Two-Headed Monster – Colts 2020 Draft Analysis
It’s been a while, but I haven’t been excited for a season of football for a long time. Maybe it’s the lack of any kind of sports due to COVID-19 (I even watched Day 3 of the NFL Draft), but it’s more likely the recent additions from the Indianapolis Colts, especially Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin.
2020 NFL Draft
» 2nd round, 2nd pick (34th overall; from Redskins):
Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver, Southern California
» 2nd round, 9th pick (41st overall; from Browns):
Jonathan Taylor, running back, Wisconsin
» 3rd round, 21st pick (85th overall; from Lions via Eagles):
Julian Blackmon, safety, Utah
» 4th round, 16th pick (122nd overall):
Jacob Eason, quarterback, Washington
» 5th round, 3rd pick (149th overall; from Lions):
Danny Pinter, offensive lineman, Ball State
» 6th round, 14th pick (193rd overall):
Rob Windsor, defensive tackle, Penn State
» 6th round, 32nd pick (211th overall, from Jets via Chiefs):
Isaiah Rodgers, cornerback, UMass
» 6th round, 33rd pick (212th overall, from Patriots):
Dezmon Patmon, wide receiver, Washington State
» 6th round, 34th pick (213th overall, from Patriots):
Jordan Glasgow, linebacker, Michigan
I’ll be honest; I don’t watch a lot of college football, so I’ve only heard about players from friends and through reading articles on the internet, but as the draft approached, I began to watch film on a lot of potential Colts’ targets. I was a huge fan of players like Denzel Mims and Jordan Love, but Michael Pittman Jr. was also on the list.
We already had a great start to the draft with DeForest Buckner coming from the NFC Champions San Francisco 49ers. He will definitely wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. He’s arguably the second best interior lineman in the NFL, only behind Aaron Donald.
There was also a slim chance we would come out of this draft without a wide receiver with this 2020 class so deep at the position. The only question was who we would take. We haven’t drafted a wide receiver with similar traits to Pittman Jr. in a long time, but most Colts fans are excited about him lining opposite our star WR T.Y. Hilton. Scouts have compared him to Vincent Jackson, and if Pittman Jr.’s productivity comes close to Jackson, then we found a star. Our new QB Phillip Rivers needs a big target to throw to (ala Mike Williams) in the red zone and we found one. Here’s to him having a long and healthy career.
We took a gamble with Julian Blackmon in the 3rd round. He had injury concerns, which was why he dropped into the 3rd round, but the kid is a playmaker. You can line him up as a safety, a cornerback, or even a sub LB on Dime packages. With Geathers probably no longer with the team, he will be a great backup everywhere on the field. Our 4th round pick Jacob Eason was not too surprising. We wanted a QB to develop and learn from Rivers, but guys like Justin Herbert and Jordan Love were shooting up the draft boards, so I’m glad they decided to wait. Eason has a big arm and can show accuracy with pinpointing the ball, but he is inconsistent. Let’s hope he can sit and learn behind one of the most underrated QBs of our time for a year or two and then eventually take the reigns. The rest of the picks aside from the second second round-pick were good picks that improved on our depth. It would be great to never see them play, as that would mean our offensive and defensive line stay healthy.
The surprise came with our second pick of the draft. In typical Chris Ballard fashion, we traded the pick. Except we traded up this time. There were rumors that the Jacksonville Jaguars coveted Jonathan Taylor, and with Leonard Fournette with one foot out the door, they were looking at the RB position. We traded up to the Cleveland Browns and snagged him. To be honest, an RB was not on my radar at all, as we’ve had decent production from our RB corp with Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins (2nd in YPC last season). and Jonathan Williams (who is now a free agent but had a productive few games; even helped me out in fantasy leagues). However, now I see the logic behind it.
In drafting Jonathan Taylor, we now have a two-headed monster at the position. We were top 10 in our offensive line rankings across the board last season, and we aim to be even better this season. With a league so focused on stopping the pass, it’s a great time to have two RBs on the same team have 1k yards in a season. We can look at last years’ Super Bowl winners, the Kansas City Chiefs. They have arguably the best QB in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes, but when it came down to it, they went with their rushing plays, with Damien Williams going over 100 yards. The Colts in the regular season with Jacoby Brissett dominated the Kansas City Chiefs by running over 40 times. Passing is great, but when you have talent at the RB position, you must utilize it.
Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor really complement each other. While there have been some questions with Mack being a workhorse, Jonathan Taylor’s resume speaks for itself. He is the fastest to 6,000 yards ever and is the 4th all time NCAA rusher. Imagine him with Jacoby Brissett. Now imagine him with Phillip Rivers and a threat to throw. No more stacked boxes, and more available cutback lanes.
