State of the Colts: Defense

Defensive ends and defensive tackles

In: Ricky Jean-Francois
Out: None
That means: An upgrade. The Colts had some up-and-down play at these two positions last year, and the signing of RJF helps. He gets a lot of criticism because he never played a lot of snaps in San Fran, but who was he gonna put on the bench? Justin Smith, the best 3-4 lineman in the league? Or Ray McDonald, who's not far behind? Still, he;'ll have no problem finding playing time in Indy; pencil him in as a starter.
Will they draft one?: I thought they could go high here until the RJF signing. Still, they could grab a guy like Georgia Tech's underrated Izaan Cross late.


Nose tackles

In: Aubrayo Franklin
Out: Antonio Johnson*
That means: The Colts are not sure about the health of their holdovers here. Essentially, the Colts are replacing the woefully miscast Mookie Johnson at nose tackle with three new players: Besides Franklin, there's 2012 draft pick Josh Chapman and 2012 free agent-signee Brandon McKinney, both of whom missed last season with knee injuries. The fact that they signed Franklin, who'll likely start, indicates they're less than confident about Chapman and McKinney bouncing back.
Will they draft one?: Unlikely, but maybe. Franklin is a competent starter, but might not be for long. If they believe Chapman's his heir apparent, they probably won't select a nose tackle in the draft. But if they don't, they might look at a guy like Tennessee-Martin's Montori Hughes, who dominated in the Ohio Valley Conference, to develop.


Outside linebackers

In: Lawrence Sidbury, Erik Walden
Out: Dwight Freeney*, Jamaal Westerman*
That means: The Colts do not believe in conventional wisdom, or the abilities of the Outlaw Jerry Hughes. While it was obvious to all that Freeney wasn't coming back, and to most that Hughes was not a realistic replacement, the Colts surprised everyone by investing in Walden and Sidbury, two guys who have combined for 14 sacks in 116 games (that's just less than two sacks per 16 games).
Will they draft one?: I certainly hope they do. I'm pretty sure I don't have to bring up the usual suspects.


Inisde linebackers

In: None
Out: AJ Edds*, Moise Fokou
That means: The Colts are generally happy with their inside guys, which include Jerell Freeman, Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner. None of them are headed to Canton, but all are legitimate NFL starters.
Will they draft one?: Maybe, but I'd rather it were later rather than sooner. A guy like Iowa State's AJ Klein might be nice.


Cornerbacks

In: Greg Toler
Out: Jerraud Powers
That means: The turnover continues, although it should be noted that the Colts retained two other free agents, Darius Butler and Cassius Vaughn.
Will they draft one?: The Colts have an enviable top three in Vontae Davis, Toler and Butler, and have invested enough to make me think they are there for the foreseeable future. You could make a decent four and five out of Vaughn and the younger prospects on the team (Josh Gordy, Marshay Green and Teddy Williams), but if the Colts want a developmental guy to add to the competition, I like Louisiana-Lafayette's Melvin White, who could wind up at free safety.


Safeties

In: LaRon Landry
Out: Tom Zbikowski
That means: While I liked Zbikowski a lot, I'm pretty good with the Landry signing. He'll be happy to eb an ex-Jet.
Will they draft one?: Hard to say. I know the Colts have been looking at draft-eligible safeties, and Antoine Bethea is slated to become a free agent after the season, so it could happen.