Indianapolis Colts v Oakland Raiders

In what is usually a very quiet time around Indianapolis, the Colts have Bill Polian has been quite busy on the free agent market. To get you caught up, we’ll try to help you get to know the most recent Colts’ additions:

OT Adam Terry
Measurements: 6’8, 335 pounds
Dropping knowledge: The behemoth tackle spent the last four seasons in Baltimore, but missed the entire 2009  campaign due to a knee injury that he suffered during training camp. During his career, Terry has started in 18 of the 48 games he’s appeared in. Terry was widely criticized for his lackadaisical attitude, and some point to that as the reason why the Ravens decided to let him walk. However, his size certainly makes him an intriguing addition.
Projection: The average at-best play of Ryan Diem, and the uncertainty as to whether Charlie Johnson will return to the left tackle spot, means that Terry will get a shot to start. This seems like a low-risk move for the Colts – if Terry slacks-off, he won’t see the field.

DE J.D. Skolnitsky
Measurements: 6’4, 255 pounds
Dropping knowledge: I’d be lying to you if I had told you that I had ever heard of J.D. Skolnitsky before about a week ago.  However, as you see from the measurements, Skolnitsky fits the usual Colts prototype for the defensive end spot. He was given a contract by Washington last season after being undrafted out of James Madison. Further information on Skolnitsky is hard to find (this guy has to be the only player in the NFL without a Wikipedia page).
Projection: At 23, Skolnitsky is a cheaper/younger alternative to Raheem Brock, and could fit into Indy’s defensive line rotation. From the positive things that coaches and teammates have had to say about him in his short career, he seems worth taking a flier on.  Also, his name is fun to say.

OG Andy Alleman
Measurements: 6’4, 304 pounds
Dropping knowledge: This will be Alleman’s fourth team in four years, but he could find a long-term home in Indianapolis. The Colts tried to claim Alleman last year before he was scooped up by Kansas City. Coming out of Akron, scouts were wowed by his physical abilities, but he has yet to get a chance to put everything together.
Projection: With the bustilicous Mike Pollak perhaps being a Camp-casualty, and Ryan Lilja’s release, Alleman could be the Colts’ new starting right guard in 2010. It sounds like a reach, but at the very least, Alleman provides some much-needed depth.

This trio isn’t exactly Julius Peppers, Brandon Manumaleuna, and Chester Taylor, but they’re ample replacements for the players (Lilja, Brock) that the Colts have decided to let go.

I still think that the offensive line will be addressed via the Draft, and the tackle and guard spots will be the two most interesting position battles in Terre Haute this summer.