Every so often, ColtPlay takes a look at players made available by other teams, and theorizes on whether or not they would be good Colts.
Demetress Bell
An impressive physical specimen who has not succeeded as an NFL left tackle in a number of chances in Buffalo and Philadelphia. Seems like a great kid who could develop into something, but I'd pass because the Colts are in need of immediate help on the line, not another "maybe" prospect.
Michael Boley
A long-time contributor as a 4-3 outside linebacker, Boley's play fell off considerably last year, and the Giants benched him for a couple of no-names. It's unlikely Boley can rebound this late in his career, and he really doesn't fit the Colts' system.
Ahmad Bradshaw
An extremely productive back for many years, Bradshaw is recovering from multiple breaks in his foot, but says he should be ready for training camp. He'd like to re-sign with the Giants, but they appear to have moved on at the position. Although Bradshaw has some excellent qualities, I can't see the Colts being interested because they hope to feature Vick Ballard at halfback, and bringing a big name into the fold would harm that, and because Bradshaw is not an effective pass blocker.
Chris Canty
Although injuries reduced his playing time in 2012, Canty was still very impressive when he did play, and still looks like one of the best players at his position (4-3 tackle/3-4 end) in the league. He's a good fit in the Colts system and a high-character guy. But he's also 30 years old and coming off a series of injuries. The Colts would be well-advised to be among the teams offering him a one- or front-loaded two-year deal.
Martin Parker
An undrafted rookie 4-3 tackle last season, Parker never saw the field. The Colts might take a flyer on him as a backup tackle/end prospect, but I doubt it.
Stephen Peterman
A long-time contributor at guard, Peterman has totally degraded as a pass blocker in recent years, while retaining his colossal skills as a run blocker. Since protecting the franchise is Job 1 in Indy, I don't see the Colts having much interest in him. He's also not the type of guard who fits Pep's offensive scheme.
Frostee Rucker
Known in the NFL for years as an unspectacular but competent run stopper, few were surprised he didn't succeed after the Browns handed him a huge contract to be a designated pass rusher. He could draw some interest from the Colts, but it's unlikely.
Kyle Vanden Bosch
After years of terrorizing the league, it looked like Vanden Bosch hit the wall last season. A big 4-3 end, I can't see Vanden Bosch adapting to, or finding a spot in, the Colts' defense. And, as a 34 year old with lots of miles on him, I don't think they would make a bid on him even if he could.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
A few free agents the Colts might look at
Pass rusher
Looking for a sack artist to replace Dwight Freeney won't be easy, and is probably the position the team will be trying to target in the first round of the draft. Still, the team could improve in free agency, adding a starter or depth.
Paul Kruger
Michael Johnson
Michael Bennett
William Hayes
Victor Butler
Guard
Andy Levitre
Donald Thomas
Matt Slauson
Garrett Reynolds
Tackle
Jermon Bushrod
Sebastian Vollmer
Ryan Harris
Barry Richardson
Will Beatty
Sam Baker
Nose Tackle
Terrance Knighton
Sammie Hill
Myron Pryor
Cornerbacks
Chris Owens
Captain Munnerlyn
Kyle Arrington
Bradley Fletcher
DJ Moore
Elbert Mack
Wide Receivers
Domenik Hixon
Sammie Stroughter
Brandon Gibson
Brandon Tate
Micheal Spurlock
Braylon Edwards
Centers
Joe Berger
Halfbacks
Jonathan Dwyer
Cedric Peerman
Mike Goodson
Bernard Scott
Peyton Hillis
Monday, February 4, 2013
Colts free agency and draft needs
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.
Colts likely shut out of 2013 compensatory draft picks
Since the Colts signed more free agents than they lost, they will are unlikely to be getting any compensatory picks in the 2013 NFL draft.
That means their draft picks (pending further trades), will be:
First round, No. 24
Third round, No. 86
Fourth round, No. 121
Sixth round, No. 193
Seventh round, No. 230
Notes: They traded places in the sixth round with Philadelphia in the Winston Justice trade, but since the Eagles have a better pick than the Colts, I've been told the picks have reverted. The Colts gave up an undisclosed pick for Josh Gordy, but I've been told it's a 2014 seventh rounder.
