Crystal ballin'

My guesses at who’ll start at which positions for the Colts on opening day in 2011. That is, if the season ever starts (and, of course, barring injury).

QB Peyton Manning

Sure he’s a free agent. And I’m a soccer fan.

RB Joseph Addai

But he’s just keeping the seat warm; Delone Carter will take over as the lead back before too long

WR1/SE Reggie Wayne

Reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated

WR2/FL Pierre Garçon

Should bounce back after mildly disappointing 2010 season

WR3/SB Austin Collie

If he’s healthy he’s a major weapon – if not, look for Blair White to leapfrog Anthony Gonzalez for this spot

TE Dallas Clark

No question, even though Jacob Tamme was very impressive filling in last season

H-B/FB Brody Eldridge

I’m sure lots of people would like to see Tamme here, but with all the questions on the offensive line, the team needs blocking more than yet another short- to medium-range receiver

LT Anthony Castonzo

He’s everything you think he is, but rookie tackles almost always struggle at first

LG Charlie Johnson

Back at his natural position, Charlie helps out Castonzo

C Jeff Saturday

One last hurrah before this position turns to chaos

RG Ben Ijalana

This could just be an audition for his future at tackle, or it could be his home in the NFL

RT Jeff Linkenbach (above)

Forget his horrible games at guard, he graded out as the Colts’ best tackle in 2010 in my book

RDE Dwight Freeney

Doesn’t appear to be slowing down

RDT Drake Nevis

Going out on a limb here as it usually takes rookie defensive tackles a while to get their feet wet, but the Colts seem fed up with the alternatives – Anthony Johnson, Daniel Muir and Eric Foster

LDT Fili Moala

Looks like he gets it after a pretty good second season

LDE Robert Mathis

See RDE

RLB Clint Session

This spot is conditional; even if Session re-signs, he’ll have to fight off hard-charging soph Kavell Conner

MLB Gary Brackett

One more season before he makes way for Pat Angerer

LLB Pat Angerer

The future in the middle is too good to keep off the field now

RCB Jerraud Powers

A proven commodity

LCB Kelvin Hayden

Gets No. 1 spot on rep, previous seasons but could find himself in trouble if he falters or gets hurt

3rdCB Justin Tryon

Excellent but undersized cover man should excel against slots

SS Melvin Bullitt

He’s not the obvious answer everyone thinks he is – even if he re-signs, he’ll have to fight off youngsters David Caldwell and Brandon King

FS Antoine Bethea

Ever the stalwart

Armyoftwoairsoft said: “Moore always reminded me of the grand old guy who everybody loved too much to tell that he was repeating the same stories. Peyton has absorbed all of Moore’s offense and will have enough clout to keep the parts that he likes. Time for some new ideas.”

I could not agree more.

Mrcrayz888 said: ‘Moore’s offense hasn't been able to operate effectively in the past few years because of a lack of running game threat and a lack of a down-field threat (Harrison's fall off, Garçon’s shoddy hands, lack of pass pro time). Hopefully, with increased talent along the O-line we’ll see some of that come back. Got a few ideas of possible write-ups since we’re in lock-out mode. Love your analysis! Mike Pollak – chances he’s a better NFL OC than he's been at OG? Jacques McClendon – chances he challenges for a starting OG spot this season, or did that go out the window with the drafting of Ijalana? Jaimie Thomas – in the mix at OG or failed project? Joe Reitz – activated late because they believe in his talent or just cause they wanted another healthy OT (even though Link and Toudouze clearly were there for a reason)?”

1) Pollak at center? Yeah, that was his college position, but he has not shown enough functional strength to be a player at any o-line position. Maybe we’ll see something this season, but it looks like the clock is running out on him.

2) Ijalana’s presence certainly makes things tougher for McClendon et al, but don’t count him out. He played fairly well as a short-yardage tight end last season. The problem with McClendon is that he’s slow footed and may never be an NFL quality pass blocker at any position. Ijalana is a rookie from a relatively small school and only ever played tackle in college. If he’s not ready, and Charlie isn’t signed it’s not out of the question McClendon could have a bigger role – even as a short-term starter.

3) Thomas is a very similar player to McClendon, maybe a bit quicker but not as strong. He’s farther back experience-wise, though, so it’ll be harder for him to make a starting bid.

4) Bit of both with Reitz. They needed any warm body at OT, but they also liked him, having scouted him before the draft. He’s an athlete to be sure, but is he a football player? That remains to be seen, but it’ll be fun to watch him in camp.