| Jeff Risdon. 2nd May, 2007 - 6:13 pm
 The picks:
1st round, #32 overall--Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State
2nd round, #42--Tony Ugoh, T, Arkansas
3rd round, #95--Daymeion Hughes, CB, California
3rd round, #98--Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State
4th round, #131--Brannon Condren, S, Troy
4th round, #136--Clint Session, LB, Pittsburgh
5th round, #169--Roy Hall, WR, Ohio State
5th round, #173--Michael Coe, CB, Alabama State
7th round, #242--Keyunta Dawson, DE, Texas Tech
Best pick: Gonzalez
Worst pick: Session
Analysis:
The champs reloaded with a pretty good draft considering they held the last pick in each round. Gonzalez is a great fit in their offense and is ready right away to fill the gaping hole at #3 WR.
Ugoh has loads of potential and will get time to develop it, though I know a couple of scouts who see nothing but disappointment in him.
Hughes and Pitcock are both guys who fell from 1st round status last summer, but their limitations (for Hughes--speed and deep coverage; Pitcock--penetration and athleticism) are mitigated by the Colts scheme and what they’ll be asked to do.
Condren has the intelligence and hitting ability to replace Mike Doss, though he’s more likely to make his mark on special teams.
Hall and Coe are both intriguing picks who offer good size and play a physical style, something the Colts need, and Hall offers the ability to play H-back and is a great punt and kick blocker.
Dawson projects as an undersized DT, something they don’t need.
Grade: B-
Gonzalez and Hughes should both contribute at positions of need right away but won’t have to be perfect. Dealing next year’s 1st rounder for Ugoh is a gamble most teams wouldn’t make, and both 4th rounders graded no higher than 6th round talent. If Coe can adjust to playing with the big boys he’s a complete steal.
It’s hard to say that the Super Bowl champs have lots of holes to fill, but they’re still woefully undersized on the defensive front. They passed on several chances to upgrade the backup QB position, should the unthinkable happen to Peyton Manning. |
