When you look at the potential roster for the 2012 Colts, one position jumps out as one that desperately needs bodies, and that is at Wide Receiver. Only three Colts WRs caught passes in 2011, and only one of them, Austin Collie, is under contract for the Colts in 2012. While we'll certainly know before the draft whether the Colts re-sign Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, or Anthony Gonzalez, we won't know that before the Combine, so we need to move forward like they won't be there.
Thankfully for the Colts this draft is pretty deep, especially in the first couple rounds, at Wide Receivers. There is one guy, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, that we won't be talking about, as he'll be taken in the top 5, and not by the Colts, so no sense in looking at him. A few other guys are also being talked about as first round picks, so if they would somehow drop to pick #34 overall, the Colts could be in line for a pretty nice steal, and give the new QB a bright and shiny new toy.
The other group of receivers I left out here are the slot-type guys, as I can't see the Colts taking a guy there, seeing as Collie is the one guy who will absolutely be around in 2012. I focused on outside receivers at varying draft spots, as depending on whether Wayne or Garcon are re-signed we could see the Colts wait until late to pick up a WR.
After the jump I'll show you the entire group of guys and give you my favorites in the group.
List of Wide Receivers to watch at the Scouting Combine for the Colts:
| Wide Receivers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jr | Player | School | Camp # |
| JARRETT BOYKIN | VIRGINIA TECH | WO05 | |
| B J CUNNINGHAM | MICHIGAN ST | WO12 | |
| MICHAEL FLOYD | NOTRE DAME | WO14 | |
| JEFF FULLER | TEXAS A&M | WO15 | |
| * | ALSHON JEFFERY | SOUTH CAROLINA | WO23 |
| A J JENKINS | ILLINOIS | WO24 | |
| KESHAWN MARTIN | MICHIGAN ST | WO28 | |
| MARQUIS MAZE | ALABAMA | WO30 | |
| MARVIN MCNUTT | IOWA | WO31 | |
| CHRIS OWUSU | STANFORD | WO34 | |
| BRIAN QUICK | APPALACHIAN ST | WO37 | |
| * | MOHAMED SANU | RUTGERS | WO41 |
| NICK TOON | WISCONSIN | WO43 | |
| KENDALL WRIGHT | BAYLOR | WO46 | |
A couple of guys I'll definitely be interested in:
Each of these guys will get their own profile to go more in-depth into them, but if you think we should include anyone else please let us know. Any of these guys you really like too?
0 recs | 57 comments
Jeffery
What round is Alshon Jeffery predicted to go? I think he would be a terrific fit with the Colts.
ColtsGM9001 - February 17, 2012
For some reason I totally see Alshon Jeffery fall to us at no. 34 pick.
I think after free agency is done a the major teams in need of a wideout drop. In turn, only two or three are selected in the first round (most likely being Blackman, Floyd, and Wright). Considering Jeffery’s was considered the top overall receiver on many boards at the beginning of the season, the Colts would get one heck of a steal.
Next Man Up - February 17, 2012
Good size
6’4", 232lbs…He has the size of a WR we desperately have lacked in the red zone. Luck/Jeffery might resemble something we saw last year with Dalton/Greene.
ColtsGM9001 - February 17, 2012
That’s a great comparison! To have a potentially great quarterback is one thing but, to have a top tier wideout to pair with him is even better. Greene sure made Dalton’s life a lot easier to handle the vigor of the NFL. Both of those guys will become great as their able to develop together.
Next Man Up - February 17, 2012
If he is committed he could be a star
But I have serious concerns about someone who gets fat in the offseason at age 20. If you are struggling with weight at 20 where will you be at 26 as your metabolism slows?
(206)NightRidah - February 17, 2012 via mobile
Fall? He might be a reach there.
