This evening I will take a look at the Colts offense (suggested by my other loyal reader my sister). The Indianapolis Colts always have a strong offense, as long as Peyton Manning is under center the offense should continue to be one of the best in the league. That doesn't mean that they don't have some work to do though especially along the offensive line, their running game, and there could be come uncertainty with the receiving corp.
Quarterback - Not much to say here, Peyton Manning will soon be the highest paid player in the history of the NFL, he is durable and the possibly the best overall QB EVER (I know most of you will not agree with that statement but I refuse to grade QB's based solely on the Super Bowl Rings). As long as he is under center (and he has at least 4-6 years of elite production I think) the Colts will be ok and probably be a playoff team, again. Their backup is Curtis Painter, and he is just that, a backup. He should never see any real game time and is just an arm to keep Peyton fresh in practice and training camp and to work as an assistant to Peyton, he is not the QB of the future for them and when his contract is close to expiring they may be able to get a late round draft pick for him.
Running Back - This should have been an area of strength for the team, but instead was a weakness due to injuries. It was not until December that they were healthy enough to see what could have been. Joseph Addai will be a free agent this year and it is unlikely that the Colts will re-sign him, they basically let their RB's go when they still have some tread left instead of giving them a contract that they will regret in 2-3 years (Marshall Faulk, Edgerrin James, etc). It leaves Donald Brown as the successor and he finally started to show some of the potential that the Colts saw when they drafted him at the tail end of the first round 2 years ago. He is making quicker decisions, is a solid pass blocker, and great receiving threat out of the backfield which is what makes him perfect for the Peyton's....I mean the Colts, the only thing he needs to do is work on staying healthy. The primary backups will be Mike Hart and Javarris James. Mike Hart is the guy that I like the most, while he has struggle with injuries he was a productive back and I feel that if given more of a chance (and if he stays healthy) he could be productive on the NFL level as a relief back (He should compete for the primary backup job this year). He will never break long runs or make many people miss, but is suited for getting up the field for short gains and is an above average blocker. I thought Javarris James showed some flashes as an undrafted free agent but may have to battle some rookies to make the roster this year. The Colts should be able to stand pat at the RB position this year and pick up either a late round value pick if someone they like falls or pick up some undrafted free agents.
Wide Receiver - One of the deepest positions on the Colts roster, the WR position is highlighted by Reggie Wayne. Wayne, who has been unhappy with his contract, could be a potential problem area for the Colts. He has lost a step and the Colts are unlikely to give him the final big contact he desires, while he put up the best numbers of his career last year, his yards per catch was low. The big numbers were based largely on the lack of a running game that caused Manning to throw more than he ever has. Pierre Garcon, Blair White, Anthony Gonzalez (if healthy) and company should continue to improve next year and supply the Manning with plenty of targets. With Wayne near the end of his time in Indianapolis don't be surprised if the Colts draft a big play replacement for him with their 1st pick though its more likely they will address their deficiencies along the offensive line (their #1 priority has and will be keeping Peyton happy and upright). Look for them to give extended looks at Maryland's Torrey Smith (fast but needs to be refined in most aspects), Pitt's Jonathan Baldwin (great hands, ball skills, & top end speed, but has character concerns), and North Carolina's Greg Little (great hands, makes acrobatic catches, speed is adequate).
Tight End - Dallas Clark, enough said. But honestly, Jacob Tammie broke out this year when Clark went down, and could be the answer for the future if he continues to progress. Clark has 3 years left on his contract, with most of the money already being paid out, most of the rest of the contract is incentives. While they do not really need anybody at the TE position, I see Arkansas's D.J. Williams as being the PERFECT fit for the Colts system. He can line up on the line or split out wide, does a great job catching, and finding spots in zone coverage. The Colts don't need a TE but if Williams is available they may try to get him, I mean really he fits the Colts to a T.
Offensive Line - This was arguably the worst part of the Indianapolis offense, it was a major reason the run game struggled, and if Manning was not so good at getting rid of the ball quickly he would have been hit a lot more. Jeff Saturday, the center is still the best lineman that they have and will continue to anchor that position. On either side of him the Guards. Mike Pollak and Kyle DeVan are adequate. Pollak I believe is the better of the 2 while DeVan is a better "swingman" able to play either guard or the center position. The tackles were the biggest weakness for the O-line and with starting LT Charlie Johnson set to be a free agent, look for the Colts to take a loot at USC's Tyron Smith and Colorado's Nate Solder with their 1st round draft pick if they are available. Both prospects are quick on their feet and excel in pass protection aided by their long arms, which is vital for the Colts. Tyron Smith is a little raw with his instincts, but Peyton should be able to help him develop at a fast pace. Solder is more advanced mentally and will be pro ready quicker, but Smith has the greater potential. RT Ryan Diem is getting long in the tooth, coupled with his false start problems, they will be looking to upgrade that position also. While the Colts were burned when they moved up and took Tony Ugoh out of Arkansas, there is another tackle prospect there that could intrigue them for RT out of Arkansas, Demarcus Love. Love has prototypical size and is better at pass protection than run protection, he is probably not ready to step in as an instant starter, but with his familiarity at playing both left and right tackle at Arkansas (their offense has him switching sides every few plays) he would be a great swing tackle.
Up Next: A look at the Colts Defense
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