talent, and competition.

[Coltsalr]

@ZachHicks2
Colts showing some interest Kansas State Safety Eli Walker. They had dinner with him the other day and intend on bringing him in for a Top 30 visit. Former top JUCO safety in the country.

https://twitter.com/ZachHicks2/status/1110741845817073665

Can anyone even find anything on this guy?

He wasn't at the Combine and I googled him and couldn't find any actual scouting reports on him.

If this is what they're looking at for a UDFA then whatever, but this CAN'T be their solution.

[Dam8610]

@ZachHicks2
Colts showing some interest Kansas State Safety Eli Walker. They had dinner with him the other day and intend on bringing him in for a Top 30 visit. Former top JUCO safety in the country.

https://twitter.com/ZachHicks2/status/1110741845817073665

Can anyone even find anything on this guy?

He wasn't at the Combine and I googled him and couldn't find any actual scouting reports on him.

If this is what they're looking at for a UDFA then whatever, but this CAN'T be their solution.

There are 7 rounds of a draft and free agency afterward. No need to overreact, it's not like Ballard is announcing they're targeting him on Day 1 or Day 2.

[Coltsalr]

Apparently Colts are meeting with Jeffery Simmons:

@TomPelissero
Jeffery Simmons told me he dined with #Eagles last night. Also meeting with #Jaguars, #Browns, #Colts, others here around Mississippi State pro day. Leaves April 1 for about 11 visits. Teams playing catch-up after Simmons missed combine for ACL surgery. More later on @nflnetwork

[Coltsalr]

There are 7 rounds of a draft and free agency afterward. No need to overreact, it's not like Ballard is announcing they're targeting him on Day 1 or Day 2.

To that point, looks like Colts are eyeing another Safety:

@TomPelissero
#Colts DBs/safeties coach Alan Williams here to run drills for Johnathan Abram, among others. Abrams had dinner with Indy last night. Another potential first-round pick on display here at Mississippi State. Lot of talent.


Much as I hate #FailState, if the Colts end up with Simmons/Abrams as their top two picks then I will anoint Ballard as killing it on yet another draft.

[JAFF]

Suh will not be returning to the rams. Should the Colts be interested?

[Luck4Reich]

Suh will not be returning to the rams. Should the Colts be interested?

Should they? YES
Will they? Probably not.

[Coltsalr]

Should they? YES
Will they? Probably not.

This. Signing Suh and then drafting Simmons and everyone calls Ballard a genius for doing so.

[Chromeburn]

To that point, looks like Colts are eyeing another Safety:

@TomPelissero
#Colts DBs/safeties coach Alan Williams here to run drills for Johnathan Abram, among others. Abrams had dinner with Indy last night. Another potential first-round pick on display here at Mississippi State. Lot of talent.


Much as I hate #FailState, if the Colts end up with Simmons/Abrams as their top two picks then I will anoint Ballard as killing it on yet another draft.

The best strong safety prospect and the second best DT. I could live with that. Abrams would be the best hitter they have drafted since Sanders. I can’t fully say that either would make it to 34 though. Simmons could potentially come back in November. I don’t know if you want to do that though. Conditioning and getting used to things, people that tear a knee are prone to tearing the other knee. And for a DT that is a lot of weight on there.

Still I could live with that draft, but we draft Abrams, I doubt we resign Geathers.

[FatDT]

Still I could live with that draft, but we draft Abrams, I doubt we resign Geathers.

What do you mean? They already re-signed Geathers. Are you saying that because of that, they probably won't draft Abrams?

I don't think Geathers being signed means anything. The Colts could still sign or draft their starting SS and Geathers would just then become the 3rd safety. He'd still play significant minutes and snaps in packages with 5+ DBs, and not having to play every down would help with his health.

[YDFL Commish]

@ZachHicks2
Colts showing some interest Kansas State Safety Eli Walker. They had dinner with him the other day and intend on bringing him in for a Top 30 visit. Former top JUCO safety in the country.

https://twitter.com/ZachHicks2/status/1110741845817073665

Can anyone even find anything on this guy?

