Report: Colts O-Line and DB’s Coaches Attend Texas A&M Pro Day

According to the Forth-Worth Star Telegram’s Charean Williams, Indianapolis Colts offensive line coach Joe Philbin (or perhaps assistant Joe Gilbert) and defensive backs coach Greg Williams attended Texas A&M’s pro day on Wednesday:

Something that NFL.com’s Gil Brandt later corroborated:

"“Representatives from 30 NFL teams — including offensive line coaches from the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks, defensive backs coaches from the Colts, Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders, and a running backs coach from the Cincinnati Bengals — were on hand for Texas A&M’s pro day on Wednesday,” writes Brandt. “The only teams without a representative in attendance were the Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins.”"

Presumably, the Colts and specifically Philbin were likely interested in a trio of talented Aggies offensive lineman including center Mike Matthews, offensive guard Joseph Cheek, and of course prized offensive guard Germain Ifedi:

On the other hand, Williams was presumably scouting a duo of talented Texas A&M cornerbacks in the likes of De’Vante Harris and Brandon Williams.

Out of the group, Matthews may be the most recognizable name, as he’s the son of Hall of Fame center/guard Bruce Matthews, as well as the brother of prized Atlanta Falcons offensive tackle Jake Matthews. Not to mention, his cousin is future Hall of Fame linebacker Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers.

That’s some family tree. 

While the youngest Matthews of the group does not necessarily have the same size, length, and pure physical ability of his dad or brother, he’s a high energy offensive lineman who plays with exceptional technique and grit (the latter which Colts head coach Chuck Pagano absolutely loves).

He was one of the top senior centers entering this past season, as he started 12 games for the Aggies:

"“At 6-foot-2, 285 pounds, Matthews does not have the height and length of his father, Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, or his brothers Jake (the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft) and Kevin (former Aggies center). Nor is he an elite athlete like his Pro Bowl linebacker cousin, Clay. But he has the family gene for football toughness and intelligence, a strong anchor, and nimbleness in tight spaces, which is most crucial for the center position. Some NFL teams won’t have interest in him because of his lack of size, but another squad will find a reliable starter.”"

As Brandt points out, Matthews may not “wow” anyone with his pro day measurables, but at the same time, he was plenty effective on the field–rarely making mistakes and continuously holding his own in the trenches:

"“Matthews won’t wow anybody with his pro-day workout numbers, but when you put on the game tape, he’s a completely different player. His man rarely makes a play, and Matthews does a great job because of his competitiveness. Some team will sign Matthews as a priority free-agent following the 2016 NFL Draft, and he could be that team’s center for many years.”"

The Colts could clearly use an upgrade in the interior too, as neither Khaled Holmes nor Jonotthan Harrison has effectively been able to solidify the starting center position. Pagano called the interior offensive line a “focal point” at this year’s NFL Combine, which also assuredly includes starting right guard where Hugh Thornton has been plagued with inconsistency:

"“Again, the interior of that offensive line, the center and two guards spots is the focal point,” noted Pagano."

While Matthews may be the biggest name, it’s actually Ifedi who’s regarded as the best offensive line prospect of the Aggies aforementioned group.

The 6’6″, 324 pound junior offensive lineman started in all 3 of his seasons for the Aggies, making 36 starts–including 11 starts this past season at right tackle where he earned 2nd-Team All-SEC Honors.

Ifedi is currently regarded as a 2nd day offensive line prospect in this year’s NFL Draft (via his NFL.com Draft Profile):

"Sep 20, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive linesman Germain Ifedi (74) in game action against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Texas A&M beat Southern Methodist 58-6. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY SportsSOURCES TELL US“I think he should have gone back (to school). I like the talent, but he didn’t put it together like I needed to see to give him a first two-round grade. I see him as a guard and not a tackle.” — NFC area scout"

"NFL COMPARISONBilly TurnerBOTTOM LINEIt wasn’t long ago scouts were beating up former Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi about a disappointing season before he went 21st overall in the draft even with a torn ACL. NFL scouts see Ifedi as a guard, but a team may decide to try him at tackle before moving him inside. Ifedi has the tools and traits to become a good NFL offensive linemen if he can avoid the leaning and lunging that plagues him. A move inside combined with NFL coaching could unlock Ifedi’s high ceiling."

That Colts need for overall improvement along their interior offensive line could bode well for Ifedi, Matthews, or even Cheek for that matter as potentially being drafted by the Horseshoe or perhaps signed as priority undrafted free agents–in the latter two’s case respectively.