The Indianapolis Colts drafted late in the NFL Draft but they still found some talent at the bottom of each round. Indianapolis focused on solid back ups for the 2010 NFL season and they may have found a few diamonds in the rough. First round NFL Draft pick Jerry Hughes, a defensive end and fifth round NFL Draft pick Brody Eldridge are the two players that should see plenty of playing time in the 2010 NFL season.
Indianapolis Colts first NFL Draft pick and 31st overall Jerry Hughes.
Jerry Hughes the defensive end from the TCU Horned Frogs was expected to be picked in the second round but Indianapolis snatched him up at the end of round one. Hughes was primarily a defensive end at TCU and was feared in the Mountain West Conference but his size may have Indianapolis using Hughes as a linebacker/defensive end hybrid.
Hughes does know how to drop back in coverage and has good hands to make interceptions. Hughes also has the ball hawking instincts of a linebacker and the tenacious, never stop attitude of a pass rusher. Hughes may not start any games for Indianapolis but he will get plenty of playing time during every game. Hughes will make an immediate impact on the Indianapolis defense.
Indianapolis Colts second NFL Draft pick and 63rd overall Pat Angerer.
A defensive linebacker, Pat Angerer out of Iowa, may have the best name for a linebacker ever. Although Angerer has the name, he doesn’t quite live up to it. the knock on Angerer is that he doesn’t have the pop of a great linebacker but he is a tackler that knows how to wrap up a runner.
Angerer is also under sized but look no further than Bob Sanders on the Indianapolis defense to see that size does not matter. Angerer will most likely be playing on special teams when Indianapolis kicks off their first game of the NFL season. Angerer will also be used in special situations on defense but it will take an injury to get Angerer on the starting roster in 2010.
Indianapolis Colts third NFL Draft pick and 94th overall Kevin Thomas.
Kevin Thomas a cornerback out of USC only played one season for Pete Carroll and the Trojans. He is taller than most great corners at six foot but that may be an attribute someday. Thomas has been hammered by the scouts for his lack of tackling skill and his inability to help out against the run. Look for Thomas to be relegated to special teams and learn how to tackle.
Indianapolis Colts fourth NFL Draft pick and 129th overall Jacques McLendon.
Jacques McLendon an offensive guard from Tennessee is also a project for Indianapolis and there won’t be much pressure on him or the coaching staff to get in the line up right away. McLendon has a tremendous upside as a number four pick and may see action late in the season when Indianapolis pulls their starters after week 13.
Indianapolis Colts fifth NFL Draft pick and 162nd overall Brody Eldridge.
Brody Eldridge a tight end from Oklahoma won’t be setting any receiving records for Indianapolis. With Dallas Clark as the favorite target of Peyton Manning, Indianapolis went out and found the best blocking tight end in the draft. Eldridge will get plenty of playing time in his first season as an Indianapolis Colt. Eldridge also has experience as an offensive lineman and has even had experience snapping the ball as a center. Eldridge will be a starter for Indianapolis the first weekend of the NFL season.
Indianapolis Colts sixth NFL Draft pick and 238th overall Ricardo Mathews.
Indianapolis had three picks in the last round of the NFL Draft and used them to bulk up their defensive depth. Ricardo Mathews is a defensive tackle from Cincinnati that is strong against the run. If Mathews earns a spot on Indianapolis he will be rotating into the line up in run situations.
Indianapolis Colts seventh NFL Draft pick and 240th overall.
Kavell Conner is a linebacker from Clemson is a good tackler out in the open field but is under sized when it comes to getting by the big offensive lineman. Conner will become an instant hit on special teams and will probably get some time late in games as the veteran linebackers get a little gassed.
Indianapolis Colts eighth NFL Draft pick and 246th overall Ray Fisher.
Ray Fisher a defensive back from Indiana, is the last pick for Indianapolis and usually if the the last pick in an NFL teams Draft makes the team the scouts feel better about themselves. Indianapolis is deep at defensive back but they drafted Fisher as a return man. If Fisher has some good returns in the first two pre season games he will make the team if not, then the scouts will be depressed.
sources:
NFL Network live draft coverage April 22-24, 2010.
ESPN TV live draft coverage April 22-24, 2010.
NFL.com player profiles.
