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Indianapolis Colts Draft Review

Selections

Round 1 (27th overall): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Round 2 (56th overall): Fili Moala, DT, Southern Cal
Round 3 (92nd overall): Jerraud Powers, CB, Auburn
Round 4 (127th overall): Austin Collie, WR, Brigham Young
Round 4 (136th overall): Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
Round 6 (201st overall): Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
Round 7 (222nd overall): Pat McAfee, P, West Virginia
Round 7 (236th overall): Jamie Thomas, OT, Maryland

Best Pick

After the surprising choice of Donald Brown in the first round, the Colts needed to bounce back in the second with an elite defender to fill their needs. Luckily, they got it in former Trojan Fili Moala. Last year, the Colts were underwhelming at defensive tackle after the release of Ed Johnson. Moala is a pure plugger who can help make way for speedy defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. He should fit in perfectly.

Worst Pick

I hate to single out a guy for this pick who I am sure-no, positive-will have a formidable NFL career. At the same time, the selection of Donald Brown in the first round was a little puzzling. Starter and recent Pro Bowler Joseph Addai may fit better in a split-back system, but they already had a potential running mate on the roster in Mike Hart. Hart was very similar to Brown in college: an undersized workhorse with excellent stats. The pick could have been better spend on another player.

Day 2 Pick That Will Be On This Team in Five Years

It may seem like a bit of a cop-out to pick a punter, but I really like Pat McAfee's chances. He was an excellent player in West Virginia, and with Hunter Smith skipping town, he'll have an instant shot to succeed in Indy. I think he can fill that void, and collect his paycheque for years to come.

Starters

This year, Moala and McAfee are slated to start. I'd also count on Brown to make a solid contribution in a split-back system with Addai. As well, Austin Collie could snatch a few balls as a slot receiver, and Jerraud Powers could get time in nickel and dime defences.

Player not drafted by the Colts that will come back to haunt them

In the first round, they had the opportunity to pick a fierce leader for their defence, with proven experience, excellent measurables, and an unrivalled attitude. However, instead of selecting Rey Maualuga, they drafted Donald Brown, projected to be a part-time runner.

Grade

As puzzling as the Donald Brown pick was, he is still an excellent player who can produce. They made a nice recovery with the Moala selection in the second, but none of their other selections were particularly spectacular. The Pat McAfee selection, however, gives them a B-.

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