We are all starved for information as it has been five months since we last saw our team in pads playing a meaningful game. The draft eases the hunger, but we're now 6 weeks past the draft. Mini-camp and OTAs are nice appetizers as we wait for the start of August and training camp. And with that in mind, here is what's on the menu:

• Austin Collie looked impressive to many spectators. There doesn't seem to be any consensus on who the third WR is, but the Colts seem to like Collie and Garcon. Indeed, ESPN's "blogger" Paul Kuharsky noted:
  

  I tried to read into how the receivers deployed, but there is no telling at this stage how the candidates for the No. 3 job -- Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Roy Hall -- stack up. My eye -- which has no experience training receivers, just lots watching them -- puts them in that order right now.

  It got even harder to gauge Garcon against Collie when Anthony Gonzalez dropped out, seemingly with a right thigh issue. Those two worked in three-wide with Reggie Wayne.

  Small side note regarding Kuharsky: He seems like a nice guy and he does some good writing, but he is not a friggin blogger and ESPN needs to stop designating him as such. Paul does not "blog" about the AFC South. He writes about the AFC South on ESPN's website. Last I checked, ESPN.com is not a blog. I don't expect the "World Wide Leader" to understand that difference because morons and idiots run that network, but I'm going to rant about it regardless. Also, Paul links to other Colts blogs all the time, except mine. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I make fun of his network every chance I get, but that shouldn't stop him from linking to something I've written. Maybe he just doesn't like anything I write. If that's the case, he's a snooty "blogger."
  
• Daniel Muir was active and working hard in practices. The perception was he is fighting for a roster spot. Yes, indeed he is. Muir's knock last year was his injury bug. If he comes into August healthy and has a strong camp, it will be tough to discard him.
• Joseph Addai and Mike Pollak did not participate in mini-camp. They are rehabbing injuries. Addai is recovering from knee surgery, which he had done after the 2008 season ended. The knee ailment explains why Addai was not very effective in 2008, but that does not shake loose the perception that he is a brittle player.
  
• Peyton Manning did a lot of one-on-one coaching with rookie QB Curtis Painter. It's likely Painter did a lot of pissing in his pants as he watched the best QB in football bark orders at him.
• Marlin Jackson did a lot of coaching with the secondary.
• Jerraud Powers is fast. Paul Kuharsky made note of a great play he made on a pass to Reggie Wayne from Peyton Manning. Powers seems to have good recovery speed and ball hawking skills.
• Ryan Lilja seems healthy, but they are taking it very easy with him. This is a very positive sign.
• Jim Irsay expects Tom Moore and Howard Mudd back doing pretty much the same things they did before by August 1st. In addition, Bill Polian stated that the Franklin College camp is part of an effort by the Colts to "create more outreach and more interaction with fans." This is a very good thing, and I applaud the Colts for FINALLY working on their fan interaction. The Colts are far too cold-shouldered to fans, especially when it comes to access to information. I can understand their cold nature to big media. But to fans, that is unforgivable. We pay for the stadiums, the jerseys, and the cold beer on Sunday. Shut us out and you risk dire consequences.
• Next step in creating more outreach and interaction with fans: Improve Colts.com. The site is an absolute joke. For a team the caliber of the Colts to have such an unprofessional looking site is stunningly stupid. After the site is visually updated to look more professional, they need to add more consistent, up-to-date content on the site. Maybe even have (gasp!) a blog! By the way, Howard Mudd and Tom Moore retired a while ago, and Colts.com still has no mention of the event. Just saying.
• Back to mini-camp: Roy Hall has lost weight and is wearing #81 now.
• Lance Ball showed good burst running through holes in the o-line and caught every pass thrown to him. Mike Hart better heal up quick, because Lance Ball might very well take Mike's job.
• Jim Caldwell is looking for "balance" when it comes to Addai and rookie RB Donald Brown. To me, "balance" sounds like 15 carries a game for Addai and 10 carries per for Brown.
• Pierre Garcon spent a lot of time returning punts in the special teams practices.
• Anthony Gonzalez suffered some kind of quad injury. They took him out of practice and gave him an ice pack.

Many have said the atmosphere at Franklin College was festive and fun. Bravo to the Franklin College folks who hosted the Colts and the fans. Again, the Colts really need to do more open practices like this. Fans want to see their team work. They want to see who is running what drill and who is working in the first or second unit. For five months we feast. For the other seven, we starve. Events like this ease the hunger pains.

Tips to slash196, paytonmenning, and shake n bake. I did not attend mini-camp, so if others have more information, email me or write a FanPost. Any info you have is appreciated. Remember, we're starving. Throw us a bone, already!

We talked offense. We dissected special teams. Now, we chew the virtual fat on the defense.

Just like the special teams, the Colts are working with a new coordinator as we move forward into the Jim Caldwell era. Gone is longtime coordinator Ron Meeks, who is now coaching for the Carolina Panthers. Early reports say players in Carolina like Meeks and are responding well to him. The same is true for new Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer with Indy's players. Whether it's defensive captain Gary Brackett or super-star Dwight Freeney, Colts players are taken by Coyer's knowledge and experience.

