Addai: Average RB, great situation! (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

Your Avitar says it all....Clueless

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[switz]

The reason the Colts targeted Addai in the draft was because of the all-around package.

IIRC, they weren't targeting Addai. He was all that was left when it came down to them.Of course, afterwards they spun him as "their guy", but up until then, they were targeting Williams, etc.

Actually, Polian said they had Addai targetted and had called the Panthers to trade up, knowing the Panthers were looking for RBs as well. They were happy the Panthers grabbed Williams because they knew Addai would then fall to them. The Colts flew Addai in before the draft and expected to take him all along. Here's a nice archive

QUESTION: This is a very hypothetical question. I have heard that the Colts have fallen in love with Laurence Maroney. Assuming they pick a back, if all three of the top backs not named Reggie Bush fall to the Colts at No. 30, which do they pick?

-- from Andrew, Beech Grove, IN

ANSWER: First of all, any notion that anyone outside of the Colts' West 56th Street complex knows which player the team has fallen in love with is way off base. The Colts are one of the best teams in the league at keeping their “favorites'' to themselves. I'm sure they would love to have three of the elite running backs available when they're on the clock with the 30th overall pick. Obviously, that won't be the case. From the scouting reports I've read, Maroney seems to be a pretty good fit, although he apparently needs to improve his pass blocking and receiving. But you could probably say that regarding just about every running back coming out of college. Two guys to keep your eye on are Joseph Addai of LSU and Maurice Drew of UCLA.

 

[switz]

Your Avitar says it all....Clueless

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I think your avatar is pretty cool.

 

[Keys Myaths]

The reason the Colts targeted Addai in the draft was because of the all-around package.

IIRC, they weren't targeting Addai. He was all that was left when it came down to them.Of course, afterwards they spun him as "their guy", but up until then, they were targeting Williams, etc.

Actually, Polian said they had Addai targetted and had called the Panthers to trade up, knowing the Panthers were looking for RBs as well. They were happy the Panthers grabbed Williams because they knew Addai would then fall to them. The Colts flew Addai in before the draft and expected to take him all along. Here's a nice archive

QUESTION: This is a very hypothetical question. I have heard that the Colts have fallen in love with Laurence Maroney. Assuming they pick a back, if all three of the top backs not named Reggie Bush fall to the Colts at No. 30, which do they pick?

-- from Andrew, Beech Grove, IN

ANSWER: First of all, any notion that anyone outside of the Colts' West 56th Street complex knows which player the team has fallen in love with is way off base. The Colts are one of the best teams in the league at keeping their “favorites'' to themselves. I'm sure they would love to have three of the elite running backs available when they're on the clock with the 30th overall pick. Obviously, that won't be the case. From the scouting reports I've read, Maroney seems to be a pretty good fit, although he apparently needs to improve his pass blocking and receiving. But you could probably say that regarding just about every running back coming out of college. Two guys to keep your eye on are Joseph Addai of LSU and Maurice Drew of UCLA.

Addai and Drew?Solid.

 

[switz]

The reason the Colts targeted Addai in the draft was because of the all-around package.

IIRC, they weren't targeting Addai. He was all that was left when it came down to them.Of course, afterwards they spun him as "their guy", but up until then, they were targeting Williams, etc.

Correct. In fact, the story was that Polian went into a meltdown in their draft day war room when the Pats enexpectedly grabbed Maroney ahead of them.

That's not a true story then.

 

[switz]

Here's a nice archive

QUESTION: This is a very hypothetical question. I have heard that the Colts have fallen in love with Laurence Maroney. Assuming they pick a back, if all three of the top backs not named Reggie Bush fall to the Colts at No. 30, which do they pick?

-- from Andrew, Beech Grove, IN

ANSWER: First of all, any notion that anyone outside of the Colts' West 56th Street complex knows which player the team has fallen in love with is way off base. The Colts are one of the best teams in the league at keeping their “favorites'' to themselves. I'm sure they would love to have three of the elite running backs available when they're on the clock with the 30th overall pick. Obviously, that won't be the case. From the scouting reports I've read, Maroney seems to be a pretty good fit, although he apparently needs to improve his pass blocking and receiving. But you could probably say that regarding just about every running back coming out of college. Two guys to keep your eye on are Joseph Addai of LSU and Maurice Drew of UCLA.

Addai and Drew?Solid.

And if anyone had a clue what the Colts might have been thinking, it was Chapell, he's covered the Colts since they were the Baltimore Colts, and he maintains a very good relationship with the FO. In fact, his comment on Maroney sounds to me a bit like he may have heard some info from the FO on Maroney, why they didn't like him.

