When a team cuts a fourth round pick in training camp, they are generally saying that they made a big mistake. That is the case for the Indianapolis Colts 2009 draft class. They may have netted three starters in this draft, and a year ago I was very high on their decisions , but the proof is in the pudding. One year out this is a below average draft class, with huge upside. If it works out it will be another draft day coup for Bill Polian, if it doesn’t people are still going to consider him a draft day genius.
A quick look at teh 2009 Colts draft class:
•Round One (27)- Donald Brown RB •Round Two (56)- Fili Moala DT •Round Three (92)- Jerraud Powers DB •Round Four (127)- Austin Collie WR •Round Four (136)- Terrance Taylor DT •Round Six (201)- Curtis Painter QB •Round Seven (222)- Pat McAfee P •Round Seven (236)- Jaimie Thomas T
So the draft grade gets hurt considering that they cut Taylor and Thomas in training camp. It gets hurt even more because they traded up for Moala and it cost them a fifth round pick. He only gave them seven tackles in ten games. Brown, Collie, and Powers all figure to be starters one day so the upside of this class is immense.
Polian is without a doubt one of the craftiest GM’s in the draft. I never want to go against him, because most people that bet against this guy lose. With that in mind the one year grade for this draft is a C, and I bet when I look back at this class next year it will be a heck of a lot higher.
Related Links:
• 2009 NFL Draft, one year later • Indianapolis Colts news and notes • 2010 NFL Mock Drafts • 2010 NFL Team needs •MTR Football.com
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