SB Nation Writers Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick #61

by Dan Kadar on Apr 18, 2009 12:00 PM EDT in SB Nation Writers Mock Draft

No. 61

INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
Pick by Stampede Blue

Derrick Williams
Wide receiver
Penn State

After getting a much-needed defensive tackle in the first round, BigBlueShoe of Stampede Blue is back up.

After the Colts parted ways with the great Marvin Harrison this off-season, a hole was created at the WR position. Yes, two first round players (Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez) occupy the starting WR spots, and the Colts have a first round-selected TE in Dallas Clark. They also have first round-selected Joseph Addai at running back, and several young receivers like Roy Hall and Pierre Garcon (who were drafted in 2007 and 2008, respectively). But if you know the Colts, you know their draft formula usually involves getting the best talent at the skill positions available. Why give the best QB in football, and the reigning MVP, mediocre talent at WR? It's a formula that has produced six straight 12-win seasons, a Super Bowl, and a butt load of other accolades.

Thus, when I see a solid WR prospect like Derrick Williams still sitting there late into the second round, I'm going to take him. His 40 time at the Combine might have been an error (4.58) as he ran a 4.37 at his Pro Day. He is very fast, blocks well in the running game (very important aspect for WRs in the Colts offense) and has top intangibles. Where he needs a little work is route-running. He doesn't seem to be "lazy" or disinterested in honing his craft, which is a big plus for Williams. Guys like Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning will work him ragged, forcing him to clean up his routes and hone his pass catching. Mount Manning often explodes when his passes are dropped.

The Colts could fit him in as a slot receiver (Gonzalez is a better flanker than slot receiver), and also have him return kicks. All in all, he is a hard-working kid with loads of talent that needs a little refining. What better place to do that than Indy?

MTD thoughts: I like this pick and not just because the Colts offense is built around three-receiver sets. Williams would give Indianapolis a gadget kind of player, which the team hasn't really experimented with in the past. Plus, Williams can handle punt and kickoff return duties.

Mocking the Draft's Top Five Remaining Prospects - QB Josh Freeman, RB Shonn Greene, CB Victor Harris, RB Javon Ringer, C Jonathan Luigs

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Comments

I'd rather have Rashad Jennings or Jamon Meredith

but at least it’s not Freeman.

I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter

by shake n bake on Apr 18, 2009 12:15 PM EDT reply actions

Mediocre talent at WR like Derrick Williams? The guy didn’t even have that great of a career at Penn State, and you think he warrants a second round pick over guys like shake listed and the plethora of other great prospects at this pick? I can’t wait until the real draft is here, these mocks give me a headache.

I give you an A for effort, an F for execution. We can still be drinking buddies though. =P

This line will remain in my signature until the Colts draft Rashad Jennings in 2009.
Oh and I write words and stuff for Stampede Blue.

by KingRichard on Apr 18, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions

I'd take...

Victor Harris before Derrick Williams, believe it or not. CB is as important a need as WR in my mind and Harris is a beast, has punt return ability, and could probably fill the nickel immediately.

It’s possible that Williams could drop to the third but I don’t fault you for going and getting the guy you want. Playing, he could be there, games is overly effective in the draft.

by bamock on Apr 18, 2009 5:58 PM EDT reply actions