Huskies’ Tripplett goes to Colts in second round

By JOHN SLEEPER

Herald Writer

SEATTLE – Former University of Washington star defensive tackle Larry Tripplett was told that the NFL’s first round Saturday was the longest in history.

”I believe it,” said Tripplett, after he’d been told that he was the second-round choice of the Indianapolis Colts, the 42nd pick overall and the 10th selection of the second round.

The Colts picked Tripplett because their defense couldn’t get much worse.

Having already nailed down an outside pass rusher in Syracuse defensive end Dwight Freeney with the 11th pick in the draft, the Colts used their second-round pick for Tripplett, who could fill a need for an inside pass rush and run-stopper.

Tripplett, 6-foot, 307 pounds, may be an immediate starter on the defensive line for the Colts. Blessed with explosiveness and a low center of gravity, Tripplett may be a long-term answer to the position, unlike veteran tackles Christian Peter and Mike Wells.

”Larry’s a guy we think will fit into our scheme really well,” first-year Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said. ”He’s a little bit shorter than some of the defensive tackles that went before him, but for what we ask our guys to do – move and play with quickness and mobility – we think he’s going to be exceptional.”

Freeney and Tripplett join free-agent signee James Cannida to make up what Dungy hopes is the Colts’ long-term defensive front. The Colts gave up 2,115 rushing yards in 2001, 24th in the league.

”We’re very excited to add Dwight and Larry,” Dungy said. ”The front is where things start on defense.

Tripplett visited the Colts several weeks ago and said he wasn’t shocked the team selected him. A two-time all-Pacific-10 Conference pick, Tripplett said he wants to be to the Colts what Warren Sapp is to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

”That’s the guy I tried to emulate,” Tripplett said. ”His getting off the ball, being quick, explosive, disruptive and causing chaos in the offense, that’s my goal. That’s what he does very well and that’s what I want to do.”

Tripplett was the only Husky other than Jerramy Stevens chosen in the first three rounds, the first day of the draft. Two Washington State Cougars – outside linebacker Raonall Smith and safety Lamont Thompson, also were chosen, also in the second round.

Smith fills a need for the Minnesota Vikings.

Although it was no surprise that the Vikings picked Miami offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie as the draft’s seventh overall selection, Smith was thought to go lower than the 38th pick Minnesota made him.

Then again, the Vikings had many holes to fill, most notably at offensive tackle, defensive tackle, safety and cornerback. Defensive needs begin and end with the Vikings’ finishing 30th against the run.

At linebacker, only Henri Crockett, a six-year veteran the Vikings picked up in free agency from Atlanta, can be considered a shoo-in starter. Lemanski Hall, a journeyman in his ninth year, will fill one outside spot. The other outside spot may be Smith’s, if the Vikings don’t sign another significant free agent.

Smith’s best attribute is his athleticism. His speed and jumping ability make him an asset in pass coverage and give him ability to make plays sideline to sideline.

Thompson, the 41st pick, goes to the Bengals, who need help everywhere, especially at safety. Arizona State’s Levi Jones was a surprise pick in the first round, the No. 10 slot, but Thompson may be able to contribute immediately.

The Bengals didn’t re-sign free agent Chris Carter and Darryl Williams has a bad ankle. The starters, JoJuan Armor and Cory Hall, have little experience.

Thompson’s athletic ability is unquestioned. He led Washington State in tackles last year with 83 and picked off eight passes, including two in the Sun Bowl against Purdue.

The only question is a neck injury that kept Thompson out of the 2000 season. Still, when healthy, Thompson makes virtually every tackle and interception.

The next four rounds continue today. Washington’s Omare Lowe, Willie Hurst, Kyle Benn, Todd Elstrom, and Marcus Roberson, along with Cougars Billy Newman, Nakoa McElrath and Dave Minnich are hopeful draftees, as is Western Washington quarterback Scott Mitchell.