Bruce Paine has given me another homework assignment and hopefully I have delivered. I was to give him the names of a few players the Indianapolis Colts might look at drafting in the 2008 NFL Draft.
I have compiled a few names at six different positions for people to keep an eye on this season. All the players are seniors, since I am not sure of which underclassmen are going to declare and which are not. Here we go.
Quarterback - We are in need of a consistent, backup option in the event of the unspeakable happening.
· Dennis Dixon - Oregon (6'3, 195 lbs, 4.60) - Strong armed kid playing in obscurity (to most of the nation). Would be a great backup to Manning and also played professional baseball this summer.
· Omar Haugabook - Troy State (6'2, 225, 4.65) - Another strong, athletic kid that would be an immediate upgrade to Jim Sorgi and Josh Betts.
· Kevin O'Connell - San Diego State (6'5, 223, 4.95) - Was injured for a stretch of six games last year and the offense never really picked up, but with a strong senior campaign, he can be a solid late round backup option.
Running Back - A backup running back is needed to help spell Joseph Addai.
· Dantrell Savage - Oklahoma State (5'9, 195, 4.43) - Could be a nice change of pace back. Will be around in the third round if the big name underclassmen declare for the draft as expected.
· Amir Pinnix - Minnesota (5'10, 204, 4.60) - Used to splitting carries in the Golden Gopher offense. Able to come into game fresh and ready to go.
· Kregg Lumpkin - Georgia (5'11, 221, 4.64) - A load to handle and could be the Colts' goal-line scoring option.
· Jacob Hester - LSU (5'10, 228, 4.64) - Hester is a dangerous receiving threat out of the backfield and could also be a goal-line option.
Wide Receiver - A legitimate special team threat and a fourth receiver are needed.
· Eddie Royal - Virginia Tech (5'9, 181, 4.37) - Knows how to get into the open field and into the end zone in a hurry.
· Marcus Monk - Arkansas (6'5, 214, 4.55) - Could help open up the field in four WR sets and a safe backup option in case of a health emergency.
Guard - The line isn't getting any younger and could help mentor before they are gone.
· Jordan Grimes - Purdue (6'2, 325) - A solid lineman that adds size to the interior of the line.
· Will Arnold - LSU (6'3, 320) - Sticking with the beef on the interior of the line, Arnold competes against some of the strongest defensive players in college football in the SEC conference.
· Andrew Crummey - Maryland (6'4, 305) - Slightly lighter than the other two, but has a bigger frame to add more weight if needed. Has great hands and plays in the ACC.
Defensive Tackle - The need to add strength and talent is still a priority.
· Frank Okam - Texas (6'4, 325) - Would take a miracle for him to slide into the late second round.
· Sedrick Ellis - USC (6'1, 305) - Will probably be late first round to early second, so we not get to take a look at him.
· DeMario Pressley - NC State (6'4, 290) - Look for Tom O'Brien to use this young man as the defensive focal point for the Wolf Pack.
· Red Bryant - Texas A & M (6'4, 325) - Defensive line anchor for potential Big 12 champs.
· Busari (B.J.) Raji - Boston College (6'1, 341) - Takes up tons of space up front ala Warren Sapp.
Linebacker - This position is a revolving door of players.
· Xavier Adibi - Virginia Tech (6'1, 4.56, 219) - Could play himself into late first round with great senior year.
· Wesley Woodyard, Jr. - Kentucky (6'0, 214, 4.49) - Undersized, athletic, playmaker. Just what the Colts like.
· Ali Highsmith - LSU (6'0, 221, 4.55) - Aggressive, mean, and nasty. A three year starter for one of the top ranked defenses in the country.
There you go. College Football is right around the corner and I can't wait for it. I'm sure these are a few names that you are going to be hearing throughout the season.
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Adibi will play himself higher into the first than I think we will have a shot at, I was hoping you would mention Okam, hopefully the colts will ignore his bulk (where they prefer versatility) and look at his playmaking ability. Was hoping you would go with the homer pick in Bryant at wideout instead of Royal, but I understand how royal is productive in a higehr profile conference. still believe that bryant is an excellent return option and possibly the second coming of Twaan