Giordano's back!

In a bit of a surprise, the Colts re-signed safety Matt Giordano. It’s not that Matt’s a bad player — far from it — but because of his years of experience he did not come cheap. Although the team did not disclose terms of the contract, published reports have put it at one year, $670,000.

His presence means that the Colts have four safeties under contract who have started for them — Bob Sanders, Antoine Bethea, Melvin Bullitt and Giordano — and two noteworthy prospects in Jamie Silva and Brannon Condren.

Does that mean the Colts won’t draft any safeties? Yes and no. Although there appears to be no room at safety on the roster, many of this year’s top safety prospects are the type the Colts would probably convert to linebacker, an area of some need.

Two more prospects looked at:





Marlon Favorite DT LSU (6007/317/5.09pd) is a one-dimensional nose tackle type who had an inconsistent season next to fellow prospect Ricky Jean Francois. If you’re looking for a guy to stand there and be a block against the run, he’s your man. He has a great first step, stays low, uses his hands well, tackles adriotly and has a non-stop motor. The problem is that he’s not a great athlete, has no real pass-rush moves and surprises himself when he’s on the other guy’s side of the line of scrimmage. Back on the plus side, he’s great guy who already has his degree and is a noteworthy rapper. I could see the Colts taking him in the seventh or “eighth” rounds. He could be a part-time player on defense and carve a decent career for himself.

Endor Cooper ILB Howard (6005/247/4.83pd) looks a lot like a young Gary Brackett to me. Okay, he’s bigger and faster, but he has the same kind of intellect and instinct you rarely see at the position. He’s not as good in zone coverage — few are, but it’s a skill that can be improved — but is stouter against the run. Because MEAC games are so rarely on TV, most experts are saying Cooper probably won’t be drafted. Those who have seen him may differ. If he wound up with the Colts, he’d get a shot and could definitely surprise. Besides, you gotta love a guy named after the home of witches.