Here is a quick look back at who the Colts took in last year’s draft. We aren’t handing letter grades out yet because it is at least a year too early to judge most of these players. This should serve as a point of reference. The thing that stands out to me is how much playing time many of these guys received. The draft is crucial to the Indianapolis Colts.
Round 1) Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio St.) WR: Gonzalez had 37 catches during his rookie season. Most of these came during a solid five game stretch at the end of the season. He had 4 catches for 79 yards and a spectacular touchdown in the divisonal round loss to San Diego.
Round 2) Tony Ugoh (Arkansas) OT: The Colts surprised us when they traded their 2008 first round pick to the 49ers so they could draft Ugoh early in the second round of the 2007 draft. Tarik Glenn retired shortly thereafter and suddenly made this one of the most savvy picks in franchise history. Ugoh played very well at Left Tackle in pass protection and the Colts didn’t miss a beat in the run game. Despite missing a stretch of games with a neck injury, Ugoh gained the experience necessary for a productive 2008 season.
Round 3) Dante Hughes (California) CB: Hughes played well in 10 games before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. The Colts are very thin beyond Jackson and Hayden and the team may be counting on Hughes to step in as the full-time third corner.
Round 3) Quinn Pitcock (Ohio St.) DT: Pitcock saw extensive playing time during the second half of the season. He was a crucial part of the tackle rotation along with Ed Johnson and Raheem Brock.
Round 4) Brannon Condren (Troy St.) S: Condren didn’t see much playing time because of the relative good health of Bethea and Sanders in 2007.
Round 4) Clint Sessions (Pittsburgh) OLB: The Colts have unexpected depth at LB due in large part to the stellar play of Sessions and Ramon Guzman. Sessions’ season was highlighted by his two acrobatic interceptions against the Chargers.
Round 5) Roy Hall (Ohio St.) WR: The team was very high on Hall’s potential, but he missed almost the entire season with a shoulder injury. We still don’t know whether he will play receiver or tight end.
Round 5) Michael Coe (Alabama St.) CB: Coe stepped in at the end of season after Hughes went down with an injury. He wasn’t impressive, but there is not much of a sample size here.
Round 7) Keyunta Dawson (Texas Tech) DT: We weren’t sure whether Dawson would play Tackle or End. He ended up at Tackle and he had his moments finishing the season with 23 tackles and a sack. He also forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles. A very solid pick.
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