OL Ben Ijalana (Villanova)
49 overall selection by Indianapolis
Notes: Only FCS player to be on the Outland Trophy watch list, helped lead Nova to FCS championship 2 yrs ago, to semi-finals a yr ago, 2 time All-American, led an O-Line that average just shy of 200 yds rushing per game last season
The Colts second round pick in Benjamin Ijalana is all about protecting investment. You’re not going to go buy a BMW Z4 and not have car insurance, are you? Well the Colts are about to sign Peyton Manning to another long-term contract, rumored to be the biggest in the NFL, and they need to make sure the Sheriff stays upright and healthy. Drafting their second offensive lineman goes a long way in protecting Manning and stabilizing their offense.
Ijalana was the most dominant offensive lineman in the FCS for maybe the past two to three years. To be the only offensive lineman on the Outland watch list for FCS football and lead his team to the playoffs two years running, you have to be quite a talent. The Colts own branded version of Big Ben, was a four-year starter at Villanova. The Wildcats led their conference in offense last year and had an extremely impressive running attack. Igalana played mostly left tackle over his career, protecting the blind side and helping maul over defenders for the running backs.
The wingspan Igalana possesses is somewhat breathtaking and don’t let his size fool you. He is very quick at his position, uses his hands well, and excels with his footwork. He seems to understand the game a great deal and recognizes blitzes, stunts, etc. There certainly is a great deal of upside here and he should grow into an elite lineman within a few years. On the flip side, there is the big question of inferior competition and he was unable to show how he stacked up against some of the best because he missed the Senior Bowl. It came as a shock after starting every single game for four years. His work ethic maybe isn’t what you hope for when watching film. Igalana shows concerns in pass blocking by giving up against speed rushes, even though he seems capable of stopping them and he doesn’t stay low enough at times.
Negatives aside, Ben Igalana should 1) help jump-start a stagnant Colts running game and 2) provide depth and flexibility along the line. Indy’s left tackle will become a free agent and it is unsure if they will keep around Ryan Diem at right tackle. It is assumed they have already addressed left tackle with first round draft pick Anthony Castonzo. Igalana could fill in for right tackle immediately should they need him there, or play as a starting guard. Guard may be best suited for him as a rookie to help him adjust to the competition and style of offense the Colts run. Igalana was a great pick in the draft by Indianapolis overall and should be an anchor on the offensive line for many years.
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