 

[Tom Baker]

Just so I got this clear:

Edge was great because Edge was great.

Addai is great because he plays with Manning, Harrison, etc.

By the way, I felt like the cat who the canary last year when Addai fell to me at 1.04 in a dynasty draft. Never even considered trying to trade up, since I suspected Bush, Maroney, and D. Williams (you know, the "talented" backs) would go 1 . . 2 . . 3 . . .

I wonder how that draft would go if it were held today . . .

 

[redman]

The reason the Colts targeted Addai in the draft was because of the all-around package.

IIRC, they weren't targeting Addai. He was all that was left when it came down to them.Of course, afterwards they spun him as "their guy", but up until then, they were targeting Williams, etc.

Correct. In fact, the story was that Polian went into a meltdown in their draft day war room when the Pats enexpectedly grabbed Maroney ahead of them.

That's not a true story then.

Yeah . . . if you believe Polian's post-draft story about Addai being who they targeted, which would be both flattering to Addai and to Polian's undisputably large ego. You also need to make a distinction between Addai being one of the likely candidates to fall to the Colts (which is not flattering to Addai relative to the other RB's) and Addai being the one possibility out of many who the Colts would want to fall to them (the possibilities including Williams, Maroney & Addai).

Polian had his choice made for him as the other two were drafted first. He even tried to trade up with Carolina, who IIRC most people figured all along would draft Williams. It's laughable to me to hear people say that Addai was who Polian wanted all along.

 

[gump]

The reason the Colts targeted Addai in the draft was because of the all-around package.

IIRC, they weren't targeting Addai. He was all that was left when it came down to them.Of course, afterwards they spun him as "their guy", but up until then, they were targeting Williams, etc.

Correct. In fact, the story was that Polian went into a meltdown in their draft day war room when the Pats enexpectedly grabbed Maroney ahead of them.

That's not a true story then.

Yeah . . . if you believe Polian's post-draft story about Addai being who they targeted, which would be both flattering to Addai and to Polian's undisputably large ego. You also need to make a distinction between Addai being one of the likely candidates to fall to the Colts (which is not flattering to Addai relative to the other RB's) and Addai being the one possibility out of many who the Colts would want to fall to them (the possibilities including Williams, Maroney & Addai).

Polian had his choice made for him as the other two were drafted first. He even tried to trade up with Carolina, who IIRC most people figured all along would draft Williams. It's laughable to me to hear people say that Addai was who Polian wanted all along.

Not sure what the point of this is. It is not debatable that the Colts were interested in Addai, mainly because of his well-rounded skillset. A skillset that has translated beautifully to the NFL and makes him more than an average RB.

 

[redman]

Here's a nice archive

QUESTION: This is a very hypothetical question. I have heard that the Colts have fallen in love with Laurence Maroney. Assuming they pick a back, if all three of the top backs not named Reggie Bush fall to the Colts at No. 30, which do they pick?

-- from Andrew, Beech Grove, IN

ANSWER: First of all, any notion that anyone outside of the Colts' West 56th Street complex knows which player the team has fallen in love with is way off base. The Colts are one of the best teams in the league at keeping their “favorites'' to themselves. I'm sure they would love to have three of the elite running backs available when they're on the clock with the 30th overall pick. Obviously, that won't be the case. From the scouting reports I've read, Maroney seems to be a pretty good fit, although he apparently needs to improve his pass blocking and receiving. But you could probably say that regarding just about every running back coming out of college. Two guys to keep your eye on are Joseph Addai of LSU and Maurice Drew of UCLA.

Addai and Drew?Solid.

And if anyone had a clue what the Colts might have been thinking, it was Chapell, he's covered the Colts since they were the Baltimore Colts, and he maintains a very good relationship with the FO. In fact, his comment on Maroney sounds to me a bit like he may have heard some info from the FO on Maroney, why they didn't like him.

Well, here's Chappell not expressing much of a clue here as to which RB they'd select, only a day or two before the draft:

April 28, 2006

Ask the experts

QUESTION: Who do you think the Indianapolis Colts will select with their first pick in the draft, 30th overall?

-- from Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

ANSWER: Bill Polian might throw us a curveball. Remember Reggie Wayne in 2001 and Dallas Clark in '03? Everyone, myself included, believed the Colts needed to address their defense those years, but they went with the best player still on their board. Just happened to be offensive players. Until proven otherwise, I'm sticking with the Colts taking a running back. Maybe DeAngelo Williams, Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai or Maurice Drew. If the right back is there, the Colts need to take him. If they don't like their options at running back, they'll take the best defensive player.

