1.07 Delone Carter IND

[Burt the Butcher]

While I like another here, I hate his situation. So will go with Carter here. . He's a good fit for the zone running scheme, projects well enough as a receiver and has a great chance to slam the door on the slow-to-comearound Donald Brown. If he gains Peyton Manning's trust on third down, he has RB1 potential.

[Bounty Hunter]

i think a stud will rise from the so called 2nd tier of RBs and this guy has as good a chance as any of them. He'll get an opportunity to show his stuff and the 1st time he picks up a 3rd and short to run out the clock he'll be golden.

[Liquid Swords]

I don't understand the thought behind the Indy comments (i.e. Leshore post) and Delone Carter going so high. Addai will be back in a Colts uniform. He may not be a good fantasy RB but he fits the Colts system very well. The Colts don't need a 100yd/gm RB. The Colts have a larger need for a top-notch pass blocking RB who can catch the ball, and Addai IMO is arguably the best in the game when it comes to pass protection. He picks up blocks well and Manning loves it. Just look at the times Brown and Hart played. They may have run for more yards than Addai, but Manning found himself hurried or on his backside more often when Brown or Hart were in at RB on pass plays.

The Colts offense revolves around Manning and effective blocking for him. Addai fits this role to a T. The biggest problem the Colts have had the last two seasons has been the offensive line (Glenn's retirement killed the line and Manning's blind-side) which the Colts FINALLY addressed this draft with Castonzo and Ijalana...the problem wasn't at RB.

Carter has good pass protection skills but he only had 8 receptions last year (not quite the pass catching checkdown Manning prefers). I think Carter is at least 3 years away from being a potential starter in the Colts system. The offense is so complex it will take him time to learn. IMO, Carter was picked for additional depth at RB and to potentially give Addai a breather in pass protection downs.

My ... but I'd gladly eat crow too.

[Bounty Hunter]

You make some good points. I think this will be Addai's last year in Indy unless they offer him another 1 year tender. Next year will probably be D. Browns last year. The Colts approached this draft as if Addai will not be back (although they want him back as they offered a 1 yr tender).

You right on target with the Colts offense revolving around Manning. However they have lost a few games over the years (including playoffs) because they were unable to pick up 3rd and short to run out the clock with game on the line. In addition to Carter giving Addai a breather he will be in the game when the Colts have a lead late in the 4th quarter. He will also handle most if not all short yardage situations.

just my 02c