Colts Game Changing Offseason Moves: Veteran Colts players "on the bubble"

by Brad Wells on Jul 2, 2010 11:21 AM EDT in Colts Game Changing Offseason Moves

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Life in the NFL can change very quickly. Last year this time, Anthony Gonzalez was the unquestioned starter at outside WR heading into 2009 training camp. This year, all signs point to him fighting with Austin Collie to get time at slot receiver. And while Gonzo likely doesn't have to worry about getting cut or anything, the same cannot be said for several other Colts veterans.

The Colts are pretty loaded this year in terms of talent. With the rapid development of young players like Collie coupled with a very interesting crop of drafted and undrafted rookies, several veterans on this Colts roster should be feeling the pressure to perform during training camp next month. The Colts are always partial to younger players they can develop as opposed to veterans who have, for whatever reason, not done much more than be solid back-ups. For these reasons, the following veterans are very much "on the bubble" as training camp looms:

Ervin Baldwin (defensive end)

Keyunta Dawson (defensive end)

John Gill (defensive tackle)

Marlon Favorite (defensive tackle)

Ramon Humber (linebacker)

Andy Alleman (guard)

Jamey Richard (guard)

Mike Pollak (guard)

Tony Ugoh (tackle)

Tom Santi (tight end)

Gijon Robinson (tight end)

Taj Smith (wide receiver)

I left off names like Jacob Tamme and Mitch King because, in my mind, the Colts have plans for these guys. Tamme is a quick, pass-catching tight end who is outstanding on special teams. He can also work as a long-snapper. Anytime a player can do not one but three jobs its a safe bet hat said player will stick around on the active roster. I think the same is true for Mitch King. He's a 6'1, 280 pound tackle who the Colts might be developing to replace Raheem Brock, who played both DT and DE. King could also be effective on special teams, which is where I think he really needs to prove his worth.

The reason people like Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak are on the list is because both have not live up to their draft stock. If Ugoh flames out playing guard during camp, there isn't much use for him as a reserve tackle, especially if someone like Jeff Linkenbach steps in and starts looking good at tackle. Meanwhile, Pollak is one of seven players (including Ugoh) fighting for a starting spot as a guard.

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I'm still rooting for Ugoh to pick up his socks.

by tim55 on Jul 2, 2010 11:31 AM EDT reply actions

If Humber is on the bubble, you'd have to think Cody Glenn is too

There was something on profootballweekly toward the end of the season about the Front Office really liking Humber (here). He also played really well when Session was out for the Bills game. His speed makes him a demon on ST.

Glenn, while versatile, playing LB, FB/RB and ST, just doesn’t necessarily have more roster security than Humber. I hope both players grow and add to competition. We kept 8 LBs in ‘06, if Humber and Glenn are Rychleski’s guys, maybe they justify more LBs this year. We’ll see!

by GoHorse88 on Jul 2, 2010 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

Hate to disagree, but ...

Interesting and well done as always, but I just can’t agree with the love for Tamme and King and the lack of love for Humber.

I agree that Tamme is very good on specials, but hasn’t shown much as a receiver or blocker or an ability to stay healthy. Why is he more likely to get a roster spot than Robinson, who has kept him on the bench the last couple of years? In fact, I think Tamme’s been outplayed on offense by Santi as well. I know the argument is that Tamme is the closest the Colts have to Dallas Clark in size and shape, but I think if Clark were to go down, the Colts would play with a the best tight end on the roster and one of their spare receivers (or even a back) would fulfill Clark’s duties in the slot. You gotta have your best 11 out there, and Tamme would have to really show something this summer to be considered one of them.

And King? What’s to like about him that the Colts couldn’t get from lots of other guys? It’s possible he makes it, but I don’t see where without an injury. At end you have Freeney, Mathis and Hughes as givens, with Mathews as the best candidate for power end (Brock’s old position). Mitch would be fighting for that spot (or a very unlikely fifth end spot) with Dawson, Baldwin, Chick and others. I’m not saying King is clearly the worst of those guys, just that he’s not clearly the best of them.

Humber has developed very quickly and has played well in pressure situations and at all three linebacker spots. The arrow is pointed up on him. And he is the Colts best player on kick and punt coverage (16 tackles, 1 assists and no missed tackles in 2009 as opposed to Tamme’s 13, 0 and 1). I can’t see them keeping Glenn instead of him. Humber is better at all linebacker spots and special teams and has more upside. As far as Glenn’s fullback duties, they were an afterthought in the Colts’ scheme (what was it, nine plays all year?) and it would appear that rookie Eldridge would have that position wrapped up anyway.

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by jerrynyc on Jul 2, 2010 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

Curious...

What makes Mathews a better candidate than King for winning the spot? Just not sure what you would base that opinion on.

Outside of college production/performance, I don’t see how we can judge King and Mathews, other than size, speed, and reputation. Or I suppose, gut feeling.

For whatever it is worth regarding the Glenn v. Humber situation, Glenn was not signed to the practice until mid-September, has not had the benefit of learning the defense in training camp like Humber did, and in just seven weeks was activated to the roster and became a dynamic player. I’m not saying Glenn is better than Humber, I think Humber showed promise and look forward to seeing his development, but Glenn does play provide a fullback option, linebacker, and was one of the best special teams coverage players on the team by the end of the year. Who will win? Will both stay? I don’t know. Just thought it was worth discussing.

On the Tamme side of things, he is also one of the most dynamic players on the roster at the moment. Potential replacement for Snow as long snapper, was referred to as the best special teams player on the team by Polian (they tend to keep those if they can afford to), and is the team’s insurance policy for Clark should he go down. I agree with you that the development of players like Garçon and Collie increase the likelihood that the team would consider a four WR or two RB set before replacing Clark with Tamme but I think they’re developing him for that role. Polian loves players who can play multiple phases and Tamme may bring more value at more positions than any other “back-up” on the team.

I think there’s a decent likelihood that Humber/Glenn both stay, with the rookies playing for one or two final LB roster spots, with one or two going go the practice squad. I think the competition between players like King and Mathews will be one story to follow. I also think keeping another DE like Chick or Baldwin, along with a player like Mathews or King is within reason and consistent with the roster last year. We’ll see. But these uncertainties are the kinds of things that give me confidence in our depth overall.

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by bamock on Jul 2, 2010 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Isn't Bobzilla on the bubble?

Really, isn’t this a make or break year for the guy? Can he he stay healthy for ten games at least?

Bullitt isn’t flashy, he doesn’t blow guys up like Bob, but he’s reliable and I can count on him being there every week. That means a lot.

I've always considered writing the most hateful kind of work ... I suspect its a bit like fucking, which is only fun for amateurs. -Hunter Thompson

by RockyRippleColtsFan on Jul 2, 2010 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

It might be "make or break" for Bob

but there is a zero percent chance he is on the bubble for a roster spot.

by mtfearin on Jul 2, 2010 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Media will probably say that too but he's fine.

Bobzilla has proven that he IS worth the money when he’s in and $$ is really a funny thing in the league the past few years. The money won’t become an issue because they’ve already given him most of his money and they will find ways to use him and Melvin (took Dom’s number!, but wears it well) at the same time. Our lack of CB depth will bring out some creative and hopefully badass schemes. I look forward to seeing a lot from both of them.

Lucas Berridge

by Firebird on Jul 2, 2010 6:35 PM EDT reply actions

Justin Snow????

I completely forgot Tamme is a LS and with every other TE listed being a dual threat i think Snow is now expendable.(i say listed because Snow is actually a DE) so IMO that leaves us with Clark,Santi,Eldridge and Tamme. with Tamme being the new longsnapper. I also do not believe Mitch King will make this team. Maybe the PS but that’s iffy at best.

by tenaytiousd32 on Jul 2, 2010 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

For the last time...

What the hell has Mitch King done to make you think he’s a good NFL player, or that the Colts have plans for him? Someone here must be a Hawkeyes fan, because I swear you all think King is 10 times the player he’s proven to be thus far.

by Collin McCollough on Jul 2, 2010 7:36 PM EDT reply actions