QUESTION: The Colts obviously have several areas they could address in the draft. However, replacing Edge seems to be the key concern. Since Houston isn't desperate for a running back, any chance they'll trade the first overall pick? What do you think it would take to move up that high? If it takes a couple of first-round picks, isn't it worth it? Reggie Bush might be the only guy in the draft who could replace Edge, so the high price might be worth it. What do you think?

-- from Scott, Atlanta, GA

ANSWER: Ain't gonna happen. Not a chance. First, it would be way too expensive in terms of draft picks to move from No. 30 to No. 1. Second, while Bush is the consensus best running back in the draft, I don't think his impact with the Colts' offense would be that much greater than one of the other elite running backs. If the Colts can come away with a quality running back at No. 30, or maybe at the top of the second round if they decide to move back, they'll be fine. Whichever running back they select won't be as good as James, but he should be a quality player nonetheless.

I included the second Q&A to point out that Mr. Chappell, too, doesn't think Addai is as good as James was.

 

[switz]

Here's a nice archive

QUESTION: This is a very hypothetical question. I have heard that the Colts have fallen in love with Laurence Maroney. Assuming they pick a back, if all three of the top backs not named Reggie Bush fall to the Colts at No. 30, which do they pick?

-- from Andrew, Beech Grove, IN

ANSWER: First of all, any notion that anyone outside of the Colts' West 56th Street complex knows which player the team has fallen in love with is way off base. The Colts are one of the best teams in the league at keeping their “favorites'' to themselves. I'm sure they would love to have three of the elite running backs available when they're on the clock with the 30th overall pick. Obviously, that won't be the case. From the scouting reports I've read, Maroney seems to be a pretty good fit, although he apparently needs to improve his pass blocking and receiving. But you could probably say that regarding just about every running back coming out of college. Two guys to keep your eye on are Joseph Addai of LSU and Maurice Drew of UCLA.

Addai and Drew?Solid.

And if anyone had a clue what the Colts might have been thinking, it was Chapell, he's covered the Colts since they were the Baltimore Colts, and he maintains a very good relationship with the FO. In fact, his comment on Maroney sounds to me a bit like he may have heard some info from the FO on Maroney, why they didn't like him.

Well, here's Chappell not expressing much of a clue here as to which RB they'd select, only a day or two before the draft:

April 28, 2006

Ask the experts

QUESTION: Who do you think the Indianapolis Colts will select with their first pick in the draft, 30th overall?

-- from Chris Fiegler, Latham, NY

ANSWER: Bill Polian might throw us a curveball. Remember Reggie Wayne in 2001 and Dallas Clark in '03? Everyone, myself included, believed the Colts needed to address their defense those years, but they went with the best player still on their board. Just happened to be offensive players. Until proven otherwise, I'm sticking with the Colts taking a running back. Maybe DeAngelo Williams, Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai or Maurice Drew. If the right back is there, the Colts need to take him. If they don't like their options at running back, they'll take the best defensive player.

QUESTION: The Colts obviously have several areas they could address in the draft. However, replacing Edge seems to be the key concern. Since Houston isn't desperate for a running back, any chance they'll trade the first overall pick? What do you think it would take to move up that high? If it takes a couple of first-round picks, isn't it worth it? Reggie Bush might be the only guy in the draft who could replace Edge, so the high price might be worth it. What do you think?

-- from Scott, Atlanta, GA

ANSWER: Ain't gonna happen. Not a chance. First, it would be way too expensive in terms of draft picks to move from No. 30 to No. 1. Second, while Bush is the consensus best running back in the draft, I don't think his impact with the Colts' offense would be that much greater than one of the other elite running backs. If the Colts can come away with a quality running back at No. 30, or maybe at the top of the second round if they decide to move back, they'll be fine. Whichever running back they select won't be as good as James, but he should be a quality player nonetheless.

I included the second Q&A to point out that Mr. Chappell, too, doesn't think Addai is as good as James was.

I don't think anyone is saying Addai coming out was as good as James coming out. Totally different colege situations. Talent wise they may be close, but experience wise Edge was light years ahead.As for Chappell's quotes- he wouldn't give away who the team was zeroing in on, otherwise he'd damage his FO ties. However, DWilly was NEVER in the Colts plans, they wanted Maroney, Addai and MJD. Maroney had blocking and receiving questions, MJD had "size" questions, so of the three which do YOU think they thought was the best fit?

There were too many pre-draft comments about Addai from Manning and the team to think they weren't interested in him. Additionally, I believe Addai was the only RB they flew in to take another look at.