"Larry has a lot of energy. He’s an older gentleman, but he has a wealth of football knowledge," Brackett said. "You’re just blown away every time you meet with him. You’d better have a notebook because there will be a lot being said."

Reading between the lines, the Colts will run the same base Tampa 2 defense they've had since 2002. The wrinkles they will add are likely new blitz and coverage packages aimed at generating more turnovers.

Defensive Ends

The Colts sport the best DE tandem in football with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Both are Pro Bowlers. Both are studs. Both are effective stopping the run, despite what many an idiot pundit who doesn't watch the games says. Raheem Brock is the under-the-radar DE who often gets little recognition for just how very good he is rushing the passer and stopping the run. He can also switch inside to defensive tackle, though his days as a DT are likely over. Remember, Brock was the starting DT during Indy's Super Bowl run in 2006, but the wear and tear of playing DT at 275 pounds is making Brock susceptible to more nagging injuries.

Likely, the starting DEs will be Freeney and Brock, with Mathis coming in to play significant nsaps at both LE and RE.

Backing up the three headed monster are promising second year players Marcus Howard and Curtis Johnson. Both players are lighting quick speed rushers, in particular Howard. Howard is actually faster than Freeney, and the Colts' defensive line John Teerlick is developing Howard into another Robert Mathis. In very limited playing time last year, Howard amassed 1.5 sacks and 19 tackles. He needs to develop a few pass rushing moves before he can showcase his true potential, but Howard has all the talent to develop into a special player.

Due to the development of Howard and Johnson, no one player at defensive end is on the "hot seat." The Colts typically carry five DEs on the active roster, and they seem very happy with the five DEs they currently have.

One to Watch: Marcus Howard

On the Hot Seat: No one

Defensive Tackle

"Defensive tackle" is very nearly a four letter word with Colts fans. For eight years, this team has tried to find consistency at the DT position, but ultimately failed. Booger McFarland was the best DT this club has ever had, but his career ended in 2007 when he blew out his knee just two days into training camp. 

In 2009, the Colts decided to shift their focus to fixing the DT dilemma. Despite the hard, tough play of Eric Foster, Keyunta Dawson, and Antonio "Mookie" Johnson last year, the Colts were not happy with how well the DT position played.Their first action was to draft two promising young tackles from two big time college football programs. Fili Moala was drafted in round two to play the under tackle spot, which requires the tackle to penetrate the gaps in the o-line and create havoc in the opponent's backfield. The other tackle taken was Terrance Taylor. Taylor is more of a traditional "nose tackle," or over tackle in the Tampa 2 scheme. His job will be to occupy multiple blockers so that the other tackle and the DEs can pressure th opponent's backfield. Of the two, Moala could have the biggest immediate impact. Barring some kind of setback, look for him to start Week One.

The other key moves the Colts made on draft day were rookie free agent signings. Indy signed talented rookie DTs in Adrian Grady and Pat Kuntz. Both are "under tackle"-types, using speed, leverage, and quickness to generate pressure. Of the two, Grady seems to have the most talent. Grady's knock is he's battled injuries all throughout. Kuntz is a tough kid who plays 100% all the time. He could quickly become a coach's favorite.

The final move the Colts made to shore up the DT spot is the re-signing of Ed Johnson, a player they had kicked off their team back in September 2008. Big Ed's second go-around with the Colts could see him doing what he did before: Playing over tackle, and playing it well. In 2007, Ed Johnson started every game at DT, replacing Booger McFarland, who worked with Ed dissecting game film while he tried to rehab his knee. The Colts run defense was outstanding when Big Ed played DT. With his head seemingly screwed on straight, Big Ed could return to being a dominant force in the middle for this Colts defense.

Now, all the players I just touched on did not play for Indy in 2008, save for Ed Johnson (who played just one game). Prior to Indy adding these players, they already had four DTs on the roster, each with significant playing time logged in 2008. Raheem Brock also played several snaps at DT, but with the pool of talent now injected into this team, Brock's days at DT are likely over. For a time, he was the best DT Indy had.

Antonio "Mookie" Johnson was signed from the Tennessee Titans practice squad last November. He was thrust into the starting lineup almost immediately, and quickly showcased his talents as a nose tackle. Considering he had all of seven days to learn the defense before he started, I'd say Mookie played outstanding. With a full off-season and training camp under his belt, Mookie could very well retain his starting DT spot. The team is also very high on second year man Eric Foster. Foster seems a natural under tackle but had to play nose tackle much of 2008 due to injuries to other players. At 270 pounds, Foster did his best to hold his own, but often was not successful. He might have more success and development as a under tackle.

The guys seemingly left out in the cold are Daniel Muir and Keyunta Dawson. Muir is an over tackle who spent much of 2008 hurt. Dawson is the whipping boy for many a Colts fan. At roughly 255 pounds, he is a very small DT. But, despite what people think, Dawson has played very well despite the fact he had no true nose tackle playing next to him. The team might consider moving Dawson to DE, as it is doubtful they will retain him as a DT.