He wasn't at the Combine and I googled him and couldn't find any actual scouting reports on him.

If this is what they're looking at for a UDFA then whatever, but this CAN'T be their solution.

Robert Mathis didn't attend the combine either.

[Coltsalr]

Robert Mathis didn't attend the combine either.

Correct, and he was drafted in the 5th round as a result and he wasn't expected to fill any major roles immediately. In fact, in Mathis' first three seasons he only actually started one game.

Like I said, I don't have a problem taking a flyer on a guy in the late rounds. It's that we shouldn't be relying on such a guy to step in and plug a hole.

[YDFL Commish]

Correct, and he was drafted in the 5th round as a result and he wasn't expected to fill any major roles immediately. In fact, in Mathis' first three seasons he only actually started one game.

Like I said, I don't have a problem taking a flyer on a guy in the late rounds. It's that we shouldn't be relying on such a guy to step in and plug a hole.

With Houston, Sheard, Turay and whoever else is the 4th DE...is there really a hole?

[Coltsalr]

With Houston, Sheard, Turay and whoever else is the 4th DE...is there really a hole?

Eli Walker, the prospect in question, is a Safety.

[Chromeburn]

What do you mean? They already re-signed Geathers. Are you saying that because of that, they probably won't draft Abrams?

I don't think Geathers being signed means anything. The Colts could still sign or draft their starting SS and Geathers would just then become the 3rd safety. He'd still play significant minutes and snaps in packages with 5+ DBs, and not having to play every down would help with his health.

I mean this contract would likely be it with us. He would not sign another after this year if we draft a safety high.

Only way would be if he blows up and the draft pick sucks.

[VeveJones007]

Some notes from Holder on the possibility of trading up:

https://theathletic.com/892290/2019/03/27/draft-intel-peyton-and-more-seven-takeaways-from-the-colts-brass-at-the-nfls-annual-meeting/

My takeaway from this week is as follows: Everything is on the table, but the Colts’ view is that there is not a wide gulf between the talent at the bottom of the first round and players available throughout the second round and into the third round.

The possibility of moving up or down is certainly possible elsewhere, however. The Colts have another second-rounder, No. 59 overall. General manager Chris Ballard specifically cited the move he made last year to trade up from the early third round into the late second, a move that netted the Colts defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis.

If I had to bet, I think it's most likely Ballard would stay put at 26 & 34, then consider moving up from 59 if there's a good player they want.

[Chromeburn]

Some notes from Holder on the possibility of trading up:

https://theathletic.com/892290/2019/03/27/draft-intel-peyton-and-more-seven-takeaways-from-the-colts-brass-at-the-nfls-annual-meeting/



If I had to bet, I think it's most likely Ballard would stay put at 26 & 34, then consider moving up from 59 if there's a good player they want.

I agree with this also. I think the talent level plateaus after about 15 guys and continues for awhile. But I think trading down would likely be a benefit because so many guys are similarily rated. Unless you have a couple of specific guys targeted.

I also think those DT's are gonna get gobbled up quickly. I don't think Wilkins will be there, nor even Simmons. I'm starting to wonder about Tillery also. Dre'Mont should be there.

[Puck]

I’d bet he trades back into the second

[Dam8610]

With Houston, Sheard, Turay and whoever else is the 4th DE...is there really a hole?

Next year? No. In 2020 and beyond? Even if Turay and Lewis improve drastically.

[Dam8610]

I’d bet he trades back into the second

I wouldn't be surprised and it's not a bad idea depending on who's on the board. Some QB needy team will fall in love with a QB that has no business going in Round 1.

[VeveJones007]

I wouldn't be surprised and it's not a bad idea depending on who's on the board. Some QB needy team will fall in love with a QB that has no business going in Round 1.

That depends on how those teams draft earlier in Rd 1 and whether or not they can get Rosen if Arizona goes with Murray. I could see something like:

Cards-Murray
Giants- Haskins
Broncos-Lock
Dolphins-Rosen
Washington-Jones

If it falls that way, where is the market for a team & QB at 26?