Ty46 - February 18, 2012
Jeffery does have size
but even vs college CB he can not get separation. Maybe it was his QB. I don’t like him at 34. I think Quick is a better prospect than Jeffery, would rather grab Sanu if he is there. Or wait a round and get McNutt
Cwhite916 - February 17, 2012
screw that
dude is fat, slow and lazy
omahacolt - February 18, 2012
and rumor is
he is up to 250lbs. who know if that is true, but if true he will be lucky to go in the 4th
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 18, 2012
Mike Williams (USC) 2.0
No thanks. If a player doesn’t want greatness than he can’t be great. Drafting him would be a huge mistake, and I think he’ll end up being the biggest faller in the draft.
Coltsfan1345 - February 20, 2012
no way on jeffery. he will in trouble the second game of the season
and not fuller either. brickhands
im with the top 3 mentioned with a couple of others
cunningham
floyd (hes definitely a great talent, but i think he quits in some games and his toughness is questioned to me)
wright
and definitely sanu from rutgers
im also biased with mcnutt. hes simply a winner and a team player. mclovin it
kinnickcolt - February 17, 2012
I also like Dwight Jones from North Carolina, Tommy Streeter from Miami, and Juron Criner from Arizona. All of them have nice size and will be available when the Colts select in the second round.
Next Man Up - February 17, 2012
I almost for got one...
Chris Givens out of Wake Forrest, I’ve seen the kid a play a few times and he’s pretty impressive. I heard he’s even considered a top five amongst the 2012 class of wideouts. Not completely sure if he’s a slot guy? He’s not as big as the others I mentioned, about 5’ 10’’ I believe…
Next Man Up - February 17, 2012
Just heard him on Sirius NFL radio
Sounds like a pretty good player. 6’-0", 195 lbs. Supposedly runs in the low 4.4 range and good route runner. Mayock has him 5th best wideout.
Radcolt - February 20, 2012
"Touchdown Tommy"
I would very much love to see Tommy Streeter develop with the colts. He never got a chance at Miami when Randy Shannon was the coach. Al Golden gave him a shot and he showed flashes of BIG play ability. Randy Moss big play ability. Tall with 4.4 speed maybe faster. Hands aren’t on Moss’ level but he’s young. He wont be drafted high because of the “1 hit wonder” label. but I think he has tremendous upside as a later pick. He had Jacory Harris throwing to him. (Ugh) as a Miami fan I was pissed that he didn’t come back to The U for his senior season to refine his game but if he lands on the colts id like to see that.
Tricky Bobby - February 18, 2012 via mobile
Agree
Miami has a history of producing productive WRs. I think he could be great value in the 4th round if he falls. He also fits the big, athletic mold that the Colts have been lacking for years.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
Toon, McNutt, and Sanu are
differently guys worth looking at that are currently under the radar. If Floyd falls to us at 34 you have to pull the trigger there but I see him going top 20 or 25 at the least. Kendall Wright also won’t make it out of the top 20.
Coltsfan1345 - February 17, 2012
Also Juron Criner
Definitely worth a look.
Coltsfan1345 - February 17, 2012
I know Juron
And he’s a great talent. But not the best attitude… often quits in practice, etc. Not really a class act. Also injury prone
If he’s in the third round tho and we haven’t picked up a receiver, we could take him. He’s definitely an upgrade over what we would have at the moment
DoItAlone - February 18, 2012
APP. State
I’m likin Brian Quick, more an more. He is one of the tallest players in the draft, he isn’t that fast but he is big an fast. Like a megatron type player
BRAVES_COLTS_313 - February 17, 2012
I’m digging on Quick. Especially if he can be had in the later rounds.
Sparhawk - February 17, 2012
so many recievers ]]
12over18 - February 17, 2012
oops
with so many receivers, i would hate to see the colts take one with their second pick. i think if they are switching to a 3-4, they should go after either another LB or DL.
12over18 - February 17, 2012
The Colts MUST come out of this draft with a good prospect at WR
This class is one of the deepest I can remember in a long time. And many of these WRs are big, athletic targets. The Colts have not had a player like this before, so I hope to see this change. I do not think the Colts can wait until later than round 4 to draft. Hopefully they will draft one in the rounds 2 or 3.
