2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Players on the Indianapolis Colts Wish List
There are certain players some teams just love: They are ecstatic if that player falls to them or love them so much they trade up to select them.
We all know the draft is a difficult process—There seem to be just as many first-round busts as there are Pro-Bowlers, so finding the right players is essential.
Colts President Bill Polian once said he "Gets amnesia on the ones (draft picks) I missed." (Washington Post)
Here is a list of the 10 can't miss players for the Colts to target come draft day.
1. Colorado OT Nate Solder
1 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: Bill Polian spoke of fixing the offensive line two years ago after the Colts Super Bowl loss. Offensive line is an area of need for Indianapolis, and Solder is at the top of their wish list.
Scouting Report: He fits the Colts system as well: He is a smart, instinctive player who was a three-year starter for the Buffaloes. He also has the ideal frame (6'8, 315 lbs.) for a left tackle.
He is extremely quick for his size, with good lateral movement. He understands angles and leverage.
However, he is still unpolished at run blocking and can be overpowered by more physical pass rushers.
Prediction: Solder is the number one tackle according to several scouts, so the Colts would be thrilled to have him at pick No. 22.
2. Alabama WR Julio Jones
2 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: Reggie Wayne is getting older at age 32, Austin Collie has injury concerns after coming off multiple concussions, and Pierre Garcon's hands are spotty (at best).
There are many reasons for the Colts to consider receiver in this draft. You can never give Peyton Manning enough weapons.
Scouting Report: While a great combine workout had some scouts anointing Jones as a top 10 pick, there are still questions as to whether he is fully healthy coming off of surgery for a broken foot.
For the first time since 2003, the Colts have a pick in the mid-20's or above. The last time they had a pick this high, Pro Bowl TE Dallas Clark was the selection.
Prediction: It would take some good luck for Jones to fall to the Colts at pick 22.
But stranger things have happened, and if still around, the Colts need for an offensive lineman could be overruled by the temptation to draft a receiver as talented as Jones.
3. Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi
3 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: I have had the Colts taking Carimi in previous mock drafts, and he would again make sense for their first-round selection because of their need for offensive lineman.
Scouting Report: He is very similar to Solder, both in size and in physical tools.
At 6'7" 330 pounds, he has the size and strength to hold off large defensive lineman, but also has the quick feet needed to stop quicker pass rushers from running around him.
Carimi was also a four-year starter for the Badgers. With his high intelligence and great instincts, he should instantly be able to step into the Colts starting lineup.
Prediction: He is a smart and logical pick for the Colts, and should still be available when they make their first-round pick.
.png?w=256)
4. West Virginia RB Noel Devine
4 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: Joseph Addai is a free agent, and Donald Brown is not the runner the Colts envisioned after using a first-round selection on him.
The RB position remains up in the air for the Colts. Some new blood could be added to try and stabilize the position.
Scouting Report: Devine's 4.3 speed would finally give the Colts a breakaway threat in the backfield. Addai's 46-yard scamper against the Redskins last season was his first career run over 30 yards.
Devine also improved his receiving numbers over his four-year career, up to 34 receptions his senior season.
Prediction: He likely won't be available in the later rounds, so if the Colts decide to go RB, he would be a great choice in the third round.
5. Oregon State DT Stephen Paea
5 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: Paea was one of the top DT's on many analysts big boards after a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, but knee surgery has left it questionable as to whether he will be fully healthy come draft day.
That surgery may be good news for the Colts, who now may be able to scoop him up in the second round (although many scouts still have him as a first-round talent).
Scouting Report: The Colts always seem to need help stopping the run (they surrendered 127 yards per game on the ground last season, eighth worst in the NFL), and Paea has the size (6'1", 303 lbs.) to help.
He also has immense strength, setting a combine record for reps on the bench press.
He faced double teams throughout college, so he's exactly the type of DT the Colts need: One who can occupy space and blockers in the middle and allow for the linebackers and safeties to come up and make plays.
Prediction: He could be a possibility in the first round, but if still available in the second, expect the Colts to take him.
6. Iowa S Tyler Sash
6 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: Bob Sanders is already gone, and Melvin Bullet is a free agent.
After a number of injuries in the secondary last season, the Colts would be well-served to add some depth at the position.
Scouting Report: Sash would be a great fit in the Colts Tampa Two defensive scheme because of his high intelligence and ability to diagnose plays.
He plays very well in zone coverage and plays excellent against the deep ball while still having enough makeup speed to make plays in the run game.
Prediction: Sash would be a great selection for the third or fourth round.
7. Boston College LB Mark Herzlich
7 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: The Colts could use help at either OLB position, and Herzlich could be an option in the second or third round.
Herzlich lost an entire season of football while fighting a rare form of bone cancer, but came back in 2010, putting together a great season.
Scouting Report: Herzlich is a very balanced player who is good in pass coverage, a rarity for college linebackers—over his last two seasons he has 10 interceptions. For that reason, he would fit in very well in the Colts defensive scheme, which requires its linebackers to play zone pass coverage.
His instincts and intelligence are also top notch. However, he can miss some tackles in open space, and obviously his durability is a concern.
His big personality would at least add some fire and attitude to a rather stoic Colts defense.
Prediction: Herzlich is a possibility for the Colts in the second or third round.
8. Citadel CB Cortez Allen
8 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: He's exactly the type of player the Colts need: A ballhawking corner who can jump routes and create turnovers.
The Colts certainly need help in that department. A year ago, they had only ten interception, second worst in the league.
Allen played in obscurity for The Citadel, but put up some pretty impressive stats.
Scouting Report: In an injury riddled senior season, Cortez played in only two games, but had interceptions in each of them (one returned for a touchdown). He had three interceptions the year before.
He also has above average height for a corner at 6'2, and can return kicks as well.
Prediction: He fits the Colts scheme and would be great value in round five or six.
9. LSU WR Terrence Toliver
9 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: Toliver is the type of receiver the Colts have never had in the Manning era. He could de used to add much needed depth to a Colts receiving core that was decimated by injuries last season.
Scouting Report: He is very tall at 6'5, big and physical. He has never lost a fumble during his collegiate career, and had three touchdown catches in LSU's Cotton Bowl victory.
Still, some concerns arise. Despite all his physical attributes, the most touchdowns he has had in a season is five.
With a body like his, you would expect him to be a better red zone receiver.
But some of that can be attributed to LSU's lack of quality QB play and run first offense.
Prediction: If Toliver is still around in the middle (third or fourth) rounds, the Colts should jump on him and give Manning a true possession receiver.
10. Alabama OG James Carpenter
10 of 10
Why He Fits With The Colts: The Colts interior offense line needs help as well, and Carpenter is one of the best guards in this class.
Starting RG Kyle Devan was in the AFL developmental league before joining the Colts, and while he is a smart, hard-working player, the talent is not there.
Similarily, LG Mike Pollack was a second round draft choice that has not lived up to expectations. The Colts would be wise to address the guard position.
Scouting Report: Carpenter was an All-American at community college before transferring to Alabama, where he blocked for Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram.
He has above average size (6'5", 300 lbs.) for a guard and moves very well for a player his size. He has the speed and athleticism to get to the second level and open lanes in the run game.
Prediction: He would be a great second round selection for the Colts.
.png?w=480)
