As was expected by many of the sports commentary from multiple writers, including the Washington Post for one, this year’s NFL draft was going to be the year of the brawn, the big boys, the muscle, and they weren’t wrong at all.
Over half of the initial draft picks from all of the teams were the linemen.
The pick for the Indianapolis Colts, my team, was right in line with the rest of the league choosing Bjoern Werner, a defensive end from Florida State, who despite only playing football for only two years in high school, went on to register a bone-crushing 40 tackles and 13 sacks giving him All Conference and All American honors. While on paper Bjoern looks to be a killer asset to this team, and in reality any team that happens upon his services, just what can he do for Indianapolis, if anything?
The answer to what Bjoern Werner can do for Indianapolis is simple; in an era where the team is slowly phasing out the old and bringing in the new, they need a talented, heavy lifter, with an eye for the game (Which Bjoern clearly has). Secondly, with the recent releases of the Colts old veteran players, Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark and Gary Brackett, the crew needs to be refreshed and this is just the man to do it.
What, however, does it mean for Indianapolis if he can’t fill the gaps?
A man like Bjoern Werner is clearly a man who knows the game, has played well, and traveled far and wide for his sport. If he were to get injured or not play up to his very clear talents, the outcome will most likely be a fall off in fan appreciation for the Colts. This bad-dream ending is the only thing I can see wrong with his being drafted. It is very clear that the Indianapolis Colts picked him up for his tackling prowess and potential star power, a failure to play could very well end in another mediocre season — or more.
I have faith in this defensive end; I am certain he will live up to his accolades. All I truly know is that the season needs to start so we can all find out.
Sources:
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http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/narcotics-leatherheads-nfl-and-other-sports-storie/2013/apr/25/offensive-and-defensive-linemen-dominate-nfl-2013-/
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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/blogs/chopping-block/os-cb-bjoern-werner-florida-state-nfl-draft-20130103,0,6145814.post
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http://www.seminoles.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/werner_bjoern00.html
- http://www.wthr.com/story/17123925/report-colts-release-lb-gary-brackett