With so much talent in the DT position, it is hard to imagine the run defense not improving in 2009. The big question is "Who will play?"

One to Watch: Fili Moala

On the Hot Seat: Keyunta Dawson

Linebackers

The Colts entered 2008 with Freddy Keiaho at WILL, Gary Brackett at MIKE, and Tyjuan Hagler at SAM. They ended 2008 with Tyjaun Hagler at WILL, Freddy Keiaho at MIKE, and Clint Session at SAM. In 2009, the starting linebackers heading into camp are Clint Session at WILL, Gary Brackett at MIKE, and second year player Philip Wheeler at SAM.

This means one-time starters Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler are now back-ups.

The Colts also dabbled in free agency a bit, which is extremely rare given that they NEVER signed a free agent linebacker during the entire Tony Dungy era. Indy signed reserve linebacker Adam Seward to back-up at MIKE and SAM. With Hagler, Keiaho, and now Seward, the Colts have one of the deepest corps of linebackers this blogger has ever seen in his three years covering the Colts for SB Nation. With both Seward and Wheeler, the Colts also have a bit more size at the SAM spot. Both backers are 6'2, 240-245 pounds.

The Colts also have speedy Michael Okwo, who they poached from the Chicago Bears, and solid WILL linebacker Jordan Senn (who is a good special teams player as well. The team also signed Ramon Humber, Mike Tauiliili, and Tyrell Sales. Humber and Sales seem like camp fodder, but the team seems to like Tauiliili (though I think the team's jersey and marketing department don't).

One to Watch: Philip Wheeler

On the Hot Seat: Ramon Humber and Tyrell Sales

Cornerbacks

The Colts are VERY deep at cornerback, though they have some guys who need to start proving they can do something to help this team. They also have two significant players returning from major knee surgery, and their status come week one will go a long way to determining just how deep the corner position is.

The Colts re-signed Kelvin Hayden to a big contract this off-season. Hayden is the best corner on the roster. He's big, physical, and can run with anyone. He can also tackle and is a threat to score anytime he gets his hands on the football. Just ask the Bears. Returning, rather dramatically, from major knee surgery is Marlin Jackson. Jackson blew out his knee last year but, astonishingly, he is now running with the team and participating in OTAs. Hayden and Jackson, when healthy, are an excellent corner tandem able to match-up with most receivers.

The nickel back spot, so critical to a Tampa 2 defense, has Tim Jennings penciled in. Jennings started several games last year after Marlin Jackson was hurt. Jennings will likely face stiff competition from another player returning from injury: T.J. Rushing. Rushing developed into a pretty good nickel corner in 2007, but missed all of 2008 after a knee injury in training camp. The Colts also drafted Jerraud Powers in round three of the draft this year, indicating  the Colts expect big things from him. Third round picks are expected to make immediate impacts, not simply sit on the sidelines and learn.

The two guys who really need to show something are`Dante Hughes and Michael Coe. Coe has battled injuries for two years, and missed all of 2008. Hughes is the one who REALLY needs to step up. He looked very good in 2007 as a rookie, but seemed to find his way into Tony Dungy's doghouse in 2008. Hughes and Coe need to show they have something to offer this team or both 2007 picks could be camp casualties. Guys like Nick Graham and Travis Key are camp fodder. Brandon Foster is a good special teams player but he hasn't shown much ability to cover anyone.

One to Watch: Jerraud Powers

On the Hot Seat: Michael Coe and Dante Hughes

Safeties

Like the cornerback position, the Colts are stacked at safety. Like the DE position, they have two starters who are Pro Bowlers. Bob Sanders and Antoine Bethea could be the best safety tandem in football. Bob, when healthy, is the best safety, period. Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu are great players, but neither has Bob's ability to flat out destroy ball carriers. Bob Sanders scares people when they run near him. Bob's problem is he cannot stay healthy. He's missed significant portions of the 2004, 2006, and 2008 seasons. With Bob, it seems odd-numbered seasons are his healthiest.

Backing up both safety spots is Melvin Bullitt, who could start for many teams and play at a Pro Bowl level. Bullitt is a speed demon who hits like a boxer. Larry Coyer will likely implement coverage packages in 2009 that feature Bob, Antoine, and Melvin on the field together. 

Matt Giordano is also a back-up safety for this team that could start for many other teams. Giordano is more suited for strong safety, but he can run with anyone and is known as a violent hitter. Because this area is so deep with high quality talent, no one player is really on the hot seat. Indeed, if anyone is under the microscope, it's Bob Sanders. He needs to play a full season healthy again.

One to Watch: Melvin Bullitt

On the Hot Seat: No one

Other articles in this series:

• 2009 Colts Mini-Camp: The Offense
• 2009 Colts Mini-Camp: the Defense

We started with offense. Now, we switch to... special teams.

