INDIANAPOLIS -- A wrap-up of the Indianapolis Colts' draft.
Best move: This was a draft about adding depth, not necessarily starters, to the roster for the Colts. That said, their best move was also their most surprising move: the selection of receiver Phillip Dorsett (No. 29) in the first round. Quarterback Andrew Luck can't have too many weapons to throw the ball to, and Dorsett is definitely another weapon for the Colts. Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will have the luxury of using Dorsett a number of different ways in the offense. Dorsett's speed -- teamed with T.Y. Hilton on the outside to go with Andre Johnson underneath and tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener -- should allow the Colts to wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Dorsett will also return kicks, which will help shorten the field for Luck and the offense. "My eyes light up when I see it, see how much they throw the ball, see how many yards [Luck] throws for," Dorsett said. "I've never honestly been in a situation like this ever, when it came to playing football."
Riskiest move: The Colts decided not to select an offensive tackle early in the draft, despite legitimate questions. They selected offensive tackle Denzell Goode (No. 255) from Mars Hill University with their final pick in the seventh round. Gosder Cherilus has started at right tackle the past two seasons, but he dealt with injuries the past season, and there's no official timetable for his return to the field. "We're trying to figure out right tackle," Colts owner Jim Irsay said. "We could make an adjustment internally on who's playing where as we go into training camp." The Colts have in-house candidates who can play right tackle. Jack Mewhort, Todd Herremans, Ulrick John and Joe Reitz can also play tackle if Cherilus isn't healthy.
Most surprising move: Dorsett. The Colts had a more pressing need on the defensive line and at safety. But instead, they passed on Alabama safety Landon Collins and Texas defensive tackle Malcolm Brown to go with Dorsett, whom the Colts had ranked in the teens on their draft board. "I was surprised that they did go receiver," Dorsett said. "When I got the call, I was so happy. I didn't really see any of the negativity. It didn't really matter to me." Dorsett's speed can't be questioned -- 4.27 40-yard dash -- and he'll be able to help the Colts on offense and as a returner, but they had more pressing needs than a player who will compete with Hilton, Johnson, Moncrief and Duron Carter for snaps at receiver. "I think it shows that we stick to our guns in taking the best player on our board," general manager Ryan Grigson said. "It's not just party talk, and that's what we did. He was higher than anybody else on our board."
File it away: Remember the name Josh Robinson (No. 205). The Colts selected the Mississippi State running back in the sixth round. He's coming off a junior season in which he rushed for 1,203 yards and 11 touchdowns in the SEC, the best football conference in the country. He's stepping into a situation where the backup running back spot behind starter Frank Gore is wide open. There are questions about the three players Robinson will be competing against for the job. Vick Ballard has missed the past two seasons with torn ACL and Achilles, Daniel "Boom" Herron had fumble problems the past season, and Zurlon Tipton spent most of the past season on the practice squad. Irsay compared Robinson, who had the nickname "Bowling Ball" because of his hard running ability, to former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
My take: Was it a pretty draft for the Colts? Not even close outside of Dorsett's exceptional speed. But it wasn't about being pretty. They added solid pieces, some that will contribute next season, some that will contribute in the future. They selected a cornerback, safety, two defensive linemen and a running back -- all positions they wanted to address heading into the draft. Thumbs up
