Joe's 5/25 e-mail update (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

Hope it's not an issue to post this, since the updates are still free. I have two minor problems with what's written below. One is with Len's comment, and one is by Joe.

I'll bold the parts in question:

IND - Addai Being Groomed To Replace James?

Source: Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com

Joseph Addai, the former LSU standout and 30th prospect chosen overall last month hasn't been anointed formally -- at least not yet -- as James' successor. The official party line at last weekend's full-squad minicamp here was that Addai will split the position, for the time being, with five-year veteran Dominic Rhodes. But here's an indication as to how the Colts' brass views the potential of their new running back: Addai didn't get James' former uniform, No. 32, but instead was issued No. 29 by the equipment staff. That's a number which used to belong to one of the other most memorable tailbacks in the Indianapolis era of Colts' franchise history, Pro Football Hall of Fame runner Eric Dickerson.

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

When Mr. Pasquarelli talks, he's a guy you'd do well to listen to. Obviously, he's seeing through the company line talk of Addai and Rhodes sharing time. Pasquarelli feels that Addai will be the replacement for Edgerrin James and we're inclined to agree. The article goes on to detail how hard Addai is working to learn the offense. He's a natural receiver out of the backfield and that should pay major dividends.

First, the comment about how high Indy is on Addai. Do you think the Colts brass even remembers that Dickerson wore #29? Okay, I'm obviously exaggerating a little bit. But let's not read too much into the jersey he was given. Jason Belser wore #29 for the Colts a few years ago, for God's sake. Indy must really cherish that number. Most people who think of Eric Dickerson the Hall of Famer remember him tearing up defenses in the blue & gold of the Rams. His stint in Indy was largely an afterthought, except for his stellar first season with the Colts:

+--------------------------+-------------------------+ | Rushing | Receiving |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| 1983 ram | 16 | 390 1808 4.6 18 | 51 404 7.9 2 || 1984 ram | 16 | 379 2105 5.6 14 | 21 139 6.6 0 || 1985 ram | 14 | 292 1234 4.2 12 | 20 126 6.3 0 || 1986 ram | 16 | 404 1821 4.5 11 | 26 205 7.9 0 || 1987 ind | 9 | 223 1011 4.5 5 | 13 133 10.2 0 || 1987 ram | 3 | 60 277 4.6 1 | 5 38 7.6 0 || 1988 ind | 16 | 388 1659 4.3 14 | 36 377 10.5 1 || 1989 ind | 15 | 314 1311 4.2 7 | 30 211 7.0 1 || 1990 ind | 11 | 166 677 4.1 4 | 18 92 5.1 0 || 1991 ind | 10 | 167 536 3.2 2 | 41 269 6.6 1 || 1992 rai | 16 | 187 729 3.9 2 | 14 85 6.1 1 || 1993 atl | 4 | 26 91 3.5 0 | 6 58 9.7 0 |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+| TOTAL | 146 | 2996 13259 4.4 90 | 281 2137 7.6 6 |+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+Regarding Joe's comment: "When Mr. Pasquarelli talks, he's a guy you'd do well to listen to."

Ehhhh...

He gets some good information sometimes -- I guess. But most of the time, he rehashes a story which has already been broken somewhere else. And I don't stay awake wondering what Pastabelly's opinion on all-things-football will be.

To me, he's a slightly above average football reporter.

All that having been said, the e-mail updates are appreciated.

 

[djcolts]

But here's an indication as to how the Colts' brass views the potential of their new running back: Addai didn't get James' former uniform, No. 32, but instead was issued No. 29 by the equipment staff. That's a number which used to belong to one of the other most memorable tailbacks in the Indianapolis era of Colts' franchise history, Pro Football Hall of Fame runner Eric Dickerson.

The other thing is - it is contradictory to think that the Colts are trying to keep the pressure off of Addai by saying it will be a RBBC - and he's just a rookie, etc., etc. - and then in the same breath say that Addai getting #29 means the Colts think he's the next Colts HOF RB. It doesn't make sense.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

 

[diesel7982]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

In my opinion, hes one of the least objective writers out there, who constantly writes articles of questionable content. He does alot of sucking up to alot of different people, and very rarely writes about anything that is new "news".

