With Anthony McFarland released and Dwight Freeney
coming back from a season-ending foot injury, Indianapolis picked up Georgia OLB
Marcus Howard in hopes of converting him to defensive end. First-round pick Mike
Pollak could play anywhere on the offensive line, and running back Mike Hart
could end up being Joseph Addai's backup.
Round 2, Pick 28 (59) Mike Pollak OT 6'4" 299 Arizona State
Pollack is an athletic lineman, who projects to play center for the Colts.
Though he won't start, Pollack will have an outstanding mentor in Pro Bowler
Jeff Saturday.
Round 3, Pick 30 (93) Philip Wheeler OLB 6'2" 245 Georgia Tech
He can move well and has impressive speed, notching 250 tackles and 16 sacks in
college. He could give the Colts the blitzing linebacker that they currently
lack.
Round 4, Pick 28 (127) Jacob Tamme TE 6'4" 232 Kentucky
Tamme ran well and was very productive at Kentucky. He will be trained to become
the Colts' next Dallas Clark, who he will be able to fill in for if he gets
hurt. The value for Tamme at this point in the draft is very good.
Round 5, Pick 26 (161) Marcus Howard OLB 6'1" 237 Georgia
He can give the Colts depth and contribute on defense. He was productive at
Georgia and is used to playing in big games against strong competition.
Round 6, Pick 30 (196) Tom Santi TE 6'4" 248 Virginia
In the mold of a Ben Utecht, Santi demonstrated good measurables at the combine
and was a solid player at Virginia. He fits a role that the Colts are looking
for with Utecht's defection to the Bengals in free agency.
Round 6, Pick 35 (201) (Compensatory selection) Steve Justice C 6'4" 285 Wake
Forest Justice is one of the better centers in the draft. He has talent and was an
excellent player at Wake Forest.
Round 6, Pick 36 (202) (Compensatory selection) Mike Hart RB 5'9" 195
Michigan
Hart was productive at Michigan. He carried the ball 1,015 times for 5,040 yards
and 41 touchdowns.
Round 6, Pick 39 (205) (Compensatory selection) Pierre Garcon WR 6'0" 210
Mount Union
Garcon had amazing production in college. He dominated his level, with 60
touchdowns and almost 18 yards per reception..
Round 7, Pick 29 (236) Jamey Richard OL 6'5" 295 Buffalo
Richard started three years at center for Buffalo. He also has experience at
guard, which will help him make a case for a roster spot.
Indianapolis Colts 2008 NFL Preview
The Colts will get another
monster year from Peyton Manning as he tries to make a star out of
second year wideout Tony Gonzalez. Dwight Freeney should return to
all pro form and the Colts will be even harder to score on. The
Colts should have an opportunity to reclaim the AFC throne.
Offense: Marvin Harrison wont be handling quite the load he
used to, but with Anthony Gonzalez around he wont have to. Peyton
Manning always finds a way to get the ball into the playmakers hands
and that wont be a problem, as long as Peyton is healthy, you wont
have to worry about the Colts offense.
Defense: Remember a few years ago how laughable the Colts
defense was. It's amazing how quickly they turned around from a team
that could be run on at will, to a team that just gave up 3.8 ypc
last year. THey also gave up fewer points than anyone in the league
last year and at 4.6 yards per play were behind only the Bucs and
Steelers. Freeney should have a monster year and Bob Sanders is Bob
Sanders so the defense will be formidable again.
Overall: Another division title is in store if everything
goes as it should, and although the Jaguars are tough, the Colts are
still just too good still. With a new stadium, they get the taste of
that playoff loss to the Chargers at home out of their minds and
should advance to the AFC Championship game again as the best wid
card team in history.
Projected Record: 11-5 tied with Jaguars for division lead
