Analyzing the Colts late round picks (Rounds 4 to 7)
Round Four, Pick Four: Nyheim Hines, Running back, N.C State
One of the most explosive players in this years draft, Hines looks a lot like Tarik Cohen from the Bears. Hines is really fast (4.38 40 yard dash), and his speed translates into the game, whether as a runner–he had four touchdown runs of more than 40 yards this past season–or as a returner (three return touchdowns throughout his college career). Hines figures to be a complimentary back, as his body (5’ 8”, 198 pounds) is not built for enduring a feature back role. Look for him to get 5-10 touches per game as a homerun threat and also star as a returner.
Chance to make an impact: Very High
Hines will probably be the Colts return man, and with the lack of depth at the running back position, he will have plenty of chances to prove his worth.
Round Five, Pick 22: Daurice Fountain, Wide Receiver, Northern Iowa
Fountain is the typical small-school standout. He really exploded in his senior season, hauling in 66 passes for 943 yards and 12 touchdowns. He looks the part of a WR1, standing in at 6’1”, with speed to go with that frame. The problem with Fountain is that his hands and route running are not up to par yet.
Chance to make an impact: Fair/Low
Fountain might need a year or two to hone his skill set. He seems raw but with some time he could develop his craft and become a threat.
Round Five, pick 32: Jordan Wilkins, Running Back, Mississippi
Wilkins is a rather inconsistent back, that is really suspect on pass blocking and not a great asset in the passing game. He performed really well on the SEC last year and is relatively fresh, as he was suspended all throughout 2016. One reason to be excited about Wilkins is his great performance against Alabama last year. Sure they were blown out 66-3 (damn, that one has got to hurt), but Wilkins rushed 12 times for 101 yards and even broke out a 44-yard run.
Chance to make an impact: Low
Perhaps on special teams, but Wilkins just is not that special, and he will most likely end up as the teams fourth running back, behind Mack, Hines and a possible Free Agent (Someone like C.J Anderson).
Round Six, Pick 11: Deon Cain, Wide Receiver, Clemson
Personally, my favorite pick in the whole draft, Cain was expected to go in rounds 2-3 but fell to the sixth. Cain was expected to take over after the departure of Mike Williams, but he never really could establish himself as a premier wide receiver. This might have been due to poor quarterback play after Deshaun Watson left, but Cain also had some issues with drops. Still, Cain looks like a really solid wide receiver, with size, speed, and production in big games (six rec. 75 yds against Alabama in the CFP semifinals last year and five rec. 94 yds against Alabama in the CFP championship in 2016, where Clemson won.
Chance to make an impact: Very high
Cain could even get to start in a few weeks time if he shows he can be a reliable playmaker. Cain could end up being one of the biggest steals in this years draft, he just needs to work on his drops, and he could turn out to be what the Colts were looking for when they drafted Donte Moncrief a few years ago.
Round Seven, Pick Three: Matthew Adams, Linebacker, Houston
Relatively unknown, I had to go to Youtube to look up highlights on Adams, and damn, this kid can hit. He has some power to his 6’1”237-pound frame. He is really explosive and packs some serious punch. I would not like to see him coming at my direction at full steam as a special teamer. The main highlight that caught my eye was a hard, clean hit on #1 pick Baker Mayfield.
Chance to make an impact: High
Adams looks like a special teams thumper. I cannot wait to see him demolish returners every Sunday.
Round Seven, Pick 17: Zaire Franklin, Linebacker, Syracuse
Yet another unknown linebacker, Franklin had the best game of his college career against Quenton Nelson’s Notre Dame, notching nine tackles, a sack, and an interception. Franklin to me looks like a lock to end up in the practice squad, but with some time, he may turn into a solid depth linebacker.
Chance to make an impact: Low
He may end up either on the practice squad or cut before the season starts.