 

[Joe Bryant]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

In my opinion, hes one of the least objective writers out there, who constantly writes articles of questionable content. He does alot of sucking up to alot of different people, and very rarely writes about anything that is new "news".

Hi diesel,Who do you like for writers out there?

J

 

[FBGPoker]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

 

[Gatorman]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

In my opinion, hes one of the least objective writers out there, who constantly writes articles of questionable content. He does alot of sucking up to alot of different people, and very rarely writes about anything that is new "news".

Hi diesel,Who do you like for writers out there?

J

Joe,Unfortunately, I agree here. pasquerelli has become another cog in the ESPN hype machine. No real info, just hyperbole. I like the local beat writers who don't have an axe to grind. Jason Cole for the Miami herald comes to mind. Ira Winderman who covers the heat for the Ft. Lauderdale sun sentinel comes to mind as well. While Pasquarelli isn't a Dan LeBatard or a Steven A Smith type, he falls closer to them than he does to a "true journalist" these days.

IMHO.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

In my opinion, hes one of the least objective writers out there, who constantly writes articles of questionable content. He does alot of sucking up to alot of different people, and very rarely writes about anything that is new "news".

Hi diesel,Who do you like for writers out there?

J

Joe,Unfortunately, I agree here. pasquerelli has become another cog in the ESPN hype machine. No real info, just hyperbole. I like the local beat writers who don't have an axe to grind. Jason Cole for the Miami herald comes to mind. Ira Winderman who covers the heat for the Ft. Lauderdale sun sentinel comes to mind as well. While Pasquarelli isn't a Dan LeBatard or a Steven A Smith type, he falls closer to them than he does to a "true journalist" these days.

IMHO.

Thanks gator. I see what you're saying but I really do like his stuff for covering the entire league. I do agree those guys you mentioned are great though. I especially like Cole.J

 

[diesel7982]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

In my opinion, hes one of the least objective writers out there, who constantly writes articles of questionable content. He does alot of sucking up to alot of different people, and very rarely writes about anything that is new "news".

Hi diesel,Who do you like for writers out there?

J

Short answer is, I dont. The vast majority of writers like Len just dont provide consistent value to me when reading their articles. For every 1 article a Lenny P, or Pat Kirwan, or Dan Pompei writes that provides new information, or spectacular insight, Ill read 50 articles that are just pieces of fluff or restatements of the previous week's news.

If you are asking me who I enjoy reading, disregarding the quality of the information they provide, I like Greg Easterbrook and Peter King, mainly because their writing is entertaining, even when not insightful. And of course Mike Herman.

 

[VICK-tory]

John Czarnecki (Fox)is better than Phat Len P.

 

[redman]

I would also nominate the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora as a very solid, objective national writer on the NFL.

 

[Family Matters]

Perhaps the better aspect to understanding Addai as a possible successor would be the fact he was drafted in the first round? Could be I guess. But when you combine that other information from "credible" sources such as L.P. then you can start to think along those lines. It's not far fetched really.

 

[FTRWRTR]

The thing that's crazy to me is that before the draft a lot of ppl over here felt rhodes was a scrub with very little if any value and now that indy used their first round pick on a rb that's bigger than bush and only .05 seconds slower than bush is, all of a sudden rhodes is a guy to worry about. I predict that a lot of ppl are going to regret passing up addai. Like I said before he'd be my #1 choice if I had the top pick

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

 

[Raider Nation]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Pasquarelli has a reputation (with people who would know) of being a very effective mouthpiece for player agents.

 

[perry147]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

Those that are high on Addai need to take a step back.Here are his college numbers.

YEAR ATT YDS TDs2002 80 438 6 2003 114 520 2 2004 101 680 3 2005 187 911 9He did not rush for over 1000 yards in college even.He was not even a starter for LSU at the start of 2005 - Addai was listed as the backup to Alley Broussard heading into the 2005 season but took over as the primary ballcarrier when Broussard was lost to injury. His best asset is his ability to block.

The bottom line is this guy is getting all the hype because he is in Indy which keeps reminding me of Arrington last year in Arizona and we all know how that turned out.

