Draft Analysis: Indianapolis Colts
Posted: Sunday June 07, 1998 11:39 PM
Peyton
Manning 1st round, 1st overall
Quarterback,
Tennessee
Comments: Manning is the Colts franchise. Will
be the starter from Day 1, and like a lot of rookies, he will be up and
down. Needs offensive line to hold up early and allow him to gain his
confidence. Jerome
Pathon 2nd round, 32nd overall
Receiver, Washington
Comments: Not real big, but has better than average speed.
Gets good separation, and was excellent in college on fade route. Will
compete with E.G. Green
for No. 2 receiver spot. E.G. Green
3rd round, 71st overall
Receiver, Florida State
Comments: Athletic playmaker who may not play up to 40
speed. He's quicker than fast, and may be more of a possession guy in this
offense. Has good hands, and makes plays. Steve
McKinney 4th round, 93rd overall
Guard, Texas A&M
Comments: Colts gave up a bundle at the start of Day 2 of
the draft to move up. Has better athletic ability than most think and is
very smart. May be starting left guard on opening day. Antony
Jordan 5th round, 135th overall
Linebacker,
Vanderbilt
Comments: Interesting player that Colts will
take a long look at left outside linebacker ... they need a starter at this
position, but Jordan will probably not be ready ... he has excellent
overall athletic ability and physical skills, but he does not always show
great instincts or feel for the ball ... if he can learn to make more plays
and improve consistency, he can be the guy the Colts are looking for ... at
worst, he will be a backup outside linebacker with hopes of being an
eventual starter. Aaron
Taylor 7th round, 190th overall
Center, Nebraska
Comments: Excellent college center who fell in the draft
because of marginal measurables. Tough hard-nosed kid though. May sit a
year, but will be heir apparent to starting center, who is aging.
Corey Gaines 7th round, 231st overall
Cornerback,
Tennessee
Comments: Not a well-known player and somewhat
surprise draft pick, even in the 7th round ... has decent size and athletic
ability but not a real exciting or explosive player ... will still have
chance to make team because of safety needs, but may start on practice
squad.
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