With the presumed switch to more of a 3-4 Defense for the Colts, the biggest change will come on the Defensive Line, where some guys just won't fit nicely into a new role. We've had some conversations on the site recently about how quick a change in defensive scheme can happen, and we needn't look much farther than last year's Texans team.
The Texans brought in Wade Phillips, and went from running the 4-3, and not doing it well, to fully running the 3-4 last season, and doing it really well. While we'll most likely see some struggles next year, I think it's better to take the lumps in 2012, even if it means playing with 'square pegs in round holes', and start the process now of getting the right players for the system.
With all that said, the key to the 3-4 Defense is a big, space-eating Nose Tackle, like Haloti Ngata of the Ravens or Vince Wilfork of the Patriots. Thankfully, the 2012 draft class has several guys that could potentially fill that role, meaning one or more of those guys could fall a bit, making them a steal for the Colts. There aren't many guarantees when it comes to the draft, but I can almost guarantee we're going to see the Colts take one of these guys in the draft.
The 3-4 Defensive End has similar responsibilities as a 4-3 Defensive Tackle, but they are a little wider on the line. Smarter people than I do a much better job describing all the differences, so I won't go into that here. I do think that the DE position is more of a secondary need for the Colts, probably more of a later round selection. You can't rule out the better guys, so we'll look at those guys too.
After the jump I'll show you the entire group of Nose Tackles and 3-4 Defensive Ends, and give you my favorites in the group.
List of Nose Tackles to watch at the Scouting Combine for the Colts:
| Nose Tackles | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jr | Player | School | Camp # |
| JOSH CHAPMAN | ALABAMA | DL07 | |
| LONI FANGUPO | BRIGHAM YOUNG | DL15 | |
| * | DONTARI POE | MEMPHIS | DL41 |
| KHEESTON RANDALL | TEXAS | DL43 | |
| ALAMEDA TA'AMU | WASHINGTON | DL52 | |
| BRANDON THOMPSON | CLEMSON | DL53 | |
List of 3-4 Defensive Ends to watch at the Scouting Combine for the Colts:
| Defensive Ends |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jr | Player | School | Camp # |
| JAKE BEQUETTE | ARKANSAS | DL03 | |
| JARED CRICK | NEBRASKA | DL12 | |
| KENDALL REYES | CONNECTICUT | DL44 | |
| TRAVIAN ROBERTSON | SOUTH CAROLINA | DL45 | |
| BRETT ROY | NEVADA | DL46 | |
| DEVON STILL | PENN ST | DL50 | |
| J R SWEEZY | NORTH CAROLINA ST | DL51 | |
| BILLY WINN | BOISE ST | DL57 | |
| DEREK WOLFE | CINCINNATI | DL58 | |
A couple of my favorites:
Who am I missing? The help has been greatly appreciated so far.
0 recs | 43 comments
3-4 DE
whardiek - February 19, 2012 via mobile
3-4 DE
I believe miola,nevis, freeney,anderson and brayton can adapt well to the 3-4. They may not offer the best run stopping ability, but the pass rush should be strong. Our corners, save powers will need to be upgraded. With Pagano being a former DB coach, I would expect a cb picked in round 2. There is no doubt which position on our dedense is the weak link.
whardiek - February 19, 2012 via mobile
There is no way Freeney can play 3-4 DE he could switch to OLB
And Brayton will be released because he sucks. However, Anderson IMO fits perfectly as a 3-4 DE and Nevis has the talent to switch too
SpanishColtsFan - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I agree that Freeney doesnt fit the 3-4 DE
He is a great pass rusher, fleet of foot and tenacious. If Mario Williams can be converted successfully to OLB in a 3-4, I dont see why Freeney can’t as well. I mentioned DFree only on obvious passing downs.
whardiek - February 19, 2012
Using common sense...
Freeney is a HOF player with a lot of gas in the tank…
Since Pagano ran a hybrid I expect Freeney to move around and play OLB in the 3-4 set and DE on obvious passing downs out of the 4-3 set.
