The thirty-first pick in the inaugural edition of the Cincy Jungle Mock Draft is brought to us by member JohnnyK, selecting for the Indianapolis Colts. His explanation for the pick is after the jump. Thank you for your participation JohnnyK.
With the thirty-first pick in the 2010 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select...
Charles Brown, OT, USC
The Indianapolis Colts celebrated a fantastic year in the NFL. They absolutely dominated the regular season to the tune of 14-0, before giving up their final two games in preparation of the post season. They played their way into the Super Bowl, before losing to the New Orleans Saints. As a team that is annual considered one of the best in the league, they should not have many holes to fill. However, as is the case with every NFL team, they must continue to improve or get left behind.
Initially, this was going to be a piece on improving their defense. By all accounts, the D is average at best. They ranked 18th in yards allowed per game in 2009. The defense was ranked 16th in both interceptions and sacks. They ranked 19th in passing yards allowed. If the colts were to focus on defense in the first round, I believe they would focus on stopping the run. They ranked 24th in rushing yards allowed in 2009.
However, the Colts will go another route this draft in the first round. With the 31st pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Indianpolis Colts select Charles Brown, offensive tackle from USC. Here’s why.
First, there is a glaring need at left tackle for the Colts. The Colts former first round OT pick, Tony Ugoh, was replaced by a guard, Charlie Johnson, at the start of the 2009 regular season. This should give you enough indication of how little faith the Colts have with their former first rounder. Now, I don’t have a problem with a guard tacking over the left tackle position (see Andrew Whitworth). However, the general feeling is that while Charlie Johnson did an adequate job, the position can be vastly improved. (I liken this to Cincinnati’s own question marks at left guard. While a guy like Evan Mathis or Nate Livings can do a satisfactory job, they do not fill me with a lot of confidence).
So the Colts need a player skilled in arguably the second most important position in the NFL. This is where Charles Brown comes in. First, he can be drafted and start immediately in the NFL. His greatest skill is in pass blocking. This is improtant to the Colts for very obvious reasons. The Colts were second in the league in pass attempts and first in passing touchdowns last year. Needless to say, if Manning is the quarterback, the Colts will be passing the ball. Having a left tackle who can pass block is key. Charles Brown fits the bill.
Brown’s skills are another major plus. He’s athletic, with long arms and quick feet. He is a smart player who already knows a pro-scheme, coming from USC. A weakness of his is that he must bulk up to be NFL ready. I believe bulking up will be an easier goal to achieve than learning a pro-style offense. Finally, he must become a better run blocker. What I like about being drafted by the Colts is that this will give him time to learn run blocking skills. His skills as a run blocker will not be as drasticly needed as say on the Jets or the Dolphins, who rely on the running game much, much more.
The left tackle position must protect the quarterback’s blind side. Drafting a player who can do so for Peyton Manning should be priority number one. Charles Brown fits this bill nicely and will be the Colts selection for the 2010 draft.
Charles Brown Highlights:
(via ProDraftParty)