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We continue the countdown towards the 2008 NFL Draft with our free agent impact and analysis. The nucleus remains intact, as the Colts look to make another run at the Super Bowl.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2007 Record: 13 -3
2008 Draft Selection: No Selection (#29 but traded to San Francisco in ’07 draft)
2008 Adjusted Salary Cap Number: 123.23M (Maxed Out)
Prominent Player Departures:
OG – Jake Scott, FB – Dan Klecko, LB – Rocky Boinian
Areas of Need This Off Season:
Offensive Line, Defensive End
Remaining Free Agents Potentially on the Colts’ Radar:
OL – Jason Brown, Benji Olson, Donald Penn, Eric Pears, L J Shelton
DE – Nick Eason, Kalimba Edwards, Greg Spires
Summary:
Usually, 13 – 3 would be an accomplishment for 90 percent of the teams in the NFL, but it is merely par for the course in Indianapolis. Not to take anything away from the Colts, because after all, they are only one year removed from being Super Bowl Champions. They still have Peyton running the show with Harrison, Wayne, and Clark practically paying rent in the end zone. On defense, Freeney and Mathis are wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields and Bob Sanders still anchors the defensive backfield. The Indianapolis offensive line took a hit by losing guard Jake Scott and when that loss is combined with a remaining unit that is aging quickly, you have yourself a dire need. Ryan Diem and Jeff Saturday have done everything asked of them and are still solid contributors, but time is not on their side. As previously mentioned, the free agency pool is about as deep as the kiddie pool at the neighborhood park. Eric Pears and Donald Penn show promise and are young, but they’re also restricted free agents and the Colts would have to give up a second day pick to bring either of them in. L. J. Shelton is a veteran, but has underachieved since inking that huge contract with Miami in 2006. Another blow dealt to Indy is the lack of a first round draft selection this season. The first pick for the Colts will be at number 59 where perhaps a lineman like Southern California’s Sam Baker or Chilio Rachal will be available. Another area of concern for Tony Dungy’s crew is finding a partner opposite Dwight Freeney. Kalimba Edwards is a tweener in need of a change of scenery to get his career back on track and Dungy’s defensive mindset and demeanor might be just what Edwards needs. As for the draft, USC’s Lawrence Jackson is a strong defensive end that could complement Freeney. However, the Colts would probably have to move up a few slots to secure him.
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