That means their draft picks (pending further trades), will be:
First round, No. 24
Third round, No. 86
Fourth round, No. 121
Sixth round, No. 193
Seventh round, No. 230
Notes: They traded places in the sixth round with Philadelphia in the Winston Justice trade, but since the Eagles have a better pick than the Colts, I've been told the picks have reverted. The Colts gave up an undisclosed pick for Josh Gordy, but I've been told it's a 2014 seventh rounder.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Colts roster: Who's under contract
QB 12 Andrew Luck, 8 Chandler Harnish
FB 29 Robert Hughes
HB 33 Vick Ballard, 31 Donald Brown, 34 Delone Carter, 39 Davin Meggett, 40 Alvester Alexander
WR 87 Reggie Wayne, 13 TY Hilton, 15 LaVon Brazill, 10 Nathan Palmer, 84 Griff Whalen, 81 Kris Adams, Jabin Sambrano, Jeremy Kelley
TE 83 Dwayne Allen, 80 Coby Fleener, 85 Weslye Saunders, 46 Dominique Jones
OT 74 Antony Castonzo, 60 Bradley Sowell, 63 Lee Ziemba
OG 75 Mike McGlynn, 71 Ben Ijalana, Robert Griffin, 79 Justin Anderson
C 64 Samson Satele, 62 AQ Shipley
LDE 90 Cory Redding, 67 Lawrence Guy, 66 Clifton Geathers
NT/LDT 96 Brandon McKinney, 61 Josh Chapman
RDE/RDT 91 Ricardo Mathews, 94 Drake Nevis, 65 Kellen Heard
LOLB/SLB 98 Robert Mathis, 55 Justin Hickman
LILB/MLB 53 Kavell Conner, 54 Mario Harvey, 56 Scott Lutrus, 59 Shawn Loiseau
RILB/WLB 50 Jerrell Freeman, 51 Pat Angerer, 57 Monte Simmons
ROLB/RDE 92 Jerry Hughes, Jake Killeen, Quinton Spears
CB 23 Vontae Davis, 30 Marshay Green, 21 Teddy Williams
SS 28 Tom Zbikowski, 38 Sergio Brown, Larry Asante
FS 41 Antoine Bethea, 35 Joe Lefeged, 26 Delano Howell
PK 4 Adam Vinatieri
LS 45 Matt Overton
FB 29 Robert Hughes
HB 33 Vick Ballard, 31 Donald Brown, 34 Delone Carter, 39 Davin Meggett, 40 Alvester Alexander
WR 87 Reggie Wayne, 13 TY Hilton, 15 LaVon Brazill, 10 Nathan Palmer, 84 Griff Whalen, 81 Kris Adams, Jabin Sambrano, Jeremy Kelley
TE 83 Dwayne Allen, 80 Coby Fleener, 85 Weslye Saunders, 46 Dominique Jones
OT 74 Antony Castonzo, 60 Bradley Sowell, 63 Lee Ziemba
OG 75 Mike McGlynn, 71 Ben Ijalana, Robert Griffin, 79 Justin Anderson
C 64 Samson Satele, 62 AQ Shipley
LDE 90 Cory Redding, 67 Lawrence Guy, 66 Clifton Geathers
NT/LDT 96 Brandon McKinney, 61 Josh Chapman
RDE/RDT 91 Ricardo Mathews, 94 Drake Nevis, 65 Kellen Heard
LOLB/SLB 98 Robert Mathis, 55 Justin Hickman
LILB/MLB 53 Kavell Conner, 54 Mario Harvey, 56 Scott Lutrus, 59 Shawn Loiseau
RILB/WLB 50 Jerrell Freeman, 51 Pat Angerer, 57 Monte Simmons
ROLB/RDE 92 Jerry Hughes, Jake Killeen, Quinton Spears
CB 23 Vontae Davis, 30 Marshay Green, 21 Teddy Williams
SS 28 Tom Zbikowski, 38 Sergio Brown, Larry Asante
FS 41 Antoine Bethea, 35 Joe Lefeged, 26 Delano Howell
PK 4 Adam Vinatieri
LS 45 Matt Overton
Colts 2013 free agents: Pat McAfee
I think McAfee deserves his own post.
