The Indianapolis Colts had a new head coach, and for a “elite” NFL team they seemed to have a lot of holes to fill. Star Running Back Joseph Addai had a down year, and the 2008 Colts running game ranked 31st in the league. This team also seemed to need another wide out since the once great Marvin Harrison had left in the off season, and there was a large disparity in talent between starters Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzales and the number three receivers on the roster.
However it seems most of this team’s need rested on the defensive side of the ball. Since their run defense had been very erratic they were looking for a massive DT to help the interior of their D line. They were also after an inside, or an outside LB, again to help their run defense.
With the 27th pick in the first round, the Colts decided to take RB Donald Brown out of UCONN. Brown was the third rated RB in the 2009 draft, and the Colts made him the second one selected. The Sporting News had him rated as the best receiving RB in this draft, and he seems like a player that fits well into the Colt offense.
Since Brown was brought into share the load with Addai, and through five games he has gained 30 yard per game and scored two TD’s we can give this pick an initial grade of an A-.
In the second round, the Colts traded up to get their big DT. Originally they were set to pick 61st in the second round, but they traded that pick to the Miami Dolphins along with a Fifth rounder (165th overall) to move up to 56th and take Fili Moala of USC.
Moala will play at some point in this season, but was the second highest ranked DT in the 2009 draft. Moala is quick, very quick given his size, and is able to chase down plays with relative ease. This is the exact kind of player this defense needed and we must give it an initial grade of A.
With that being said let us look at the grade for the Indianapolis Colts 2009 draft:
Round one- A-
Round two- A
Need- B
Talent- A
Average- A-
Now a more complete look at the Colts 2009 draft:
Round 1- 27th overall RB Donald Brown UCONN
Round 2- 56th overall DT Fili Moala USC
Round 3- 92nd overall CB Jerraud Powers Auburn
Round 4- 127th overall WR Austin Collie BYU
Round 4- 136th overall DT Terrance Taylor Michigan
Round 6- 201st overall QB Curtis Painter Purdue
Round 7- 222nd overall P/K Pat McAfee West Virginia
Round 7- 236th overall G Jaimie Thomas Maryland
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