Colts Draft Picks in 2008?

With the 2008 NFL Draft just six weeks or so away, time is winding down on evaluations on team Big Boards and strategies that will potential make or break the future of an organization.

The Indianapolis Colts, in the Bill Polian era, have done dramatically well. This year, however, there is a certain angst among fans due to the uncertainy of key players. Specifically, the long-term health and ability of defensive end Dwight Freeney, and future hall of fame receiver Marvin Harrison.

Add to that the departure of a top offensive lineman (Jake Scott) who signed with a division foe (Tennessee) this past week, the uncertainty in free agents like safety Matt Giordano, and the murky waters of the off-season do not seem to be getting any clearer.

Then the Colts watched TE Ben Utecht get an offer from the NY Jets, which depletes the reserve TE position to just one subsitute for starter Dallas Clark. With depth an issue there, at running back, defensive end and the offensive line, the problem of just six overall draft selections becomes more apparent. Not to mention critical.

Drafting late in the second round, the Colts could have plenty of solid prospects to choose from, but unlike years past, the money situation is bleak and the need for multiple, good picks is significant because of the aforementioned lack of depth dangers.

Potentially on the board at the Colts first pick in the late second round will be a top running back, top tight end and exceptionally good linebackers, a couple of solid wideouts,defensive ends and offensive linemen. Which do you go with if, for example, all were of "equal" value.

Bill Polian has shown he is up to the challenge in years past. Freeney, Bob Sanders and Dwight Clark are prime examples. Perhaps his least obvious, but highly successful picks, have been along the offensive line. Take the Tony Ugoh last year, or wideout Anthony Gonzales too. Antoine Bethea was a huge find in the latter rounds of that draft class. So you can always expect the unexpected with Mr. Polian during the draft.

It would not surprise me to see him trade down (assuming he could find a willing trade partner to do so) in order to save money on front end contracts, acquire more players and fill needs with attendant value.

One thing is for certain. It should be a heckuva show.