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(2-59) Mike Pollack, OG, Arizona State: This second-round pick started in 13 games and proved to be an athletic pulling guard. The former Sun Devil is versatile enough to eventually slide over to center in place of Jeff Saturday, who’s currently a free agent at press time. Pollack’s work ethic is unmatched. The 6’4” lineman must avoid playing too high lest he lose his leverage. Grade: B
(3-93): Philip Wheeler, OLB, Georgia Tech: The quick, aggressive linebacker wasted no time in contributing as a special teams ace. In fact, Wheeler turned in 14 tackles in kickoff and punt return coverage, ranking him fourth on the team in that area. The Colts organization seems to believe he can be even more than that. Wheeler is known to be a very capable blitzer, but has some shortcomings in defending receivers. Grade: B
(4-127): Jacob Tamme, TE, Kentucky: Tamme took a back seat on offense despite a magnificent showing in the pre-season, where he showcased his athleticism as a pass receiver. On the season, the promising tight end appeared in 12 games, catching three passes for 12 yards. Look for the soon-to-be 24-year-old to be utilized more frequently in two-tight end sets in 2009. Grade: C
(5-161): Marcus Howard, DE, Georgia: This Dwight Freeney clone plays with breathtaking speed, but must improve his recognition skills. The coaching staff is confident that he’ll develop into a disruptive force in 2009, but at 237-pounds, he’ll probably never be more than a part-time player. Grade: C+
(6-196): Tom Santi, TE, Virginia: Prior to landing on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury in mid-November, Santi chipped in with his superior blocking. He also scored a key touchdown when Peyton Manning found him streaking across the middle on a seven-yard hook-up in a dramatic early-season comeback win versus Houston. Grade: C+
(6-201): Steve Justice, C, Wake Forest: Justice is a technically-sound lineman whose ability to reach the second level makes him a natural fit in Indy’s system. The Lancaster, Pennsylvania native appeared in eight games and started one. Grade: C+
(6-202): Mike Hart, RB, Michigan: Two carries were all the production Hart was able to muster prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury. The former Wolverine was progressing well to that point. Hart ran with good power during the pre-season. Grade: C
(6-205): Pierre Garcon, WR, Mount Union: The former track athlete looked to be a quick wide out with separation skills in limited duty. The small school product was particularly impressive as a kick returner, averaging 21.6 yards per attempt. Grade: B
(7-236): Jamey Richard, C, Buffalo: The seventh-round selection was a valuable utility lineman, who started four games at center and three at guard. Richard is a skilled pass protector who quickly gets into position after snapping the ball at center. This unheralded lineman has a bright future. Grade: A-  Trackback(0)
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