Travis Long and the NFL: Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmets at the locker room exhibit at the NFL Experience at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Stacked Against the Pick:
To put it plainly, lack of picks. The Colts will only have 5 picks going into the draft; a 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th. Though Travis Long by all accounts is progressing from his knee injury it’s hard to see the Colts gambling on him with so few picks available.
The Perfect Storm:
The Indianapolis Colts have moved to a 3-4 defense the last couple of years and as such, players like Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were forced to adjust. As a defensive end converted to outside linebacker, Long has experience
in making this transition successfully. This experience could make him interesting to the Colts with their 6th or 7th round pick.
Likelihood of Getting Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts have needs on defensive but it appears they are targeting defensive backs in the draft. It’s hard to see them taking a chance on a Travis Long if he cannot prove he will be ready to play come training camp.
F (1st through 4th rounds) The Colts have three picks here and I don’t think they will be gambling with these picks.
D+ (5th through 7th rounds) Indianapolis was awarded the last pick in the draft at the owners meeting this week. There is a chance come draft day that Travis Long could get the honor of Mister Irrelevant, though I wouldn’t bet on it.