The Colts used their quintet of selections to strengthen their depth and versatility. in 2014 along the offensive and defensive fronts.
I like the pick of OLB Jack Mewhort at pick #59 in round 3 because he can play all four tackle and guard positions. He has the potential to do so he did that in college. He also played on the undefeated Ohio State team last season. His natural position is supposedly RT, so he might be a key role player in the preseason if the Colts audition any journeyman southpaw signalcallers. However, can he work hard on every play and drive defensive players off the line? He had trouble in college with consistent effort. He was only beaten out by five offensive linemen in the 40, so he is not a burner. He's going to have trouble with the faster pro tempo.
The pick fits the Colts because of his versatility, but nothing else really stands out. He says he'll figure things out as he goes along, but can the Colts be that patient? Grade: B-
The 4.4 40 time of Mississippi's WR Donte Moncrief and his 11 foot broad jump that topped the Combine charts make this 90th draft pick a steal for the Colts. Perhaps T.Y. Hilton exceeded Moncrief's 39.5 inch vertical when he heard the 6" 1' target was chosen. Moncreif has game-breaking speed and should provide some protection for Hilton, who was a little banged-up after he had to be the Colts' top target because after the season-ending injury to Reggie Wayne during the Denver game. Wayne should help the newest Colts stallion refine his route running. Like Wayne and Hilton, he runs well in the open field, 13 of his TDs came from 20 yards or more. I think the Colts drafted a starter opposite Wayne or Hilton.
This is the Colts' best receiver selection since Reggie Wayne. Grade: A
The Colts selected Ball State DE Jonathan Newsome with their 5th rounder selection. Newsome said that he had good chemistry with Colts scouts and he wanted to be drafted by them. Like Robert Mathis, he has good speed off the edge, but he lacks strength. But, the Cardinals did run a lot of 3-4 and Newsome responded well enough at outside linebacker to garner 16.5 sacks and 116 tackles, so he might be a step ahead in training camp. Newsome is a Ohio State transfer and the first Ball State player ever to be chosen by the Colts at the 166th pick.
Nothing really jumps out here about this second-time All-MAC selection. If he is placed in the right scheme defensively, he might surprise people. But, will he stand out enough to get playing time with the Colts? He'll have to have a stellar camp early to make an impact in 2014. Grade: C
LB Andrew Jackson has the potential to anchor the 3-4 defensive line if he adds a few pounds to his 299-pound frame. He has good instincts and he showed a knack at Western Kentucky for bring down the runners. He earned his selection as the 203rd pick by becoming the 10th Hilltopper to collect at least 300 total tackles. But, can he bulk up enough to succeed in the NFL? I'm uncertain. A preseason cut perhaps because he does not have an NFL body. Grade: C-
T Ulrick John, out of Georgia State is a 6-foot-6 mystery tackle. Not really sure what he would bring to a team because of a lack of game film. But, he was All-Conference in the Sun Belt. Likely a taxi squad member. Seems like a reach, even this late. Colts could have had SEC defensive end Michael Sam, which would have been a steal this late for them. The Colts didn't need another offensive lineman. I think they needed to take Sam. Grade: D