 

[mbuehner]

Problem I see here is Rhodes getting the goalline duties, and in fact just a lot more passing in the red zone. I think Addai may have a touchdown problem this season.

 

[Family Matters]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

Those that are high on Addai need to take a step back.Here are his college numbers.

 YEAR ATT  YDS   TDs2002  80   438   6  2003  114  520  2  2004  101  680  3  2005  187  911  9  He did not rush for over 1000 yards in college even.He was not even a starter for LSU at the start of 2005 - Addai was listed as the backup to Alley Broussard heading into the 2005 season but took over as the primary ballcarrier when Broussard was lost to injury. His best asset is his ability to block.

The bottom line is this guy is getting all the hype because he is in Indy which keeps reminding me of Arrington last year in Arizona and we all know how that turned out.

I can't see the Arrington comparison at all but I guess we all see things differntly. Apparently you're suggesting that because he didn't rush for 1000 yards how could he be the man? And that he wasn't the starter his whole career how could he be the man? This is a great time to step back from the stats and look a little deeper. Where there any circumstances with this guy that impacted his starter status? Yes there was. Also, if what you're saying is true then was isn't Toefiled the starter in Jax? After all he was the starter at LSU with a guy backing him up by the name of Dominic Davis. Turns out Torefiled's game didn't translate that well to the NFL. And yet Davis is the starter for his team and has outproduced Toefiled in every way imaginable.

There is a reason the Colts drafted him with their 1st round pick, ahead of White and a few others. They were able to see past the stats and evaluate the RB. I'm pretty sure as their first round pick he'll get every chance to prove himself. Further, with Rhodes there for a few years already they know exactly what they have in him. Don't you think that if they felt he was the man that they would've waited to draft a back up RB later in the draft? I do.

So on balance I'd say he has a better than 50-50 chance of being the starter.

 

[trader jake]

Pasquarelli has a reputation (with people who would know) of being a very effective mouthpiece for player agents.

it does read that way at times - just last week he did a puff piece on weathersby and he also had a lot of content about a 4th round player signingif i cared about it i'd dig up the agents for those two players and connect the dots to future/past len p articles myself. either way the appearence of such agent buttkissing has gotten worse of late (or i've really started to notice it of late?)

with that being said...i do enjoy reading his friday article every week. len p does a great job of noting/commenting on league trends and his quick hitters always include interesting tidbits

 

[higgins]

I prefer Matt Pitzer

 

[bmattd]

LSU graduate and fan here. I watched Addai play for 4 years at LSU. The poster who said that Addai would not have been the starter at LSU last year was correct. Alley Broussard was the starter going into the season but tore his ACL in preseason work. That being said, when he was healthy last year, Addai was extremely productive (see the Miami game). However, he missed parts of 3 games with an ankle sprain. That explains why his stats were not better.

Strengths: Extrememly tough runner despite not having overwhelming size. Ran the 40 yard dash at the combine in the 4.37-4.40 range. He has good vision and runs draw plays and sprint draws really well b/c of his ability to cutback against the grain. He is also a a great blocker and great receiver out of the backfield. He actually played some receiver his junior year at LSU.

Weaknesses: Because of his tough running style, Addai was nicked up throughout much of his career at LSU. I do not think he made it through a whole season without missing time b/c of this. He also only had a few long runs for TDs despite having great speed. He doesn't play as fast as his 40 yard dash time would lead one to believe.

Overall Assessment: The colts drafted him in the first round b/c of his ability to run the sprint draw plays well and his blocking and receiving skills. I think at worst, he's a good third down back because of his ability to block and catch the ball out of the backfield. At best, he's an every down type of back that will rack up yards both rushing and receiving and will fit in nicely with the colts style of offense. He probably will not have the Reggie Bush type of big-play capability but will be able to get the tough yards. The question is, can he take the pounding of a 16 game season in the NFL when he never showed that ability in college.

 

[mozzy84]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

Those that are high on Addai need to take a step back.Here are his college numbers.

