Tag: Michael Warren II

Colts’ 7-round mock draft includes a trade back

A 7-round mock that includes a trade back.

The Indianapolis Colts are nearly a week away from the 2020 NFL draft where they will be looking to add both young talent and depth to the roster.

Looking to take advantage of a wide-open AFC South division, the Colts have seven picks currently in the draft. However, that could change quickly if Chris Ballard decides to use some of that capital to move back and add more picks.

In this latest seven-round mock draft using Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator, we traded back at No. 44 to add an extra fourth-round pick. Here’s how the draft broke down:

Rounds 2–3

No. 34 (from WAS): WR Laviska Shenault Jr, Colorado
*Traded No. 44 to Buffalo for Nos. 51 and 123*
No. 51 (from BUF): OT Matt Peart, Connecticut
No. 75: TE Adam Trautman, Dayton

Analysis: The pick of Shenault was a relatively easy one. There weren’t any quarterbacks truly worth grabbing at No. 34 and the upside of Shenault gives the Colts a potential WR1 to carry the room after the departure of T.Y. Hilton. Trading back an adding a fourth-round pick seems like Ballard-type move, and we were still able to get a talented but developmental tackle in Peart, who would be the successor to Anthony Castonzo. In the third round, Trautman is a wonderful move tight end to add to the offense as his physical traits and ability to catch the ball are extremely intriguing.

Rounds 4–6

No. 122: QB Anthony Gordon, Washington State
No. 123 (from BUF): CB Bryce Hall, Virginia
No. 160: LB Justin Strnad, Wake Forest
No. 193: RB Michael Warren II, Cincinnati
No. 197: S Tanner Muse, Clemson

Analysis: The Colts get a ton of value and depth here on Day 3. Gordon is one of the most intriguing developmental quarterback prospects in the draft and would have time to sit behind Philip Rivers and learn under Frank Reich. Getting Hall in the fourth round is strong value as a cornerback who thrives in zone coverage and would be a perfect player to push for a role on the boundary with Xavier Rhodes. Strnad fits the bill of a rangy linebacker that the Colts like. He would work on special teams in addition to providing depth in the middle of the field while Warren fills into the Jonathan Williams role and the uber-athletic Muse provides strong depth in the secondary while also working on special teams.

2020 NFL draft: Michael Warren II scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Cincinnati running back prospect Michael Warren II

Michael Warren| RB | Cincinnati

Elevator Pitch

Warren is a compact running back that uses his frame for punishment. He can be a bruising runner that looks to get those dirty yards. Coming out of high school in the state of Ohio, he was the fifth-best in terms of yards running in state history.

Vitals

Height | 5-9

Weight | 226

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Warren is nicknamed “The Truck” for a very good reason. Warren is a good inside runner who can bounce off of contact from defenders as he seems to absorb their tackle attempts. Runs with good contact balance, not an easy back to take down on first attempt. Can run through arm tackle attempts.

Very a good inside runner, shows good vision to find the hole. Very much a one cut and get up the field. He does well to get those dirty yards as he will take on all comers when it comes to tackle attempts. A chain mover and good option in goal line reps. He wasn’t as productive in 2019 as 2018, but still plenty of good reps as a runner. Will create yards after contact.

He can also provide some impact as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Does a good job to run routes from the running back position. Possesses soft hands to bring the ball in, despite some poor throws from the Cincy quarterback.

Weaknesses

Warren just won’t create chunk plays due to explosiveness or speed. He is just average in this department. It is unclear whether or not shedding some pounds will help in this area or it is just a lack of athleticism. However, dropping weight could impact his ability to break tackles and create yards after contact.

He will be a liability in pass protection. If you don’t want your quarterback taking unnecessary hits, don’t play Warren on 3rd downs if the intent is to protect. Doesn’t mentally process the blitz quickly enough to really be a factor in protection.

Workload and play style will be a bit concerning for teams at the NFL level. Had over 600 touches in essentially two plus years in Cincinnati, so there are definitely miles on the tread. His play style of looking for contact will cause concern for his durability.

Projection: Day 3

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