Roundup

Lots going on, so let's round it all up.

Update your mocks! The Colts did something few would have predicted when they re-signed No. 3 defensive end Josh Thomas. While Thomas is no star, his presence indicates that the position is probably no longer the team's top need. While it might be nice to have another pass-rusher, keep in mind that Dwight Freeney will make $5.75 million next year, Robert Mathis will make $6.81 million and now Thomas will be bring home some serious spondulix — that's a lot of money for one position.

So what is the team's top need now? Well, that's for another post; but I will give you a hint. The following players (listed in order of 2007 salary) are not under contract for 2009: C Jeff Saturday, OLB Tyjuan Hagler, CB Kelvin Hayden, CB Kiewan Ratliff and T Dan Federkeil.

And the Colts are working out players: In the past couple of days, the Colts have worked out a number of players, including one very familiar to Indianapolis residents. Here are some quick rundowns:

• Mackenzy Bernardeau G Bentley (6041, 306, 5.29): Big, strong kid dominated in Division II, earning two straight ACFA All-Americans. Surprisingly polished considering where he played, but will need to work on pass pro to be able to play in the NFL. A smart and hard-working kid, he should respond to coaching. Played mostly left tackle in college, but short arms will move him inside in the NFL. Lots of teams attended his workout, and he projects as a sixth-round pick.

• Shemiah LeGrande DT Hofstra (6001, 288, e5.00): Under-rated prospect who made All-Colonial twice. A small penetrating tackle and a punishing hitter, LeGrande plays a 3-technique much like the Colts employ. Known for his great first step and ability to shed blocks, LeGrande projects to a wave tackle in the pros. His size and level of competition will likely keep him from being drafted, but he'll be in camp somewhere. Reminds me of Cleveland Pinkney, an undrafted free agent who didn't make the Colts but hung around the NFL for years.

• Kareem Huggins RB Hofstra (5087, 185, 4.47): LeGrande's teammate, tiny Huggins is a slashing runner (178-957-9 as a senior) who can catch the ball (15-103-0), but is probably too small to be anything but an occasional contributor on offense. Luckily, he's an accomplished returner (26-641-2 on kicks as a senior and 13-162-0 on punts as a junior), and the Colts are holding auditions at the position. Like LeGrande, size and competition issues will keep him from being drafted.

• Jordan Senn OLB Portland State (5114, 224, 4.53): Small but fast outside linebacker who is quick in pursuit (127 tackles as a senior) and an accomplished blitzer (12.5 stuffs, 3 sacks in two years); but his best quality is his coverage ability (4 passes deflected, 3-75-1 interceptions as a senior). Lack of height and coverage ability means most teams will project him to strong safety, but he'd play Will in the Colts' defense. More likely, he'll be a special-teams player with a chance to be groomed into a linebacker (or safety, depending on who gets him). Despite his production, Senn is unlikely to sneak into the bottom of the draft, but could be an NFL player for years. Reminds me a little of special-teams superstar Steve Gleason, who many forget was originally signed out of Washington State by the Colts.

• James Banks WR Carson-Newman (6025, 210, 4.58): Indy fans will remember when he starred at Ben Davis high school. In 2001, the athletic quarterback was so sought after that he chose Tennessee over Notre Dame. He played a little there, but the coaches liked his legs better than his arm and switched him to wide receiver. In 2003, he led the team in receiving (42-621-6), developing a reputation for making difficult and clutch catches. But his fast track to the NFL was derailed by drugs and alcohol, and he was kicked off the team. He eventually landed at Division II Carson-Newman, receiving 22-370-6 in his only year there.

His ability is not really in doubt. He's no blazer, but he is a naturally elusive runner with great strength, concentration and good hands. What teams will worry about is his character. That he succeeded at Carson-Newman — a strict Southern Baptist college with a tough coach in Ken Sparks — is a good sign. Whether he drafted or not will depend a lot on how he interviews.

Despite what many think, the Colts do take chances on character risks. Marlin Jackson had some problems, but the Colts drafted him in the first round in 2005. Ed Johnson was such a character question, he wasn't even drafted, despite his ability and now he's a starter in Indy. And Roscoe Crosby — a player eerily similar to Banks — was signed by the Colts three times. He didn't work out, but it does prove that the team will take a chance on a character risk if they believe he has turned himself around.

Banks has made one big mistake in his comeback, though. Two weeks ago, he worked out with an ex-NFL quarterback to show off his skills for scouts. Sounds smart, but he was catching passes from Jeff George, perhaps the most hated athlete in Indianapolis history.

Based on skill alone, Banks would be a third or fourth rounder. But he'll probably only cost a seventh rounder. If his head is on right, he could play wide or in the slot and the trick-play option he brings is just another plus.