YEAR ATT YDS TDs2002 80 438 6 2003 114 520 2 2004 101 680 3 2005 187 911 9He did not rush for over 1000 yards in college even.He was not even a starter for LSU at the start of 2005 - Addai was listed as the backup to Alley Broussard heading into the 2005 season but took over as the primary ballcarrier when Broussard was lost to injury. His best asset is his ability to block.

The bottom line is this guy is getting all the hype because he is in Indy which keeps reminding me of Arrington last year in Arizona and we all know how that turned out.

I don't think you have ever watched him play. He did very good against tough defenses last year.

 

[FTRWRTR]

LSU graduate and fan here. I watched Addai play for 4 years at LSU. The poster who said that Addai would not have been the starter at LSU last year was correct. Alley Broussard was the starter going into the season but tore his ACL in preseason work. That being said, when he was healthy last year, Addai was extremely productive (see the Miami game). However, he missed parts of 3 games with an ankle sprain. That explains why his stats were not better.

Strengths: Extrememly tough runner despite not having overwhelming size. Ran the 40 yard dash at the combine in the 4.37-4.40 range. He has good vision and runs draw plays and sprint draws really well b/c of his ability to cutback against the grain. He is also a a great blocker and great receiver out of the backfield. He actually played some receiver his junior year at LSU.

Weaknesses: Because of his tough running style, Addai was nicked up throughout much of his career at LSU. I do not think he made it through a whole season without missing time b/c of this. He also only had a few long runs for TDs despite having great speed. He doesn't play as fast as his 40 yard dash time would lead one to believe.

Overall Assessment: The colts drafted him in the first round b/c of his ability to run the sprint draw plays well and his blocking and receiving skills. I think at worst, he's a good third down back because of his ability to block and catch the ball out of the backfield. At best, he's an every down type of back that will rack up yards both rushing and receiving and will fit in nicely with the colts style of offense. He probably will not have the Reggie Bush type of big-play capability but will be able to get the tough yards. The question is, can he take the pounding of a 16 game season in the NFL when he never showed that ability in college.

 

[perry147]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

Those that are high on Addai need to take a step back.Here are his college numbers.

YEAR ATT YDS TDs2002 80 438 6 2003 114 520 2 2004 101 680 3 2005 187 911 9He did not rush for over 1000 yards in college even.He was not even a starter for LSU at the start of 2005 - Addai was listed as the backup to Alley Broussard heading into the 2005 season but took over as the primary ballcarrier when Broussard was lost to injury. His best asset is his ability to block.

The bottom line is this guy is getting all the hype because he is in Indy which keeps reminding me of Arrington last year in Arizona and we all know how that turned out.

I don't think you have ever watched him play. He did very good against tough defenses last year.

You are right I really didn't because he was hurt the weeks LSU was on TV here.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I don't know about the rest of you, but aside from always being impressed with Addai (I am no LSU fan yet I remember saying how I thought Addai should've been LSU's starter way back in his freshman and sophomore years), I've got a lot of faith in Bill Polian. I've made my points about Addai as a player in other threads, but that's been touched on here so I'll mention good ole' Bill.

Here are the players Polian has drafted in the 1st round in Indy:

Marvin Harrison

Tarik Glenn

Peyton Manning

Edgerrin James

Rob Morris

Reggie Wayne

Dwight Freeney

Dallas Clark

Marlin Jackson

All of them with the possible exception of Morris will be starters this year. All the superstars on the Colts are guys he drafted. That's of course not even mentioning that the guy found Jim Kelly, Marv Levy, Thurman Thomas, etc before all this.

The guy just doesn't miss on 1st round draft picks very often.

People love to mention how Maroney was drafted by Belicheck, but Polian's got ten times the draft resume Belicheck does.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

did you watch Addai much at LSU? I can't remember ever being impressed by him.

 

[djcolts]

I don't know about the rest of you, but aside from always being impressed with Addai (I am no LSU fan yet I remember saying how I thought Addai should've been LSU's starter way back in his freshman and sophomore years), I've got a lot of faith in Bill Polian. I've made my points about Addai as a player in other threads, but that's been touched on here so I'll mention good ole' Bill.

