Pass rusher
Even with Dwight Freeney, the Colts pass rush in 2012 was tepid. And there are few, if any, who believe the Outlaw Jerry Hughes can come close to replacing him. What they need: A guy who can get to the quarterback frequently. It'd be nice if he could stop the run, too. Coverage is not a priority (Colts OLBs were targeted just 22 times last season). First-round option: UCLA's Datone Jones Third-round option: Ohio State's John Simon Free agency option: A lot of Colts fans like Anthony Spencer, but he appears to want to re-sign with Dallas. Paul Kruger, who so terrorized the Colts in the Wild Card game, is a better bet with ties to the Colts staff and the Ravens already have cap issues before even considering signing star quarterback Joe Flacco. The Rams' William Hayes is another intriguing option.
Guard
It could be argued that the Colts need two guards, as neither starter proved effective, and the depth was marginal. What they need: With Andrew Luck at the helm, pass protection is of utmost importance. Enough mobility to help on rollouts and screens is also an asset. Third-round option: Syracuse's Justin Pugh Third-round option: Illinois' Hugh Thornton Free agency option: Buffalo's Andy Levitre or the Patriots' Donald Thomas are both young and athletic, but their teams will want them back.
Right tackle
Winston Justice is a decent right tackle, but he's not very durable and is an unrestricted free agent. If a quality left tackle fell into their hands, the Colts have the option of switching incumbent left tackle Anthony Castanzo over to right tackle. What they need: Same as their guards, only bigger. First-round option: Virginia's Oday Aboushi Third-round option: Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Terron Armstead Free agency option: Barry Richardson played at a very high level with the Rams last season, and looks very much like the type of player who could start for the Colts.
Nose Tackle
Anthony Johnson is a free agent and is unlikely to return, He wasn't very good, but he kept backup Martin Tevaseu on the bench. The hope is that 2012 free agent signee and 2012 fifth-round draft pick Josh Chapman will solidify the position, but both of them missed the entire season with knee issues. What they need: A huge strong man who can be a brick wall against the run and occupy two or more blockers. Any pass-rush ability would be a bonus. First-round option: Alabama's Jessie Williams or Georgia's Jonathan Jenkins. Third-round option: North Carolina's Sylvester Williams
Cornerback
Overall play at corner last year was not great, and three of the Colts' top four are free agents. What they need: Colts GM Ryan Grigson values speed above all, but a Colts corner should also be superior in zone coverage and be at least a decent tackler as well. The secondary could also someone who gets his hands on more passes. First-round option: Oregon State's Jordan Poyer Third-round option: UConn's Blidi Wreh-Wilson Free agency option: Chris Owens is small, but plays big.
Wide receiver
Although Reggie Wayne is still a top player and 2012 rookies TY Hilton and LaVon Brazill are definitely keepers, Wayne can't last forever and Hilton and Brazill are both undersized (as is slot prospect Griff Whalen). A tall, strong red zone target could be a real asset. What they need: A big West Coast-style guy who can make yards after the catch and handle the traffic in the end zone. Third-round option: Tennessee's Justin Hunter Fourth-round option: Elon's Aaron Mellette
Center
The Colts signed Samson Satele to take over from the legendary Jeff Saturday at center, but neither he nor backup AQ Shipley look like the long-term solution at the spot. What they need: Just like their guards, but with snapping ability and experience. Third-round option: USC's Khaled Holmes Fourth-round option: Cal's Brian Schwenke
The Colts signed Samson Satele to take over from the legendary Jeff Saturday at center, but neither he nor backup AQ Shipley look like the long-term solution at the spot. What they need: Just like their guards, but with snapping ability and experience. Third-round option: USC's Khaled Holmes Fourth-round option: Cal's Brian Schwenke
Halfback
Vick Ballard, last year's fifth-round pick, has earned the starting job, but behind him the Colts have little beyond first-round disappointment Donald Brown and oft-injured Delone Carter. What they need: A big, strong, fall-forward back who can catch and pick up pass rushers as necessary. Fourth-round option: Stanford's Stepfan Taylor or Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell.
The team also has less critical needs at free safety (Antoine Bethea will be a free agent after the 2013 season), defensive end and, perhaps, fullback.
2 comments:
Question about switching a left tackle to a right tackle?
How difficult will it be for the player?
Speed rush to the right arm/side. Inside rush to the left.
Also, will the new right tackle feel demoted being switched from the more prestigious and higher paying "Blind Side?"
It would be great if Grigs would draft a good O-Lineman or two, and sign a stand out in free agency.
Depends on the player. The difference between right and left tackle is more pronounced in certain offenses and with certain QBs. I guess there's a certain stigma at being "demoted" from left to right, but I don't think it'd be a deal breaker for too many players.
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