If Michael Floyd somehow started falling, I would almost be in favor of trading up to grab him. Actually, trading back into the late 1st round with future picks might actually be a good strategy in this draft, giving the Colts the chance to draft a franchise QB, stud WR and CB in the 1st 34 picks.
shastamasta - February 17, 2012
Also the Colts could grab a WR in FA
The FA class at WR is incredibly deep, much like the draft. Vincent Jackson, Dwayne Bowe, Desean Jackson, Stevie Johnson, Marques Colston, Robert Meachem and Mario Manningham could all be available in one way or another. If Manning was coming back, signing Vincent Jackson would have the perfect move to replace Wayne. But since Manning is not coming back and VJax is 29, I don’t think he makes much sense long-term.
Likewise, Bowe. Colston and Johnson will probably be too expensive or will re-up with their respective teams. DJax will most likely be too expensive. But if Bowe somehow becomes available, the Colts should def. make a bid for his services, as he would be a great WR1 on this team. But he won’t be available, so if I was the Colts I would target a young WR like Meachem or Manningham. Both have been complimentary WRs on their respective teams and are former 1st round talents, with Manningham falling to the 3rd round for certain reasons. The upside for these two is very high and in a situation where they will have an expanded role, they could have WR1 upside and at the very least be another solid weapon for Luck.
In conclusion, after re-signing Garcon, the Colts should also look to snag up one of the FA WRs, depending on costs and availability. This would give the Colts 2 good WRs and allow them to draft a WR in the 2nd or 3rd round, allowing time for the prospect to develop over the next couple of years. If the Colts can take advantage of the rare surplus of WRs both in the draft and FA, they have the opportunity to solidify their passing game for the next 4-5 years. The only thing left to do will be to find a stud TE to develop, which could be Luck’s teammate Fleener or a project in the later rounds.
shastamasta - February 17, 2012
IMO they won't spend money on a FA WR
My guess is that they will spend money on Defense. They will draft WR talent, most likely this year and next and develop them. Giants, STeelers, Patriots, et al, are teams that do NOT spend money at WR. They are not highly valued (in terms of chewing up cap space). Successful teams tend to spend money on a QB and on lineman (D or O).
ItsALLgood - February 18, 2012
That is just incorrect
How do you think the Patriots made their 18-0 run to the Super Bowl in ’07? They acquired Welker and Stallworth THROUGH FA in addition to Moss (trade) the offseason before. They signed Ochocinco last offseason who was a bust, but I guarantee they will look to FA this offseason for Brandon Lloyd or another WR.
The Giants beat them that year with Plaxico Burress, who they got from FA. Now that was a few years ago and Giants have since lucked out with Cruz as an UDFA, but if they had not, they would def. be looking to FA to fill the need. They also spent 1st round, 2nd round and 3rd round picks on WR in recent years, something the Colts have not done since Wayne was drafted, and with all of the holes on the team, do not have the luxury of doing this year.
Yes the Steelers traditionally spend money on defense and not offense, but they are probably the only one. Most other teams, even defensive-minded teams like the Ravens (Boldin and Lee Evans), spend money on FA WRs. And the FA WR class is never this deep, so it makes even more sense for the Colts to grab one, because they will most likely be able to get a good deal as other teams fill out their needs.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
The years that the Patriots actually WON the SB
They did not have quality WR’s. You mentioned 2007, but they didn’t win. They spent money on Welker, but that didn’t help them win in 07 or this year. They won with Defense, same for Pitttsburgh.
You present a good argument, but the Giants have their WR’s from the draft which is wht I am advocating. Spending money FA WR’s doesn’t really do much. Getting Anquan Bolden didn’t help Baltimore.
ItsALLgood - February 18, 2012
The Pats might not have won
But they went on an unprecedented dominant run to that game and were a miraculous play away from winning. Even if they didn’t win, they got there, TWICE, in the last 4 years. They did win their Super Bowls early on with defense, but the game has changed since then, with a much larger emphasis on passing.
