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Over the next month, "SportsCenter" will be putting every NFL team "On The Clock." Scouts Inc. will also be breaking down each team and looking at what questions still need answering. The Colts are up first.
Key additions The NFL is picking over Indianapolis' roster and the Colts have done nothing to recover so far through free agency. They did put the franchise tag on defensive end Dwight Freeney, whose pass rush ability makes this defense dangerous when the Colts are playing with a lead. He is a difference maker. This is a very established organization and that stability with management, coaches and on-the-field leadership is what makes this team great. But by having so many big contracts, the Colts have handcuffed themselves with their ability to acquire talent. As an elite team, the Colts don't need a huge influx of players to make another run at the Super Bowl, but they will be picking last in the draft, and adding substantial new contributors will be very difficult. Key losses While they did keep Freeney for one more season, the Colts will surely lose outside linebacker Cato June and their linebacking corps has been decimated in free agency the last few offseasons. Indianapolis seems to lose a starting linebacker every year. June's production wavered this year, but depth here is a concern. Running back Dominic Rhodes left for the Raiders. He was a major contributor, especially in the postseason. Starting cornerback Nick Harper is now with the division rival Titans and will be missed. Harper was a very good fit in Indianapolis' Tampa 2 defensive scheme and possibly its best cornerback. Defensive tackle Corey Simon, who missed all of last season, is probably on his way out as well. Super Bowl teams usually get raided and Indianapolis is no different. The Colts' ability to develop talent is going to be severely tested. Remaining questions As Super Bowl champions go, the Colts have quite a few holes that need to be filled. On offense, they need a second running back to lighten the load and complement Joseph Addai and they could use a young wide receiver, who would immediately fill the role as their third receiver. On defense, their needs are many. Safety and defensive end are the only positions that do not need to be addressed. It is still conceivable that Indianapolis re-signs June, but that is unlikely. The Colts need to bulk up at defensive tackle, and add at least one linebacker to compete for a starting spot and another cornerback at the minimum. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2799188 |
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