Josh

Chapman

It’s the first pick of the fifth round, and Indy just stole its nose tackle of the future. Chapman goes 6-foot-1, 316, and Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris deemed him the NCAA’s premier run defender on 2011 game tape. Impossible to move with incredible toughness, Chapman anchored Alabama’s run defense while playing the final eight games through a torn left ACL and meniscus. He may be eased back slowly in training camp, but figures to be a major contributor and possible starter no later than the 2013 season.

In other words, the Colts’ medical team anticipates Chapman participating in training camp after reconstructive knee surgery in January. Chapman will contend for nose tackle snaps with Antonio Johnson and Brandon McKinney. Chapman is the most gifted option, and the job should be his once he’s healthy.

Chapman underwent surgery to repair his left ACL and meniscus in January after playing through the injury for the final eight games of his senior year. Agent predictions can’t be taken at face value, but there are no indications that Chapman has suffered any setbacks. He projects as a middle-round pick.

“Dr. (Lyle) Cain said he’s never seen a guy that can have a torn ACL and still stay that stable,” explained Chapman. The 2011 second-team All-SEC pick and Senior Bowl invitee finally underwent reconstructive surgery on Tuesday and will probably begin his rookie career on the PUP list. Chapman still intends to do the bench press at the Combine and interview with teams. Pre-injury, Chapman was projected to be a third- or fourth-round pick.

Chapman’s biggest rookie-year obstacle is recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus. When healthy, he is an immovable fire hydrant at 6-foot-1 and 316 pounds. The Colts believe Chapman will be medically cleared before training camp. If so, he’ll compete with Brandon McKinney and Antonio Johnson for snaps inside.

Chapman went under the knife in January. “I’m getting my strength back,” he said. “I’m getting back to myself and feeling pretty good.” If healthy, Chapman will be competing with Antonio Johnson and Brandon McKinney for snaps at nose tackle in the Colts’ new 3-4 scheme.

A fifth-round rookie out of Alabama, Chapman almost certainly would have been a second-day selection if not for the fact that he was coming off a torn ACL. Rather than rush him back, the Colts will give Chapman another full month and a half to heal. He will be eligible to rejoin the roster after six games. A seventh-round pick out of Georgia, Anderson will likely be shuttled to the practice squad once he comes off the PUP list.

Interim coach Bruce Arians said the rookie fifth-rounder was making progress in his return from ACL surgery, but the Colts apparently don’t believe the knee is ready to contribute. A street free agent will have to be signed to add depth with Fili Moala out for the season. Chapman should contribute as a run-plugger in 2013.

NT Josh Chapman (knee surgery, NFI) has been activated in a corresponding roster move. This will be the second straight season Nevis has finished on injured reserve after a back issue landed him there last December. A second-year reserve lineman, Nevis finishes 2012 with 16 tackles and one sack in nine games. He made three starts. He should be 100 percent for Indy’s offseason program.

“I’m full go. I’m 100 percent,” said Chapman, referring to his status for OTAs. “I’ll be right out there with them.” Chapman wound up a “redshirt” player in 2012. He’ll enter 2013 with a good chance to start at nose tackle in Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 defense, upgrading on Antonio Johnson. Chapman was arguably the premier pure run stopper in college football two seasons ago. He’s already been nicknamed “Thug in the Trenches, TNT” by veteran Robert Mathis.