Just some thoughts

Don't be surprised if the Colts have a fullback next year. In Andrew Luck's senior year at Stanford (under current Colts' offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton), fullback Ryan Hewitt was a major contributor to the offense. The team's fourth-leading receiver (No. 1 Griff Whalen and No. 3 Coby Fleener are already Colts) with 34 catches for 282 yards and five touchdowns, Hewitt was also a strong block in both the running and passing games. He was never a big-time gainer on the ground, gaining just 67 yards on 22 carries, but he also scored seven touchdowns and has yet to be tackled behind the line of scrimmage in his college career.I say yet because Hewitt is headed back to Stanford for another year.

Before Hewitt, Luck shared the Cardinal backfield with Owen Marecic, now a member of the Cleveland Browns. While Marecic doesn't have ball skills anywhere near Hewitt's, he is a reliable blocker, adept at neutralizing blitzes.

Since the Colts pass protection is weak and Hamilton's offense often employs a blocking/outlet receiving fullback, they could well add one in the offseason. It's an ugly irony that the Colts had a Pro Bowl-quality fullback in Jerome Felton, and let him sign with Minnesota just a few weeks after Ryan Grigson took over as GM (in Grigson's defense, the Bruce Arians-led offense was far less fullback-friendly). Felton's an unrestricted free agent again this year, but it's very unlikely the Vikings will let him go after his excellent showing there. The other free agents are eight guys who can catch and not block, guys who can block but not catch or guys who can't do either.

There are some nice fullback prospects in the draft, but with picks as a premium this year, it's unlikely the team would use one on a fullback. Still, it may be worth a seventh-rounder to grab Wake Forest's Tommy Bohanon, if he falls that far.

Barring that, the Colts could extend the role of Robert Hughes, their incumbent fullback. He was gaining some momentum last year before a knee injury ended his season. He's still an unproven prospect at this point, and is not a thundering blocker, but he could develop -- or hold the spot until Hewitt comes out.

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On the subject of Stanfordians, expect to see the Colts give Griff Whalen every opportunity to win a role on offense. Luck's favorite target at as a senior at Stanford and in the 2012 preseason, despite a nagging foot injury, Whalen will be headed into a very familiar situation after spending his rookie year on injured reserve.

Every white receiver gets compared to Wes Welker these days, but with Whalen, it's actually apt. Small but strong, Whalen's not fast (forties between 4.55 and 4.62), but is very explosive and has incredible body control and balance.And his experience as a former halfback and punt returner will help him with the coaching staff's determination to wring more yards after the catch.

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Let's hope this second surgery helps Pat Angerer get over his broken foot better than the first one did. It was tough to watch him play through pain last year (especially because I have a broken foot that never healed correctly). When he's healthy, he's a real asset to the defense.

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Keep in mind when you're wondering who the Colts will sign in free agency is that player movement is not a simple process. Player usually need a reason or reasons to move, among them:

A big raise
This is very important, and with good players usually only happens when their original team finds itself in salary cap trouble.

Role on team
Nobody wants to go from star to spare part, but they love going the other way. Similarly, if a player is vital to a team, they will work harder to acquire or retain him.

A better team
Football players hate to lose and can usually tell if management isn't going to get them to the promised land soon.

Suitability
A player may want to move to a team that plays a scheme or a philosophy they feel well-suited to.

A better city
It's not as profound in football as it is in basketball or even baseball, but the chance for a young man to move from Cleveland to Miami is pretty strong. Some players want to get closer to home, others want excitement, still others want peace and quiet.

Familiarity
Sometimes a player may want to be reunited with a former coach or teammate.

I always apply those criteria to any potential free agent signee. Let's take Ryan Clady and Paul Kruger as examples.

A big raise
Clady: No, the Broncos are not in salary-cap trouble, and may even franchise him to keep him. Kruger: The Ravens aren't in desperate cap trouble yet, but will have to re-sign quarterback Joe Flacco and soon might be. The Colts could easily offer him more money than the Ravens could afford.

Role on team
Clady: Peyton Manning's blindside protector is no less an honor than Andrew Luck's blindside protector. The Broncos would be in big trouble if he left. Kruger: He would essentially have the same role on either the Ravens or the Colts. He could, however, be effectively replaced by 2012 second-rounder Courtney Upshaw in Baltimore.

A better team
Clady: the Broncos are very good and still improving. Kruger: The Ravens won the Super Bowl.

Suitability
Clady: He could play in any scheme. Kruger: Both defenses are essentially the same.

A better city
Clady: He's an easygoing California guy who seems to enjoy Denver, the team that drafted him. Kruger: Originally from Idaho and into outdoor sports, Kruger would probably not be swayed by moving to Indiana.

Familiarity

Clady: No real ties to Indy. Kruger: Would be reunited with several old coaches and players on the Colts.

So you can see why it's far more likely that the Colts could sign a guy like Kruger than a guy like Clady.

Among the cuts

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.

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

A young, athletic guard could do wonders for the team's offense. There are some available who could walk in and start from Day 1.

Andy Levitre

Donald Thomas

Chad Rinehart

Matt Slauson

Garrett Reynolds

Tackle

Similarly, a new starter at right tackle could improve the whole offensive line.

Jermon Bushrod

Sebastian Vollmer

Ryan Harris

Barry Richardson

Will Beatty

Sam Baker

Nose Tackle

Quality nose tackles are rare in the draft, and appear to be even rarer in this year's free agency crop.

Terrance Knighton

Sammie Hill

Myron Pryor

Cornerbacks

The Colts would be wise to sign their own free-agent corners first; but if they want to go shopping, there are options.

Chris Owens

Captain Munnerlyn

Kyle Arrington

Bradley Fletcher

DJ Moore

Elbert Mack

Wide Receivers

There are no big-time contributors lurking out there, but a few guys who can add size and yards after the catch.

Domenik Hixon

Sammie Stroughter

Brandon Gibson

Brandon Tate

Micheal Spurlock

Braylon Edwards

Centers

Interestingly, most of the free agents out there are former Colts. 

Joe Berger

Halfbacks

Some excellent options are out there if the Colts go halfback-by-committee, or are just looking for a backup to Vick Ballard.

Jonathan Dwyer

Cedric Peerman

Mike Goodson

Bernard Scott

Peyton Hillis

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

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.

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

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.