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John Farley at Field Gulls, the Seattle Seahawks SB Nation blog, had a fantastic idea for an interactive story during the slowest time of the NFL off-season. He put together a list of the franchise’s all-time 53-man roster that culminated into this story.
The Colts have had their own rich history of players who should not be forgotten and who deserve the kind of recognition that Hall of Fame voters and fans of other franchise’s might never see. This is the chance for the Stampede Blue Colts fan community to look back at Colts greats and vote for who they believe belongs on the all-time team.
We now move to the trenches. The offensive and defensive lines have not been the most celebrated units on either side of the football for quite some time in Indianapolis. However, there is a rich history at each position in the trenches spanning back to the franchise’s roots. Which of these players deserve a spot on the Colts all-time 53?
Each position will have the following roster spots: Center (2), Guard (3), Tackle (4), Defensive Tackle (5), Defensive End (5).
For those concerned about deserving players not making the cut, we will include a 10 player practice squad designation and discuss the biggest snubs.
Center
Although it is expected for the vast majority of Colts fans today to be very familiar with one of the Colts centers who is included in our pole, they might be surprised to know that the team has a pretty strong history at the position. Which of these two players deserve a spot on the all-time team?
Poll
Which Colts Center Must Be on the Colts All-Time 53
This poll is closed
-
12%
Ray Donaldson
(76 votes) -
1%
Ken Mendenhall
(7 votes) -
0%
Buzz Nutter
(5 votes) -
85%
Jeff Saturday
(505 votes)
Guard
One of the more underrated and underappreciated positions along the offensive line, there have been key contributions throughout Colts history by players at this position. There have also been some pretty important quarterbacks to put on the horseshoe and rely on these plays to keep their face-mask clean. Three guards will make the roster.
Poll
Which Colts Guard Must Be on the Colts All-Time 53
This poll is closed
-
43%
Ryan Lilja
(229 votes) -
5%
Robert Pratt
(28 votes) -
5%
Glenn Ressler
(31 votes) -
30%
Jake Scott
(161 votes) -
8%
Art Spinney
(44 votes) -
7%
Dan Sullivan
(38 votes)
Tackle
As with the interior offensive linemen, the history of great quarterbacks like Unitas, Jones, Manning and others puts a great deal of attention on the edge protectors. Throughout the years the Colts have had major contributions from the following players. Which of these four players should make the all-time team?
Poll
Which Colts Tackle Must Be on the Colts All-Time 53
This poll is closed
-
6%
Ryan Diem
(40 votes) -
63%
Tarik Glenn
(367 votes) -
12%
Chris Hinton
(73 votes) -
1%
Adam Meadows
(7 votes) -
14%
Jim Parker
(86 votes) -
1%
Bob Vogel
(9 votes)
Defensive Tackle
While the defensive line has been greatly criticized throughout much of Manning and Luck’s NFL careers, there are some big-time producers that have played a significant role in shaping the Colts franchise history. This group will consist of 5 players on the all-time list. Which of these players belongs on it?
Poll
Which Colts Defensive Tackle Must Be on the Colts All-Time 53
This poll is closed
-
50%
Art Donovan
(278 votes) -
5%
John Dutton
(30 votes) -
5%
Ellis Johnson
(32 votes) -
6%
Gene Lipscomb
(38 votes) -
0%
Fred Miller
(3 votes) -
25%
Tony Siragusa
(139 votes) -
4%
Billy Ray Smith, Sr.
(27 votes)
Defensive End
One of the most exciting positions on defense, a lot of pressure is put on the quarterback by these players. There is also a great deal of Colts history at this position and 5 spots to be filled. Which of the following players belong on the all-time team?
Poll
Which Colts Defensive End Must Be on the All-Time 53
This poll is closed
-
0%
Mike Barnes
(0 votes) -
0%
Ordell Braase
(1 vote) -
0%
Chad Bratzke
(2 votes) -
0%
Raheem Brock
(3 votes) -
76%
Dwight Freeney
(458 votes) -
0%
John Hand
(1 vote) -
0%
Roy Hilton
(0 votes) -
12%
Gino Marchetti
(76 votes) -
0%
Cory Redding
(1 vote) -
9%
Bubba Smith
(58 votes) -
0%
Donnell Thompson
(0 votes)
As with the previous all-time 53 pieces, we will create a second post if we need to trim down the votes.