Mistral Raymond

Lil Uno · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 5261

I just wanted to gain everyone's views on Mistral. To me he is being far too overlooked as a solution to the saftey problem. Mistral played well enough for what he was last year. A 6th round pick, college cornerback, with no offseason. He made a few plays against Washington, with a couple of pass deflections and an INT that makes me believe he can contribute this year.

The biggest thing going for Raymond, is the addition of new DC Alan Williams. Williams has worked wonders with the DBs he has molded in IND. He helped turn a former 6th round pick in Antoine Bethea into a pro bowl player and an undrafted Melvin Bullitt was solid for years there. The Colts have been ranked in the top half of the NFL in terms of pass defense the last 3 years with late rounders and undrafted guys like Bethea, Bullitt, Jacob Lacey, and Jerraud Powers. Alan Williams is one of the best DB coaches in the game and I am looking forward to watching Raymond this season.
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Eric dunn · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 5049 Location: San Antonio, TX

I think he needs to get stronger, he isnt as physical as id like from a safety. But he has the tools to work with, i think we will see a big improvement from Mistral with a full offseason. As a matter of fact, i think he and Harrison will be our opening day starters.
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Captain Viking · Joined: 11 Mar 2008 Posts: 2608

I guess he only wieghed 197 lbs last year.. if he can get that up to about 215-220 that bee great.. it shouldn't be too hard if he really hits the weights hard and gets his protein...

Hopefully he can take a big step this year.. it would really really help this team into the future if he established himself into a solid starter
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Frank Costello · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 6:21 am Post subject:

Him and Erin don't get enough credit for what they did last year. Considering the off season we had, or lack there of. I don't think he'll ever be a pro bowl type of guy, but I see him being a consistent guy. Doesn't give up too many big plays, makes most tackles, but lacks the elite qualities to take him to the next level.

He has brick hands, which need to improve.
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vikingsrule · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:45 am Post subject:

I like Raymond quite a bit, he played well last yr given the circumstances. that would great if he could become a starting FS. Though, my concern (at least last year) was that he was very light, Raymond needs to add 10 pound this offseason. I just dont trust Raymond at all in run support. I prefer my Safetys to be in that 6-1 210 pounds, with good athleticism. Smith and Blanton fit this. I actually wouldnt mind looking at Raymond as a CB again, or as a potential third safety in dime if Raymond is surpassed at all. However, I fully expect Raymond and Smith to be the day one starters.

CriminalMind · Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Posts: 2960 Location: Toronto, CA

Smith has a 1st safety spot locked up.

I hope the 2nd safety spot goes to the better of Raymond & Blanton.

Right now Raymond is ahead of Blanton obviously.
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vikingsrule · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:00 am Post subject:

CriminalMind · Joined: 25 Aug 2011 Posts: 2960 Location: Toronto, CA

PrplChilPill · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 7793 Location: SLP, MN

I don't have high expectations for any late round pick, so if either can play and be average, I'd consider that a great draft pick.
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Nozizaki · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:40 am Post subject:

SteelKing728 · Joined: 23 Aug 2008 Posts: 10849 Location: Pittsburgh

Lil Uno · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 5261

While Raymond is light; guys like Tanard Jackson, Brandon Meriweather, and Morgan Burnett have the same measurables as Raymond and have done alright.

I also don't think Raymond has to be anything more than average in run support. IMO, Harrison Smith is going to be a 100+ tackle guy from the saftey spot. Similar to Antoine Bethea. Raymond, is more of the coverage playmaking type, similar to the guys I've mentioned. Ideally, you want a 6'0 to play at atleast 210lbs, but I think he can play at where he is at.
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Frank Costello · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject:

skywindO2 · Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 11268 Location: Minneapolis, MN

I know he dropped an easy interception in preseason too.
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Eastern Walrus · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 3026 Location: on safari

Raymond has to be more aggressive and he would really improve his game
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