Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams' off-season needs. Up next is the team with the 32nd overall pick in the draft, the Indianapolis Colts.
2006 Results: 12-4 (1st in AFC South) | 2006 Super Bowl Champions
2007 Projected Cap Status: $103,100,000 $5.9 million under the Cap as of March 2nd
2006 Season Recap:
The Indianapolis Colts went through the 2006 season just as they had gone through the three seasons before, winning 12 or more games (14-2 in 2005, 12-4 in 2004, and 12-4 in 2003) and cruising into the play-offs. That’s when things strayed off the beaten path; the Colts didn’t fold in the 2006 post season.
The Colts got most of the “monkeys off their backs”. By winning the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning will not have to hear “he can’t win the big one” anymore; the Colts defense will not be accused of being strictly a cover 2 scheme that can’t stop the run; and as a team the Colts proved they can win outside of a Dome. In the end, the team that’s been tagged for years to, 'make it to the playoffs only to lose,' was the only team that didn’t.
Team needs:
1. Defensive Line - DT Montae Reagor's contract forced the team to release him because of a bonus that was coming due and the fact that he may not be ready for mini-camp. Injuries slowed defensive end Dwight Freeney for a number of weeks last year. Resigning Dan Klecko will add depth but Booger McFarland and Raheem Brock may see competition during camp for their starting positions.
2. Linebacker - The Colts defense wasn’t very good during 2006 but that changed in the post season, the loss of LB Cato June to free agency weakens an already limited group. A physical run stopping linebacker could provide some punch to the speed in the unit.
3. Defensive Back - Safety Antoine Bethea had a breakout year but with the loss of safety Mike Doss, the Colts will need to find an aggressive, hard hitting safety in the draft or via free agency. CB Nick Harper signed with the division rival Titans, so they’ll also need to find another corner in the second day of the draft.
Franchise Player: DE Dwight Freeney: Tendered at $8.66M
Players’ Signed/Re-signed: LB Gilbert Gardner (re-signed)
DT Dan Klecko (re-signed)
OG Ryan Lilja (re-signed)
LB Rob Morris (re-signed)
DE Bo Schobel (re-signed)
QB John Navarre: (RFA Cardinals)
Restricted Free Agents: CB Jason David (tendered at $850,000 with 4th-round pick as compensation)
OG Jake Scott (tendered at $1.3M with 2nd-round pick as compensation)
QB Jim Sorgi (tendered at $850,000 with 6th-round pick as compensation)
DE Josh Thomas (tendered at $1.3M with 2nd-round pick as compensation)
Players Lost: CB Nick Harper (UFA Titans)
LB Cato June: (UFA Buccaneers)
DT Montae Reagor (released/failed physical)
S Dexter Reid (released)
RB Dominic Rhodes (UFA Raiders)
WR Brandon Stokley (released/failed physical)
DE Jonathan Welsh (released)
Check out more at THN's exclusive 2007 NFL Draft section.
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