As a punter, McAfee is among the league's best. Last season he punted 73 times for 3,520 yards. His gross and net averages were 48.22 and 40.32. He also managed to put 30 of them inside the opponents' 20-yard line and forced 14 fair catches.
As a kickoff man, he probably was the league's best. He kicked 74 times for 4,878 yards, a remarkable 65.92-yard average. Even more shocking were his 31 touchbacks.
He's also a good enough field-goal kicker that he could replace future Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri without a dropoff, and is also a decent last line of defense, recording five special-teams tackles in 2012.
But what's really remarkable is his ability to contribute off the field. He serves the team well as a goodwill ambassador with his Twitter feed and his video blog Facebook Fridays. And he was a key component in the Colts' ChuckStrong campaign.
I'm an unabashed fan of the Boomstick. It would be terrible if the Colts did not re-sign McAfee.
As a punter, McAfee is among the league's best. Last season he punted 73 times for 3,520 yards. His gross and net averages were 48.22 and 40.32. He also managed to put 30 of them inside the opponents' 20-yard line and forced 14 fair catches.
As a kickoff man, he probably was the league's best. He kicked 74 times for 4,878 yards, a remarkable 65.92-yard average. Even more shocking were his 31 touchbacks.
He's also a good enough field-goal kicker that he could replace future Hall of Famer Adam Vinatieri without a dropoff, and is also a decent last line of defense, recording five special-teams tackles in 2012.
But what's really remarkable is his ability to contribute off the field. He serves the team well as a goodwill ambassador with his Twitter feed and his video blog Facebook Fridays. And he was a key component in the Colts' ChuckStrong campaign.
I'm an unabashed fan of the Boomstick. It would be terrible if the Colts did not re-sign McAfee.
Colts 2013 free agents: The rest (except Pat McAfee)
Moise Fokou
Who is he?: A 4-3 outside linebacker known for special-teams prowess who plays inside in the 3-4.
How was his 2012?: Not bad. A fairly solid contributor inside, but no real threat to start over the other guys the Colts have at the position. His special-teams efforts were tempered by a few unnecessary penalties.
Will he be back?: Probably, but as a depth/special-teams guy.
Fili Moala
Who is he?: A former second-round pick, Moala opened the season as a starter at defensive tackle/defensive end.
How was his 2012?: Not good. Battling knee injuries all season, he was eventually lost to an ACL tear in November. When he did play, he showed some pass-rush flair, but could be pushed around.
Will he be back?:Maybe. He'll be hard-pressed to be anywhere near full-strength when camp opens, and the Colts might move on.
Seth Olsen RFAWho is he?: An All-American guard at Iowa who was drafted in the fourth round in 2009, Olsen has struggled to get playing time in stops in Denver, Minnesota and Indianapolis.
How was his 2012?: Terrible. He had a starting position early, but struggled mightily before being put on injured reserve. Recalled from injured reserve, he was dominated again and saw very little playing time after that. The Colts guards were terrible in 2012, and Olsen graded the worst of them by my eye.
Will he be back?: I don't think so. The Colts are likely to overhaul the guard position via free agency and the draft, and Olsen would appear to be one of the pieces they could do without.
Martin Tevaseu ERFAWho is he?: Undrafted in 2010, Tevaseu bounced from the Browns to the Jets to the Colts as a backup nose tackle.
How was his 2012?: Decent. Tevaseu was called upon frequently to spell Mookie Johnson, and acquitted himself well. He offered precious little pass rush, but did fill space, occupy blockers and stand his ground in the run game.
Will he be back?: Probably. As an exclusive-rights free agent, Tevaseu may not sign with another team if the Colts tender him. This is another position in transition, but Tevaseu definitely deserves an invitation to camp at least.
Josh Gordy ERFAWho is he?: Another undrafted prospect from 2010, Gordy kicked around mainly on practice squads in Jacksonville and Green Bay before signing with St. Louis. A bizarre slate of injuries to the Rams' cornerbacks in 2011 gave Gordy a lot of playing time and even a few starts. When the Colts were desperate for warm bodies at cornerback early in 2012, they traded for him.
