Dreams become true.
The fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft was exciting to watch as IU receiver Tandon Doss was still available, the Indianapolis Colts had one selection and another Hoosier was taken.
It was a very busy seven picks. from 117-123 in the fourth round.
First, it was offensive tackle James Brewer taken by the New York Giants at 117. Brewer, 6-foot-8, 331, is a strong lineman that knows how to protect his quarterback. Ben Chappell relied on him game in and game out to protect his back.
He bounced around to three different high schools, before settling in at Arlington High School in Indianapolis, where he also played basketball.
James missed the entire 2007 season with a foot injury and in 2008, his season ended eight games in with an ankle injury. Last year, his senior season, he missed three games with another ankle injury. If the Giants can get Brewer healthy and develop his skills, he will add to Eli Manning’s line.
After three straight lineman selections, the Colts drafted Syracuse’s Delone Carter with their pick at 119.
Carter comes across as a hard-nosed guy that has a quick burst. He seems to be another guy that just fits the Colts system.
Carter has a stocky build, at 5-foot-8, 222 pounds. Boasting a 4.54 40-yard dash, he has a low center of gravity and protects the football well by all accounts. One of the big things that separates him from others available was that he is a fantastic pass blocker, a necessity with Peyton Manning under center.
After two offensive lineman selection and now a great pass blocking running back, Manning has to be sitting at home just smiling.
It is of note that Carter did have a hamstring injury in 2008, and a dislocated hip in 2007.
Taking Carter makes you wonder about the future status of Joseph Addai. The Colts did extend a one-year offer to Addai but they have yet to agree to terms. It would be an impactful loss should he not return, especially because of the injuries that beat up the Colts at tailback last year.
Although no talks can be happen because of the ongoing labor situation, I do think Addai will return. Unless another team offers a substantial upgrade in salary, it would be tough for him to go away from a winning system that he knows so well.
Finally, it was the Baltimore Ravens picking Ben Davis product Tandon Doss at 123.
This is an interesting pick, coming from John Harbaugh (brother-in-law of Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean) and former IU football coach Cam Cameron.
Doss had three great years for the Hoosiers, and led the Big Ten in all-purpose yards in 2010 with 175.8 yards per game.
He was unable to workout at the NFL Combine because of groin surgery in December but the experts say he may have the best hands in the draft. Tandon will benefit quarterback Joe Flacco and give him a great slot, short-yardage guy.
I was surprised his slipped this far. Probably better for Doss, who will now walk in to a great situation.
This will be a day to remember for these three athletes. The best part of watching the draft is seeing these young athletes accomplish their goal of playing in the National Football League. Many will try, but very few actually get the opportunity.
Now let’s hope they make the most of it.