[VeveJones007]

Thinking about Ballard's comments on wanting an 8 man rotation on the DL and how important it is to him. That just reinforces my belief that he'll invest early picks on the defensive front. This rotation looks pretty darn good on paper and quite the improvement from 2017:

DE:
Houston
Sheard
Turay
#59 (Winovich, Polite, Ximines, etc.)

DT:
Autry
Lewis
Hunt
#26 or #34 (Wilkins, Simmons, etc.)

[Oldcolt]

Thinking about Ballard's comments on wanting an 8 man rotation on the DL and how important it is to him. That just reinforces my belief that he'll invest early picks on the defensive front. This rotation looks pretty darn good on paper and quite the improvement from 2017:

DE:
Houston
Sheard
Turay
#59 (Winovich, Polite, Ximines, etc.)

DT:
Autry
Lewis
Hunt
#26 or #34 (Wilkins, Simmons, etc.)

Agreed. One of the nice things so far about Ballard is he says what he means. It would not surprise me if he is in heavy on defensive line, more than one of our first four picks. Not only does Ballard want to emphasize lines, he knows he needs numbers, as there are no guarantees. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if he takes an offensive lineman early also.

[JAFF]

Agreed. One of the nice things so far about Ballard is he says what he means. It would not surprise me if he is in heavy on defensive line, more than one of our first four picks. Not only does Ballard want to emphasize lines, he knows he needs numbers, as there are no guarantees. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if he takes an offensive lineman early also.

I think that Ballard will do something early to help the D. He understands that if he can get the ball into the hands of his best player (Luck) it's a good thing. He has an O line. He gets some guys (d line or lb's) to get to the QB, it makes a difference.

[YDFL Commish]

Thinking about Ballard's comments on wanting an 8 man rotation on the DL and how important it is to him. That just reinforces my belief that he'll invest early picks on the defensive front. This rotation looks pretty darn good on paper and quite the improvement from 2017:

DE:
Houston
Sheard
Turay
#59 (Winovich, Polite, Ximines, etc.)

DT:
Autry
Lewis
Hunt
#26 or #34 (Wilkins, Simmons, etc.)


Why do you leave out Grover Stewart? Mind you...I'm not particularly a fan of Stewart, but it seems like the Colts coaches are. Toward the end of last season he was taking away snaps from Al Woods.

[VeveJones007]

Why do you leave out Grover Stewart? Mind you...I'm not particularly a fan of Stewart, but it seems like the Colts coaches are. Toward the end of last season he was taking away snaps from Al Woods.

I think Stewart is on the bubble depending on who the rookie is. The telling thing to me was how they started Hunt/Autry on the interior in the playoffs. Still, they need a bigger nose on the roster. Wilkins can play nose if they take him. Simmons would make Stewart’s spot safer for 2019 because of the injury.

[Chromeburn]

I think Stewart is on the bubble depending on who the rookie is. The telling thing to me was how they started Hunt/Autry on the interior in the playoffs. Still, they need a bigger nose on the roster. Wilkins can play nose if they take him. Simmons would make Stewart’s spot safer for 2019 because of the injury.

Grover is playing 0 tech. If we draft a DT he will likely be a 3-tech and play next to him.

Unless we draft Dexter Lawrence who would also be a 0-tech. Even then it could be like Al Woods and Stewart last year. Then Hunt and Autry would be 3-techs (even though I saw Hunt listed as a NT) and Stewart and Lawrence the 0-techs.

[FatDT]

Don’t think any of our DTs play much 0 tech, don’t remember seeing anybody head-up on the center often at all.

[VeveJones007]

Grover is playing 0 tech. If we draft a DT he will likely be a 3-tech and play next to him.

Unless we draft Dexter Lawrence who would also be a 0-tech. Even then it could be like Al Woods and Stewart last year. Then Hunt and Autry would be 3-techs (even though I saw Hunt listed as a NT) and Stewart and Lawrence the 0-techs.