I also would not be shocked if Free played 4-5 snaps a game at 3-4 DE.
I wouldn’t sleep on Freeney, many said he wasn’t big enough to play DE in a 4-3…he is an awesome pass rusher who’s value doesn’t show up in just his own sacks because he gets doubled and chipped on almost every play…
(206)NightRidah - February 19, 2012 via mobile
dont forget that he also gets held by the o-line
fanatik - February 19, 2012 via mobile
ngata
rarely plays the nose in baltimore
omahacolt - February 19, 2012
Beat me to it...
Mt. Cody plays the NT…
We ain’t gonna get a Ngata there are only 1 or 2 guys like him that weigh 335 and can still run kinda fast in the NFL…
If Poe is on the board they will take him. I am skeptical about his game because Memphis doesn’t play anyone but you can’t teach 6’5 350!
(206)NightRidah - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Dontari Poe NT 6-5, 350 pounds
I see the Colts taking him at #34 he’s the best nose tackle in the draft and would eat up blockers and help Angerer and Conner to run free to the ball. This would be a steal in the 2nd round
SpanishColtsFan - February 19, 2012 via mobile
poe will prolly blow up the combine
and be long gone before the 34th….unfortunately
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 19, 2012
Poe is a terrible nose tackle. People are getting too enamored with his listed measurements and aren’t looking at the tape. He plays too high and gets blocked out, he has zero agility, he doesn’t show up against big time competition and didn’t even play that well against Conference-USA opponents.
Using what is essentially a second first round pick on Poe would be a huge waste because he’s going to flame out. I’ll be furious if the Colts draft him
TrueBlue87 - February 19, 2012
I also have questions...
I think there will be better players available at 34. But trust that the Colts will evaluate properly. You hope to get the best player possible at one of the needs DB, NT… If they are gonna play a Pagano style D rather in a 3-4 or 4-3 set they will need a space eating NT…
(206)NightRidah - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I just think there are better options. Both Josh Chapman and Brandon Thompson can play the nose the 3-4 and have proven themselves against high level competition. Plus, they have the skills to play the 1-tech in a 4-3, unlike Poe
TrueBlue87 - February 19, 2012
Brandon Thompson
Do you honestly see him making it to us at 34? I don’t see any shot of that happening. He was reportedly “unblockable” at the senior bowl practices and was the most impressive guy all week. He’ll be gone by pick 34. And for the record, I agree with you on Poe. His production was low for what you expect to see from a late first early 2nd round pick from a small school. He’s getting mocked in the 20’s anyway so I don’t see us having the choice.
Going for a CB at 34 definitely looks like the pick to me. Dennard, Minnifield (hopefully), or a trade down to get a guy like Gilmore or Hayward.
Coltsfan1345 - February 20, 2012
Most mocks have him falling out of the first. The real test will be choosing between Thompson and Minnifield. I had that choice in the live mock, and I went with the corner.
TrueBlue87 - February 20, 2012
i also disagree
that it is a good idea to go to a 3-4 just for the sake of doing so. if we dont have the players, it is dumb to just play the scheme
omahacolt - February 19, 2012
pagano has already said as much
“you can’t fit a square peg in a round hole”
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 19, 2012
Nicholas Jean-Baptiste NT Baylor
Height: 6-1. Weight: 335.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
2/6/12: Jean-Baptiste was dominant at the East-West Shrine. He showed major potential to be a nose tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. All week, Jean-Baptiste was like a bowling ball rolling through offensive linemen and causing disruption in the backfield. Every linemen who went against him had problems with his bull rush. He has natural pad level and consistently gets underneath the pads of offensive linemen to push them straight back. As a senior, Jean-Baptiste totaled 36 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and three passes broken up.
From WalterFootball.com
Some reviews have been mixed (just like Poe, Ta’amu, and others). But we can probably get Jean-Baptiste in the late third (depending if we get a compensatory pick) or early fourth.
Radcolt - February 19, 2012
I took him at the end of the third in the live mock and it was universally called a reach. I prefer Chapman or Thompson to Jean-Baptiste, but both were long gone.