QUESTION: I recently heard the Colts wanted Laurence Maroney in the draft. I also heard the Patriots found out and picked him just to spite the Colts or hurt their wishes. Do you buy into this? Do you think this was a good move (to pick someone just to hurt another team instead of helping yourself)? Do you believe Polian when he says he got his guy?-- from Jay, Wayne, NJ

ANSWER: I believe the Colts got the player they wanted considering the available players when they drafted No. 30. I do not know how the team had Joseph Addai ranked among running backs. The team does not share that information and I would be skeptical of anyone who says he knows how the Colts ranked the running backs prior to the draft. Bill Polian is very private when it comes to personnel matters. As for New England simply taking Maroney so the Colts couldn't draft him, I seriously doubt that occurred. The Patriots had a serious need at the position. Corey Dillon is wearing down. Successful franchises don't get that way by making personnel decisions based on drafting or signing a player it really doesn't want. So, no, I don't buy into the Patriots taking Maroney to keep the Colts from doing so.

Bottom line, whie many pundits put Maroney on the Colts before the draft, that doesn't mean that's who Polian wanted. However, none of us can say factually whether Polian did or did not want Maroney over Addai. On the other hand, Polian has always been honest, even to a fault, and if he says that they wanted Addai, I woudl believe that.Is there a possibility because they knew where they were picking, and who would be available, they pegged Addai for that spot? That's possible. But considering most pundits also only had 2 RBs pegged to go in the first round, that would mean the Colts still had Addai very high on their board.

Either way, it doesn't matter. They didn't do anything to replace Addai this season, they are happy with him, and he's being successful for them.

 

[Garts]

When Addai runs...he sure "jump" cuts a lot...his feet leave the ground all the time when he runs. I wonder if he had a little better feet....like juking with his feet planted.....if he would keep more of his forward momentum going and break a few more tackles?

BTW, I like Addai a lot...just pointing this out.

 

[g5jamz]

Remember guys...go watch the DVR of that game...look how many times Addai is wide open on the checkdowns. Peyton didn't go to him because he didn't HAVE to.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Why can't people just admit he's good. Hey - you just might have been wrong when you ranked him at the draft, after the draft, this year, etc.Rhodes is an average RB, and the situation didn't make him look good. Why does the "situation" get credit for Addai then?Maybe you should just admit you're wrong about Addai. The kid has real talent.

Because Rhodes is not an average NFL starting running back. slight as a pet peeve of mine must come out... For everyone, if you say a guy is an average running back (most people will assume starter). Therefore, you must be saying that there are roughly 15 RB's better than him and 15 RB's worse than him. Rhodes is clearly at the bottom of the NFL starting RB's so he is not an average running back. Of course if you are saying compared to all NFL RB's, then yes he is average, but that means EVERY starting RB is well above average and I am sure that is not the meaning.That being said, I thought Addai ran well yesterday. yes he had room to run and a lot of it, but there were times where he made the right cut back and showed decent vision. I would have to really look at all RB's and my opinion of their talent, but I think saying Addai is around the 20th starting RB in terms of talent is probably about right. Of course this has nothing to do with fantasy value and that is at least top 10 on the Colts.Sorry, we return to regularly scheduled program.

By virtue of starting, ALL starting NFL RBs are above average. If they weren't, they'd be backups. Consider, most teams carry at least 3 RBs. That means there are a minimum of 96 in the NFL. If their talent level went in order, that means RB #48 would be average. Hence RBs 32 and above are all better than average, given that each team has an RB ranked 32 and above.Given that Rhodes was signed to the Raiders in the offseason, to compete for a starting role, they must feel he is an above average RB, at least borderline starting capable.Even if you say he's only an average "starting" RB, you ar saying he's below #16. So who would you rank above him?LT, LJ, SJax, Gore, Westbrook, Portis, Peterson (MIN) - ok I'll buy those.Shaun Alexander, FWP, Fred Taylor, McGahee - you could argue maybe.Lynch, Edge, Brandon Jacobs, Rudi Johnson, Laurence Maroney, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, Lamont Jordan/Dominic Rhodes, Travis Henry, Foster, Williams, MJD and so on... I don't think the greatest litigator could reasonably argue they are more talented than Addai.I have him in the top-10 in regards to NFL starting talent RBs. But I could see how someone could have him ranked #12 or so... but that's still above average. Not elite, but definitely above average.

Please reread, I am talking about Rhodes NOT being an average starting RB. You could argue that Addai is an average starting RB and that is probably about right, although I would have him around the 16 mark, there are some guys I would like to watch more before knowing for sure. Maroney is a good example.