Draft Analysis: Indianapolis Colts Team Needs

April 15, 2008 @ 11:14:54

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

2007 Finish: 13-3 (AFC South - 1st Place), Playoff team

2008 Draft Pick: 29th Overall (traded to the San Francisco 49ers)

Key Positional Needs: RB, WR, TE, OG, OT, DE, DT, RS

Head Coach: Tony Dungy

Offensive Coordinator: Tom Moore

Defensive Coordinator: Ron Meeks

Key Losses: RB Kory Chapman (UFA - Cleveland Browns), FB Dan Klecko (UFA - Philadelphia Eagles), WR Aaron Morehead (UFA), TE Bryan Fletcher (UFA), TE Mike Seidman (UFA), TE Ben Utecht (UFA - Cincinnati Bengals), OG Dylan Gandy (RFA), OG Jake Scott (UFA - Tennessee Titans), DL Edward Johnson (ERFA), DL Anthony McFarland (UFA - released), DL Darrell Reid (RFA), LB Brandon Archer (UFA - signed with Denver Broncos), LB Rocky Boiman (UFA - Philadelphia Eagles), LB Rob Morris (UFA - released), LB Keith O'Neil (UFA)

Key Additions: WR Onrea Jones (signed - Green Bay Packers), PK Shane Andrus (re-signed), P Chad Stanley (re-signed), OG Ryan Lilja (re-signed), C Mike Elgin (signed - New York Jets), DL Joe Bradley (signed - Minnesota Vikings), DL Josh Thomas (re-signed), LB Kyle Shotwell (signed - Philadelphia Eagles), SS Matt Giordano (re-signed)

Key Offensive Positions Needed

Quarterback

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Running Back

The team might target a back late in the draft as they do not have much depth after running back Joseph Addai. Running back Kenton Keith performed well in limited time last year; however, they likely will want to give him some more competition heading in to training camp.

Wide Receiver

Wide receiver Reggie Wayne broke out last year, while wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez made big strides as the season went on. However, wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) continues to have problems with his knees, and the team is dangerously thin after those three. They likely will target this position sometime early in the draft.

Tight End

The team has tight end Dallas Clark as their starter, but they have yet to re-sign tight end Bryan Fletcher. If Fletcher does not return, the team would need another tight end as Gijon Robinson is probably not ready to step up just yet.

Offensive Tackle

The team has their two starters set, but they could look to build depth behind starters Tony Ugoh and Ryan Diem. If either of those guys were to miss a significant amount of time the line play would likely suffer. Look for them to draft a backup that has experience playing on both sides of the line.

Offensive Guard

The Colts lost one of their starting guards, Jake Scott, in free agency and could draft a replacement for him. Even if they don't draft his replacement, they undoubtedly will use a pick or two on interior lineman to provide them with depth.

Center

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Key Defensive Positions Needed

Defensive End

They may be set at this position for starters, but injuries to ends Dwight Freeney (foot) and Robert Mathis (knee) showed the team they needed more depth at this position as their line play dropped off with the loss of those two last year. Look for them to address this sometime later in the draft.

Defensive Tackle/Nose Tackle

The team might look at this position to build depth, especially with the release of tackle Anthony McFarland this offseason.

Linebacker

Building depth could be a possibility, but we don't expect the Colts to adjust their starting lineup at any of the three linebacker positions.

Cornerback

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Free Safety

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Strong Safety

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Key Special Teams Positions Needed

Place Kicker

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Punter

The team does not figure to significantly address the position.

Return Specialist

The Colts have historically struggled in the return game, and there is a chance Indy addresses the need during the middle rounds of the draft.

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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