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Indianapolis Colts 2008 NFL Draft and
Free Agency Team Needs
The top needs for the Colts to fill
in the upcoming draft and free agency.
Defensive end:
When Dwight Freeney was lost for the season with a foot injury, Robert
Mathis became the Colts' lone pass rusher from the edge. Mathis also missed
valuable playing time late in the regular season with a knee injury. These
injuries exposed their lack of depth to a degree so after fortifying the
middle with Ed Johnson & Quinn Pitcock last year it is time to do the same
outside.
Running back:
Kenton Keith did OK as the primary backup to starter Joseph Addai, but he
struggled as a pass blocker and as a consistent receiving threat out of the
backfield. The Colts need to find someone to give them a Kevin Faulk-like
change of pace as a runner and receiver
Wide receiver:
While the Colts expect WR Marvin Harrison to return in peak condition in
2008, his loss for most of the 2007 regular season with a knee injury showed
Indianapolis' lack of quality depth at the position. Last year's first-round
draft pick, Anthony Gonzalez, is primarily to be a slot receiver, although
he played relatively well on the outside when needed. The team needs a
quality fourth option behind Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Gonzalez
Offensive Line:
Guard Jake Scott left as a free agent so even
though Ryan Lilja was re-signed they might be searching for a new starter on
the other side and at the very least the depth will need a boost. They also
could use a back up tackle for both Tony Ugoh on the left side and Ryan Diem
on the right must be drafted to give Peyton Manning insurance in case either
starting tackle is injured in 2008 as they both were at times during the
2007 season
Linebacker: As expected
Freddy Keiaho stepped in for Cato June and Indy didn't miss a beat but they
could probably use an upgrade on the other side and their overall depth is
still pretty questionable
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