We've made our opinions on former-Colts special teams coach Russ Purnell no secret: He was horrible. He now gets to destroy the special teams for a division rival, the Jaguars. Replacing him is former-South Carolina Gamecocks special teams coach Ray Rychleski. And the moment Rychleski walked in the door as the new Colts special teams coach, he wanted to make changes:

"I had to change Coach Spurrier’s philosophy a little bit in that we put starters on special teams," said Rychleski, who is taking his first NFL job. "We’re going to put our best players on special teams. If it’s my decision, I want everyone to be a part of it, I want all the coaches to be a part of it. Now I can get overruled, this is not my football team. But I’m going to present some things and they may get shot down."

Rychleski's energy will likely leave a stronger impression on Colts players, who seemed uninspired by former coach Russ Purnell.

Kickers

Adam Vinatieri is recovering from hip surgery. Indications are that he will return in time for camp. But, this is the Colts, and with injuries you just never know. We will assume that he will be OK, and if he returns to his 2008 form, the Colts will be in very good shape.

2008 was an outstanding year for Da Pimp Master. He made several clutch FGs to win key games (Minnesota, San Diego) and he dramatically improved his kick-offs. He also showed up to camp in 2008 in the best shape of his life. He he be able to do so again recovering from this hip injury? Doubtful. Still, with a better special teams coach, Adam could continue to improve his kick-offs and continue to deliver in the clutch.

One to Watch: Anyone they bring in to sub for Vinatieri while he recovers from surgery, such as Billy Cundiff

On the Hot Seat: Um, well, anyone they bring in to sub for Vinatieri while he recovers from surgery, such as Billy Cundiff

Punters

Hunter Smith is gone. Along with Peyton Manning, he was one of the few left who played for Jim Mora prior to Tony Dungy. Replacing him is an affable, good-natured, loud-mouthed kid from the same school that produced Mike Vanderjagt. But, if you ask this kid if he is Mike Vanderjagt, Jr., he will make it clear that he is nothing like the "Idiot Kicker" from West Virginia we all know so well.

Pat McAfee is the kid's name, and he spent much of his college career punting and kicking field goals. Like Hunter the Punter, McAfee is strong and athletic. He can tackle, run players down, and even wrestle grown men in pig masks.

In college, the did more of a rugby-style of punting. So, there will be some adjustment to the way the pros do it in the NFL. However, he's got a strong leg and a passion for football. He calls Vinatieri his idol and he seems to genuinely love playing football. In many ways, he is a punter second and a football player first. How can you not love that?

The other punter on the roster is Tim Masthay, but he is little more than camp fodder. Unless Pat McAfee truly screws up in camp (which would make drafting him a total and complete waste), Masthay is merely punting to showcase his talents to another team.

One to Watch: Pat McAfee

On the Hot Seat: Tim Masthay

Coverage Units

Last year's special teams ace, Darrell Reid, is gone. But returning to special teams are players like Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler. Matt Giordano and Melvin Bullitt will also return with Roy Hall, filling in as gunners. Since the NFL finally outlawed the wedge formation, speed and tackling are now key to stopping opposing returners. The opponent can no longer form the silly and, many times, dangerous human wall that was the wedge formation, thereby forcing the coverage units to designate a "wedge buster." The wedge buster is the person who normally launches himself into the wedge formation in an attempt to scatter the players. Wedge busting was a dangerous job, and the task nearly paralyzed Bills TE Kevin Everett a few years ago. He was attempting to bust up a coverage wedge when he had a helmet-to-helmet collision with an opponent in the wedge formation. Everett has recovered and is not paralyzed, but his football career is over.

With the wedge gone, teams will likely try to get creative as they figure out how to keep coverage units from tackling their returners. From my point of view, this plays to the Colts' strengths.

The key for the Colts is finding a replacement for Darrell Reid, who got a mega-contract with the Denver Broncos for someone known as a great special teams tackler and third-string DT. Reid was the team's special teams ace, known for his big hits and consistent play. Matt Giordano has the makings of someone who can fill Reid's shoes. He hits like a rocket-fueled runaway truck, and he is likely the fastest player on the team.

Guys who need to prove they can play special teams in order to stay on the active roster are Samuel Giguere, Roy Hall, Adrian Grady, and Pat Kuntz. Grady and Kuntz are two who REALLY need to prove they can play ST coverage. Both are DTs, but both are under tackles known for their speed (just as Reid was for Indy). Since Indy likely will retain Fili Moala, Terrance Taylor, Antonio Johnson, and Ed Johnson as the DTs who will play the most snaps, guys like Eric Foster, Keyunta Dawson, Grady, and Kuntz need to prove they can play special teams in order to justify their spot on this roster.

One to Watch: Matt Giordano

On the Hot Seat: Pat Kuntz

Holder

Hunter Smith was not just the punter from 1998-2008, he was the holder on all FG attempts. In ten years, I cannot recall a single moment when Smith botched a hold. Not one time. Regardless of whether the snap was bad, Smith always handled the holds and got the ball in position for the kicker to make a good kick. Whoever the Colts find to fill that job better have the exact same level of efficiency.

