Indianapolis Colts 2012 Team Needs

Key Notes

• The Colts threw just 14 TD passes in 2011
• Despite that, the Colts registered nearly two 1,000-yard receivers –Reggie Wayne (960) and Pierre Garcon (947)- in the same campaign. 
• The Colts’ special teams averaged 3.4 yds/PR and 18.6 yds/KOR with no return scores 
• The team gave up 26.9 pts/gm (28^th in the NFL) 
• Team’s takeaway/giveaway ratio:  -12 
• Own the 1^st overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft 

Offense

Positions of Need:  QB, WR, RB, OL

Potential Free Agents:  QB Dan Orvlosky, WR Pierre Garcon, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Anthony Gonzalez, TE Jacob Tamme, C Mike Pollack, C Jeff Saturday, OG Ryan Diem, OG Jamey Richard

Quarterbacks

Regardless of the Peyton Manning decision, the Colts will have to address the QB position.  The significance revolves on whether to address it early or later in the draft.  For years, the Colts got by without reliable insurance at the all-important position.  If they decide to go with Manning –who’s been cleared to play by two doctors- that will no longer be an option.

Do they keep Manning and still decide to draft the quarterback of the future? And if so, do they draft him early in the 2nd round or spend the first overall pick?  What about the March 8th deadline for his roster bonus?  

This will remain the hottest conversation of a potentially sexy offseason in the NFL.

Running Backs

They’re not at all set at this position, despite the late season emergence of former first rounder Donald Brown (645 yds, 8 TDs).  Joseph Addai seems to be a staple, so it would be hard to imagine him not being brought back in the fold.  But with a new regime in place, his status is by no means a certainty.  While Brown needs continued reps, the Colts also could use a bigger back due to his injury history.  Jerome Felton has been effective at FB, and he was a good runner in college.  Could he be part of a LaRon McClain, Ray Rice-like duo?  Rookie Delone Carter earned playing time, but he failed to exhibit significant burst to press the edges in spite of some solid performances. 

Offensive Line

For years, the interior offensive line has been a point of stability with Jeff Saturday manning the middle.  He would be a calming influence to either a young QB or his longtime friend/teammate Manning.  He needs to be a priority in free agency.  It’s impossible to think the team can improve its running game without significant upgrades on either side of him.  Ryan Diem has started 150 games in his eleven years, but even he missed five games a year ago.  Rookie FA Mike Tepper started four games when 2011 first round pick Anthony Castonzo went down.  2010 rookie FA Jeff Linkenbach started all 16 games after starting four games in 2010.  5^th-year man Mike Pollak provides some stability because he can start at guard and backup at center.  Quinn Ojinnaka is a versatile backup who has earned experience and even he can start in a pinch. What this offensive line lacks is a legitimate star after Saturday.  Castonzo has a chance.  

A mobile, swing lineman like Illinois’ Jeff Allen would provide a mobile, squatty body capable of developing into an effective pull/zone blocking option.  He’s quick enough to get to the spot in the team’s zone run schemes, yet plays with enough leverage to create some forward movement in the running game.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

For a team that threw just 14 TD passes, the outside edges were strong enough to win a number of outside matchups as both Wayne and Garcon nearly reached the 1,000-yard plateau.   It’s highly unlikely the team will be able to retain the services of both, but it could conceivably lose Wayne if he decides to follow a possible Manning departure.   

After the pair, TE Dallas Clark has work to do.  Like Manning, Clark has neck issues.  This does not rate as a major concern, but would be if the team lost backup 2^nd TE Jacob Tamme in free agency.  TE Brody Etheridge is valuable as like an extra offensive lineman-type and he has earned several starts over the last two years.  Aside from Clark, the Colts do not have a legitimate player who can venture across the middle of the field.  Slot receiver Austin Collie’s concussion issues will always have to be monitored, so a bigger slot wideout could be in order. 

Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu would provide whoever plays quarterback a receiver who’s worked between the hashmarks and outside as a Z or X.  Sanu’s 4.4 speed would also add a dynamic element to an offense that needs to increase its overall team speed. 

Defense

Positions of Need: LB, DT, CB

Potential Free Agents:  DE Jamaal Anderson, DL Tyler Brayton, DE Robert Mathis, LB Kevin Bentley, LB Ernie Sims, LB Philip Wheeler, CB Jacob Lacey-resticted, FS Stevie Brown-restricted

Key Issue

The big question surrounding the Colts’ defense is whether new DC Greg Manusky will attempt to employ the 3-4 front he used extensively in San Francisco.  If so, the values of several of the Colts’ defensive personnel could shift upward. 

Defensive Line

This is a unit that could be in store for change.  It has struggled to stop the run (144 yds/gm in 2011) and much of that has to do with an inability to get off blocks in a division that features several teams (Houston, Tennessee, Jacksonville) capable of imposing their will.  Antonio Johnson started 12 games and -at 310 lbs- he would be a candidate at a shaded one or 0-nose tackle spot. Incumbent 4^th-year man Fili Moala has failed to distinguish himself as an interior pass rusher, but he moves well enough to play over the offensive tackle in a three-man front.  

DTs Foster and Nevis likely would have added depth and skill to the DL rotation if not for season-ending injuries.  Foster is a free agent who wouldn’t necessarily fit a position switch inside, but he could possibly get looks at DE.  Brayton’s experience as a swing linemen would be invaluable if the team makes a philosophical change full-time.  He would be a candidate for the 5-technique position.  Someone such as Cincinnati DT-DE Derek Wolfe uses his hands as well as any defender in the draft.  He’ll likely be available either late on Day 2 or early on Day 3, and he would be a valuable addition in either scheme.   

Linebackers

Ernie Sims may not return, and even if he does, will he ever regain his early career form?  MLB Gary Brackett was lost to a shoulder injury, but even at full strength, would you want an undersized linebacker plugging inside run gaps behind a three-man front?  Either way, his re-entry could stunt MLB Pat Angerer’s (148 tackles) growth as the quarterback of the defense. Angerer could be OK in a 3-4, but he is much better when covered up by a defensive tackle.  Kavell Connor has his moments and, at 242 pounds, he could potentially be an inside LB candidate behind an uncovered OG.

Perhaps no other group would be affected as much as this one with a shift to a 30 front scheme than the LB corps.  Pro Bowl DEs Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney have the potential to be two of the best outside rush LBs in the league.  Will one or both be able to tackle in space?  If so, the Colts' pass rush could become a different type of force.  Even if the team sticks with a 4-3 scheme, there will be several remnants of Manusky's multiple looks that should create one-on-one pass rush matchups for either vs. RBs/TEs.

Secondary

Antoine Bethea is a good centerpiece to build around because of his 4.4 speed and above average tackling skill.  He hasn’t been allowed to roam as much because of his involvement vs. the run (139 tackles in 2011).  The Colts probably didn’t want to have David Caldwell start 13 games, but that was the situation after Melvin Bullitt went down to a shoulder injury early in the year. 

The Colts lack a legitimate playmaker outside.  CB Jacob Lacey is a free agent, but he is probably better suited as a backup even if re-signed.  2^nd-year man Chris Rucker has potential, but the team is much better when Jerraud Powers is on the field (ended the season on IR). 

Rucker could move inside opposite Bethea at FS and then the team could focus on the cornerback position in the draft or unrestricted free agency.  Candidates who can play the nickel, return kicks and survive some outside on 1^st and 2^nd downs will get looks.  Georgia’s Brandon Boykin would fit the mold in Round Two or Three of this year’s draft. Free agent Tennessee Titans' CB/nickel Courtland Finnegan would be a valuable option as well because of his experience in the AFC South.  He has blitzing ability off the slot.