Houston Texans to improve to 7-6 on the year. The defensive line has propelled
Indy in recent weeks
Matt
Slauson Color Rush Jersey , led by Denico Autry with five sacks in the
last two games. Margus Hunt finally appears healthy too. He is due to hit free
agency and could opt to bank in on his career season. He is top ten in the NFL
in QB hits and a team with a lot of cap space may take a chance on the 31 year
old. Behind them is Al Woods— also slated to hit free agency— and former 4th
round pick Grover Stewart, who has had a rough season. With only Autry as a
likely shoe-in to return at defensive tackle, the Colts will likely look to add
talent in the draft. Luckily, the 2019 defensive line class is quite deep with
many calling it one of the best positional groups in years. With guys like
Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, and Raekwon Daviseating much of the attention, we
turn our focus on other defensive linemen who may be available when at the Colts
pick in the draft. Dre’Mont Jones, DT (6’3” 286)James Lang-USA TODAY
SportsBackgroundDue to the hype around guys like Oliver and Williams, people are
over looking the stout Ohio State lineman. The former high school basketball
player has transformed himself over the years as one of the best defensive
players in football. He finished his career with 111 total tackles, 22 tackles
for a loss, and 9.5 sacks. He was named First Team All-Big Ten his Junior season
after his dominant 8.5 sack season.AnalysisVery quick off of the line, natural
athlete with excellent burst. Shows an array of pass rush moves that will work
at the next level. Has the quickness to win with speed up the gut and the hand
usage to beat experienced linemen. Should excel with twists and stunts as his
bend and speed will be nightmares for offenses. Great range in run defense as he
tracks running backs down all over the field.Film ReviewWay too quick off of the
line here as he shoots the gap for the sack.Able to rip and pull his way past
the guard and then accelerate to the quarterback here. Look at that speed on
display.Not consistently the best run defender, but when he gets a good jump and
keeps his head up, he can make plays like this.Fit with the ColtsJones would be
an excellent fit up front with Autry. Autry was signed mainly due to his
athleticism and range as a defensive tackle. Jones is similar in this regard and
may be an even better athlete overall. Jones offers more size, which could give
the Colts the benefit of playing both players at the same time. Jones is a pure
athlete who can get after the passer. The Colts would be wise to draft this
athletic tackle if he falls to their first round pick.Renell Wren, DT (6’4”
295)Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesBackgroundThis dominant senior
lineman may be the biggest riser in this draft. Making Bruce Feldman’s “Freak
List” in the off-season, Wren was reportedly clocked at a 4.85 40 yard dash to
go along with a 34.5 inch vertical jump. He also reportedly can squat 600 pounds
and bench 430. For his on field career, Wren tallied 75
tackles
https://www.coltsfanshop.com/Anthony-Walker-Jersey ,
14.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks.AnalysisStout run defender with insane
strength and power. Dominates linemen at the point of attack and drives them
back into the backfield. Plays with great leverage. Bendy and explosive as well,
maybe the best burst off of the line in the entire class. Sack numbers are not
great but he has the athleticism and physical traits to be a dominant pass
rusher in the league.Film ReviewWren drives the center straight back into the
quarterback’s lap, forcing a scramble on third down with only a three man
rush.Wren bull rushes the guard into the ground en route to a huge sack against
Washington.Fit with the ColtsWren would be the perfect Margus Hunt replacement—
or a great candidate to rotate with Hunt if he re-signs. Wren is is a similar
athlete, in that he and Hunt both win with burst off of the line. However, Wren
is stout enough as a run defender and adept enough at using leverage to find
playing time early in his career. He should be able to find instant success in
the Colts’ scheme as well as he would use his burst and quickness to fire
through gaps. Ricky Walker, DT (6’2” 304)Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY
SportsBackgroundA former three star recruit, Walker has risen to become the
leader of a very good Virginia Tech defense the last two seasons. The veteran
defensive lineman has piled up quite the list of accomplishments with the
Hokies. For his career, Walker has 127 total tackles, 30.5 tackles for a loss,
and 8 sacks. He earned 2nd Team All-ACC Honors in 2018 and Honorable Mention
All-ACC in 2017.AnalysisReally nice burst off of the line and balance when
engaged with blockers. Very strong at the point of attack as he controls lineman
with strong hands. Maintains run fits very well as he understands gap discipline
and the importance of filling space. Solid athlete who can win at times by
flying past slower linemen. Displays flashes of pass rush productivity with a
wide array of moves. Film ReviewRelentless rush here as he fights his way
through two blockers to get the sack on the quarterback.Great balance and
strength here as Walker (#8) fights through the traffic and a double team to
make the stop.Walker (now wearing #25 as most Virginia Tech Captains do at least
once in their careers) splits the double team again for the big run stuff.Fit
with the ColtsWalker could easily step in and fill the void that will be left by
Al Woods this off-season. Woods has been a bit of disappointment for the Colts
this season but he is still a decent athlete who understands how to fill space.
