ROTB Community Mock Draft: With the 27th Overall Pick, the Indianapolis Colts Select...

by Hawkwind on Apr 3, 2009 1:57 PM MDT in 2009 Draft Comment 13 comments

Evander 'Ziggy' Hood (DT), Missouri

6'3", 300

The Colts haven't used a first day pick on a defensive tackle since 2002 and throughout the past several seasons they've used Booger McFarland, Corey Simon, Ed Johnson and Antonio Johnson but none has produced sustained success. The result has been a run defense that's consistently been in the bottom half of the NFL over the past four seasons. If the season started today the Colts two starting tackles would be Keyunta Dawson (a 254 pound, 7th round pick from 2007) and Eric Foster (a 265 pound undrafted free agent in 2008). Needless to say that's an awful small defensive line that most likely wouldn't hold thier own against division rivals Tennessee and Jacksonville who love to run the ball. The answer to the Colts defensive tackles woes goes by the name 'Ziggy.'

Strengths: Hood's got good size and strength to compliment a non-stop motor. He's a natural athlete with good speed for his size and an explosive first step. He uses to hands well to defeat blockers and shows good lateral quickness to chase plays down the line of scrimmage. Above average instincts allow him to recognize plays quickly and blow up plays in the backfield before they get started.

Weaknesses: Hood's biggest problem is that he can play 'tall' at times and when he does he loses leverage and can neutralized rather quickly. He's also kind of stuck in the middle because he doesn't excel at any one thing, but he does just about everything well. Despite being a three year starter and improving every year he's never really produced 'eye-popping' production or dominating.

Many thanks to Irishcardinal for submitting this pick. The Eagles and AJBirdWatcher are now on the clock (e-mail to revengeofthebirds@gmail.com), with the Giants and ianbbc02 on deck. If anyone needs to refresh their memory on the draft order, check here.

Also guys, we're going to try to squeeze in a second round before the weekend of the draft so be ready with your picks. I'm going to try and send reminder emails to everyone in advance of your pick. Thanks to everyone, the involvement has been great.

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I would prefer to see the Colts take a Running Back...

But Ziggy Hood is a great pick if Bill Polian doesn’t realize Addai’s very obvious weakness (his overall play is his weakness).

I hate the new "protect the QB" rules, but its ok because it's still legal to chip the QB's fingernail polish, but if you tear his skirt it's a 10 yard penalty & an automatic 1st Down.

by Aces on Apr 3, 2009 3:37 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

As IrishCardinal said,

the Cots have nobody at defensive tackle. I can see this being their choice.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Apr 3, 2009 3:39 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

True... but

There is so much depth at DT in this class that they can afford to wait until the 2nd round to pull in a DT. (Sen’Derrick Marks would be a great value in round 2) They have a desperate need for a run game. It is hard to run a play action offense when nobody believes you are going to run it.

I hate the new "protect the QB" rules, but its ok because it's still legal to chip the QB's fingernail polish, but if you tear his skirt it's a 10 yard penalty & an automatic 1st Down.

by Aces on Apr 3, 2009 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

And Addai is a poor mans Edgerrin James. He has no power and has no speed. He’s gotta be one of the most overrated backs in the NFL.

Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds

by Andrew602 on Apr 3, 2009 3:58 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

you might be right

but can they really afford to use two first round picks on RBs in four seasons?

Addai’s gotten worse every year as a pro but when he’s healthy (which is almost never) he’s not that bad. This is a pretty deep draft for RBs as well and I’d rather start Addai and have at least one decent tackle than the two spares listed above (2 DT’s under 270 is just plain crazy) than have those two DTs and Wells or Donald Brown and Addai in the backfield.

by Bezekira on Apr 3, 2009 4:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here is the thing...

If the Colts do not get a running back in the first 2 rounds I think Mike Hart will start for the Colts. Before he got put on IR last season he showed so much promise that the Colts almost have no choice but to give him a shot at the starting job.

I hate the new "protect the QB" rules, but its ok because it's still legal to chip the QB's fingernail polish, but if you tear his skirt it's a 10 yard penalty & an automatic 1st Down.

by Aces on Apr 3, 2009 4:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

A few things...

First, I love your pick of Ziggy Hood (as long as Peria Jerry wasn’t available at this spot). We at Stampede Blue love us some Ziggy Hood.

Second, Antonio Johnson is awesome. In the middle of the year (after Ed Johnson lost his mind and got caught with some weed), we got A. Johnson from the Titans practice squad and immediately put him in as the starter. He played great and got better each week. He is going to be one of the starters if the season started today. The other starter (who would be replaced by whoever we might select in the draft) would be either Keyunta Dawson or Daniel Muir. Eric Foster is a reliable backup.

So don’t diss Antonio Johnson.