Eberflus has shown that he will switch things up. Remember the last 3-4 games where he had Hunt and Autry both line up in the A gaps?

Still, I think Eberflus would prefer his “base” 40 front to include one guy in the A gap and one guy at the 3 tech. That double A gap thing was a bit out of necessity since they only had Stewart left when Woods went down. I think Wilkins could absolutely play the A gap and could potentially take Stewart’s spot on the roster.

[VeveJones007]

Don’t think any of our DTs play much 0 tech, don’t remember seeing anybody head-up on the center often at all.

Yeah, was my fault for bringing “nose” into the conversation. They don’t employ a true NT, but the guy in the A gap is the defacto nose when the other DT is in the B gap. They need someone who has the size/strength to hold up against the G/C double or beat that gap. That’s where I think they would primarily use Wilkins.

[Coltsalr]

Thinking about Ballard's comments on wanting an 8 man rotation on the DL and how important it is to him. That just reinforces my belief that he'll invest early picks on the defensive front. This rotation looks pretty darn good on paper and quite the improvement from 2017:

DE:
Houston
Sheard
Turay
#59 (Winovich, Polite, Ximines, etc.)

DT:
Autry
Lewis
Hunt
#26 or #34 (Wilkins, Simmons, etc.)

I wonder if Polite is on Ballard's board or not. This article highlights all of the things that I think would take him off Ballard's board but makes a case for not taking him off the board entirely:

For months, Jachai Polite hasn’t been able to do anything right. The pre-draft process has been a nightmare for the 20-year-old defensive end.

Never mind that he logged 11 sacks in the SEC in 2018. Never mind that he had 17.5 tackles for loss while forcing an absurd six fumbles, batting four balls and racking up 45 tackles. Never mind that he was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the best defensive player in college football.

Those successes have gone somewhat forgotten as the Florida Gators prospect seems to make a mistake — or get bad breaks — at every opportunity he has to convince an NFL team that he’s worth a multi-million-dollar salary. Polite’s pre-draft process has been like that moment in movies where the protagonist announces, “This couldn’t get any worse,” and then it starts raining. But for Polite, it’s been a mix of hail and ash from a nearby dumpster fire.

But that’s why I’m rooting for the guy. The pre-draft process can tell NFL teams a lot about a player. It can also lead to an enormous misrepresentation. Media members — myself and my co-workers included — and teams pile criticism on these young adults, who are intent upon making a better future for their family. Some teams trash a player because they want to draft him after other teams to pass on that player.

Here’s one example of misunderstanding the youngster: Polite wants to give his mother an early retirement with his first NFL contract. She’s a supervisor of housekeepers at a hotel while also doing hair-styling out of her house.

Sounds like a terrible kid, huh?

But that’s not what people are focused on. Let’s run down the no-good, very-bad sequence of events the seem to have knocked Polite out of first-round contention.

He ran a 4.84 40-yard dash at the combine in Indianapolis. That’s very slow for a defensive lineman, even if there’s video of Polite running down a receiver from behind after 40 yards. (Admittedly, he made the wrong read on the play, largely because he flew off the ball so quickly. But he made up for it by flying to the ball with impressive effort.)

He jumped 32 inches at the combine. Again, that’s very low for a defensive end — and yet he batted four passes in 2018. Also, who cares about how high a pass-rusher can jump? Looks like he jumped too high in this case.

Those were the only workouts he did at the combine. A question followed: What else is he hiding?
During interviews in Indianapolis, he left scouts concerned about his maturity. He then met with reporters and explained that he was surprised to receive so much negativity from scouts about his game. That negativity was, no doubt, a test — he said he knew that at the combine. He failed that test — he later admitted that. While that’s partially his fault, it’s also the fault of the people around him. Why didn’t his agent properly prepare him for the criticism he’d face? Why wasn’t he coached on how to handle those challenging questions? Everyone could (and should) have anticipated them. Because of his naivety, the media ran with the young man’s honesty about the process. (Honesty is a rarity at the combine, where everything — from a throwing routine to a meeting with reporters — is rehearsed, practiced and scripted.) And the transcript of his comments seemed a lot more harsh than the comments themselves in person and on video. Here’s some context for what was actually a fairly harmless interaction, which seemed to spiral out of control.

During his pro day, a moment when he could have righted the screwy process, he showed up looking less-than-ripped. (This league is all about the jacked-up, twitchy players who pass the eye-test.) Then, Polite injured his hamstring and had to end his day early.
Had his pre-draft process gone well, perhaps he’d be in the discussion to go in the top 15 selections, with NFL.com’s Lance Zuerlein comparing him to Falcons’ Vic Beasley, the eighth-overall pick in 2015. Instead, media members are suggesting Polite has slipped into the second round of the draft. If that projection bears out, the fall from 15th overall to 40th overall is a costly one. After this year’s draft, the 15th overall pick will sign a deal worth roughly $15 million with $8.4 million guaranteed while the No. 40 selection will sign a $7 million deal with $3.2 million guaranteed, per spotrac.

Ouch.

While job interviews are important, it’s easy to imagine an unprepared 20-year-old struggling through his first round of them — especially ones as rigorous as those taking place at the combine. While measurements are important, so is the game film and the production a player puts together on the football field. Perhaps the bust label will prove prescient. Perhaps Polite will flunk in the NFL, just as he has failed during the pre-draft process.

But here’s hoping that he serves as a caveat for those that put too much stock into the combine, into the 40-yard dash and into everything silly about the pre-draft process, which has become overemphasized largely as a promotional effort by the NFL. The league never wants you to stop thinking about football, so they promote the heck out of the combine. Polite is a gifted football player, and hopefully he puts up 16 sacks in 2019 to prove that his first impression was his worst impression and that there’s more to him than he presented in Indianapolis and at this pro day.

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/jachai-polite-awful-draft-process

I do wonder if having Quincy Wilson, his former teammate at Florida and a guy who had issues himself with maturity and growing up might help Polite from becoming what looks to be almost a certain bust. He clearly has the talent; you don't get 11 sacks in the SEC by accident.

[YDFL Commish]

Polite should not be on Ballard's board with at least his 1st 2 picks. If he wants to take a flier on him at 59 I would be okay with that.

[VeveJones007]

I wonder if Polite is on Ballard's board or not. This article highlights all of the things that I think would take him off Ballard's board but makes a case for not taking him off the board entirely:



https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/jachai-polite-awful-draft-process

I do wonder if having Quincy Wilson, his former teammate at Florida and a guy who had issues himself with maturity and growing up might help Polite from becoming what looks to be almost a certain bust. He clearly has the talent; you don't get 11 sacks in the SEC by accident.

He's a really good talent, but the risk is pretty high. I'm assuming some really good options will be available with the first 3 picks, but maybe in Rd 3 or later if he's still on the board.

[Coltsalr]

Polite should not be on Ballard's board with at least his 1st 2 picks. If he wants to take a flier on him at 59 I would be okay with that.

I would be okay with it (Ballard’s earned my trust that I would assume that Polite checked out) but I certainly wouldn’t be stark raving mad over it if Ballard passed on him until several rounds later, even.

Polite is about as boom or bust as it gets, it seems.

[Coltsalr]

He's a really good talent, but the risk is pretty high. I'm assuming some really good options will be available with the first 3 picks, but maybe in Rd 3 or later if he's still on the board.

Winovich has grown on me to the point that I would love to have him at #59 now, but I do wonder if he's grown on others where he might not be available. #34 might still be a bit of a reach, though.

That's why trades exist, I do suppose.

[YDFL Commish]

Winovich has grown on me to the point that I would love to have him at #59 now, but I do wonder if he's grown on others where he might not be available. #34 might still be a bit of a reach, though.

That's why trades exist, I do suppose.

