Indianapolis Colts 2008 NFL Draft Team Needs


June 8, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

It was pretty easy for Tony Dungy to decide to come back and coach the Colts for one more season. When you look at how stacked this roster is, it would be a complete mistake to pass up another run at the Super Bowl. But the Colts are a team that likes to build through the draft, so they will continue to be looking for talent in late April with the 2008 NFL Draft. There aren’t many needs on this squad, but a few positions could use fortifying after injuries killed this team in 2007.

2008 Indianapolis Colts NFL Draft Needs

1.) Defensive Tackle

DT Anthony McFarland is trying to recover from blowing his knee out last preseason. If the Colts believe he can fully recover, than the defensive tackle position won’t be as much of a need. Even if McFarland returns healthy, there’s no guarantees he will stay healthy so either way this position as to be a high priority in Indy via the NFL Draft. The Colts got rid of undrafted rookie Ed Johnson. 274-pound Raheem Brock started much of last season, but he is serviceable at best. If the Colts can get a stud tackle in the first two rounds of the draft, it will go a long way in ensuring a formidable unit in the future.

2.) Defensive End

Dwight Freeney is the most heavily paid defensive end in the league, but there are questions about how well he has recovered from a Lisfranc (foot) ailment. Dungy’s Tampa-2 defense won’t succeed unless the front four can get a pass rush going. The Colts would be very wise to invest in some insurance at this position. Robert Mathis has been a quality end as well, but you can never have enough fresh bodies to throw at opposing quarterbacks. Especially with injury concerns at defensive end in Indy.

3.) Offensive Tackle

OLT Tarik Glenn retired and rookie Tony Ugoh performed fairly well in his place, but his absence at the middle of the season with a neck injury showed the Colts how important the offensive tackle position is. Even Peyton Manning is a sub-par quarterback when he doesn’t have time in the pocket. ORT Ryan Diem went out for late in the season and the pocket around Manning wasn’t as nearly as protected as it has been in year’s past. Charlie Johnson was not prepared to play on either side, and an upgrade is needed here incase the injury bug gets to Ugoh and/or Diem.

4.) Running Back

Kenton Keith is a decent backup for Joseph Addai, but he’s no Dominic Rhodes from the Colts Super Bowl run just 2 years ago. Addai is very important to the Colts offensive success and proving him with a solid No. 2 and some competition would make sense. The emergence of another back who can carry his weight would open up offensive coordinator Tom Moore’s playbook.

5.) Middle Linebacker

Gary Brackett doesn’t look like your ordinary middle linebacker with his lack of size, but he definitely makes up for it with his passion for the game and his ability to drop back in coverage and make plays. Having a solid backup for Brackett would add much needed depth at this position in Indy. With the DT position a big concern for the Colts, having a big, strong middle linebacker to take on offensive linemen and stuff the run would be a great addition.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:

The Colts run mostly one-back sets in theirs early-down packages, but will go to the I-formation/twin-TE alignments when 3rd-and-short and goal-line situations present themselves. Indy needs players for all of these formations and we’ll give you a few names in the 2008 NFL Draft class that could help. OLT Anthony Collins of Kansas, RB Thomas Brown of Georgia, WR Marcus Smith of New Mexico, RB Justin Forsett of Cal, OLT Tony Hills of Texas and OT Breno Giacomini of Louisville could play the parts.

2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:

Tony Dungy’s Tampa-2 requires physical corners who can bump the receivers on the line. It’s not uncommon for their corners to be among the team leaders in tackles because of the way they play. Indy prefers crafty linebackers who can cover sideline to sideline and drop back in coverage. The Colts speedy ends leave lanes for these linebackers to fill and make plays. DT Pat Sims of Auburn would be a great first or second round pick for the Colts. WLB Ali Highsmith of LSU, DE Marcus Howard of Georgia, DT DeMario Pressley of NC State, DE Angelo Craig of Cincinnati and MLB Lamar Myles of Louisville are a few names the Colts could be calling on Draft Day to bolster their defensive play in 2008.

Related Articles You May Be Interested In:

Filed Under NFL