Indianapolis Colts: Did you know…?
By Backwoods
As we continue to learn more about the new faces of the Indianapolis Colts, a few interesting tidbits you may not know.
The Indianapolis Colts will have a much different complexion than they did one year ago. Through free agency and the NFL Draft, new general manager Chris Ballard has brought in a plethora of new faces.
As such, let’s get to know these faces representing The Shoe with a bit of facts, figures and tidbits about the players.
Did you know…
John Simon’s first ever NFL sack was against none other than the Indianapolis Colts. Sorry, John, I had to. Moreover, Barkevious Mingo’s first sack was on his very first NFL snap.
Marlon Mack broke his school rushing record at South Florida in his first game in college. In his rookie premier he offered up an astounding 275 yards rushing! According to Pro Football Focus, he was seventh in yards after contact average, with 3.85 in 2016. They also revealed that he has had a run longer than 55 yards every year in college. I can’t wait to see this guy on the field.
Sean Spence did not miss a tackle against opposing running backs during the entire 2016 season. Per Pro Football Focus, he was one of only three linebackers to do so. That is quite an accomplishment. PFF also offered that his overall tackling efficiency ranked third best in the entire NFL last year. His number of tackle attempted per miss was a remarkable 48.0.
Malik Hooker allowed under three yards after the catch for receivers he was defending, according to PFF. He was also tied for the most interceptions in 2016 and of the passes thrown his way, only two went for more than 20 yards. He did, however, rank 136th in tackling efficiency, but they still honored him with the nomination “most likely to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year”, nonetheless.
While we are talking about Hooker, Walter Football ranked the Colts’ drafting of Malik the No. 1 best value in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
"Best Value Pick Round 1: Indianapolis Colts: S Malik HookerThere were two candidates who really stood out for this to me, and that was Jonathan Allen to the Redskins to go along with Hooker. However, I had Hooker rated higher, and he was in the top three of my big board. He fell all the way to the 15th-overal pick, where the Colts got a massive steal with one of the best players in the 2017 NFL Draft and one of the most rare safety prospects to come out in years."
Quincy Wilson allowed a QB Rating of only 29.9 in 2016 which, per PFF.com, was first among all cornerbacks in the SEC. Only 40 percent of passes thrown his way were completed.
Zach Banner was a Christmas baby, born Dec. 25, 1993.
Tarell Basham’s 71 quarterback pressures was fifth most at his position. He also ranked sixth in pass-rush productivity. He was also the 2016 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, a title also held by Jack Lambert (1972) and Khalil Mack (2013).
Next: 25 Biggest wastes of potential in NFL history
The Indianapolis Colts will take the field in 2017 with a completely new look. As we progress through the offseason, I will continue to examine the new faces on the Indy roster, as well as additional changes that will certainly be on the way.