Marlon Mack loves to cut the ball outside and Jonathan Taylor (JT) loves kicking it back inside. They’ll keep each other fresh and ready to attack. And speaking of attacking and getting more yards after contact, Taylor loves contact. Just check out the stats:
Jonathan Taylor Yards After Contact (YAC)
2017: 1,355 (1st)
2018: 1,309 (2nd)
2019: 1,257 (2nd)
There have been concerns that Taylor isn’t great in the passing game and doesn’t take care of the ball. To quiet all the fumble concerns, you have to account for JT’s usage in Wisconsin. He ran the ball a LOT, and most into stacked boxes:
2017: 299 rushing attempts, 8 fumbles (2.7% rate)
2018: 307 rushing attempts, 4 fumbles (1.3% rate)
2019: 320 rushing attempts, 6 fumbles (1.9% rate)
Most of these fumbles occurred in his freshman year, so the stats definitely show he has made an effort to take care of the ball. In terms of his pass-catching, he wasn’t relied upon to catch the ball often, but he showed improvement his last season.
Jonathan Taylor is a home run hitter and can take any carry to the house. He reminds me of Adrian Peterson, and I have faith he can be as productive as he is. Coincidentally, he is going to don the #28 as well. JT’s ball carrier vision is amazing even if he doesn’t have the quickest juke or spin moves as a Saquon Barkley or a Christian McCaffrey. In the words of Jason ‘Jet’ Terry, he will “penetrate (past) the bigs, get deep (to the second and third level), suck the D in”, and additionally create contact while falling forward and gaining additional yards. He is a great fit for our team that values hardwork and determination, and I just can’t wait to see him on the field for the Indianapolis Colts this upcoming season.
Tate the Brown Ogletree Down!
No, I am not trying to advocate the chopping of trees through poor spelling and random words that do not exist. The title refers to three of the many who have surprised us in the first 3 weeks of the young NFL season: Ben Tate, Andre Brown, and Kevin Ogletree.
Week 1: Kevin Ogletree – 8 rec, 114 yds, 2 TDs
Week 2: Ben Tate – 12 rush attempts, 74 yds, 2 TDs, 4 rec, 23 yds
Week 3: Andre Brown – 20 rush attempts, 113 yds, 2 TDs
And these are just a few of the surprises. Guys like Andre Morris and Dexter McCluster have shined, not to mention C.J. Spiller, who took over as starting halfback for the Buffalo Bills after Fred Jackson went down with an injury. He has put up a monster yards per carry average the past two weeks.
Many unexpected things occur in football due to injuries, weather, and hot or cold streaks. Sometimes, the coach just goes with his gut and plays the 3rd string running back 70% of the game. This leads to unexpected occurrences in the world of fantasy football and frustration for fantasy players. However, there are usually consistent and reliable performers that are always on top of their game. Others are one-week wonders. Fantasy owners like to “stream” these players and utilize the “waiver wire”. However, it is usually a gamble because those players will most likely fall back down to earth after a week or two; they cannot be trusted as a long-term option. If you put your money on them, you will most likely be watching the killcam all day. Go with the players who are usually beastin’ and you will do well throughout the season.
It is the start of Week 3 of the regular season already, and most “experts” have predicted their top players for the season, so I will release my predictions for the top fantasy players by position as I consider myself one of these “experts” (I have placed 3rd or higher every year since 2005 in Yahoo! Fantasy Football).
QB:
- Aaron Rodgers
- Tom Brady
- Matt Ryan
- Matthew Stafford
- Drew Brees
- Peyton Manning
- Tony Romo
- Eli Manning
- Michael Vick
- Jay Cutler
RB:
- Ray Rice
- LeSean McCoy
- Reggie Bush
- Arian Foster
- Adrian Peterson
- Maurice Jones-Drew
- Darren McFadden
- DeMarco Murray
- Steven Jackson
- Chris Johnson (Yes, I still believe in him)
WR:
- Calvin Johnson
- Julio Jones
- Brandon Marshall
- Andre Johnson
- Steve Smith
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Roddy White
- Victor Cruz
- Percy Harvin
- Demarius Thomas
TE:
- Jimmy Graham
- Rob Gronkowski
- Vernon Davis
- Antonio Gates
- Jason Witten
- Tony Gonzalez
- Jermichael Finley
- Aaron Hernandez
- Brandon Pettigrew
- Daniel Pitta
DEF: NY Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals.
K: Sebastian Janikowski, others
Linebackers in IDP leagues: Harrison, Woodley, David Harris, Beason, Ware, Mathis, Willis, D’Quell Jackson, Mayo, Urlacher, Laurenitis, Fletcher, Clay Matthews, Cushing, Hawthorne, Woodyard
Defensive backs in IDP leagues: Patrick Peterson, LaDarius Webb, Yeremiah Bell, Antoine Bethea, Laron Landry, Vontae Davis, Eric Weddle, Dontae Whitner, Jeraud Powers, Adrian Wilson, Nick Collins, Dunta Robinson
My bold prediction: Reggie Bush will end up a top 5 running back in points this season.