The first person to likely get a crack at the job is Pat McAfee. Though, if the Colts are toying with the notion of keeping three active QBs on the team, rookie QB Curtis Painter might be someone they could use as the FG holder. Sorgi is also someone they might try there, or even perhaps Jacob Tamme. Tamme has experience as a long snapper, and plays a lot on special teams. Since he is not likely to unseat Gijon Robinson as the #2 TE, he could find a place on the team as the holder.

One to Watch: Pat McAfee

On the Hot Seat: Jacob Tamme

Returners

Punt and kick returning was a bigger weakness last season than the run defense was. According to Football Outsiders, the Colts were -9 and -10 in kick and punt return efficiency in 2008, respectively. If you are someone who can't figure out WTF the "DVOA" stats mean, just trust me when I say a -10 efficiency score is about as bad as it gets.

The loss of T.J. Rushing in camp last year devastated the return game. The team used a revolving door of players to replace him, from Courtney Roby to Justin Forsett to Pierre Garcon to Chad Simpson to Keiwan Ratliff. None of them found their comfort zone, and the result was usually dreadful starting field position for Peyton Manning and the offense.

We haven't heard much on Rushing's recovery, but since he was hurt almost a year ago now, it stands to reason he should be OK. If not, than likely his career is over. But, since we haven't heard any negative whispers regarding Rushing, we can assume he will be ready for camp and competing once more for the returning duties and, likely, the nickel back spot in the secondary.

In 2007, Rushing was a very promising returner who had blossomed into a pretty good cornerback. He returned a kick for a TD against Oakland in Week 16, and he did a good job shoring up a battered secondary. If Rushing returns to full strength in 2009, he will likely handle both punts and kicks. Austin Collie is also someone with punt and kick experience in college. Pierre Garcon was never comfortable returning kicks last year, but he has the speed and quickness to be a good returner if he focuses on it. With the team seeming to push him as the slot receiver, it is unlikely Garcon will return kicks and punts unless there is an injury.

As we stated in our offense breakdown, if Chad Simpson wants to retain his active spot on this roster, he absolutely must show he can be VERY effective returning punts and kicks. He was very mediocre last season doing this job, and with Donald Brown now in the backfield (a player who also has experience on kick returns), Simpson has little to no chance to make the team as a back-up RB unless there is an injury. He must prove his worth as a returner.

One to Watch: T.J. Rushing

On the Hot Seat: Chad Simpson

Other articles in this series:

• 2009 Colts Mini-Camp: The Special Teams
• 2009 Colts Mini-Camp: the Defense

Mini-Camp starts today, and we will look at the offense, defense, and special teams for this team as they enter this little team gathering, which is really nothing more than an excuse to get everyone together (which they are already) and work (which they are doing already). The line between Off-season Training Activities (OTAs) and a formal "camp" has become very blurred in recent years.

Over at Indianapolis Colts Examiner, John Oehser talks about the defense as Indy gears up for camp. Here, we will talk offense first, because contrary to what many think and say, you win first in this league with offense. Defense helps you in the playoffs. Offense gets you to the playoffs.

Quarterback

Maybe you've heard of the reigning NFL MVP. His name is Peyton Manning. If your favorite team resides in the AFC South, New England, Chicago, or Baltimore, you are likely sick about hearing of #18. The Colts sport the best QB in football. Yes, better than Tom Brady, whose absence in 2008 did little to hurt the Patriots overall. They won 11 games without him. The Colts, meanwhile, had a one-legged Peyton Manning to start the 2008 season, and through 8 games the team was 4-4. When Peyton got better, they went 8-0 and made the playoffs.

Best NFL QB argument ended right there.

Backing up Manning is a seemingly rejuvenated Jim Sorgi. Well, "rejuvenated" is a bit inaccurate. You have to have something to rejuvenate in the first place to be rejuvenated. Sorgi in 2008 looked as good as he has ever looked, which isn't saying much. Though, I will say his garbage time play in Week 17 against the Titans made skeptics like me take notice. Last year, he outplayed veterans Quinn Gray and Jared Lorenzen to hold onto the back-up's job. He has no such competition this year.

A wildcard at back-up QB is rookie Curtis Painter, who was drafted in the 6th round this year out of Purdue. Unlike Sorgi, Painter has a strong arm and can make many NFL throws. 

One to Watch: Curtis Painter

On the Hot Seat: Jim Sorgi

Running Backs

Probably the most controversial player for Stampede Blue readers is Joseph Addai. People either love him or call him a bust. Very few navigate the middle ground. Regardless of how many feel, for two straight seasons Addai has battled numerous nagging injuries. When healthy, he is a strong, physical runner with excellent quickness. When unhealthy, he hesitates.

To help Addai, the Colts drafted UConn product Donald Brown, who has impressed at OTAs with his very strong work ethic. Brown is very similar to Addai in terms of rushing ability. At camp, they will likely begin to integrate more 2-Back sets, and implement more plays that work for both backs.

The third active roster spot at RB is up for grabs. This spot is usually reserved for a third down specialist. Second year player Mike Hart wins the job outright if he is healthy. He's coming off major knee surgery which cut short his 2008 season. Lance Ball, who we interviewed a few weeks ago, offers more size than Hart. Chad Simpson needs an amazing off-season to keep his job on the active roster. Unless he can prove he is a great goal-line or third down runner, or he shows dramatic improvement as a kick returner, he is likely to get cut in late-August.

One to Watch: Donald Brown

On the Hot Seat: Chad Simpson

Wide Receivers

With Marvin Harrison gone, there is now an open spot in the three-wide package. Since the only significant addition to the returning corps was the drafting of 4th rounder Austin Collie, this means the Colts feel that "Marvin's replacement" is likely already on the roster. As Peyton stated last month, Reggie Wayne will stay flanked at left while Anthony Gonzalez will take Marvin's spot on the right. When the Colts go three-wide, they will have many options.

Pierre Garcon is now the front-runner to either play the slot or move to the right side so that Gonzo can play the slot. After Garcon, it is a toss up. Austin Collie, Samuel Giguere, and Roy Hall are all unknown commodities. Collie was extremely productive in college, leading the nation in receiving yards. He also has the build of a typical Colts receiver (6', 180-ish). The Colts are high on Giguere, who was an undrafted rookie last season and spent all of 2008 on the practice squad. Hall has been a project since the Colts drafted him in 2007. At 6'3, 240, he is a BIG target. He is also excellent on special teams as a gunner. He's battled injuries his entire pro career and needs to stay healthy to remain on this team in 2009.

One to Watch: Samuel Giguere

On the Hot Seat: Roy Hall

Tight Ends

One could argue that the "third wide receiver" is TE Dallas Clark. Indeed, when the Colts go "three-wide" with Dallas Clark as the slot receiver, it gives teams that run a 3-4 absolute fits. I've long argued that Clark is the best TE in pro football, and I still stand by it. Few TEs display his big play ability. He runs like a WR, blocks solid, and is a threat to score anytime he gets the football in open field. You have to cover him with a corner or, at the very least, a Pro bowl caliber safety. That is not the case with players like Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, or Tony Gonzalez. 

Gijon Robinson won the second tight end spot in camp last year, and played very well in several games. Second year players Tom Santi and Jacob Tamme had their 2008 seasons cut short due to injury. Both need to stand out this off-season if they want to unseat Robinson.

One to Watch: Gijon Robinson

On the Hot Seat: Jacob Tamme

Tackles

This is a make-or-break year for Tony Ugoh. When he is healthy, he is a top tier left tackle. Maybe even top 5. The key is "when he is healthy," which is often not very. Ugoh was thrust into the starting roll his rookie year after longtime stalwart Tarik Glenn retired. Ugoh played brilliantly under the conditions. Then, he got hurt. He started last season hurt and missed several games. When he got healthy, it correlated with Peyton getting healthy. The result was a 9-0 finish to the regular season. Ugoh needs to prove he can stay healthy for a full season. If not, he gets cut in 2010. A team cannot afford to have an injury-prone LT.

Utility player Charlie Johnson is the reserve LT. He can fill-in in a pinch, but he is not a starter. Depth at LT is a big weakness. The Colts cannot afford to lose Ugoh for an extended period of time.

The irony of 2008 was normal "iron men" like Jeff Saturday got hurt while noted "glass joes" like Ryan Diem played the entire season. Diem has been hurt, off and on, for many years. Yet, for some reason, he was the only o-lineman last season to start every game at his natural position: RT. Backing him up are Daniel Federkeil and Charlie Johnson. Federkeil, like Johnson, is more of a utility lineman, able to play multiple positions.

One to Watch: Tony Ugoh

On the Hot Seat: Tony Ugoh

Guards and Centers

I lump guards and centers together because, in many situations, players at one position have had to switch to a different interior linemen position. Even Jeff Saturday played guard in a playoff game back in 2003, dominating then-Broncos DT Trevor Pryce the entire game. Saturday was re-signed this past off-season, and I cannot tell you how HUGE re-signing him was. Other than Peyton, Bob, Dwight, and possibly Gary, Jeff Saturday is a lynch pin for this team to succeed.

Backing him up are Jamey Richard and Steve Justice. Richard established himself last year as a tough interior lineman who can play multiple position. Justice, so far, is a bit of a bust. He was drafted in the 5th round in 2008 to back-up and possibly replace Jeff Saturday, and he lost out to a 7th round selection out of Buffalo (Richard). Justice needs to prove something this off-season or he is toast.

Another potential bust is Mike Pollak, Indy first selection in the 2008 NFL Draft (2nd round). Pollak was a center in college and he struggled mightily to adjust to playing guard at the pro level. To put it bluntly, Pollak was awful in 2008; just awful. Injuries might have stunted his development, but those do not excuse he inability to execute. Rookie Jaimie Thomas offers tremendous size at guard (6'4, 330 pounds), and his selection in the draft this year is not necessarily a ringing endorsement for Mike Pollak.

