Indianapolis Colts Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #22: Anthony Castonzo (OT Boston College)

Most people are giving this pick an A+ grade for Indianapolis, and while it was a very good pick, I'm just not as high on Castonzo as most people are. Indy did the smart, and predictable thing by drafting a tackle, as their pass protection and run blocking last year was horrid. But I have doubts as to whether Castonzo can really be a good left tackle in the league, he would do fine on the right side, but I expect Indy to use him on the left side, which concerns me. Nevertheless, they got a very highly regarded tackle prospect with great value here, so even though I don't love this prospect I give them a B+ grade.

Grade- B+

2nd Round, Pick #49: Ben Ijalana (Guard/Tackle Villanova)

Despite being from Villanova (Who knew they had a football program?) Nobody would have been surprised to have seen Ben Ijalana go in the late first round, so when he started to slip into the mid second, the Colts wasted to time in trading up to grab him. Ijalana played Left Tackle at Villanova, and while he has the ability to play tackle at the next level, he is pretty raw, and he will most likely be a Guard at the next level. Either way, he is a big, 6-4, 315 pound guy, with excellent athleticism and quick feet. Ijalana is a great prospect, a great value here at #49, and fills a huge need for the Colts at either Guard or Tackle, so this pick is as good as it gets.

Grade- A+

3rd Round, Pick #87: Drake Nevis (DT L.S.U)

Excellent, excellent job by the Colts filling their 2 biggest needs, and with great value at that. They were able to strengthen their offensive line with top prospects in the first 2 rounds, then they were able to steal a penetrating defensive tackle in the 3rd round. Nevis slipped a little bit because he isn't a fit in every defensive scheme, but he fits this one perfectly. Nevis is the ideal Cover 2, 3 Technique Defensive Tackle. He explodes out of his stance, is very quick, slippery and tough to block. He will be great as a 1 gap, penetrating tackle where he can rush up the field and create havoc.

Grade- A

4th Round, Pick #119: Delone Carter (RB Syracuse)

Joseph Addai is always injured, and Donald Brown hasn't been as consistent as you would like, so adding a solid, steady running back in the middle rounds makes a lot of sense. Delone Carter will never be a gamebreaker, but he can pick up at least 3-4 yards on every carry, is good in short yardage situations, and will be very effective in a rotation. He is a well rounded back who provides insurance and depth when injury strikes

Grade- A

6th Round, Pick #188: Chris L Rucker (CB Michigan State)

It's really hard to say that a guy picked in the 6th round is overrated, but I have seen a lot of Chris L Rucker, and I don't think he is good enough to warrant a spot on my practice squad. He was constantly in and out of trouble in college, and he is much more trouble than he's worth. As a player, he has good size, and is physical, but he gets routinely burned with bad footwork, and horrible football IQ. He has stiff hips, and can't run with many receivers. Indy had been doing a great job so far, but I think they missed the mark here with this one.

Grade- F