Saturday, February 23, 2008

Team Needs: Indianapolis Colts

1. Guard
Last year's starter at right guard Jake Scott is a free agent. Even if the Colts go ahead and re-sign Scott, they should still look to add depth as far as the interior line is concerned, especially with backup guard/center Dylan Gandy (currently a restricted free agent) likely to be playing on a one-year deal.

2. Defensive End
Starters Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were lost to inuries last season, which exposed a complete lack of depth at the position.

3. Kicker
The Colts give up a lot of hidden yardage in their kicking game, and although poor coverage is an issue, Adam Vinatieri's poor kickoffs are as much the culprit. And contrary to popular belief, Vinatieri doesn't make up for it with field goal accuracy.

4. Wide Receiver
This is another position where the "need" is mainly for depth purposes. Yes, Marvin Harrison is nearing the end of career, but the Colts helped take care of that by drafting Anthony Gonzalez last year. And of course they still have Reggie Wayne, while the recently re-signed Dallas Clark lines up predominantly as a slot receiver rather than as a tight end.

5. Kick Returner
All the blame for the Colts league-worst special teams can't be placed on Adam Vinatieri and the coverage units. The Colts ranked 21st in the league in kickoff return average and need to add a consistent threat in the return game.

6. Linebacker
Gary Brackett had a great year in the middle, while Freddy Keiaho continued to improve on the weak side. Strong-side backer Rob Morris will be back from injury, and Tyjuan Hagler will be back as his backup. However, the other reserve who saw plenty of action, Rocky Boiman, could leave as a free agent. So once again depth needs to be added.

7. Quarterback
With Peyton Manning nearing his thirty-second birthday, isn't it about time the Colts upgraded his backup in case of injury?

8. Running Back
Running back is a fragile position; and although the Colts seemed to have found Joseph Addai's backup in former Canadian football leaguer Kenton Keith, they can look to bolster their depth at this spot as well.

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