The Colts also dabbled in free agency this off-season, picking up two players who can play guard: Kyle DeVan and Brandon Barnes. DeVan can play both guard and center while Barnes can play guard and one of the tackle spots.

The big wild card here is Ryan Lilja. Lilja, when healthy, is one of the best (but least known) guards in football. He missed the entire 2008 NFL season, and his absence was a big reason the Colts ranked 31st running the ball in '08. Lilja is now participating in OTAs, which is a very positive sign. If he can return healthy, the Colts o-line will be just fine. In fact, it will be better than fine. It will return to its normal, dominant form. In addition, if Lilja is healthy, Pollak will likely get relegated to a back-up role. Unless Pollak can prove he is a better player than Richard, Thomas, or a free agent like DeVan, he will prove a big bust for Bill Polian and the Colts. Pollak is definitely someone to keep an eye on in mini-camp, training camp, and pre-season. He is likely playing for his job, and he is only a second-year player.

One to Watch: Ryan Lilja

On the Hot Seat: Mike Pollak

via bleacherreport.com

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Hope you enjoyed your long Memorial Day Weekend. Now that the short vacation is over, and the unofficial start of summer has begun, we dive right into discussion of the team's mandatory Mini-Camp. The Colts will conduct a full squad mini-camp at Franklin College on Saturday, June 6th. That's less than two weeks away. It is here that new coach Jim Caldwell will begin to implement his philosophy of of the team playing "Smart, Fast, and Physical."

Mini-Camp will also have rookies like Fili Moala working with veterans like Jeff Saturday. The coaches will begin to implement scheme adjustment and ideas as new players like Donald Brown, Austin Collie, Adam Seward, and Terrance Taylor begin working with their new team. And newly re-signed players like Ed Johnson (who will now wear #66, as Antonio "Mookie" Johnson wears Ed's old number of 99) get re-adjusted to new roles on the team. Right now, it is unclear if Tom Moore or Howard Mudd will be present for mini-camp. Both are expected to return to the team as consultants on August 2, the start of training camp.

As we get ready for mini-camp, writers like Colts Homer depth chart battle articles like this one. Identifying key depth chart battles, and players who might be on the roster bubble, is our focus between now and August 2nd.

The the meantime, enjoy this silly video with Jim Harbaugh circa 1996.

Today is the last day of Colts Rookie Mini-Camp, and if you have followed coverage of the camp (what little you can get) you see that the focus of much of the coverage is not necessarily first round pick Donald Brown (pictured right). Brown is not getting ignored or anything, but the guy who really keeps popping up in all the mini-camp coverage is second round pick Fili Moala, DT out of USC.

Ed Thompson of ColtPower.com conducted an excellent interview with Fili as camp ended yesterday. The interview provided us with some quotes that are helping warm Colts fans to the USC rookie:

Thompson: It's got to be exciting for you, knowing that no matter which defensive tackle spot you end up playing, you'll either have Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis next to you.

Moala: Yeah, those guys can rush the passer. The Colts were one team that we watched a lot of film on at USC. Those guys get up the field, they have multiple pass-rush moves, and they're savvy veterans. I'm sure that I'll have nothing but good times there and will learn a lot of the tricks of the trade.

Fili also showed appreciation for his old college fans, and expressed interest in entertaining his new fanbase:

Thompson: As you depart USC, is there anything you want to say to the fans there? And is there anything you want to say to the Colts fans?

Moala: I want the USC fans to know how appreciative I am of all the years they cheered me and my teammates on. And to the Colts fans, here's to the future. I'm only going to get better, and I'm determined to be the best and to show everyone that I'm one of the elite tackles in this draft. I know it's going to take years, but I'm going to come in and be as productive as I can be, knowing that I'm going to continue to rise. And let's go win some Super Bowls!

I know this kid hasn't played a lick of pro ball, and I know he will struggle when he goes up against tough, interior offensive linemen, but regardless... I like him already. It's hard not to when you see quotes like that or when you watch Jeffery Gorman's interview with him on Colts.com. It's funny to see his reaction when he talks about line coach John Teerlick. I'm willing to bet Teerlick did a "happy man" dance when he saw Indy drafted Moala. And, if anyone recorded this theoretical happy dance, YouTube it already!

Indeed, the interior of the Colts defensive line is a big focus this offseason, especially the rookies. The Colts also drafted 4th round pick Terrance Taylor from Michigan, and while Fili might be getting all the love from fans and press, Taylor is just as important (if not more important) to the success of this team.

Since Ed Johnson was kicked off the team, the Colts have desperately searched for a quality nose tackle for their Tampa 2 scheme. They tried to trade for Buffalo's John McCargo last season, but McCargo's nagging back injury snuffed the deal. They then signed Antonio "Mookie" Johnson off Tennessee's practice squad, and while Mookie played very well overall in 2008, the kid was only on the team two weeks before getting thrown into the starting line-up. That's not a lot of time to learn a new defense, get comfortable with teammates, and start producing. This off-season, players like Mookie Johnson (who was signed for two years) will have time to learn the defense, get conditioned, and get comfortable playing for the Colts. In addition to that, rookies like Terrance Taylor are now in the fold, and Taylor knows the kind of role Indy is asking him to play:

At 319 pounds, Taylor definitely fills one of the team's needs. He's currently the biggest defender on the roster.