Here are the players Polian has drafted in the 1st round in Indy:

Marvin Harrison

Tarik Glenn

Peyton Manning

Edgerrin James

Rob Morris

Reggie Wayne

Dwight Freeney

Dallas Clark

Marlin Jackson

All of them with the possible exception of Morris will be starters this year. All the superstars on the Colts are guys he drafted. That's of course not even mentioning that the guy found Jim Kelly, Marv Levy, Thurman Thomas, etc before all this.

The guy just doesn't miss on 1st round draft picks very often.

People love to mention how Maroney was drafted by Belicheck, but Polian's got ten times the draft resume Belicheck does.

Polian's first draft pick with the Colts was Peyton Manning. Harrison and Tarik Glenn were drafted by Bill Tobin.

 

[u999spf]

Thanks Raider. I'm glad you appreciate the updates. With all the NBA and MLB going on, there is still a lot of NFL news to keep up with.

I know some folks don't like Pasquarelli. But I really do. I think he's one of the hardest working guys out there. I don't agree with everything he says but I truly do believe that when he talks, he's a guy that should be listened to.

Thanks for being a part of what we're doing there.

J

In my opinion, hes one of the least objective writers out there, who constantly writes articles of questionable content. He does alot of sucking up to alot of different people, and very rarely writes about anything that is new "news".

I totally agree with you. I think he is one of these guys that has turned into a mouth piece for nfl teams or agents when they want something out in the press. He takes it and runs with it as fact without digging into the underlying motivation behind why he is given this info. It could be b/c the agent is trying to get his player traded or a new contract, the team is trying to send a message, etc. There is nothing wrong with reporting the info he uncovers or is given but he never seems to present any type of motive or questions the other side of an issue.

 

[gman8343]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

did you watch Addai much at LSU? I can't remember ever being impressed by him.

someone on the Colts must have been at least reasonably impressed with him, there were plenty of other talented guys on the board when they took Addai...

 

[Pnishthm]

I'm about as diehard LSU as one can get and here is what I wrote in my draft recap after selecting Addai in my rookie draft at 1.05...

"I remember watching Addai his sophomore year and thinking how bad a RB this guy was. When I say bad I mean stinks. He didn't have a burst thru the line and seemed to go down fairly easily. It wasn't until he was replaced by Justin Vincent did the offense start to click. His junior year he was second on the depth chart behind Vincent. But for whatever reason, the two backs seemed to switch bodies. Vincent looked slow and tentative and before long Addai had the starting role back. He looked like a totally different back. He hit the holes hard and ran over guys. Midway thru the season he was the go to guy for the Tigers and never looked back. When the Tigers needed a play, they looked towards Addai either running or catching the ball. This is when he really started to show off his receiving skills. He made some huge 4th quarter plays in LSU's comeback over Florida. Addai proved just how valuable he was during his senior season. LSU was rolling right along on offense until Addai came up with an ankle injury. He kept trying to play thru, but it just got too bad and he had to miss the SEC Championship game. Without Addai, the Tigers floundered and got their asses handed to them by Georgia. But with a month to rest his ankle, Addai proved his worth by leading LSU to a convincing win over Miami in the Peach Bowl. Addai had become one of my favorite Tigers of all time. He's a quality kid with a good head on his shoulders.

I attribute his improvement from his first year to his last with good old fashion hard work. The guy is clutch and knows how to play the position. He landed in a great situation and if Polian thinks enough of him to draft him with their 1st rounder, I'll trust the evaluation of arguably the best GM in the NFL."

This guy WILL be a stud in the NFL.

 

[Raider Nation]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

He's been in the league a month and already does everything better than Rhodes?

Other than when he took over full-time for one season when Edgewas injured, Rhodes looks like a remarkably average back to me.

did you watch Addai much at LSU? I can't remember ever being impressed by him.

I'm impressed with his effort. He runs damn hard, every snap.I will say this, though. Thank God he has a real running back number now, because watching a guy wearing #10 running the football was U-G-L-Y... :X

ETA a running back wearing #10 is ugly.... it was fun watching Vince run.

 

[KCC]

Problem I see here is Rhodes getting the goalline duties, and in fact just a lot more passing in the red zone. I think Addai may have a touchdown problem this season.