How was his 2012?: Okay. Generally the Colts' fourth or fifth corner, he was not that impressive in coverage, nor as a run stopper. He was slightly better inside than out, and was much better as an extra defensive back then the one occasion he was asked to start (against New England). Interestingly, though, he managed a sack in just five blitz attempts. He generally fared better on special teams than he did on defense.
Will he be back?: Probably. Another exclusive-rights free agent, Gordy will be invited to camp to compete for a roster spot.
Melwelde MooreWho is he?: After an extraordinary career at Tulane, Moore was drafted in the fourth round in 2004 by the Vikings. Though never a bell-cow back, he developed into a very effective third-down back, making a living receiving, blocking and stretching draw runs. He took his act as a free agent to Pittsburgh (where he was even more effective) in 2008, and then in 2012, to Indianapolis.
How was his 2012?: Terrible. He was 16-31-0 rushing (with a fumble), and 6-77-1 receiving (with two drops). Even his bread-and-butter, pass blocking, looked subpar as he allowed a sack and two hurries in just 36 pass-block attempts.
Will he be back?: Probably not. After a superb career, Moore appeared to have either lost a step or not studied his playbook in 2012. If he's playing anywhere in 2013, it probably won't be in Indy.
Jamaal WestermanWho is he?: A kid who went from Brooklyn to a Toronto suburb to Rutgers, Westerman was an effective defensive end in college (26 sacks), who has been tried as a 3-4 outside linebacker by the Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals and now the Colts.
How was his 2012?: Promising. Something of an emergency signing after injuries hit, Westerman was pressed into action and looked pretty good. It's hard to judge a player on just 25 downs, but Westerman managed to get a sack and a hurry in just seven rushes. He also contributed adroitly on special teams.
Will he be back?: Probably. Westerman's well-traveled, but has shown promise. He deserves a shot at a roster spot.
Tony HillsWho is he: A high school tight end turned Texas left tackle, Hills was drafted by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 2008 draft. He was a swing backup there until he was waived in 2011. Picked up by Denver, he played little and ended up with the Colts in 2012 after injuries and ineffectiveness struck.
How was his 2012?: So-so. He saw a few offensive plays as an extra blocker in jumbo packages, and when other players needed a breather. playing both right tackle and right guard, he neither distinguished himself nor embarrassed himself. But it is important to note that in the Wild Card game when injuries hit, the team picked Bradley Sowell and Seth Olsen over Hills.
Will he be back?: I don't think so. An emergency pickup and spare part in 2012, he'll probably be replaced by a younger, more promising prospect for 2013.
Austin CollieWho is he: A well-known Colts star, he needs no introduction to ColtPlay readers.
How was his 2012?: Tragic. After courageously coming back for some unsettling injuries, Collie's 2012 ended with a ruptured patella just 14 offensive plays into the season.
Will he be back?: Not right away, if at all. Ruptured patellas take even longer to recover from than torn ACLs, and it's unlikely Collie will be ready for the 2013 season, let alone camp. If he does return to the NFL, it would be with Indy.
AJ Edds RFAWho is he: A star linebacker at Iowa (alongside Colt Pat Angerer), this 2010 fourth-round pick by the Dolphins has been mainly a special teamer for them and later the Patriots before signing with the Colts in 2012.
How was his 2012?: Painful, He tore his left ACL in camp (he tore his right one in 2010), and missed the season.
Will he be back?: Maybe. He's not without talent, and he could be useful if healthy.
Deji Karim ERFAWho is he: A very speedy little halfback from Southern Illinois, Karim was drafted in teh sixth round of the 2010 draft by the Jaguars. As a rookie, he excelled as a change-of-pace back and returner. But in his second season, he was forced by injuries to try to be the top back and did not do well at all. When the Jaguars cut him after the 2011 season, the Colts grabbed him.
How was his 2012?: Limited. The Colts offense calls for big backs who can catch and block. Since none of that applies to Karim, he didn't play a down. The Colts actually cut him, bringing him back in Week 15 in hopes of sparking their lackluster return game. They were right to do so, as Karim went 9-328-1 on kick returns in three games.