Third, the jury’s still out on whether the Colts’ running troubles last year were due to Addai and Rhodes underperforming, or the fact that our O-line was horrible last year (mostly due to injuries). The citizens of Stampede Blue argue this about once every week. I have no opinion myself as of yet because both the O-line and Addai were injured last year.

Last, Mike Hart might not be back. He tore his ACL in the middle of the season and it typically takes a year to be able to play again and for a running back, it’s said that it takes another year to get back to 100%. I’m not sure Bill Polian has that kind of patience. Should be an interesting training camp.

Sigh, running troubles. Could we have Edge back? Please?

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: By state law, the exact value of pi in Indiana is 3.

by Cassieper on Apr 3, 2009 9:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Sold!

I think we’d trade Edge for a middle-late round pick (off the cuff don’t really know), but if we release him you make me think that it wouldn’t be surprising to see Edge sign with the Colts again.

He’s a consistently healthy guy, but what is Edge’s worth since everyone knows he wants to leave and that AZ is more than likely going to release him. Any thoughts?

by CardsFan08 on Apr 3, 2009 11:36 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, it wouldn't be very surprising

to see Edge resign with the Colts if granted his release from the desert that is Arizona. He is one of the most popular fan favorites, a cherished guy in the front office (The owner of the Colts, Jim Irsay, presented Edge with an actual Super Bowl ring, and you’ll remember that we won the Super Bowl one year AFTER he left for Arizona.), and most importantly, Peyton has publicly said that Edge is the best teammate he has ever had in all of his years in football. I hope you guys realize what a special player and guy you have.

To answer your question, to everybody besides the Colts and the Cardinals, Edge is worth a bucket of warm spit (bonus points if you can tell me where that quote is paraphrased from.). Nobody is going to want to sign a “old” running back. He’s lasted a lot longer than people thought he would, but the rest of the league doesn’t care. If they need a running back, they’d just pick up Rashad Jennings in the draft.

To the Colts, he does have some value. First, the Colts are trying to find a good, reliable complement to Joseph Addai, and Edge would be a great person for that. He would also be able to teach Addai some. Also, he would be valuable for sentimental reasons. Colts fans have been talking for a while about the strong possibility that before Edge officially retires, Jim Irsay will sign him to a 1-day contract so that he can retire a Colt. Same principle applies to Marvin. Moneywise, I really don’t know how that would work out, because the Colts are extremely tight under the cap right now. We’ll pay him above the vet minimum, but if Edge comes back, it certainly won’t be for the money.

Have you seen any evidence that the Cards are, in fact, likely to release Edge? From the reports I’ve read, it sounds like Edge really wants out, and the Cardinals’ management is just simply refusing and is planning to keep him until the contract is up. I’d love to see any sources you have to the contrary.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: By state law, the exact value of pi in Indiana is 3.

by Cassieper on Apr 4, 2009 1:12 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Edge leaving

It all depends on the draft. Whisenhunt said that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Edge back next year, but that statement alone sends the signals to me that “sure it could happen”, but is unlikely.

I honestly don’t see Edge coming back. They just don’t want to release him until they know what they have. In my honest opinion I think it’s because it gives the Cards front office the most leverage during draft day if they do decide to make some deals. They know what they have right now and if someone wants to make some trade talks they can weigh all options logically.

One thing that will keep the Cardinals from releasing him prematurely is his stellar production in the off season. When the OL gave him that extra second or two that has been missing Edge turned into an animal. The same goes for Hightower, he also produced results in the playoffs and because of that glimmer, the FO wants to make sure they’re doing the right thing before giving up a quality player and a good mentor to younger backs.

I do think that Edge is very special, but the Cardinals didn’t have the system or the OL to take full advantage of his talents.

by CardsFan08 on Apr 4, 2009 7:04 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the info.

Good to know, and for what it’s worth, everybody in Indy was pulling for you guys in the Super Bowl. Good luck next year :-)

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: In my bedroom, I have 3 footballs with both Mike Vanderjagt's and Gilbert Gardner's signatures on them. Interesting story. Maybe I'll tell you about it sometime.

by Cassieper on Apr 4, 2009 9:09 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

In my opinion...

The jury is unanimous when it comes to Addai. He is not worth his weight in beans or any other fruit for that matter. The O-line had it’s troubles but as a RB you can’t bounce around in the backfield until you have a HUGE hole. sometimes you need to make a hole. Get Addai out of here! I live in Indy and it is embarrassing to have him on the team. I would LOVE to see Edge back.

I hate the new "protect the QB" rules, but its ok because it's still legal to chip the QB's fingernail polish, but if you tear his skirt it's a 10 yard penalty & an automatic 1st Down.

by Aces on Apr 4, 2009 1:44 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs