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2009 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts

Written April 5, 2009 by Black Widow

colts-draft-needs Despite their 3-4 start last year, the Indianapolis Colts never lost confidence. They knew they had the game’s defining quarterback at the helm and the confidence that stems from five consecutive division titles to rebound and put together a great season. Yet knowing that they had to use Peyton Manning’s brilliance to pull them out of their rut stands as evidence that even the mighty Colts could benefit from the addition of more horses to their stable. Let’s take a look at the top five positional needs for these Colts to improve.

1.) Wide Receiver – Though the Colts had one of the best receiving corps in the league last season, Indianapolis’ No. 1 priority is always to surround Manning with ample receiving weapons. Marvin Harrison was cut in the offseason, leaving a void to fill. Securing the services of another pass-catching star would maintain their vitality out of a multitude of thee-and-four-receiver spreads. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), WR Brooks Foster (UNC). The Indy Football Report talks about how efficient the Colts have been in drafting receivers in the first round.

2.) Defensive Tackle – Running the Tampa-2 defense is predicated from getting a strong pass rush from all four down linemen. In ‘08, most of it came off the edges. Perhaps lacking a pass rush in the middle would have been acceptable had the defensive tackles anchored a dominant run defense, but they were equally inefficient in that department. Legally challenged Ed Johnson was released from the team and Quinn Pitcock announced his surprising early retirement prior to last season. As a result, the DT crop whittled down and a new batch of players is needed to bolster the line, at least one stud anyway. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DT Evander Hood (Missouri), DT Sen’Derrick Marks (Auburn), DT John Gill (Northwestern). Revenge of the Birds has the Colts taking Hood in the first round of their mock draft.

3.) Offensive Tackle – The Colts used a trio of draft picks on interior offensive linemen last April, two of which played significant roles in their run to the postseason. This year the focus needs to be turned to the outside. Ryan Diem has been a pillar on the right side, but the player protecting Manning’s blind side has been inconsistent at best. Young Tony Ugoh seems to take too many plays off, and he’s injury prone. It’s important to find a player that can challenge for the starting spot, and serve as insurance because of the lack of depth at this position. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OL Max Unger (Oregon), OT Gerald Cadogan (Penn State), OG Andy Levitre (Oregon State). All Football 24/7 agrees about Indianapolis needing offensive linemen.

4.) Running Back - Only the Arizona Cardinals ran for fewer yards than the Colts in ‘08, and an offensive line snstantly shuffling its lineup deserves some of the blame. Joseph Addai’s quickness fits the spread offense, but the Colts need a tough, inside running on 3rd-and-short, and it’s becoming clear Addai won’t be the same back Edgerrin James was in Indy. A power-popping complement would be a welcome addition. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: RB Javon Ringer (Michigan State). The team brought in Andrew Johnson for a workout as well.

5.) Inside Linebacker – This is more luxury than necessity. Gary Brackett is a terrific MLB for the Colts, perhaps their best defensive player and leader. He has the ball skills and savvy to drop in coverage and the instincts and quickness to meet the ballcarrier in traffic or on the sidelines. But he’s coming off an injury-marred ‘08 campaign, and the Colts have chosed to stick ‘08 third-round pick Philip Wheeler at outside linebacker. Depth would certainly help. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: MLB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), ILB Scott McKillip (Pittsburgh).

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