TrueBlue87 - February 19, 2012
I wouldn't call it him a reach...
This is not the only draft site that has him going 3-4 round. Most have him as the 3rd best true NT after Poe and Ta’amu.
I personally like Josh Chapman the best out of all these guys. He is as strong as an ox, played against the best in the country, and commanded double teams. He is not as heavy as these other guys weighing in at 310 lbs., but has a thick hard to moving lower body and trunk. Squats 630 and Benches 580 and listed as one of the strongest players in college football. He played the last 3rd of the season with a torn ACL and meniscus (shows that he is one tough mother). He just had surgery at the end of January, so may begin the year on PUP.
Radcolt - February 19, 2012
acl
Drafting a player with a torn acl isn’t what we need I think. I doubt he’d have the same burst at all.
Tricky Bobby - February 19, 2012 via mobile
He played the rest of season including the National Championship game.
He was still a beast. I remember reading a quote from the surgeon who operated on him saying that he had never seen a player play at such a high level with his type of injury. Like I said, one tough mother who will probably fall a little due to his injury. I say we grab him and maybe pick up a vet free agent NT also.
Radcolt - February 19, 2012
Wolf from cininati
He looks like a great pick up in the third. Dude is a machine.
BetterD - February 19, 2012
Akiem Hicks NT Regina University (Canada)
Height: 6-4. Weight: 324.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
2/6/12: The Canada product Hicks caught scouts attention when he flashed at the East-West Shrine practices. He is a large man who has some quickness and athleticism. Hicks was at LSU before leaving the program in January of 2010. He was signed out of the community college ranks prior to that. Hicks has the physical tools, but teams will need to do research into his background.
From WalterFootball.com
His name has been tossed around on this blog. If we sign a free agent vet NT, he might be a great late round pick to develop.
Radcolt - February 19, 2012
I second this
Addai Another Aday - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
A lot of nfl 3-4 DEs are converted college DTs
This is probably one of the more difficult positions to project, IMO.
Radcolt - February 19, 2012
Brandon Thompson and Jared Crick are the players we want
Brandon Thompson and Jared Crick have a relentless motor. I really havent seen Poe play but I havent heard good things about him when he plays. The scouts just talk about him physically but I think he may just be a workout warrior.
SRBradford - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Marcus Forston
Not sure he fits the scheme but he could be a late round pickup or ufa. Was good at Miami but stayed hurt.
Tricky Bobby - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Kheeston Randall
I’ve watched about every Texas game he played in, and I’m pretty sure he’s not a 3-4 NT. Not even 300lbs. I’m having trouble recalling the last time I’ve seen the Horns play a 3-4.
Addai Another Aday - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
You think he could play 3-4?
Or is he just a NT in a 4-3 Defense?
mgrex03 - February 19, 2012
The second.
He’s a 4-3 NT. He might be a good 3-4 end, though. They did have DE Jackson Jeffcoat (son of Jim, andis awesome) stand up sometimes, essentially make him one.
Addai Another Aday - February 19, 2012 via iPhone app
Mike Daniels
I really like this kid but not as a NT but a 3-4 end. In the Insight bowl vs OK I watched him almost dominate the oline every play. In other words he didn’t take a play off. He is very quick off the ball but kinda short and light for a DT thats why I think he will fit in great as a relief end and could maybe become more than that. Anyone else see him this year. IMO impressive and a steal in late late rounds if.
Cwhite916 - February 19, 2012
I took him in the seventh round of the live mock. Worth seeing if he can transition to 3-4 end at that point
TrueBlue87 - February 20, 2012
Other 3-4 DEs to add.
2nd – 3rd picks
Fletcher Cox Mississippi State and Mike Martin Michigan. I think I like Martin better, but I do not think this position is a high priority. I would look at later round value since these guys play run first, pass second.
4th – 7th picks
Kheeston Randall Texas, Tony Jerod-Eddie Texas A&M, Tyronne Crawford Boise State, Trevor Guyton California, and JR Sweezy NC State. Out of these guys, I like Crawford and Guyton who could probably be had in the 6th round.