 

[ig-88]

I thought that I had read on this board that Manning called Brady after the draft and told Brady that New England had drafted their guy (Maroney).

Here's a link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12959343/

 

[djcolts]

I thought that I had read on this board that Manning called Brady after the draft and told Brady that New England had drafted their guy (Maroney).

Here's a link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12959343/

That's been discussed here. It is likely Manning was just saying the Pats made a nice pick. There's no story here.

 

[Family Matters]

I thought that I had read on this board that Manning called Brady after the draft and told Brady that New England had drafted their guy (Maroney). 

Here's a link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12959343/

That's been discussed here. It is likely Manning was just saying the Pats made a nice pick. There's no story here.

Well let's play along for a moment and think this through. Assumming that did happen, what impact would that have on the Colts drafting Addai? "Well sorry Mr. Addai, we only drafted you in the first round to be a back up. See we were going to draft Maroney but he was taken before we could get him so you're what we settled for. And because you're not Maroney there's no way you can be the man here in Indy."It's more likely that the reason they invested their first round pick on Addai is because they actually think he could be the man. And they've had a pretty good track record with their RB's if you look back:

Dickerson, Faulk & Edge come to mind as a few that were decent. Maybe they're like Denver and know a good RB when they see one?

Based on their track record I'm leaning towards their better judgement. I'm going to go with the "I think they know what they're doing" approach. But that's just me.

 

[P Boy]

Historical evidence shows us that of the top 5 RBs drafted this year, at least a couple of them will end up being busts.

Addai is my pick as the most probable to be a bust of the top 5 RBs picked this year.

Addai has a significant injury history, is light for his height, did not perform very well in when competing at the Senior Bowl, and has doesn't have much of a resume as a blocker. He runs upright, plays smaller than his size, and he's doesn't play as fast as his timed speed - which wasn't exceptional to begin with.

Last year we had people pimping the top 4 RBs taken as being future studs - as we do every year. And last year JJ Arrington had the least tools to compete at the NFL level as a featured RB. This year, that tag goes to Addai.

If I had to pick the top 5 RBs in order as most likely to fail based upon their resumes so far, I'd go this way:

1) Addai (see above)

2) LenDale White - poor attitude, not serious about the combine or pro day, one dimensional runner.

3 tie) Reggie Bush - not big enough to be an every down RB, speed of pro Ds will limit what he could do in college.

3 tie) Lawrence Maroney - Remains to be seen whether he can be a complete RB, but peronally I like his chances.

5) DeAngelo Williams - most complete RB of this draft. Does everything well, and will absorb a tremendous amount of work.

If I had to guess how they'll shake out for their careers:

Addai - bust

White - bust

Bush - solid CoP player, but doesn't come close to expectations & hype

Maroney - very good player verging on stud territory but never quite getting there

Williams - the cream of the crop & a future stud

 

[bmattd]

Pony Boy, do some research please.

While I agree that Addai has potential to be a bust, your reasoning is flawed. How can someone who is 5'11" and weighs 214 lbs. be light for his height?? And how can someone who ran 40 yard dashes timed between 4.37-4.40 not have exceptional timed speed? Also, he has been considered great blocker at every level he's played even playing some fullback in college. He impressed the scouts at the senior bowl with his receiving skills and his blocking skills.

On the other hand, he does play slower than his timed speed and is injury prone.

But saying the questionable information screws up the credibility for the main point of your post, which is that you don't think Addai will be a great NFL back. That part, I agree with. But get your facts straight.

 

[P Boy]

Pony Boy, do some research please.

While I agree that Addai has potential to be a bust, your reasoning is flawed. How can someone who is 5'11" and weighs 214 lbs. be light for his height?? And how can someone who ran 40 yard dashes timed between 4.37-4.40 not have exceptional timed speed? Also, he has been considered great blocker at every level he's played even playing some fullback in college. He impressed the scouts at the senior bowl with his receiving skills and his blocking skills.

On the other hand, he does play slower than his timed speed and is injury prone.

But saying the questionable information screws up the credibility for the main point of your post, which is that you don't think Addai will be a great NFL back. That part, I agree with. But get your facts straight.

