Indianapolis Colts 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Jack Mewhort, OT, Ohio State
6’6″, 305 lbs.
The Player
Mewhort is a smart player who has very good mechanics and foot quickness. He is not very strong in his upper or lower body, but is something he can certainly improve upon.
The Pick
This is a team that needs offensive line help now and they had to force a pick here. This is not a huge reach, but it still is one.
The Fit
Mewhort will likely start somewhere along the line. A lot of people project him to a guard and I would not be shocked to see him start somewhere in the interior immediately. If he can improve his strength a bit, Andrew Luck will be very happy.
Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
Sep 28, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Donte Moncrief (12) carries up the field against the Alabama Crimson Tide defense during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
6’2″, 221 lbs.
The Player
Moncrief is an absolute freak of a wide receiver. He is a very large target who can dominate the catch point and has speed to burn after the catch. He just needs to improve his on field focus and improve his consistency. Hopefully going from Bo Wallace to Andrew Luck will make him play a bit harder.
The Pick
This is a ver puzzling pick because, while Moncrief is very talented and this pick has good value, there were also players available at much bigger positions of need that shared a similar value.
The Fit
Wide receiver is one of the few positions where the Colts do not need help and it is likely Moncrief’s ceiling during his rookie year is the fourth wide receiver. He will likely move up because he is too talented not to, but he will likely get buried the first few years behind Wayne, Hilton, Nicks, Allen and Fleener in terms of being targeted.
Jonathan Newsome, OLB, Ball State
6’3″, 247 lbs.
The Player
Newsome is a very good speed rusher who uses his hands and leverage to makes plays against the pass. He is somewhat of a one trick pony and lacks strength to make that much of an impact in the running game.
The Pick
I am higher on Newsome than most and even I have to concede this was a reach.
The Fit
Newsome could make an early impact, especially with Robert Mathis’ potential early absence. Newsome figures as a nickel rusher or a guy who has pressure schemed for him. He should be a decent role player while he hopefully adds some strength and becomes an every down linebacker.
Andrew Jackson, LB, WKU
6’1″, 254 lbs.
The Player
Jackson is a downhill thumper. He comes up against the run, uses very good functional strength to shed and will make an impact tackle on the ball carrier. However, his instincts need work, he is not a very good athlete and his functional length is inconsistent.
The Pick
This is a reach.
The Fit
Maybe Jackson can improve his instincts and work inside the Colts’ defense down the line. I see him as a special teams player though, though a very good one.
Sep 28, 2013; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) is tackled by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers linebacker Andrew Jackson (4) during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Ulrick John, OT, Georgia State.
6’5″, 288 lbs.
The Player
John is a smart player who moves decently well in pass protection. He is not very strong though and can get speed rushed on a consistent basis. He does play to the whistle, but he has evident limitations.
The Pick
This is a strange pick. I don’t see a ton of upside here other than his motor and the possibility that he bulks up a bit.
The Fit
I’d be surprised if he made the team.