Since we probably won't get one of the blue chip DL's at 26, I'm liking Tillery some time in the 2nd round. I love his hand usage and power.

[VeveJones007]

Winovich has grown on me to the point that I would love to have him at #59 now, but I do wonder if he's grown on others where he might not be available. #34 might still be a bit of a reach, though.

That's why trades exist, I do suppose.

Agreed. I'm not sure he's the type of guy you trade up to grab, but it's easier to move up from #59 than it is to move up from #26.

[VeveJones007]

Since we probably won't get one of the blue chip DL's at 26, I'm liking Tillery some time in the 2nd round. I love his hand usage and power.

I have a hunch that Wilkins will be there at #26. We'll see. Even if he is, I could see Ballard throwing us a curveball and taking Rapp or Abram, then grabbing some DL in Rd 2.

[Coltsalr]

I have a hunch that Wilkins will be there at #26. We'll see. Even if he is, I could see Ballard throwing us a curveball and taking Rapp or Abram, then grabbing some DL in Rd 2.

I do agree that Wilkins, the locker room leader and guy that came back to win a championship seems more the "Ballard guy" than Dexter Lawrence, the somewhat underachiever and guy that failed a performance-enhancing test.

It could also have something to do with the fact that no longer in a 3-4, we don't really need Lawrence to fill that standalone NT role. Though at 345, I haven't actually seen anything on him being a concern of being too fat/his diet being a concern.

[FatDT]

Yeah, was my fault for bringing “nose” into the conversation. They don’t employ a true NT, but the guy in the A gap is the defacto nose when the other DT is in the B gap. They need someone who has the size/strength to hold up against the G/C double or beat that gap. That’s where I think they would primarily use Wilkins.

It was you saying 0-tech, which lines up between the A gaps, that I was referring to. Our nose plays mostly 1 tech, like you are saying, in the A gap.

[Chromeburn]

I wonder if Polite is on Ballard's board or not. This article highlights all of the things that I think would take him off Ballard's board but makes a case for not taking him off the board entirely:



https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/03/jachai-polite-awful-draft-process

I do wonder if having Quincy Wilson, his former teammate at Florida and a guy who had issues himself with maturity and growing up might help Polite from becoming what looks to be almost a certain bust. He clearly has the talent; you don't get 11 sacks in the SEC by accident.

He might be one of those guys who are just a better football player than athlete. But I believe Ballard places a lot of emphasis on athletiscm and Polite is on the lower end of that scale. I’m sure he has guys above him.

[Chromeburn]

It was you saying 0-tech, which lines up between the A gaps, that I was referring to. Our nose plays mostly 1 tech, like you are saying, in the A gap.

I think I brought up the 0-tech stuff too. But since Woods went down and they moved Hunt to NT, an experiment that largely paid off. Wth both guys in the A gap, do they continue that, or was it a gimmick formation they just employed from the past bc Hunt is a lighter NT than they would like?

[FatDT]

He might be one of those guys who are just a better football player than athlete. But I believe Ballard places a lot of emphasis on athletiscm and Polite is on the lower end of that scale. I’m sure he has guys above him.

I read on Twitter that the guy's agent supposedly told him "get above 260" without telling him how, and so he gained about 20 lbs. Without lifting weights. The reverse of Bryan Burns.

Dumb, but football players are not always the smartest. Nor do they have to be. And the guy is 20. His agent clearly sucks and didn't prepare him for the interviews, so it would not surprise me if he didn't advise him well on gaining weight, doing it right, getting the right trainers, etc.

He seems immature and needing direction, but clearly has talent, and produced against top competition. If we got him late second I'd be happy with that.

[VeveJones007]

It was you saying 0-tech, which lines up between the A gaps, that I was referring to. Our nose plays mostly 1 tech, like you are saying, in the A gap.

Not that it really matters, but I never said 0-tech. I said nose, even though I meant it as a 1 tech in this scheme.

[FatDT]

Not that it really matters, but I never said 0-tech. I said nose, even though I meant it as a 1 tech in this scheme.

