Rosters haven't been locked down, but by watching mini-camp practice we can get a decent sense of who will likely start at certain key positions. On the position of guard, the Colts have a lot of candidates on the roster who may win one of two potential starting gigs. During mini-camp practice Saturday, Eric Hartz of Colt Power Tweeted that the interior linemen working with the #1 group were Kyle DeVan at right guard and Mike Pollak at left guard.

DeVan at right guard is not surprising, but Pollak at left guard is.

Sitting out from the Saturday practice were Tony Ugoh, Jaimie Thomas and Jamey Richard. All three are competing for one of the guard spots along with DeVan and Pollak.

Also competing for a spot is Andy Alleman, who was picked up after the Chiefs chose not to tender him for 2010. Alleman, unlike DeVan (6'2, 306) and Mike Pollak (6'3, 301) has a bit more size with his 6'4, 310 pound frame. He also seems to fit the trend that the Colts are looking to get bigger along the offensive line in 2010. I mean, if they aren't looking to get bigger, why did they dump Ryan Lilja (6'2, 290) for no apparent reason following the 2009 season?

Also left off the #1 group was Jacques McClendon, the 6'2, 308 pound kid from Tennessee that everyone is so high on.

Regarding Pollak, having him in there over Alleman and McClendon is a bit of a pleasant surprise. Also, it is possible that his practicing at left guard with the #1 group is something he earned rather than him playing because Ugoh, Thomas, or Richard were held out of practice. Recently, Jim Caldwell had some very positive things to say about the 2008 second round pick:

He’s done well. He’s battled through some adversity. I think he will benefit from that, just in terms of his determination, his dedication. He is a guy that has physical tools. He has strength and size. He’s very bright, and I think you’ll start to see him really come along. He’s been doing great thus far in practice. He’s been handling his assignments well. It’s not like he hasn’t been playing at all for us. He’s been around and in the system and we need him to come along. Right now, he is doing very well.

It would be nice if Pollak were to re-earn a starting job and contribute to this football team. He was awful in 2009, losing his starting right guard spot to Kyle DeVan, who the year prior was playing Arena II football. If Pollak can return to the starting group, it would be a big step towards him removing the "draft bust" sign that is hovering over his head.

This weekend has been excellent for me so far.  Yesterday I attended a friend's birthday party at a lake a couple of hours from here - we swam, played volleyball, had some hot dogs and just enjoyed each other's company.  When we got home, I was completely blown away by 20 people hiding in my kitchen waiting to wish me a happy 40th birthday (part of the surprise is that my birthday isn't until the 18th).  This included several people who had to travel long distances for the occasion.

High on life, I fired up the computer this morning hoping to read more details about the open mini-camp yesterday at the Luke, and my stomach sank.  Phillip B. Wilson is reporting that - once again - Anthony Gonzalez has been sidelined.  I am hoping that this is just a precaution, that they're trying to ease him back into work, but I am really afraid that there may be more to the story.

Others have also been kept out - Brown, Powers, Hayden, Freeney - but in most of those cases it is known that they are still rehabbing, so it's not as surprising or disturbing.  Here's to hoping they can all get back soon!

From Colts.com:

On Saturday, June 5th, the Indianapolis Colts will host a FREE mini-camp and fan open house at Lucas Oil Stadium presented by CardioChek and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield. The fan open house will begin at 10:00 and include activities on the playing field, live music, appearances by Blue and the Colts Cheerleaders, a Colts garage sale, unique photo opportunities, free cholesterol screenings and more. At 2:15, the playing field will be cleared and the Colts will host a full-squad practice open to the public. Join us at Lucas Oil Stadium on June 5th for this special opportunity presented by CardioChek and Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

Paul Kuharsky is gives us the first real injury report of the 2010 off-season:

While Manning and safety Bob Sanders (biceps) are recovered and working, the Colts listed 13 players who won't practice Friday because of injuries, including Dwight Freeney, cornerbacks Kelvin Hayden and Jerraud Powers and offensive lineman Tony Ugoh. Caldwell declined to get into specifics.

For Ugoh, this injury is not good. He's fighting for a roster spot, and with guys like Andy Alleman and Mike Pollak also looking to stay on this team, missing time because of an injury will make things tough for Tony.

The one positive news on the injury front is Peyton Manning's neck seems fine after off-season surgery. By what PFT suggests, Manning suffered this injury (pinched nerve) in 2006 when two Washington Redskins defenders nearly took his head off in a regular season game. However, after having the surgery, Manning says he no longer needs multiple treatment sessions on the neck:

"I feel good out there throwing, I feel good in my lifting, I feel like everything went according to plan," Manning said on the opening day of the Indianapolis Colts' mandatory minicamp. "I'm very relieved of that and I no longer have to get the treatment that I was having to get for the past four years.

"Treatment was time as much as anything, manual traction trying to relieve some things. Three times a day about 25 minutes apiece just got to be tough, very time consuming."

Manning has spent time this off-season working with rookie tight end Brody Eldridge along with receivers Sam Giguere and Anthony Gonzalez.

The first big mandatory event for the Colts and their players begins today with their 2010 team mini-camp. Remember, tomorrow's mini-camp practice will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium, and it is free to the public. So, if you can, I highly recommend you go to the stadium on Saturday.

Unfortunately, one player you will not see at mini-camp practice is Reggie Wayne. While we all like Reggie and root for him, he's acting like a schmuck right now by holding out from mini-camp over this stupid contract thing. Apparently, six million dollars a year is not enough for him.

Two other players who might skip mini-camp are Antoine Bethea and Robert Mathis. As far as I know, Bethea has not signed his tender, which the Colts offered him on March 3rd. Since Bethea has not signed, he cannot attend camp. Mathis has held out of OTAs because, like Wayne, he is somehow upset with his contract. According to Paul Kuharsky, Jim Caldwell is not sure if Bethea or Mathis will attend camp.

Of course, all three of these holdouts are dumb. The Colts can, and likely should, fine each player for missing an event that is mandatory. Holdouts like these do nothing but create unwanted distractions. They impede the team's chances to win, and winning is the bottom line in this business. Plus, it's not like Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne are hurting financially.

Well, OK, maybe Reggie has a little credit card debt, but since 2006 Reggie has pocketed tens of millions of dollars. So, no offense, but this holdout over more money is bull.

That said, if Jim Caldwell truly believes in "open competition," then players like Anthony Gonzalez, Jerry Hughes, and Melvin Bullitt should have a leg up on winning the jobs Wayne, Mathis, and Bethea respectively held last year. Unlike the guys holding out from mini-camp, Gonzo, Hughes, and Bullitt will likely attend. Want to send a strong message? The guys who show up win the coveted jobs.

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