Like many of you, I assumed the Colts drafted Division III WR Pierre Garcon to return punts and kicks in 2008. Otherwise, it makes no sense to have him on the roster, because the Colts already have another "project" WR in Roy Hall. Apparently, our assumptions were not correct:
Although Garcon returned punts and kicks in college, Polian said that likely won’t be his role early. Rather, he will learn the Colts’ offense and work to make the significant step from a lower level of college football to the sport’s highest level.
“I’m confident,” Garcon said. “I know what I can do. It’s going to be a big jump. Every level, you have to adjust to how things are going. It will be a big jump, but I know I can do it. You just have to adjust.”
Um, what? The Colts have Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Roy Hall, and Devon Aromashodu. If Garcon is not returning kicks or punts, he will not make the 53 man roster, which in turn means he was a completely wasted draft pick. I'm sure Garcon has the physical tools to develop into a good receiver, but it makes no sense to draft this guy for the 2008 squad if he is not getting used on punts and kicks. It is a major strength of his game, and an area the Colts need improvement in.