Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.The Indianapolis Colts are one of the league's marquee franchises in the present tense. In 2008, they won 12 games -- their baseline figure for the past six seasons. No one else in the NFL can stake that claim. In fact, they've made the playoffs in nine of the last 10 seasons overall, another league-high in that span.
The problem, as has been the case far too many times for these Colts, was that they came away empty-handed in the postseason.
The question, moving forward, is whether or not they can keep this thing going. While some fans like to knock the Colts for their inability to win more than one Super Bowl, they did win one. I also believe any team would take an annual playoff trip over the alternative.
Jim Caldwell brings in a new era as head coach, as he takes the reins from recently-retired Tony Dungy. He inherits a solid, veteran roster. Due to salary cap issues, most of the additions will have to come via draft -- though shedding some of the older, higher-paid players could free up a little space.
Free Agents: Matt Giordano, Tyjuan Hagler, Keiwan Ratliff, Darrell Reid, Dominic Rhodes, Jeff Saturday, Hunter Smith, Josh Thomas (all UFA)
Draft Picks: 1 (28), 2(30), 3(29), 4(28), 5(30), 6(29), 7(28)
Needs
1. Run stuffers - The long-maligned run defense ranked 24th in rushing yards allowed last season. They did drastically improve in the second half, but it's still a weakness. Despite several efforts the last few years, they've never been able to find a large hole-plugging defensive tackle. They need two, but one would suffice.
2. Improve the offensive line - Saturday may be on his way out, and he's been a staple for this unit. Also of note, though the linemen are hardly the sole culprits, the Colts were dead-last in the NFL with only 3.4 yards per carry. When your defense struggles against the run, it is imperative to run the football yourself. The Colts ranked 31st in the NFL in rushing yards in 2008. They'll likely need at least two additions for this group.
3. Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison's on his way out, which means Anthony Gonzalez will likely be sliding to the outside -- opposite Reggie Wayne -- and the Colts will be looking for a slot receiver. I'm expecting a draft pick to attempt to fill this need.
4. Middle linebacker - Freddie Keiaho is a solid player, but he's more suited to play on the outside. Gary Brackett could hold down the fort for a year or so, which means drafting a replacement is the best course of action here. The need isn't urgent, but the run defense would benefit from a bigger, stronger man in the middle.
5. Safety depth - With Bob Sanders taking up a roster spot and constantly sitting out injured, it couldn't hurt to add another strong safety alongside Melvin Bullitt to help shoulder the load.
6. Backup quarterback - Part of the reason the Colts played poorly to begin the season was that Peyton Manning's knee wasn't healthy. Perhaps if they had an able backup he wouldn't have been forced into action -- probably by himself, in fairness -- before he was truly ready.
All this being said, though, they really only must address the top three or four. The middle linebacker is lower on the priority list, and the last two "needs" are more luxuries.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Our first priority should be to find away to keep Jeff Saturday. He is THE offensive line. When he was hurt, Peyton's game suffered from having an inexperienced center.
Our second should be to find a replacement for Marvin whether he does come back or not. I wouldnt slide Gonzales to 1. If anything, I would put Gonzo at the 2, Wayne at the 1, and the draft pick at slot.
Our third priority (and last) is to get a couple of larger size DT's and cycle them often with the current DT's we have now. Our linebacker core is fine, Brackett is like the Jeff Saturday of the def. Our saftey core is one of teh best in the league with Sanders, Bethea as starters and Bullit and Giadano as able back ups.