And the team that beat them back in ’07 won on a play from a FA WR. Since then, the Giants have used high draft picks to build their WR core and will probably use their 1st round pick on a TE this year. They are and were able to do this because of talent at other positions. The Colts have too many holes to afford the luxury of using high draft picks on WRs every year.
And the Ravens are a Super Bowl contender each year. Boldin has played a role in that. And if Evans had held onto the ball against NE, BAL would have been in the Super Bowl this year.
There are plenty of productive WRs in this league, but that doesn’t mean they grow on trees. The teams that haven’t used FA for WR in recent years (NO, GB and PITT) have either a top 3 defense or a top 3 QB. Even the Patriots, who at one point had a top defense and top QB, used FA to acquire WRs. The Colts have neither of these. When the Colts had Manning playing at his high level, they could draft the Collies and Garcons of the world in the later rounds, and Manning would make them great. But Luck is going to need some established players to help him develop.
The great teams build what they can through the draft and supplement the rest through FA. This doesn’t mean high profile FAs every year, but good talents on relatively fair deals. Usually there are a couple or few players at any given position available in FA, which makes it difficult to not overpay. But this year, the FA WR class is very deep, which makes it the perfect time to take advantage and grab an established WR. Doing so will not only help Luck develop, but will also allow any WR the Colts draft to have time to develop as well.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
Also
I am not advocating that the Colts use a ton of cap room on FA WRs. There are most certainly going to be some values in this year’s deep class.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
AND
I am not advocating building the team through FA. This is a very unique case where the supply might be greater than the demand, allowing the Colts to grab a young, established talent at a fair deal. Solidifying the passing game in one offseason is possible and will go a long ways toward quickly rebuilding the Colts into a contender.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
Grat job as always!!!
I think you definitely need to add Dwight Jones and Juron Criner.
They have what it takes to be a WR2 from the start and also have W1 potencial
COLTS_CR9 - February 17, 2012
evidently
dwight jones looked horrible at senior bowl practices
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 18, 2012
i'd love to see floyd in a Colt's jersey
danorocks17 - February 17, 2012
Wow, Floyd isn’t making it out of first round, but you have to take him IF he does.
Jeffery should. He just has bust written all over him. I think he would work if the Colts had Manning. Manning makes his receivers work. But if Luck is starting day 1, then no thanks.
Sparhawk - February 17, 2012
How about a few more SEC guys ;)
I follow the SEC passionately. Two more guys to add to the list.
Rueben Randle – LSU. Combination of great size and speed. He was victim this year of average QB play. Probably will go in the mid to late 2nd round, but could drop to 3rd depending on how the draft shakes out.
Joe Adams – Arkansas. He is a flat out burner with 4.3 speed. He is about the size of Marvin, 5’-11", 180 lbs. He is a duel threat as WR/punt returner. He was SEC special teams POY. He had 4 punt returns for TDs this year. He also played some tailback on gimmick plays just to get the ball in his hands. Should be available late 3rd or early 4th round. One of my sleeper picks.
Radcolt - February 17, 2012
Joe Adams also had an impressive Senior Bowl
Radcolt - February 17, 2012
his teamate julius right isn't shabby either
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 18, 2012
I agree with you.
He will be an even later round pick. A lot of good WR in this draft.
Radcolt - February 18, 2012
I just hope we can get
both types of receivers. The big, physical goal line presence type and the small, quick, possession type receiver.
ruseriousclark? - February 18, 2012
Agree
This would be ideal. Acquiring each type of WR to pair with Garcon will give the Colts a variety of talents in the WR corps and allow them to run any type of offense.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
collie is excellent in the slot
when he has a good qb anyway
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 18, 2012
Here's who I've added to the list
Joe Adams
Juron Criner
Rueben Randle
Tommy Streeter
I’m going to leave Dwight Jones off as I think he’s going to need several years to develop, and barring signing several free agent WR, any drafted WR will have to play right away.
