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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Indianapolis Colts "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
 (1-27) Donald Brown, RB (UConn): There’s no doubt that the Colts thrived with their running back by committee set-up a couple of years ago, riding them to a Super Bowl Championship. With running back Dominic Rhodes departing for a second time, Indianapolis has pegged Brown as the heir apparent. Don’t be surprised if Brown actually emerges ahead of Joseph Addai once he gets onto the football field and shows the world how talented he is. A great value late in the in the first round, Brown will emerge as a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
(2-56) Fili Moala, DT (USC): The former Trojan is a one-gap lineman who plays with good leverage and lateral agility against the run. He also has more upside in terms of being a penetrating playmaker than his college numbers might indicate. Projected as a first-round pick heading into the 2008 season, the Colts snagged a talented player who slid a little too far. This pick added some much-needed size to Indianapolis’ defensive front line. (Pick From Miami)
(3-92) Jerraud Powers, CB (Auburn): Powers is a bit undersized but doesn’t play like it. Instead, he has displayed consistent physicality and aggression. He also has great ball skills, awareness, and better than average athleticism. All this and his sound technique allow him to play well in the secondary, and his cover skills will be an asset to the defense.
(4-127) Austin Collie, WR (BYU): Collie isn’t the fastest or most explosive receiver, but is a good route runner and has nice ball skills. He will fight for a catch and isn’t afraid to work in traffic or across the middle. While he will probably be productive, we don’t expect him to explode out of the gate. If he adjusts well to the NFL, he could push current No. 2 Anthony Gonzalez but he’s more likely best suited as a very productive No. 3 wide out.
 (4-136) Terrance Taylor, DT (Michigan): Taylor is a strong run stuffer who shows toughness and a nasty disposition. Unfortunately, Taylor is also a tad inconsistent, isn’t the best pass rusher, and gets caught up by blocks. A bit of a project, Taylor beefs up the middle of the field but the jury is out as to whether he will develop into a full-time tackle or be able to produce against the pass as well as the run. He is a nice complement to Moala. (Compensatory Pick)
(6-201) Curtis Painter, QB (Purdue): While the former Boilermaker has a lot of experience, a good arm and timing, he’s as much a project as virtually anyone else in this class. However, perhaps All-World Peyton Manning can help the rookie work on his accuracy, decision-making, and general development. Colts President Bill Polian liked him enough to watch him twice this last year, so he’s at least secure in a No. 3 spot this year. The Colts got excellent value here with very good upside. This will be a nice spot for the Purdue product to learn the pro game.
(7-222) Pat McAfee, K (West Virginia): McAfee should find the opportunity to win a starting gig very quickly. He possesses a powerful leg and was an accurate kicker for the Mountaineers. (Pick From New Orleans via Philadelphia)
(7-236) Jaimie Thomas, OT (Maryland): Likely to translate as a guard in the NFL, Thomas has good first-step quickness, is aggressive, and can pass protect as well as block as the play moves downfield. He does have problems with blitzes and can struggle blocking in the open field, but he was a good value pick.
Team Needs: DT, WR, RB, OLB, MLB, CB
Needs Filled: Four of six
Bible’s Take: A very solid draft. The Colts once again drafted as much for value as need. They gained some weight along the defensive line, which should help against the run. Collie could develop into a very solid wide receiver and Painter is a nice developmental quarterback who could take over backup duties for Manning. Even their bigger projects—Powers, Taylor and Thomas—have good value for where they were picked and there’s a lot of upside with Donald Brown, the cream of Polian’s latest crop. Except for the failure to address the linebacker position, they did well for themselves.
Grade: B+
Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information, College Press Box, Steve Slade/UConn Division of Athletics
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