Faith in humanity restored
As you may all know, on Thursday night during “The Dark Knight Rises” midnight screening, gunfire erupted inside a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. This massacre took away 12 young souls and injured 58 more, earning the title as one of the bloodiest massacres of all time in the United States. As there are still victims lying in the hospital recuperating from their injuries, a QB we all have come to love shows why we should give greater reason to appreciate him. In the aftermath of the shootings, newcomer Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning has personally called victims of this horrific shooting to lighten their spirits up. This is a class act that most will not find in others and I’m glad it was Peyton who has done this. Peyton did not do this for the sole reason of attention, but did it because he has a very big heart. It’s athlete’s like him that we all come to appreciate. Too all athletes out there, this is what the perfect role model should be. Peyton is certainly living up to his name, being what a man should be. Peyton, you are a great man and because of this Faith in Humanity has once again been restored. Kudos to you, and all other athletes that care. This is why we love sports.
NFL=National Felony League
Maybe the title could be a bit misleading. Most NFL players that find themselves in trouble with the law end up with misdemeanors instead. I’m sure you guys understand what I’m trying to say. However, this simply doesn’t imply that their actions were not as bad as reported. Within this month alone, several NFL players have gotten themselves thrown behind bars. What’s worse is that a good number of them are marketable players. A few of them are those you’d never expect to get in trouble with the law. The list includes: Viking RB Adrian Peterson, Titans WR Kenny Britt, Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch, Cowboys WR Dez Bryant, just to name a few.
My main problem is this: NFL seems to be the only league that constantly checks players into prison. Even a good-hearted player like Adrian Peterson (I’m sure he is one hell of a guy and happened to make a simple mistake: resisting an officer) can find himself behind bars. What doesn’t make sense is that some of these players involved with law enforcement were injured and somehow out partying. With this kind of lifestyle, trouble will always find its way to bite you in the ass.
We can certainly look no further than Plaxico Burress, the guy who single-handedly destroyed the New York Giants chance of repeating as Super Bowl Champions by shooting himself in the leg. Odd thing was, he had a severe ankle injury and was not going to play for the next few games (unless he lied to Tom Coughlin and his medical staff). Who in there right mind goes partying while nursing an injury?? First, you’d be unable to dance, and second, once you’re drunk you’re probably more at risk of turning a mild injury into a more severe one. Third, one may also get caught up in trouble just like Adam Pacman Jones and Tony Parker (during that Drake-Chris Brown brawl Parker almost lost his vision by being hit in the eye with a bottle). Take note that Iman Shumpert was also there, luckily he wasn’t injured during this brawl. Then again he shouldn’t go clubbing on a torn MCL. Worst-case scenario for these guys is losing their job or costing them their life *looking at you Burress*
The crimes committed by Peterson, and Lynch (D.U.I) is considered tame to Britt and Bryant. Britt, one of the more explosive WR’s whenever he decides to play, has a ridiculously long rap sheet since entering the NFL in 2009. Since his rookie year, he has been arrested 8 times, with several being labeled as felonies (i.e Evading police). Just a couple of days ago, he got another D.U.I. Apparently, they don’t realize that one can afford car service, or a taxi ride home. Use your heads! We’re college students who party and never drink and drive. Some players seriously never learn. Honestly if I was the in the GM or owner’s spot, I would sever ties with him or suspend him, just to give him a heavy dose of reality. Bryant, another young and explosive WR, has significant immaturity issues to the point that as a 23 yr old, he couldn’t even take criticism from his mother. Instead of agreeing to a truce in a non-violent way, he reverts to assaulting his mother.
More than a handful of players have gotten in trouble within this past decade, notably being Adam “Pacman” Jones (way too many to mention), Tank Johnson (illegal firearms), Chris Henry (few misdemeanors, unfortunately after a fight at home, he was involved in an accident. R.I.P) and Ray Lewis (alleged accomplice to a murder). It has become an alarming trend and it seriously needs to stop, before their stupidity kills someone else innocent (i.e Donte Stallworth). The NFL needs to hand these players hefty fines and suspensions, but it certainly should not be everyone. The “not everyone” certainly refers to first-timers, but it’s only to give them time to learn and recuperate from mistakes; a warning will certainly suffice in this situation. Players, however, like Britt should be punished harshly. 8 arrests in 3 years is alarming and is beyond absurd. It’s almost unheard of, wouldn’t even be surprised if it was a world record. He’s lucky that he’s an NFL player, or he would be in an orange jumpsuit sitting behind bars waiting for his sentencing to end.