Thanks guys, and keep them coming if you think there’s anyone else.
mgrex03 - February 18, 2012
New WRs coach is from NC
Ty46 - February 18, 2012
+ Jordan White
Ty46 - February 18, 2012
Bruce Arians Recievers
I feel like we are going to be looking at shorter burners like he had in Pittsburgh. My list of guys who fit this mold in order of how good they are:
Kendall Wright – Baylor 1st
Joe Adams – Arkansas 2-3rd
Marvin Jones – California 2-3rd
Devon Wylie – Fresno State 3-4th
TY Hilton – Florida International 3-4th
If we pick up one of these guys and then another undersized burner like Donnie Avery along with our size guys like Clark and Garçon we will have a nice base for Arians to work with.
bbxxj - February 18, 2012 via mobile
I hope not
I do think the Colts will look to grab a burner type receiver, either in FA or the draft, but I hope they don’t base their entire offensive philosophy around it. Garcon already has the ability to stretch the field, so I think that only one more burner type WR is needed. The rest of the resources need to be used to acquire a big, strong athletic WR.
shastamasta - February 18, 2012
Joe Adams reminds me of Mike Wallace of the Steelers.
He has the speed to blow past corners and get deep. Arkansas only lost to LSU and Alabama so he is used to playing against top talent. He will be a threat on reverses. It is about time we get a true punt return threat. I hope he last to the top of the fourth round. A lot will change ratings with combine and pro day.
Radcolt - February 18, 2012
i personally want another marvin!
12over18 - February 18, 2012
count me as one who doesn't
i would prefer, not necessarily a huge wide receiver, but one that is physical.
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 18, 2012
Jordan White of Western Michigan
is undervalued. Could be a steal on day 3.
Wippersnapper - February 18, 2012
There are a lot of Big Ten WR's on that list...
…..who would fit the Colts usual profile and who are flying under the radar enough to be free in the 3rd round, or lower. As an Iowa fan, I’ll put in a plug for Marvin McNutt. He’s got adequate speed (not a burner) but is tall and has good hands, and sometimes GREAT hands (this season he made a catch one-handed, ball well behind him, while running full-tilt in traffic down the middle of the field, that is one of the best catches I’ve ever seen).
He’s about 6-4 and 225, and is a converted QB, which speaks to his drive and work ethic. There’s also an upside to him, since in some ways he’s still learning the position, having only been a WR for about 2.5 years. He’s never been in trouble, and was a model teammate, from what I know. His only fault—which I think he shares with Reggie Wayne—is that he’ll inexplicably drop an easy ball about once a game. Of course, he’ll then make an amazing catch to make up for it next time around.
In a practical sense, the Colts will be drafting WR in round 3 or lower, so any dreams of getting a Floyd or even Wright are just that—dreams. It’ll be a guy like Marvin, or Cunningham, or the W Mich guy, who they’ll end up taking.
The Director - February 18, 2012
Big ten WR mold needs to go...
Id like to see some 4.3 speed or freakish athleticism. I do like McNutt though…because they need a tall guy for the red zone especially since it seems Reggie is gone. I am curious what McNutt runs…
There are some really good players that can be had in RD4. McNutt is surely one of them
(206)NightRidah - February 19, 2012 via mobile
The second best WR in draft behing Blackmon is Mohamed Sanu, hands down. Have watched him play sense a freshman, kid is unreal, and could start at any DB position as well.
Jwilk2 - February 18, 2012
So, we did a live mock and I ended taking two receivers: Ryan Broyles with the second pick of the fourth round and Jordan White from Western Michigan
TrueBlue87 - February 19, 2012
Stephen Hill
From Georgia Tech. Could be an underrated prospect because of the offense he plays in (triple option with barely any passing). His physical skills are tremendous. 6’5, 206…Has good hands. Has good speed. Watch out for this guy possible 3rd or 4th round pick he’s definitely worth a look.
Coltsfan1345 - February 20, 2012
Wow I actually just saw him mocked at 26
or 2nd round. I definitely don’t see him being worth that. Maybe Demaryius Thomas 2.0?
Coltsfan1345 - February 20, 2012
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