Super Bowl XLIV

So after my recent assessment of the team’s needs (this article was posted a few weeks ago), the Colts have followed my list thus far. However, I did find it pretty funny that I read multiple articles in the Indianapolis Star, other big city newspapers around the Midwest and sports websites about the same basic needs of this team. Maybe it’s just as obvious to everyone as it is to me or maybe Bill Polian (and his future appointed GM son, Chris) read a lot of sports blogs for advice about how to build their team. Either way, it made me laugh. With the combine over and the draft just a little more than a month away, the Colts have been a little more active than usual during this free-agent period. Let’s compare my assessment with what has happened so far.

My thoughts on what the offense needs: depth or upgrade to tight end, running back and the offensive line.

What has happened so far? The Colts have not addressed the tight end position after Dallas Clark and may choose to on a later round pick in the draft. I think that is a possibility, but I also think that they will develop their young tight ends Robinson, Santi and Tamme throughout team workouts and training camp.

As for the running backs, they have not addressed this either, though I think they will look to the draft to find a bigger fullback or third down back that could also return punts and kick-offs. This need may be gained to help special teams, especially with a lack of consistency with returns and we all know we can use some better “hands” with onside kick-offs.

With Bill Polian comments after the Super Bowl about the offensive line, he was essentially saying there will be some changes, and several have been made. They have cut Ryan Lilja and signed free agent guard, Andy Alleman (6’ 4”, 310) and free agent tackle Adam Terry (6’ 8”, 335), being true to the word to beef up the offensive line. Expect more as this will be an area that we could probably see two or three draft picks come from. Hopefully this will help us to be able to run more and find our offense with a little more balance.

My thoughts on what the defense needs: depth or upgrade to secondary and linebacker positions.

As expected, the Colts let go of Tim Jennings and Aaron Francisco. I was a little saddened that they let Marlin Jackson go, but he was coming off two injury-filled seasons, so it wasn’t a surprise. They have not made any additional moves during free agency for secondary and the draft will be a great place to help this area. I think they could even use their first-round pick specifically to draft a cornerback or safety.

As for the linebackers, Gary Brackett is signed and sealed, which is great news for the defense and his fellow linebackers, Phillip Wheeler and Clint Session. After that, Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler became unrestricted free agents, so depth is definitely needed. Look for the Colts to draft at least one linebacker and possibly find another in the free-agent market. Larry Coyer knows that they need to add bulk to this position, but they have to have speed too.

In other news with the defense, Raheem Brock was cut in a surprising move, though it seemed to be mostly financial. Earlier this week, his replacement, J.D. Skolnitsky, was picked up off waivers from the Redskins. This area, the defensive line, could be another area the Colts will look at in the draft, adding more bulk to the middle to help to continue to stop the run.

After looking at the draft entrants, it seems that several of these areas can be taken care of, especially from the defensive side of the football. And they will have to, especially the secondary and the linebacker positions. The offensive line is another big concern (though we have a good start through free-agency). So we will see what happens in the next month before the draft. There are several players that I think that the Colts should take a look at, but I have never been good at mock drafts. Because you never know who will be there when you are on the clock.


Don’t forget to follow the 12th Horseman on Twitter and friend us on Facebook!