My mistake. It was Chromeburn, not you.

[Chromeburn]

I read on Twitter that the guy's agent supposedly told him "get above 260" without telling him how, and so he gained about 20 lbs. Without lifting weights. The reverse of Bryan Burns.

Dumb, but football players are not always the smartest. Nor do they have to be. And the guy is 20. His agent clearly sucks and didn't prepare him for the interviews, so it would not surprise me if he didn't advise him well on gaining weight, doing it right, getting the right trainers, etc.

He seems immature and needing direction, but clearly has talent, and produced against top competition. If we got him late second I'd be happy with that.

Well that is absurd. I’d fire that guy right away.

Still seems no one has an accurate measurement of his athletiscm. Taking a slight risk there going just off of production even if it is in the SEC.

[VeveJones007]

Jeffery Simmons | DT | Mississippi State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 301
2018 Stats: 63 tackles, 18 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF, 4 batted passes

Seems like a solid penetrating DT that will pressure the pocket but will not create a ton of sacks. Long player with an explosive first step, often wins the snap there rather than fighting through blocks with technique or strength. Seems to get into the backfield a lot but struggles to finish the tackle. Had an incident in 2016 where he hit a woman on video. I don't personally see what the hype is about but maybe it's an eye test thing.

Christian Wilkins | DT | Clemson
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 312
2018 Stats: 51 tackles, 14 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF

Just from reading about him I don't know why he's not the #2 DT prospect in the draft. But no one has him that high. Great size, good flexibility despite shorter arms and squatty build, quick athlete in short areas, plays very hard with great effort, knows how to defeat blocks or blow through them, anchors well against the run. Has the athleticism to play DE (he spent time there in 2016) but the body and mentality to play inside. He was arguably the best player on arguably the best defense in college football. He also earned his BA and MA in 4 years at Clemson. Everything I read tells me he'd be a great pick at #26 if he lasts that long.


Dre'Mont Jones | DT | Ohio State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 272-295???
2018 Stats: 43 tackles, 13 TFL, 8.5 sacks

Excellent athlete, good gap penetrator with a variety of pass rushing moves that he seems to know how to use. Plays like a DE playing DT. Struggles to anchor against the run and with double teams. Really good first step explosion but then he stands up once engaged, killing his own momentum. Maybe he should be a DE. There seem to be wild discrepancies about how much he actually weighs so pre-draft activities with weigh-ins will be important. His strengths seem to fit with what Eberflus wants to do with his non NT DL so I wouldn't be surprised if Jones is high on the board.

Jerry Tillery | DT | Notre Dame
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 304
2018 Stats: 28 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 7 sacks

With that size, 7 sacks, and ND hype, my first question is why is he ranked so low? Supposedly a high-effort player that can run a 4.8 40. He moved from noseguard to 3 tech this season and had his best year of football. Might be an eyeball test thing again but he seems like a pretty great prospect to me.

Watched a few minutes of highlights from each of these guys today because I think there's a good chance one of them is a Colt in a few weeks. Here are my thoughts (for whatever they're worth):


Tillery doesn't have the quickness to play in a gap scheme like the Colts employ. He'll likely be a good pro, but he looks like a 5-tech in a 30 front to me. With the Henry Anderson trade last year, Ballard has already shown he isn't interested in that type of player in this scheme.
Jones is really impressive...but he's redundant to what Autry and Lewis are supposed to offer them. Because of that, I don't see the fit at #26 or #34, but he could be good value at #59.
Unlike Jones, Wilkins offers the Colts more versatility on the interior. He's bigger and stronger and can play more A gap to allow Lewis/Autry to stay in the B gap. Yet he's still quick enough to penetrate in a gap scheme. Given everything we've heard about his leadership and off-field, I think this is the pick unless he's gone or Ballard loves one of the safeties.
Simmons is obviously intriguing. When healthy, he's a game wrecker and would flourish in this scheme...but will Ballard take the risk if he can get Wilkins? I think Simmons is more likely to be an option if Wilkins is off the board.