Radcolt - February 19, 2012
Ignorance about the 3-4 runs rampant...
The only True concept applicable is that you need a true NT. Ideal weight is 335+
But after that all of your DEs don’t have to be 6’5 285-295…You tellin me Moala who is that size would be a better and more disruptive player than Drake as a 3-4 DE?! Lol! Certain sizes are ideal. And I expect the Colts to draft a different build of player moving forward but they have the tools to slowly transition to a 3-4 if they sign or develop a real NT. You also don’t have to be 6’2 260 to be a LB in a 3-4. James Harrison is 6ft 240 and the meanest son of a gun in the NFL.
If you can play you can play. Angerer will be fine. Brackett also if they don’t cut him. Brackett is overpaid, but he doesn’t suck…there is a difference between sucking and being overpaid. I’d rather have an Angerer Mathis and Freeney then some bigger guy that sucks…
If they get any production from Hughes this defense should be much better maybe middle of the pack next year (which for Indy would be great) and improve as they find player that fit the system even more…
Freeney is a tweener…not big enough to at 3-4 end on many snaps…maybe not enough of a cover man to play 3-4 OLB on every down. But only a complete tool would move him (if he does a contract restructure). He is one of the best 5 pass rushers in the NFL. If you think he has no value in the system you dont watch much football. Pagano is smart and will use him and Mathis (if retained) properly in a hybrid system.
There isn’t a 3-4 factory gentlemen. Excellent players will thrive in any system.
If they draft or sign a true NT…3-4 is actually better for the Colts IMO because you can keep Math and Free your best two players…on the field while getting more stout on the line and agaisnt the run the same time.
Colts have some talent on D…it has just been hidden in a garbage cover two forever. Getting a NT and a viable corner will make a huge difference
(206)NightRidah - February 20, 2012
Everyone needs to read this and let it sink in. +1
TrueBlue87 - February 20, 2012
I second what you guys are saying...
Ridah is spot on. We need a NT to run this defense (maybe even two since I don’t think Mookie can play the NT).
All the other guys we have can be plugged in to make the 3-4 work. I think we should go after a 3-4 DE in the 6th or 7th round. You can find good value talent here since it is not a priority position (Tyronne Crawford or Trevor Guyton should be available at the top of round 6). This is assuming that they do not resign Anderson or Brayton.
Radcolt - February 20, 2012
could you please
just post this in every thread that talks about 3-4 d
omahacolt - February 20, 2012
Do we just like Poe because of his size?
Because that’s all it seems like. He wasn’t that dominant at Memphis. He could have/should have been much more dominant. No one in conference USA should have been able to block him. Yeah he eats up space and takes up blockers but he was inconsistent all year. When he had his one chance to really impress scouts against an SEC opponent in Mississippi State, he failed. He didn’t play well in that game (which was his worst of the year). I’m not a big fan of him, hopefully he goes before 34 or we pass on him.
Coltsfan1345 - February 20, 2012
I would not take him in the second round...
There are just as good later round options available (Chapman, Jean-Baptiste, etc.). If he fails to the top of the 3rd (which he probably will not), then I say take him.
Radcolt - February 20, 2012
Ta'amu
Of the guys I have seen (not Poe) Ta’amu had the push you need, sometimes, from 3-4 NT. He also disappeared some. I don’t see a Shaun Rogers out there. Need DB’s so maybe NT FA ?
vinfromJersey - February 20, 2012
Fangupo
Is a locker room guy. A little older, just coming into his potential, has a relentless motor, and has played both the NT and DE spots in the 34. He could get a look in the middle rounds if we haven’t already picked a NT by then.
captaincomeback - February 20, 2012
He was...
Going to be the starting NT at USC this year, but they had a break-in at the apartment in LA and his wife wanted to move to Provo, so they did. I saw him in his first BYU game (at Ole Miss) and he tore middle round prospect RT Bobbie Massie to pieces.
captaincomeback - February 20, 2012
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