LINKJoseph Addai

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215

40 Speed: 4.49*

Despite natural athleticism and size, Addai plays small and has not been able to claim the starter's job all to himself. For a player with such quick feet and agility, he runs very upright, which really limits his power and explosiveness. Doesn't play anywhere close to his timed speed, and despite very good quickness and agility, he is not the type of runner that can make tacklers miss.

Despite measured size, Addai looks like a third-down back on film and plays smaller than his size. While he can keep feet against hits, he lacks the power and strength to break tackles. An upright runner that takes a lot of hits because of it, and struggles to run with power on inside rushes. Not a shake-and-bake runner that can make tacklers miss. Despite being a good athlete, he lacks the explosive burst and top-end speed you expect from a guy who runs a 4.4 in the 40.

LINK

but must address his injury history and surprising problems with receiving at the Senior Bowl. As a blocker, he was rarely asked to perform that duty, and how fast he picks up those assignments will dictate his early playing time as a pro. He runs in a somewhat straight-up style that is a concern, but he has shown to be difficult to tackle when he squares his shoulders and hits the hole with quickness and power.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Pony Boy, do some research please.

While I agree that Addai has potential to be a bust, your reasoning is flawed. How can someone who is 5'11" and weighs 214 lbs. be light for his height?? And how can someone who ran 40 yard dashes timed between 4.37-4.40 not have exceptional timed speed? Also, he has been considered great blocker at every level he's played even playing some fullback in college. He impressed the scouts at the senior bowl with his receiving skills and his blocking skills.

On the other hand, he does play slower than his timed speed and is injury prone.

But saying the questionable information screws up the credibility for the main point of your post, which is that you don't think Addai will be a great NFL back. That part, I agree with. But get your facts straight.

LINKJoseph Addai

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215

40 Speed: 4.49*

Despite natural athleticism and size, Addai plays small and has not been able to claim the starter's job all to himself. For a player with such quick feet and agility, he runs very upright, which really limits his power and explosiveness. Doesn't play anywhere close to his timed speed, and despite very good quickness and agility, he is not the type of runner that can make tacklers miss.

Despite measured size, Addai looks like a third-down back on film and plays smaller than his size. While he can keep feet against hits, he lacks the power and strength to break tackles. An upright runner that takes a lot of hits because of it, and struggles to run with power on inside rushes. Not a shake-and-bake runner that can make tacklers miss. Despite being a good athlete, he lacks the explosive burst and top-end speed you expect from a guy who runs a 4.4 in the 40.

LINK

but must address his injury history and surprising problems with receiving at the Senior Bowl. As a blocker, he was rarely asked to perform that duty, and how fast he picks up those assignments will dictate his early playing time as a pro. He runs in a somewhat straight-up style that is a concern, but he has shown to be difficult to tackle when he squares his shoulders and hits the hole with quickness and power.

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen a more incorrect scouting report, they don't even have the numbers right. Where are they getting 4.49 from? I distinctly remember whatching him run in that 4.37-4.40 range at the combine and as a Florida fan who's played against him saying that he plays small is an absolute joke.

 

[bmattd]

LSU running back Joseph Addai made a statement yesterday on the new Field Turf in the RCA Dome. Many questioned how fast the surface would be, that was no obstacle for Joseph Addai. After all he had something to prove. His first 40 was a cautious 4.41 sec. 40 yard dash. On his second 40 he threw down, blistering a 4.37 40 yard which was later recognized as the fastest running back time at the combine. He also had a first place scores for running backs with a vertical jump of 38.5 inches and a huge broad jump of 10’5”.

 

[flufhed]

Addai does everything better than Rhodes, don't see how this is much of a revelation.

Except know what it is like to actually play in an NFL game.Seriously, one month after the draft and I still don't get the Addai love. I saw the guy play many times with LSU, and I don't get it. Seems destined to be a third-down, utility-type RB to me.

 

[flufhed]

Pony Boy, do some research please.

While I agree that Addai has potential to be a bust, your reasoning is flawed. How can someone who is 5'11" and weighs 214 lbs. be light for his height?? And how can someone who ran 40 yard dashes timed between 4.37-4.40 not have exceptional timed speed? Also, he has been considered great blocker at every level he's played even playing some fullback in college. He impressed the scouts at the senior bowl with his receiving skills and his blocking skills.

