By drafting LSU running back Joseph Addai with the 30th overall pick in 2006, the Indianapolis Colts may have made the best pick of the entire draft. Addai, who was the fourth running back taken behind Reggie Bush, Laurence Maroney, and DeAngelo Williams, quickly became a star, tying a Colts franchise record by scoring four rushing touchdowns in a single game. Also during his rookie season, Addai rushed for 1,081 yards, leading all rookies and becoming the first running back to rush for over 1,000 yards without starting a single game.
But Addai doesn't do all of his damage on the ground. In both his seasons in the NFL, Addai has caught 40 passes and netted over 325 yards through the air, last year amassing 364 yards. 364 yards doesn't seem like much, but compared to Reggie Bush's 417 yards last year, it isn't too bad. Furthermore, on November 4, 2007, Addai became the only Colt ever to gain 100 yards both rushing and receiving.
So what does this all mean? Well, when the numbers go together with one of the best offensive units in the NFL, it means Pro Bowls and Championships. With Payton Manning at the helm and Reggie Wayne split wide, defenses can't key on Addai, meaning on most downs, defenses only put seven or eight men in the box, leaving plenty of room for Addai to run wild, especially when he is behind one of the games elite offensive lines. Running behind three time Pro Bowler Jim Saturday, as well as tackles Tony Ugoh and Ryan Diem, Addai can find holes sometimes bigger than...(insert lame analogy here). The point is this- Addai was selected to his first Pro Bowl at age 24, and barring a major injury, he has ten more Pro Bowl seasons in him. Don't be surprised when the number 29 hangs from the rafters in Indianapolis, because this 6'0", 205 pound kid is here for the long haul. Watch out Eric Dickerson.
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