Team-by-Team Draft Recap: Indianapolis Colts

Brian Bulmer

moncrief

The Colts draft in 2014 seemed sparse after trading their first and fourth round picks away prior to the draft. If you recall, the Colts traded their first round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Trent Richardson. This is a trade that many deem to be a steal for the Browns based on the level of production from Richardson in 2013. The Browns also acquired the Colts fourth round pick in 2013. During the 2013 NFL Draft the Colts traded their 2014 fourth rounder for the Cleveland Browns fifth round pick in order to select defensive tackle Montori Hughes with pick #139. Early signs point to both of these deals being unusually bad moves by 2013 Executive of the Year and GM Ryan Grigson.

Grigson had several holes to fill in the off-season this year, including improving the offensive and defensive lines as well as replacing 2-time Pro Bowl safety Antoine Bethea. Let’s take a look at the Colts selections and see how each addition could potentially affect your fantasy teams short and long term.

Jack Mewhort, OT (Round Two, Pick #59 Overall)

Jack Mewhort has was a freshman All-American and First team All American in his time at Ohio State. The gritty tough run blocker is a versatile lineman who can play guard and center. He brings some added depth and talent along the interior line that Indianapolis has not had in many years.

The second round selection by the Colts will add to the power running game that new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton tried to integrate into the Colts offense in 2013. Mewhort should open some holes for running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Richardson. Don’t forget about Bradshaw as T-Rich averaged just 3.0 yards per carry in 2013, while Bradshaw averaged 4.5 yards per tote. The addition of Mewhort should allow for more running room and less hits behind the line of scrimmage.

Mewhort is known more for his grit and footwork. He will beat most defensive lineman with his leverage and technique. The Colts have been looking for some needed help along the offensive line during the Ryan Grigson era. Hopefully the addition of Mewhort adds to the power running game by opening up running lanes and to the passing attack by running a more balanced offense.

Donte Moncrief, WR (Round Three, Pick #90 Overall)

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Donte Moncrief appears to be the only dynasty gem on the Colts worth drafting this season. The third round selection by the Horseshoes has the size and speed combination of an elite wide receiver. Moncrief’s athleticism allowed him to win two long jump state championships in high school. His athleticism also allowed him to “blow up” the combine with a 4.40 forty-yard dash, 39.5” vertical jump and 132″ broad jump – he finished in the top five in all categories at the combine. Combine that with a 6’2”, 220 lb. frame and he could be a potential nightmare for cornerbacks in the NFL if he can develop into a complete wide receiver.

In his time at Ole Miss as a true freshman, he lead the Rebels in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. He caught 50+ receptions and 900+ yards the last two seasons. Moncrief left Mississippi State ranked third in receiving yards. Moncrief is also a great dynasty target due to his age. He will not turn 21 until the start of the 2014 regular season.

Aside from his elite athleticism Moncrief has several other desirable strengths. He is a smooth accelerator who can stretch the field with his speed. He can also win in the vertical game with his outstanding leaping ability. He uses his size well in the run blocking game and does well sealing defenders. His experience against SEC (NFL caliber) cornerbacks also gives him an edge heading into the NFL. Lastly, and one of the most desirable strengths in my opinion, he gets to learn from Reggie Wayne and play with one of the best young quarterbacks in the game in Andrew Luck.

The Ole Miss product is still young and relatively raw. His 1-2 round grade was based on his elite athleticism, but also his potential upside. He is still a raw route runner, although they did learn a significant amount of the route tree at Ole Miss. He does not have real strong hands and sometimes traps balls rather than being a hands catcher. His biggest knock seems to be that he does not use his frame to his advantage. He often loses out on 50-50 balls because he does not use his size to help him shield defenders.

Moncrief may have to wait his turn to play in 2014. He’s currently listed as fifth on the depth chart behind Wayne, Hakeem Nicks, T.Y. Hilton, and Da’Rick Rogers. Based on current contract situations, Nicks is playing on a one year “prove it” deal. Reggie Wayne will be 36 this season and will be in the last year of his current contract. Da’Rick Rogers will also be a free agent in 2015. Based on current contracts, the only two wide receivers signed beyond this season are T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief. That is enough to get fantasy owners excited about the future.

Best of the Rest

In the fifth round the Colts selected Jonathan Newsome with the 166th overall pick. Newsome has upside as an edge rusher but comes with character issues. He is in the mold of Robert Mathis and is likely to play more outside linebacker than defensive end in the Colts defense. He started as a linebacker at Ohio State and was dismissed for grades. He was also charged with marijuana possession at Ball St. and missed two games. In the sixth round, the Colts added inside linebacker Andrew Jackson. Jackson’s stock also took a hit coming into the draft due to character issues in the past. He is a strong physical inside backer for the 3-4 defense. In round seven, the Colts added depth to the offensive line with Ulrick John out of Georgia St. He is a developmental prospect on the offensive line that will add needed depth, but has a lot of work to do to break into the starting lineup.

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