Will he be back?: I'd be surprised if he wasn't. Although he has almost no value on offense, Karim is an explosive kick returner who deserves another shot to win the job. The team would prefer a player with more of a role on offense or defense (like TY Hilton or LaVon Brazill) take over the kick return duties rather than spend a roster spot on Karim, there's no guarantee one will.
Drew Stanton
Who is he: A former Michigan State standout passer who was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft by Detroit, he was a third stringer for the Lions until 2012 when he signed with the Jets. When the Jets signed Tim Tebow a few days later, Stanton demanded a trade and was sent to Indy.
How was his 2012?: Boring. After just 27 preseason passes, Stanton didn't see a single snap in the regular season as Andrew Luck's primary backup.
Will he be back?: Almost certainly. I can't see anyone getting in a bidding war with the Colts for his services, and they seem happy enough with him and in no hurry to find a replacement.
Who is he?: A 4-3 outside linebacker known for special-teams prowess who plays inside in the 3-4.
How was his 2012?: Not bad. A fairly solid contributor inside, but no real threat to start over the other guys the Colts have at the position. His special-teams efforts were tempered by a few unnecessary penalties.
Will he be back?: Probably, but as a depth/special-teams guy.
Fili Moala
Who is he?: A former second-round pick, Moala opened the season as a starter at defensive tackle/defensive end.
How was his 2012?: Not good. Battling knee injuries all season, he was eventually lost to an ACL tear in November. When he did play, he showed some pass-rush flair, but could be pushed around.
Will he be back?:Maybe. He'll be hard-pressed to be anywhere near full-strength when camp opens, and the Colts might move on.
Seth Olsen RFAWho is he?: An All-American guard at Iowa who was drafted in the fourth round in 2009, Olsen has struggled to get playing time in stops in Denver, Minnesota and Indianapolis.
How was his 2012?: Terrible. He had a starting position early, but struggled mightily before being put on injured reserve. Recalled from injured reserve, he was dominated again and saw very little playing time after that. The Colts guards were terrible in 2012, and Olsen graded the worst of them by my eye.
Will he be back?: I don't think so. The Colts are likely to overhaul the guard position via free agency and the draft, and Olsen would appear to be one of the pieces they could do without.
Martin Tevaseu ERFAWho is he?: Undrafted in 2010, Tevaseu bounced from the Browns to the Jets to the Colts as a backup nose tackle.
How was his 2012?: Decent. Tevaseu was called upon frequently to spell Mookie Johnson, and acquitted himself well. He offered precious little pass rush, but did fill space, occupy blockers and stand his ground in the run game.
Will he be back?: Probably. As an exclusive-rights free agent, Tevaseu may not sign with another team if the Colts tender him. This is another position in transition, but Tevaseu definitely deserves an invitation to camp at least.
Josh Gordy ERFAWho is he?: Another undrafted prospect from 2010, Gordy kicked around mainly on practice squads in Jacksonville and Green Bay before signing with St. Louis. A bizarre slate of injuries to the Rams' cornerbacks in 2011 gave Gordy a lot of playing time and even a few starts. When the Colts were desperate for warm bodies at cornerback early in 2012, they traded for him.
How was his 2012?: Okay. Generally the Colts' fourth or fifth corner, he was not that impressive in coverage, nor as a run stopper. He was slightly better inside than out, and was much better as an extra defensive back then the one occasion he was asked to start (against New England). Interestingly, though, he managed a sack in just five blitz attempts. He generally fared better on special teams than he did on defense.
Will he be back?: Probably. Another exclusive-rights free agent, Gordy will be invited to camp to compete for a roster spot.
Melwelde MooreWho is he?: After an extraordinary career at Tulane, Moore was drafted in the fourth round in 2004 by the Vikings. Though never a bell-cow back, he developed into a very effective third-down back, making a living receiving, blocking and stretching draw runs. He took his act as a free agent to Pittsburgh (where he was even more effective) in 2008, and then in 2012, to Indianapolis.