On the other hand, he does play slower than his timed speed and is injury prone.

But saying the questionable information screws up the credibility for the main point of your post, which is that you don't think Addai will be a great NFL back. That part, I agree with. But get your facts straight.

LINKJoseph Addai

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215

40 Speed: 4.49*

Despite natural athleticism and size, Addai plays small and has not been able to claim the starter's job all to himself. For a player with such quick feet and agility, he runs very upright, which really limits his power and explosiveness. Doesn't play anywhere close to his timed speed, and despite very good quickness and agility, he is not the type of runner that can make tacklers miss.

Despite measured size, Addai looks like a third-down back on film and plays smaller than his size. While he can keep feet against hits, he lacks the power and strength to break tackles. An upright runner that takes a lot of hits because of it, and struggles to run with power on inside rushes. Not a shake-and-bake runner that can make tacklers miss. Despite being a good athlete, he lacks the explosive burst and top-end speed you expect from a guy who runs a 4.4 in the 40.

LINK

but must address his injury history and surprising problems with receiving at the Senior Bowl. As a blocker, he was rarely asked to perform that duty, and how fast he picks up those assignments will dictate his early playing time as a pro. He runs in a somewhat straight-up style that is a concern, but he has shown to be difficult to tackle when he squares his shoulders and hits the hole with quickness and power.

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen a more incorrect scouting report, they don't even have the numbers right. Where are they getting 4.49 from? I distinctly remember whatching him run in that 4.37-4.40 range at the combine and as a Florida fan who's played against him saying that he plays small is an absolute joke.

Seems pretty accurate to me. Saw this right after I posted my "I don't get the Addai love" comment. Before draft nerds designated Addai as a "more explosive version of Edge" ( ) I would have had much the same comments.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Pony Boy, do some research please.

While I agree that Addai has potential to be a bust, your reasoning is flawed. How can someone who is 5'11" and weighs 214 lbs. be light for his height?? And how can someone who ran 40 yard dashes timed between 4.37-4.40 not have exceptional timed speed? Also, he has been considered great blocker at every level he's played even playing some fullback in college. He impressed the scouts at the senior bowl with his receiving skills and his blocking skills.

On the other hand, he does play slower than his timed speed and is injury prone.

But saying the questionable information screws up the credibility for the main point of your post, which is that you don't think Addai will be a great NFL back. That part, I agree with. But get your facts straight.

LINKJoseph Addai

Height: 5-11

Weight: 215

40 Speed: 4.49*

Despite natural athleticism and size, Addai plays small and has not been able to claim the starter's job all to himself. For a player with such quick feet and agility, he runs very upright, which really limits his power and explosiveness. Doesn't play anywhere close to his timed speed, and despite very good quickness and agility, he is not the type of runner that can make tacklers miss.

Despite measured size, Addai looks like a third-down back on film and plays smaller than his size. While he can keep feet against hits, he lacks the power and strength to break tackles. An upright runner that takes a lot of hits because of it, and struggles to run with power on inside rushes. Not a shake-and-bake runner that can make tacklers miss. Despite being a good athlete, he lacks the explosive burst and top-end speed you expect from a guy who runs a 4.4 in the 40.

LINK

but must address his injury history and surprising problems with receiving at the Senior Bowl. As a blocker, he was rarely asked to perform that duty, and how fast he picks up those assignments will dictate his early playing time as a pro. He runs in a somewhat straight-up style that is a concern, but he has shown to be difficult to tackle when he squares his shoulders and hits the hole with quickness and power.

Wow, I don't think I've ever seen a more incorrect scouting report, they don't even have the numbers right. Where are they getting 4.49 from? I distinctly remember whatching him run in that 4.37-4.40 range at the combine and as a Florida fan who's played against him saying that he plays small is an absolute joke.

Seems pretty accurate to me. Saw this right after I posted my "I don't get the Addai love" comment. Before draft nerds designated Addai as a "more explosive version of Edge" ( ) I would have had much the same comments.

Seems pretty accurate? They didn't even get the numbers right and that's the easy part.