Bill Polian made it clear after Super Bowl 44 that the Colts offensive line was a big reason why the club does not have two Lombardi trophies in their glass case at West 56th Street. Veteran center Jeff Saturday kindly told Bill Polian he was wrong. Today, the Colts personnel staff took steps to fix an offensive line that is both good and terrible, depending upon who you talk to.
From our friends at Arrowhead Pride, the Colts have signed former Chiefs guard and center Andy Alleman.
Alleman is 6'4, 304 pounds and was drafted three years ago in the seventh third round by the Saints. He signed a three year contract with the Saints in 2007, but was cut during training camp in 2008. He was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins and then eventually traded to the Chiefs for an undisclosed draft pick in 2010. Alleman was a restricted free agent this off-season and the Chiefs did not tender him. Thus, the Colts could sign him.
Alleman is someone the Colts have had their eye on. They tried to claim him in late-August of last year, but were unsuccessful. When he was drafted, both he and the Saints were very hopeful he would work out. Obviously, it didn't. Here's a few paragraphs from a Times-Picayune article about the Saints drafting Alleman:
Alleman, who described himself as the "most athletic lineman in the country," was brimming with excitement and personality after a long wait on Saturday.
"I'm ready to go guys. Let's go. Whoo!" a fired-up Alleman said during a conference call from his home in Greentown. "Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush. Let's go!"
"Andy Alleman's a player we had in two weeks ago," Saints Coach Sean Payton said. "He's a guy we feel is big and strong and powerful. A tough, smart guy. He's got good feet, he's athletic, he's physical. We think he can come in and compete. We feel real good about that."
Scouting reports say Alleman needs to develop more as a run-blocker. But he improved his stock at the NFL Combine in February, when he ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 5.07 seconds. He also posted a 40-inch vertical leap and did 27 reps of 225 pounds.
The Colts are Alleman's fourth team in four seasons. He seems to have all the physical tools, and he fits what the Colts look for in an o-linemen (fast, athletic, not fat, quick feet, etc.).This kid will be new o-line coach Pete Metzelaars' first "project player." It will be interesting to see if "Metz" can develop this guy and turn him into a good player.