The main need in the minds of many Colts fans is an offensive lineman. Most mock drafts have us selecting an O Tackle. However, I think there maybe some other pressing needs in the minds of the front office such as... well just read my most recent post. Then again Polian said Manning's impending retirement is sooner than it has ever been (which keep in mind is true every offseason, but the veteran quarterback is 35 years old), which might lead to the selecting of the insurance poicy (like a Left Tackle). The Colts are drafting 22nd this year, highest since 2002, so this could be promising, not to mention there are a number of good tackle prospects.Here we go.
5. Derek SherrodSchool: Miss St. Height: 6'5" Weight: 321 lbs Class: Senior
Sherrod has good arm length, and a great initial first step in pass protection. He does well against speed rushers. He has the quickness to seal the edge (remember the good 'ol stretch play?). He is a bit of a finesse player in the run game and lacks nastiness. He is also experienced (senior) and that is something that would be beneficial to the Colts, we are not looking for a "project" we are looking for someone who could come in and possibly contribute immediately. All indications point to Sherrod as a starting LT in the NFL. If he is ready if we select him, it could go, from left to right:
Sherrod, Charlie Johnson, Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollack/Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem
To see the source of most of my information for Sherrod, go to draftbreakdown.
4. Nate Solder
School: Colorado Height: 6'9" Weight: 315 lbs Class: Senior
Solder spent a couple years at tight end, but made a seamless transition to LT in 2008. Solder gained 30 pounds from his Tight End days, but remained surprisingly quick. He is strong and quick and has gone up against some of the nation's best D ends. Solder's stock seems to be slipping a big, but he is a project, no question, but the upside is enormous. The question is then will the Colts select a player who is not ready, or at least close to ready to get into the mix. Some are saying that Solder cannot handle some of the speed rushers of the NFL. Again the lineup with Solder could look something like this:Solder, Charlie Johnson, Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollack/Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem
To read the article I used, click here.
3. Gabe Carimi
School: Wisconsin Height: 6'7" Weight: 314 lbs Class: RS-Senior
Carimi has a soft spot in my heart, as I am a huge Badger fan, and I would love to have him on our team. Carimi took over the position after Joe Thomas went to the Browns as their standout Left Tackle, and has done a great job. I had a friend joke with me that Wisconsin's offensive line was better than the Colt's last year, and I never think a college team is better than a pro team at anything ever, but Wisconsin had a legit O-line. In pass blocking Carimi has a nice kick step and good quickness. Run Blocking is probably his most complete aspect of his game. Powerful at the point of attack and an ideal drive blocker. Carimi too is experienced (5 years with the Red Shirt) and he never seems fooled or out of position. Again if Carimi was ready when being drafted the lineup could look like this:Carimi, Charlie Johnson, Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollack/Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem
To read the full article, go to draftbreakdown.
2. Tyron Smith
School: USC Height: 6'5" Weight: 307 lbs Class: Junior
Most have Tyron Smith at the top of this list, but for some reason I don't see this guy being a Colt. Whether it is because he is an underclassmen, or what, he does doesn't seem to fit our mold. Don't get me wrong, he is a skillful player. Smith has long arms, which helps him in pass blocking. Smith is a talented athlete who has the chance to excel as a run blocker and can get to the second level pretty quickly. He is quick on his feet, and shows natural athleticism. Smith is a great prospect, but he is younger (compare to Carimi's 5 years of experience, Smith has 3). We are the type of team that wants to win now. If Smith were ready and inserted in the starting lineup right away he would most likely push CJ inside, and the lineup upfront would look something like:
Smith, Charlie Johnson, Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollack/Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem
Read the source for this article.
1. Anthony Castonzo
School: Boston College Height: 6'7" Weight: 311 Class: Senior
Castonzo is a pretty high draft choice on a lot of boards. He is a senior, and is a top 20 overall pick on the big board. His best possible attribute could be his pass blocking. He is quick off the snap, and has good lateral movement. Castonzo lacks the power in his frame to be a drive blocker, and combined with his athleticism it is apparent that his talents may be best suited for a zone blocking scheme. He is once again an experienced player, as a senior, and one that the Colts would be looking for if he fell to them in the NFL draft. He is a good pass blocker, which is something we tend to look for when drafting a player. Once again, if you haven't figured out the pattern, this is what it may look like if Castonzo is drafted and inserted into the Colts starting lineup.Castonzo, Charlie Johnson, Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollack/Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem
The original source.
I'm not sure if the Colts will even have the option to draft Smith or Castonzo, they could be gone by 22nd overall pick. I would love to see the Colts select Carimi or Sherrod. Both are solid pass blockers, which is essential to protecting the franchise, but I also like both of their ability to get out and run the stretch. I think Castonzo would be a solid fit, I'm just not sure if we will see him at 22.
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