The Perfect Draft: Indianapolis Colts

With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.

The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2009 season as one of the NFL's marquee franchises. They have made the playoffs nine of the last 10 seasons, and have won at least 12 games for six straight seasons. There's a reason for that. Well, there are many reasons, but everything starts with how well the Colts draft. Beginning with the franchise-making decision to take Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf in 1998, Bill Polian has missed once in the first round. I imagine Colts fans are pretty trusting of their Team President when Roger Goodell strolls to the podium.
The Ideal Pick

Is there any chance -- any chance whatsoever -- that Peria Jerry falls all the way to pick 27? Because there is no one in the draft who would more perfectly match the needs of the Colts than the stout defensive tackle from Ole Miss. The Colts' run defense wasn't as embarrassing as its been in the past, but it still ranked only 24th in the NFL in 2008. They lack productive size on the interior, and the overwhelming majority of their pass rush comes from the outside. In fact, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis often deal with double-teams in passing situations. Jerry would change the complexion of the entire defense. The 300-pounder is an exceptional run stuffer in the middle, while also being a very solid interior pass rusher. Opposing offenses wouldn't be able to punish the Colts up the middle via the run nearly as often and they would have to focus more attention on the middle during passing situations. Jerry also meets Polian's personal criteria in having a spotless (at least as far as we can see) personal history.

Of course, it's likely Jerry is gone by the time the Colts pick. The other defensive tackle worth a look in the first round is Evander Hood.

Other Needs

As you can see from the first-round history of Polian, he usually focuses on replenishing any offensive skill position to make sure Manning's arsenal is full. With the departure of Marvin Harrison and the sense that Anthony Gonzalez is best suited in the slot, the Colts could very well take a receiver in the first round. Hakeem Nicks, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Brian Robiskie and Kenny Britt would be in the discussion, but you never know with Polian. He went for Joseph Addai a few years back when many were expecting him to take LenDale White.

Regardless of which route Polian takes, expect the Colts to select both a defensive tackle and a wide receiver on the first day of the draft.

With the departure of Dominic Rhodes and the health of Mike Hart in question, look for Polian to add a running back to the fray, probably sometime on Sunday (rounds 4-7). NFL running backs are plentiful in nature, and it should be easy to run the football with Manning's passing offense taking focus off the backfield. And yet the Colts' running game was terrible last year, so some new blood might be needed.

Finally, the Colts could use some depth on the offensive line and at linebacker.

The dream scenario for Indy -- this is my opinion, and Polian obviously has an infinite amount more pedigree than I in this field -- would be to snare Jerry, Britt, a quality running back, an offensive lineman or two, a versatile linebacker who can play inside or out, and one or two "best player available" type picks.

The odds of getting Jerry and Britt? Probably zero. But I did say "dream," after all.