The Colts finished 2010 with a 10-6 record and the # 3 seed in the AFC for the playoffs. Believe it or not, it was seen as an off-year in Indy. Entering the 2010 season, the Colts had reeled off seven straight seasons with at least 12 wins. Injuries were blamed for the below average finish, but injuries were not the only problem with the 2010 Colts. The team has relied too much on Peyton Manning for the last few seasons. Basically ever since Edgerrin James left in 2005, and LT Tarik Glenn left the following year, the Colts have been one dimensional on offense. This was apparent in 2010, when the Colts were ranked #1 in passing, and #29 in rushing in the NFL. Even with this unbalanced attack on offense, they have had a tremendous amount of success in the regular season, but once the playoffs come around, they usually underachieve. You have to be able to run the ball when it counts in the playoffs. And the Colts can't.
The Colts definitely have the talent at running back to balance out the offense. Both Joseph Addai and Donald Brown are guys that can get it done if given the opportunity. What the Colts need is some new blood on the offensive line that can allow the unit to change its identity from a primarily pass blocking group, into a more balanced squad. And the Colts will address this need early, drafting:
(INSERT OFFENSIVE NAME) #22 OVERALL MOCK DRAFT PICK:
NATE SOLDER - OT, COLORADO
Nate Solder could end up being one of the steals of this years draft, because he is rated this high and is still learning the position. Arriving at Colorado as a 235 pound tight end, the 6-8 Solder made the transition to left tackle, and packed on the pounds. Currently he tips the scales at a trim 319 pounds. With his massive frame, Solder could and should easily put on another 20 pounds in the pros. With his height and the wicked wingspan that comes along with it, it is virtually impossible for pass rushers to loop around Solder. So his pass blocking skills are more than sufficient which is key, because let's face it, as long as Manning is calling the plays for the Colts, the lineman are going to have to do a lot of pass blocking. But Solder is also a devastating run blocker. His past life as a tight end has left Solder with exceptional mobility and athleticism for the position. His mobility along with his solid upper body strength, allows Solder to latch on to defenders and take them out of the play. He also seals off the edge very well, and has the athletic ability to get out in front on screen plays. Basically the only knock against the guy is that he has trouble with shorter, quicker defenders because of his height. Practicing against Dwight Freeny and Robert Mathis every day should give Solder plenty of opportunity to improve this, though.
Entire Mock Draft:
- Carolina Panthers - Marcell Dareus
- Denver Broncos - Patrick Peterson
- Buffalo Bills - Cam Newton
- Cincinnati Bengals - A.J. Green
- Arizona Cardinals - Blaine Gabbert
- Cleveland Browns - Julio Jones
- San Francisco 49ers - Von Miller
- Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley
- Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara
- Washington Redskins - Jake Locker
- Houston Texans - Robert Quinn
- Minnesota Vikings - J.J Watt
- Detroit Lions - Tyron Smith
- St. Louis Rams - Aldon Smith
- Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey
- Jacksonville Jaguars - Cameron Jordan
- New England Patriots - Ryan Kerrigan
- San Diego Chargers - Muhammad Wilkerson
- New York Giants - Anthony Castonzo
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Da'Quan Bowers
- Kansas City Chiefs - Phil Taylor
- Indianaolis Colts - Nate Solder
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