How was his 2012?: Terrible. He was 16-31-0 rushing (with a fumble), and 6-77-1 receiving (with two drops). Even his bread-and-butter, pass blocking, looked subpar as he allowed a sack and two hurries in just 36 pass-block attempts.
Will he be back?: Probably not. After a superb career, Moore appeared to have either lost a step or not studied his playbook in 2012. If he's playing anywhere in 2013, it probably won't be in Indy.
Jamaal WestermanWho is he?: A kid who went from Brooklyn to a Toronto suburb to Rutgers, Westerman was an effective defensive end in college (26 sacks), who has been tried as a 3-4 outside linebacker by the Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals and now the Colts.
How was his 2012?: Promising. Something of an emergency signing after injuries hit, Westerman was pressed into action and looked pretty good. It's hard to judge a player on just 25 downs, but Westerman managed to get a sack and a hurry in just seven rushes. He also contributed adroitly on special teams.
Will he be back?: Probably. Westerman's well-traveled, but has shown promise. He deserves a shot at a roster spot.
Tony HillsWho is he: A high school tight end turned Texas left tackle, Hills was drafted by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 2008 draft. He was a swing backup there until he was waived in 2011. Picked up by Denver, he played little and ended up with the Colts in 2012 after injuries and ineffectiveness struck.
How was his 2012?: So-so. He saw a few offensive plays as an extra blocker in jumbo packages, and when other players needed a breather. playing both right tackle and right guard, he neither distinguished himself nor embarrassed himself. But it is important to note that in the Wild Card game when injuries hit, the team picked Bradley Sowell and Seth Olsen over Hills.
Will he be back?: I don't think so. An emergency pickup and spare part in 2012, he'll probably be replaced by a younger, more promising prospect for 2013.
Austin CollieWho is he: A well-known Colts star, he needs no introduction to ColtPlay readers.
How was his 2012?: Tragic. After courageously coming back for some unsettling injuries, Collie's 2012 ended with a ruptured patella just 14 offensive plays into the season.
Will he be back?: Not right away, if at all. Ruptured patellas take even longer to recover from than torn ACLs, and it's unlikely Collie will be ready for the 2013 season, let alone camp. If he does return to the NFL, it would be with Indy.
AJ Edds RFAWho is he: A star linebacker at Iowa (alongside Colt Pat Angerer), this 2010 fourth-round pick by the Dolphins has been mainly a special teamer for them and later the Patriots before signing with the Colts in 2012.
How was his 2012?: Painful, He tore his left ACL in camp (he tore his right one in 2010), and missed the season.
Will he be back?: Maybe. He's not without talent, and he could be useful if healthy.
Deji Karim ERFAWho is he: A very speedy little halfback from Southern Illinois, Karim was drafted in teh sixth round of the 2010 draft by the Jaguars. As a rookie, he excelled as a change-of-pace back and returner. But in his second season, he was forced by injuries to try to be the top back and did not do well at all. When the Jaguars cut him after the 2011 season, the Colts grabbed him.
How was his 2012?: Limited. The Colts offense calls for big backs who can catch and block. Since none of that applies to Karim, he didn't play a down. The Colts actually cut him, bringing him back in Week 15 in hopes of sparking their lackluster return game. They were right to do so, as Karim went 9-328-1 on kick returns in three games.
Will he be back?: I'd be surprised if he wasn't. Although he has almost no value on offense, Karim is an explosive kick returner who deserves another shot to win the job. The team would prefer a player with more of a role on offense or defense (like TY Hilton or LaVon Brazill) take over the kick return duties rather than spend a roster spot on Karim, there's no guarantee one will.
Drew Stanton
Who is he: A former Michigan State standout passer who was drafted in the second round of the 2007 draft by Detroit, he was a third stringer for the Lions until 2012 when he signed with the Jets. When the Jets signed Tim Tebow a few days later, Stanton demanded a trade and was sent to Indy.
How was his 2012?: Boring. After just 27 preseason passes, Stanton didn't see a single snap in the regular season as Andrew Luck's primary backup.
Will he be back?: Almost certainly. I can't see anyone getting in a bidding war with the Colts for his services, and they seem happy enough with him and in no hurry to find a replacement.
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