2010 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Team Needs
The Indianapolis Colts enjoyed a season to remember in 2009…until the end, at least.
While many predicted Peyton Manning and company would take a step back, the Colts were one of the league’s two best teams from wire-to-wire, and started the season 14-0 before dropping the final two games of the regular season.
Manning won his NFL-record fourth MVP award, and the Colts won their sixth AFC South division championship in seven years.
They appeared to be candidates for a perfect regular season before GM Bill Polian and head coach Jim Caldwell pulled the plug, taking the starters out midway through the week 16 loss to the Jets.
Fortunately, it didn’t hurt them come playoff time, as Indy made it all the way to Super Bowl XLIV, where they lost 31-17 to the New Orleans Saints.
Despite that great season, there are still areas that the Colts can improve upon before the next one gets underway.
Here are some areas of focus for Indianapolis as they head into the draft.
Offense
Biggest Needs: OL
With a world-class quarterback, a solid running back platoon, and a deep receiving core, the Colts’ primary offensive focus will be on the front line come draft time.
Indy’s rushing offense ranked dead-last in the league in ’09, and much of that had to do with an inconsistent offensive line.
Charlie Johnson was decent at left tackle, but if the right prospect were to drop to them with the 31st pick in the first round, the Colts could jump at the chance to upgrade.
Charles Brown, a tackle out of USC, seems like the top tackle most likely to be available by the time the Colts are on the clock, but if they have other linemen rated higher, they could go in a different direction.
Maurkice Pouncey, considered to be the best center prospect to come along in several years, is also a possibility here, as longtime center Jeff Saturday will be 35 when the season starts.
No matter what happens before them in the first round, it seems clear that the Colts will be looking to upgrade the offensive line in some fashion with their first-round pick, as it is their most urgent need.
Look for them to use a few of their eight draft picks on offensive linemen.
Defense
Biggest Needs: DT, DE Depth, S Depth, CB Depth
While Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir were solid as the starting defensive tackles in ’09, they’re not the long-term solutions for the Colts.
They’ve had some bad luck drafting defensive tackles in recent years, and will likely have to use a fairly high pick to upgrade the position.
Guys like UCLA’s Brian Price and Alabama’s Terrence Cody may be available for the Colts at the end of the first round, but it seems more likely for Indy to opt for O-line help with that first pick.
With Price and Cody likely gone by the Colts’ next pick at the end of round two, guys like Texas’ Lamarr Houston, California’s Tyson Alualu, and North Carolina’s Cam Thomas appear to be the next-best options.
If no defensive tackle surfaces as a viable option from their draft position, the Colts may opt for some depth at defensive end early on.
Robert Mathis is a Pro Bowler, but when Dwight Freeney was out of the lineup last season, he wasn’t able to generate a huge pass rush all by himself.
USC’s Everson Griffen is a possible first-round choice for the Colts if none of their other needs can be filled in that slot.
Also, given the shoddy health history of former Defensive POY Bob Sanders, safety depth should be a huge area of concern.
They’re going to need to go for a second-tier talent like South Florida’s Nate Allen or LSU’s Chad Jones, but with backup Aaron Francisco now in Carolina, the Colts likely need to take at least one safety somewhere in this draft.
Obviously, if they can upgrade offensive line, the Colts’ offense should be even better in 2010.
With a few solid draft picks on board, Peyton Manning should be able to keep his guys on top of the AFC South for at least another year.
For free daily and weekly fantasy sports games, go to Fantazzle.com.
Mark, I don��t agree with you, I think the post was helpful and not shallow at all.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
fantastic points altogether, you simply won a new reader. What would you suggest about your put up that you simply made some days ago? Any positive?
Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your publish is simply great and that i could suppose you are a professional in this subject. Well with your permission let me to clutch your RSS feed to stay updated with impending post. Thanks one million and please continue the rewarding work.
I am glad for writing to make you know what a awesome discovery my cousin’s princess had browsing yuor web blog. She discovered a lot of things, most notably what it’s like to have an excellent giving mindset to let the others very easily grasp a variety of hard to do issues. You actually exceeded her expectations. Thank you for delivering such important, healthy, edifying and even cool thoughts on that topic to Lizeth.
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for posting. “We seldom attribute common sense except to those who agree with us.” by La Rochefoucauld.
I was very thrilled to discover this site on google.I wanted to say many thanks to you with regard to this superb article!! I surelyenjoyed every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I抣l certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
of an accident tend to be far more negative. Kids ought to be coached to possess sun glasses real early simply because they will probably be taught to transport some sun glasses every time they head out. You’re not merely guarding their distinct very good eyes, but moreover training them that shades are essential. Defending their eyes can also slow up the chance of eye infections. Also infants have to be placed into the habit associated with decorating sunglasses. They appear actually adorable and they’re generated for a distinct
Having read this I believed it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
or no value – look at a greenback invoice, it is just a flimsy piece of paper, so simply how much could it be
Web Site