Indianapolis Colts

HISTORY
Founded as the Baltimore Colts of the NFL in 1953. Moved to the AFC in 1970 as part of the AFL/NFL merger. Relocated to Indianapolis in 1984.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUMMARY
League Championships: 4 - 1958 (NFL), 1959 (NFL), 1968 (NFL), 1970 (Super Bowl)

Conference Championships: 5 - 1958 (WFC), 1959 (WFC), 1964 (WFC), 1968 (WFC), 1970 (AFC)

Division Championships: 10 - 1968 (NFL Coastal), 1970 (AFC East), 197 (AFC East), 1976 (AFC East), 1977 (AFC East), 1987 (AFC East), 1999 (AFC East), 2003 (AFC South), 2004 (AFC south), 2005 (AFC south)

Playoff Appearances: 19 - 1958, 1959, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1987, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

2005 Finish: 14-2, 1 st Place AFC South

Recent Records:

2004: 12-4 2005: 14-2 2006: 12-4

2008 NFL DRAFT GRADES

Indianapolis Colts: B-

The Colts didn’t do anything that got me excited, but they did grab a plethora of good college players that play the right way - you can’t really knock that. If their draft was an NBA team, it would have the excitement of the Spurs and the upside of Nic Collison. Yay…

Mike Pollack lacks a little power, but he’s athletic and smart. He projects anywhere on the line, and probably won’t start but obviously has a future in protection of the Colts most prized possession.

Phillip Wheeler was great college player, but many thought his size would hurt him at the next level. Indy, known for giving the old middle finger to “NFL size standards” gladly selected Wheeler at the end of Round 3. He moves well and rarely misses a tackle or takes a misstep.

Jacob Tamme was a good player for a Kentucky team that really surprised this season. He ran better than people expected, giving the Colts yet another weapon at TE.

Marcus Howard did his best work in the biggest games, and despite his 6′1″ 230lb frame he is a powerful pass rusher. In the 5th round, I love this value. This is my favorite pick that Indy made.

Tom Santi (TE), Steve Justice (OT), and Mike Hart (RB) were all selected in Round 6. Santi does lots of things well though he doesn’t really do anything great. He’ll stick in Indy because of his football IQ. Justice was a great center for a surprising Wake Forest team - he’ll add good young depth to Indy’s line. Hart averaged about 5 yards a carry for Michigan and was a workhorse for the Wolverines. He doesn’t have size, not even decent size, but he runs with strength and heart. He’ll keep a roster spot.

Pierre Garcon was an elite small college player, one of the best in the land. He dominated to the tune of 60 career touchdowns and over 17 yards per reception. Garcon put up great numbers at the Combine as well, and looks to make a name for himself amongst the big boys. Garcon’s athleticism is an amazing steal at this point in the draft, but his early struggles with grades and the fact that he’s a late bloomer hurt his chances at a D1 scholarship. But I’ve always said, you can be great against the small schools and still be great in the NFL - he sure was amazing in college.

Jeremy Richard becomes the 4th offensive lineman selected by the Colts, 5th if you count Santi (TE) as a blocking type player. Richard has good height, but played against a low level of opponent and needs to get a lot stronger before he becomes a factor in the League.

2007 Indianapolis Colts

If the Colts really get down to business in 2007, and Peyton Manning can finally clear those post season hurdles, Indy could find themselves in their first Super Bowl under the Dungy regime. Ugh, oh, well, if they get everything right, the Colts could REPEAT as Champions. Indy had an up-down-and definitely up again year, as ‘06 started with 9 straight wins, then a 3-4 finish to the regular season, and of course a dominating push through the post season, finishing with a 12 point win over the Bears on Super Bowl Sunday. While free agency was sure to tear apart the Colts, Indy’s brass has done well in stomping out the fire, as none of the Colts star defenders have found other teams yet, but this waiting game will continue throughout the free agency period. Rob Morris re-signed, and the Colts hope they can get Dwight Freeney and Cato June back on board as well. Peyton Manning had a great season, once again, and though his post season was far from perfect, the Colts running game, yes the one without Edge, showed their worth as both Dominic Rhodes (currently with the Raiders) and Joseph Addai (soon to be an All-Pro) blew up in the playoffs, and especially the Super Bowl. Marvin Harrison had another fantastic season, as did Reggie Wayne, but it should be interesting to see how well the marvelous Marvin holds up as he gets up there in age. Repeating in the NFL is almost impossible, but the Colts have a great team.

2007 Off-Season Plans:

In an off season that was almost sure to dismantle a Colts defense that came together and basically won each game throughout the playoffs with their improved play, the Colts have held the group together pretty well. Cato June hasn’t left yet, Freeney was franchised, Rob Morris re-upped, while the only players to leave thus far have been Dominic Rhodes (free agent), Montae Reagor (cut), and Brandon Stokley (cut). Obviously, the Colts don’t have many spots to fill on a team that proved to be the best the NFL had to offer, but as always, Indy will be looking to improve defensively on draft day. Defensive backs, linebackers, and linemen that fit their 4-3 cover 2 scheme should be easy to find throughout the first 4 rounds. Don’t be surprised if the Colts fill some holes in the latter stages of free agency when all these huge free agent checks shrink to their liking. ON draft day, look defense in Indy. I have the Colts taking corner Chris Houston with their 1st round pick, but if Cato June doesn’t find his way back to Indy, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts reached a little for a backer that fits their need. Needs aren’t a bad move when you’re Super Bowl worthy, and as tough as it is to do it two years in a row, I won’t put it past the Colts.

See the COLTS draft situation at Lucky’s Mock Draft!

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