Walker would be one of the bigger linemen in the Colts’ defensive scheme but he
would be perfect as the run stuffing, big lineman up front. With Walker’s
ability to also flash pass rush productivity and the fact that he is a better
athlete overall than Woods, Walker would be an upgrade in every facet.Terry
Beckner Jr, DT (6’3” 305)Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY SportsBackgroundThe
physically gifted Beckner has been through a lot throughout his collegiate
career. After coming into Missouri with high expectations of a 5-Star
recruitment rating, Beckner tore up the SEC his Freshman year en route to
First-Team Freshman All American Honors. After that though, Beckner suffered two
season ending knee injuries. For his career, Beckner tallied 117 total tackles,
30.5 tackles for a
loss
https://www.coltsfanshop.com , and
12 sacks. AnalysisPowerful player who excels at getting his hands inside and
dominating at the point of attack. Tough, physical player who flashes some
impressive pass rush moves including a very nice swim move. Although knee
injuries have slowed him a bit, he still possess above average quickness and
athleticism at the snap of the ball. Team leader who does the dirty work along
with making highlight plays.Film ReviewEffortlessly swims past the center and
has to be held to prevent the sack. Nasty nasty swim move.Good swim off of the
snap here and then strafes down the line for the backside tackle.Throws the
guard multiple times here and is able to draw the hold on the play.Fit with the
ColtsBeckner would be an excellent addition to the Colts defensive line from a
talent and leadership perspective. He has the athleticism and strength to excel
in a gap shooting scheme like the Colts, where he can easily maneuver around
one-on-one blocks. He also would be a great asset in the twist game as his
natural strength and motor would harass opposing QBs. From a locker room
perspective, Beckner would just add another hard working high character guy to
the team. Final ThoughtsOverall, the Colts need more youth and depth on the
defensive line next season. Hunt and Autry have played much better than expected
and adding youth to the rotation behind them will only make them stronger as
players. Each one of the players above are very talented, young defensive
lineman who would be excellent fits with the Colts defense.So far this year we
have done full length Scouting Notebooks on wide receivers and defensive
tackles, the Colts’ biggest needs heading into 2019. Which position group should
be the next focus for a future Notebook? Running back? Safety? Cornerback?
Comment below which position you’d like to see featured in a future Scouting
Notebook. The Chiefs defense was not the strong suit of the team through the
regular season, but they came up with a big effort against the Colts in
Saturday’s 31-13 win.Linebacker Justin Houston was in the center of that effort.
Houston had two sacks, batted down a pass and recovered a fumble forced by Dee
Ford a couple of plays after a Sammy Watkins fumble gave Indianapolis the ball
in the red zone. Getting the ball back was called an “attitude play” by coach
Andy Reid because “it motivates everyone” and Houston said after the game that
he thinks the team can do even better in the future.“I’ve been on the field with
great units,” Houston said, via the . “I think we’re just jelling together … and
the best is yet to come. … We were communicating, and playing together. Once you
get that done, with everybody on the same page, the sky is the limit.”The unit
will get a chance to show that they have more to offer in the AFC Championship
Game next Sunday and they’ll learn which offense they are tasked with stopping
in a few hours.
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