Although he is listed as a backup for the Colts, Philip Wheeler is a capable starting 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. The book on him is that he is solid but really nothing more than that. We've been waiting for a breakout season from him, but we probably won't get that. Still, all we can ask for in a player is that they are valuable to the team in some way or another. Last week, Wheeler was one of the only players on the Colts defense who wasn't smoked.

Wheeler was a third round pick in 2008 out of Georgia Tech, and he was a Second-team All-ACC player in the years 2006 and 2007. The problem, however, is that Wheeler has had some trouble showing that he is consistent enough to be a starter. The talent is certainly there, but sometimes you just sit there and wonder if this guy will ever get it. I think this year should be his year to break out, and Bill Polian certainly has high hopes for him.

Joe's Week 2 Picks

Raiders over Bills
Lions over Chiefs
Saints over Bears
Browns over Colts
Bucs over Vikings
Packers over Panthers
Steelers over Seahawks
Ravens over Titans
Redskins over Cardinals
Jets over Jaguars
Cowboys over 49ers
Bengals over Broncos
Patriots over Chargers
Texans over Dolphins
Eagles over Falcons
Giants over Rams

Jeff's Picks (My colleague)

Bills over Raiders
Chiefs over Lions
Saints over Bears
Browns over Colts
Vikings over Bucs
Packers over Panthers
Steelers over Seahawks
Ravens over Titans

Redskins over Cardinals
Jets over Jaguars
Cowboys over 49ers
Bengals over Broncos
Patriots over Chargers
Dolphins over Texans
Eagles over Falcons
Giants over Rams

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Posted By: Joe Soriano - Category: NFL Player Profiles, NFL Predictions, Colts, Bill Polian, Philip Wheeler

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2011 NFL Draft Team Grades Part 2

May 3rd 2011 14:29

Detroit Lions B minus- Nick Fairley slipped, and the Lions knew that his value at the 13th pick was too good to pass up on. While he doesn't fill a need- the Lions are already beastly at D-Tackle with Suh, Corey Williams, and Sammie Lee Hill- Fairley was far too talented to not pick. Titus Young will definitely help out Matthew Stafford because Detroit's third receiver last year- Bryant Johnson- was horrendous. Mikel LeShoure will spell the end of Kevin Smith in Detroit.

Green Bay Packers B minus- Derek Sherrod was needed to bulk up the tackles, and Randall Cobb was a nice selection at the end of the second round. He's a playmaking receiver that will most likely replace James Jones. Cobb will probably handle returns, and he will also make an impact in the passing game because the Packers love their four receiver sets.To me, Davon House was the best pick the Packers made. Although they are already stocked at corner, House was a steal as a compensatory pick in the fourth round. House fits what Dom Capers does defensively, and he is another one of those really good press corners. D.J. Williams was a solid 5th round choice at tight end.

Houston Texans B I thought the Texans did a good job in the first round by making the safe choice and getting J.J. Watt. His pass rushing abilities will alleviate the pressure put on the corners to perform their pass coverage duties. Brooks Read is a huge upgrade over the Texans' other outside linebackers, and he will also make an early impact as a pass rusher. Brandon Harris was a solid pick, and he should be better than Kareem Jackson.

Indianapolis Colts A minus- I thought the Colts did a great job in this draft. Anthony Castonzo and Benjamin Ijalana were huge upgrades on the O-Line, and Delonte Carter brings another body into the running game. Drake Nevis is a great one-gap DT that fits the Colts' scheme perfectly. Getting him in the third round was a steal. Bill Polian is such a beast.

Jacksonville Jaguars D plus- I really didn't like this draft for the Jags. While Blaine Gabbert is good, and William Rackley is solid; there was nothing else I liked in this draft for them.

Kansas City Chiefs A I thought Scott Pioli and the Chiefs turned in another really good draft. Jonathan Baldwin was a huge risk, but he'll finally give them a big-play receiver. Justin Houston will give the Chiefs a nice pass rusher next to Tamba Hali. Rodney Hudson gives the Chiefs O-Line depth and will be a solid starter once Casey Wiegmann retires. Wiegmann will also mentor Hudson. Allen Bailey gives the Chiefs depth, and he fits their system well. Jalil Brown will give the Chiefs a lot of depth at corner, and Ricky Stanzi will develop into a good backup.

Miami Dolphins F plus- Mike Pouncey will come in and be a solid starter, and Edmond Gates is a sleeper receiver. However, there was nothing else that I even remotely liked about the Dolphins' draft.

Minnesota Vikings A If you think a QB can be that guy for your team, then take him the first chance you get to. Bill Musgrave runs a strict West Coast Offense filled with PA's and bootlegs. Ponder will succeed there, and he's the best WCO QB prospect we've seen in the last few years. Kyle Rudolph gives the Vikings another tight end option. Christian Ballard was a steal in the fourth round, and he can play end or tackle although his true position is tackle. 6th rounder Brandon Fusco is one of my sleepers. The center out of Slippery Rock gives the Vikes another O-Lineman on a terrible line, and I think he has a chance to start and play well at the end of the year.