Less trouble only means for an even more popular NFL. Goddell, maybe you should focus on fixing these issues instead of trying to turn the game into pure offense. Injuries are inevitable and can’t be avoided (unless it occurred on a ridiculously cheap hit). It’s another issue that I have, but that will be for another day. NFL, should only be known for National Football League, not for anything else that may give it negative connotations. Hopefully players learn from their mistakes and progress into becoming better men. Until then, well, we’ll just deal with what we have. Maybe it would be another showing of “The Replacements”. Wouldn’t be good football, but any football is better than none.
Britt’s probably more familiar with this routine, taking mugshots, than learning and running his routes properly.
-Terrence
Just A Little Bit of Luck
A new era in Indianapolis has begun. Out the door has gone Peyton Manning and in has walked the 22-year old quarterback from Stanford, Andrew Luck. There is a lot riding on the shoulders of the #1 overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. After a dismal season where the Colts went 2-14 under Curtis “Goldilocks” Painter and Dan Orlovsky, expectations are high, mainly because we Colts fans are not accustomed to losing. In fact if you don’t count this past season, we have not had a losing year since 2001. However, with an entirely new front office, coaching staff, defensive scheme, and a new group of players, these young Colts will most likely feel a few bumps on the road. They are now ready to learn and mature together.
#1 overall pick Andrew Luck
We are very lucky to have had the opportunity to select Andrew Luck, no pun intended. In most cases, when a franchise quarterback leaves a team, especially one who can be considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, QB of all time, everything falls apart and that team falls into mediocrity for years, possibly decades. Andrew Luck hasn’t even played a game in the NFL yet and we won’t know if he will be a superstar, an average QB, or a bust, but many have compared him to none other than Peyton Manning. I believe he will succeed as well. Luck has the determination, work ethic, and smarts to become a great QB in the NFL.
Andrew Luck is not the only new face on the team this year however. A tandem I’m very excited about is the Coby Fleener-Dwayne Allen duo at the tight end position. Some have compared Fleener to Jimmy Graham and Allen to Antonio Gates. I believe this duo in two years will be better than the Gronkowski-Hernandez combo over at New England. I am also excited about the new offensive line. The signing of Steele and Justice will definitely shore up the offensive line. Now, maybe RBs Donald Brown, Delone Carter, and Vick Ballard will have some room to breathe after being handed the ball.
The receiving corps looks promising. Sure-handed receivers Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie return. Newcomers include T.Y. Hilton, Donnie Avery, and LaVon Brazill.
As for the defensive side, the switch to the new 3-4 defense is interesting. That means Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will be standing up for the first time ever. They will also have a huge defensive tackle in the middle. In past years, the Colts have used small and quick linebackers and ends. The Colts’ mindset has changed now and is going for bigger and stronger guys to occupy the defensive positions. Josh Chapman, Antonio Johnson, Chigbo Anunoby, and Brandon McKinney are among the ones fighting for that DT spot. The ends will consist of Moala, Nevis, and Cory Redding.
We also still have Pat Angerer racking up the tackles at the linebacker spot. New additions include DE/LB Tim Fugger through the draft and signed undrafted free agent ILB Larry Lumpkin to a contract. Tell me we don’t have the most awesome names for players. A writer at Stampede Blue has dubbed Tim Fugger’s special move “The Fugger Upper”.
The cornerback position is still a glaring hole however. Maybe that’s why we have 6 corners in training camp fighting for starting spots right now. The durable Antoine Bethea and the signing of Tom Zbikowski at safety should help cover up some of the mistakes by these young cornerbacks throughout the regular season.
As for kickers, Adam Vinatieri is still here. The drunken idiot Pat McAfee is still our punter. He’s got a booming leg though, so I’m not going to hate. At least we didn’t draft a punter in the third round like the Jacksonville Jaguars did.
In a nutshell:
- Ryan Grigson is the new GM and Chuck Pagano is the new head coach.
- Indianapolis Colts will be switching from a base 4-3 defense to a 3-4.
- Andrew Luck is the new face of the franchise.
- Reggie Wayne will once again become a dependable fantasy player this season.
- Players who will most likely contribute to your fantasy team: Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Coby Fleener. And if defense is counted in your league: Pat Angerer and Antoine Bethea
- Sleeper picks: Donald Brown, Delone Carter (if he takes over the starting job), Andrew Luck (may be a decent substitute for your bye week)
I am very excited for the preseason to see what the Colts will bring to the table. To quote Jets linebacker Bart Scott, I just “can’t wait”. As for predicting their success for the 2012-2013 NFL season, I see a 5-win year and another top 5 selection in next year’s draft. With some luck (pun intended), we may win 6 or 7 games. There is still a lot to be learned, but I see a very bright future. For now, I will just sit back and enjoy my green tea latte while reading up on some Dwight Howard trade rumors.
-Richard
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Richard
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