2011 Indianapolis Colts Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The Indianapolis Colts were hit hard by injuries in 2010, but still managed to win the AFC South with an overall record of 10-6. The Colts’ attempt to make it back to the Super Bowl was ended rather quickly, as they fell at home to the Jets in the first round of the playoffs. With a ton of players returning from injuries and Peyton Manning still in charge of the offense the Colts figure to once again be a threat to win it all in 2011
The Colts used their 2010 first round pick on defensive end Jerry Hughes out of TCU, but he failed to live up to expectations in his first season as a pro. Indianapolis did find some good value at linebacker with Pat Anger in the second and Kavell Conner in the seventh, but overall it was a pretty weak class.
Indianapolis has the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2011 draft. There are a number of different directions the Colts could go with this pick. Here are the five positions I feel they need to address. Find out who we have the Colts taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Offensive Tackle: GM Bill Polian came out and said the Colts made a mistake by taking Hughes instead of an offensive tackle with their first round pick last year, and now have no choice but to address this position. Indianapolis could use an upgrade at both tackle spots, and I fully expect them to use their first round pick on this position. Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi, Colorado’s Nate Solder, and Mississippi State’s Derek Sherrod could all still be on the board at No. 22.
Defensive Tackle: The Colts were terrible against the run in 2010 and need to add some help up front at the tackle spot. They like what they have in Fili Moala, but need to find an upgrade over Daniel Muir. This is the only other position I could see the Colts using their first round pick on, but it’s unlikely they will find a player worth taking at No. 22. Look for the Colts to go after someone like Christian Ballard of Iowa in the second or Terrell McClain out of South Florida in the third.
Strong Safety: The Colts have parted ways the former Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders and need to find a replacement to play alongside free safety Antoine Bethea. It’s unlikely they reach on UCLA safety Raheem Moore in the first. They instead will likely wait and take a shot on Oklahoma’s Quinton Carter in the third or Iowa’s Tyler Sash in the fourth.
Offensive Guard/Center: The Colts’ offensive line problems aren’t just at the two tackle spots. Center Jeff Saturday won’t be around for much longer, and neither guard really impresses me that much. The Colts would be smart to at least add some depth at this position in the later rounds. Options include Wisconsin guard John Moffit and Alabama left tackle James Carpenter.
Running Back: While the Colts running game struggled in 2010 due to injuries to Joseph Addia and Donald Brown, they can’t continue to count on these backs to stay healthy. I think the Colts need to strongly consider drafting a durable back who can plow through the line and gain the tough yards when needed. Louisville’s Bilal Powell is a perfect fit. He’s a north-south runner, but also has great hands out of the backfield. There’s a chance the Colts could grab him with their fifth round pick and get immediate help from him next season.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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