"It makes me feel good," Taylor said. "It's always good to go to a place where they need you. You're not just there because they had another pick. They've got a lot of great veterans and leaders I can learn from."

Like Fili, Terrance was a bit surprised that a team like the Colts would draft him:

Like Moala, he didn't expect to be drafted by the Colts.

"It was a surprise to me," Taylor said. "They had called me information-wise, but other than that, it was a surprise that I was coming here. They needed some guys to stop the run, and I'm the guy to do that."

Also thrown into the mix are rookie free agents Pat Kuntz (DT, Notre Dame) and Adrian Grady (DT, Louisville). I have no idea how Kuntz and his 285 pound frame will factor into the Colts d-line rotation, but I almost don't care. The dude is friggin' hilarious. He can belch the alphabet, and did so on Indy's 1070 The Fan a few days ago. Listen to it. It's pretty friggin' funny.

This man will burp the alphabet on cue. So yep, he's a keeper!

Belching aside, Kuntz could play three technique at the DT spot, or the Colts could use him as a replacement for DE Josh Thomas. Thomas, a hard-working, sturdy run defender at the DE spot, has not been re-signed. At 6'5, 271 pounds, Thomas added a great deal of size to Indy's edge. When team's went power run against the Colts, Thomas was one of the few line defenders who could snuff out the run. Kuntz is 6'3, 285 pounds and might be able to fill the roll Thomas once held. If not, the Colts should still keep Kuntz on the payroll so he can burp the alphabet over the loud-speakers at "The Lube" on gameday.

Adrian Grady is the mystery player to me. Like Eric Foster last year, I don't know much about Grady (watched zero Louisville games in 2008). However, like Foster, Grady might have been a bit of a steal:

Grady, meanwhile, has been called a "diamond in the rough" by NFL scouts after posting good numbers for the Cardinals (41 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks) as a senior last fall.

At 6'2, 305 pounds, Grady fits the bill as a Tampa-2 tackle. But, which kind of tackle? Is he a three tech or a NT? Or both? Staying healthy was Grady's biggest problem at Louisville. He did stay healthy his senior season and really broke out. Scouting reports say he is quick and can push the pile. He's also active and never quits on plays. His negatives are he is not great at the point of attack, and has limited pass rushing moves. But, he shows a lot of potential, and unlike Foster (who played admirably at NT last year only weighing 270 pounds), Grady has the size and frame to play NT.

Adrian Grady wants to hear you scream his name!

Photo: cache.daylife.com

So, as the rookie mini-camp winds down, and the June team mini-camp waits on the horizon, the Colts are looking at having Fili Moala, Mookie Johnson, Terrance Taylor, Eric Foster, Keyunta Dawson, Adrian Grady, Daniel Muir, and Pat Kuntz as their defensive tackles. I think it is safe to say the Colts took their DT depth issues VERY seriously this off-season, and brought in some high quality, high character guys who will shore up the interior of this defense. Start getting excited...

Jim Caldwell presides over his first mini-camp as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts:

The Colts, a postseason team each of the past seven seasons, on Friday will begin their annual three-day rookie mini-camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. As has been the case in recent seasons, the emphasis will be on acclimation, education and preparation.

Still, for Caldwell it will be not only his first mini-camp since succeeding Tony Dungy as head coach after seven years as an assistant, but also his first time running practices as an NFL head coach.

And yes, he said, that makes it special.

"I'm excited about it – that's for sure," Caldwell said recently.

This camp isn't about hitting or the playbook or anything like that. It's about teaching the rooks not to F up when the real Mini Camp and Training Camp start. It gets them used to the way the Colts do things, introduces many of them to their position coaches, and helps them better transition into life in the NFL.

In general, it's a good idea. Many rookies walk into Training Camp wide-eyed and dumbfounded, making them useless. Mini-camps like this make the transition a bit smoother.

The camp also offers the rookies an opportunity to stand out before the veterans show up:

[Polian] often has told the story of the 2006 rookie camp, when a sixth-round draft selection showed quickly that he not only likely would contribute, but do so quickly on a big-time level.

That player was safety Antoine Bethea, who made the Pro Bowl the following season.

"Some, like Antoine Bethea, just jump out at you," Polian said. "You say, 'Wow, that guy’s going to make it. No question about it.' One of these seems to happen every rookie camp."

But Polian said just as important is realizing that not every player adapts as quickly as Bethea, and that just because he doesn't is no guarantee he won't be an NFL success.

Bethea stood put in both rookie camp and Training Camp that year, eventually stealing the starting job away from veteran Mike Doss. Maybe another rookie from this class can come in and unseat another established veteran. We'll see.

Rookies at the 2008 Colts Minicamp. Photos from Colts.com , and by Chris Hall.

WR Rudy Burgess

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