Options at receiver

I'm pretty happy Darrius Heyward-Bey left Indy without a contract. Although he could still sign for a lower price, as his agent says he's deciding between the Colts and Lions (and hinted at Lions because he and Matthew Stafford are old friends), I think the team would be better off if he didn't.

Don't get me wrong, the Colts need a big strong wideout badly, and it would be much better if he was fast. Obviously DHB fits those criteria, but I don't think he's what the Colts need.

He's really just a deep threat, but I'm not sure the Colts lack that. Yes, he did run a 4.25 forty back in the day (2009), but second-year Colts TY Hilton (4.34) is plenty fast, too. Last season, DHB was targeted 20 times on passes that were 20 yards for more through the air, going 4-181-1 with two drops. By comparison,  Hilton (who was also targeted 20 times), went 10-383-6 with one drop. While Hilton was obviously the beneficiary of superior quarterback play, it was also his rookie season.

The Colts already have guys who can get yards before the catch, they need guys who can get yards after the catch. While DHB would be an improvement in that department over the since-departed Donnie Avery, he's not as good at it as many other more polished and versatile receivers.

He's also uncomfortable in the slot, is not a return man and doesn't play on special teams. He's a pretty good blocker, though.

So if DHB isn't the answer, who is? All the posturing Colts owner Jim Irsay has done on Twitter regarding acquiring a veteran receiver makes me think they plan to use their first-round pick elsewhere (please, please let it a be an edge rusher, I don't trust the talents of Erik Walden any more than I do those of the Outlaw Jerry Hughes).

Since it appears as though they have been shut out from that plan, they may have to draft a guy early. I'm pretty sure Tennessee's Cordarrelle Peterson will be gone by No. 24, but California's Keenan Allen should be available. I love the kid, and the frequent comparisons to Jordy Nelson are more than apt. But that may make him more of a really, really good No. 2 rather than the No. 1 they need to eventually replace Reggie Wayne.

Another option could be Clemson's DeAndre "Nuk" Hopkins. He has all the atlent in the world, but I'm afraid his lack of over strength and his hand use will make for a rude awakening for him in the NFL, as he'll be pressed and jammed and knocked off his routes like he never was in college.

And, to tell the truth, their forty times (4.53 for Allen and 4.57 for Nuk) disturb me.

If they wait until the third round, the best options would most likely be Tennessee Tech's Da'Rick Rogers (immaturity issues), Arkansas' Cobi Hamilton (limited upside) and Marshall's Aaron Dobson (hmmm). I really like Dobson. Don't put too much into his lack of big-time production at Marshall, the reasons for that were beyond his control. He may take a while to hit his NFL stride, but he could turn into a serviceable No. 1 after a few seasons. If he can stay healthy.