Chris Polk 5’ 10” 215 lbs

Attempts: 293 Yards: 1488 TD: 12

Polk was a leader for the Huskies, mostly because he led by example with a very tough work ethic that also translated into some amazing game-day performances. Polk could go higher than expected because of the overall lack of  talent at RB.  He has the speed and power to become an every-down back in the NFL. With a lot of experience in pass protection and running routes, Polk could also start out as a third-down back.  While he was at the University of Washington, Polk was the workhorse of the team and carried the ball almost 800 times (799 to be exact). Polk is my favorite back in the draft; at times while he was at Washington he seemed almost, dare I say it, Arian Foster-like, with a good mix of instincts, size, and speed.

Isaiah Pead 5’ 10” 197 lbs.

Attempts: 237 Yards: 1,259 TD:12

Pead is a solid running back and had a good career with the Cincinnati Bearcats.  He’s also seen as the sixth best running back in this year’s NFL Draft. As far as his build goes, he could add some bulk to his frame, but he does have the speed to compete in the NFL:  he ran a 4.47 forty yard dash at the combine. Pead also doesn’t run with as much power as one would hope,  but he does run the ball very well north-and-south. As far as his role in the passing game goes, Pead doesn’t block very well and will need lots of work in pass protection but is a decent receiver out of the backfield.

Lamichael James 5’ 8” 194 lbs.

Attempts: 247 Yards: 1805 TD: 18

Speed, speed, and more speed are what James brings to your roster. He is very small and doesn’t have quite the bulk needed to have any longevity in the NFL.  Of course, it’s possible James could be a Darren Sproles type player and be one of the more lethal third-down weapons in NFL history. Although James suffered a series of injuries while at the University of Oregon, not many were serious enough to require surgery. James will be an impact player right away with his speed but he isn’t much in pass protection.

Terrence Gannaway 5’ 11” 239 lbs.

Attempts: 250 Yards: 1547 TD: 21

Gannaway is one of the bigger running backs in this year’s draft class, but he isn’t the battering ram one would expect for a back his size. He ran a 4.67 forty yard dash, so he isn’t the fastest runner in the draft either.   What he really offers, then, is  potential.   I’m not saying Gannaway could be the next great thing, but he does have the talent, size, and intangibles to become a very solid running back in the NFL, especially in this era where the two-back system has been adopted by almost every team.

Chris Rainey 5’ 8” 180lbs

Attempts: 171 Yards: 861 TD: 2

I believe Rainey will be more successful than Lamichael James, mostly because Rainey can more than likely step in right away and make an impact. He rates higher in terms of pass protection and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. In a two-back system, Rainey would be a great fit for the Colts, especially if Delone Carter becomes the main guy and they just need someone as a change-of-pace guy.

Dwight Freeney has been a Colts monster for a decade.

Dwight Freeney, DE  - 2002

Lots of people will argue that Robert Mathis was only as amazing as he was because Freeney was getting double- and sometimes triple-teamed by offensive linemen and running backs.  Opposing quarterbacks didn’t have much time to make up their mind once the ball was snapped. Many may remember Freeney for his amazing performance in Super Bowl 46, where played fairly well with a sprained ankle.

Robert Mathism, DE – 2003

Every once in a while, you find a diamond in the rough: an absolute game-changer is what Mathis became for the Colts defense.  He is a combination of speed and power that has made quarterbacks lives miserable for the last nine years. Mathis will be part of the new look Colts 3-4 defense, where he will be playing at stand-up defensive end for the first time in his career.

Dallas Clark, TE – 2003

Clark was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2003 draft and went on to become one of the most productive tight ends of the last decade. Clark might have been the absolute perfect piece to the puzzle for the Colts offense, with his size and speed creating match-up problems all around the league.

Pierre Garcon, WR – 2008

Garcon was clearly one of the more talented players to play for the Colts during his tenure with the team.  Garcon played the role of big play receiver. Drafted in the 6^th round of the 2008 draft Garcon was clearly a steal but was drafted in a fairly weak wide receiver class. Garcon left the Colts this past off-season and will be on the Washington Redskins payroll in 2012.  He may have a long future ahead of him, but I will always know him as the guy who dropped a key first down pass in the Super Bowl loss to the Saints.

Austin Collie, WR – 2009 

Drafted in the 4^th round in the 2009 draft, Collie would join the legendary Peyton Manning in the high-octane Colts offense and was almost part of an undefeated regular season. Collie would quickly become a favorite in 2010, as he started the year off with an 11-catch game against the Houston Texans.  Collie will remain on the team going forward and should provide experienced veteran receiver for whoever the QB might be for the Colts in 2012.

Could be the last time we see Wayne and Garcon in a Colts uniform

Peyton Manning isn’t the only member of the Colts offense with a hazy future ahead of him: wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon are both set to be unrestricted free agents. Wayne and Garcon each had at least 70 catches along with over 900 yards receiving in 2011 despite sub-par quarterback play  without a healthy Manning behind center.

Wayne has the most seniority of the bunch, but that may not work in his favor, seeing how the Colts may not want to pay as much as the veteran will ask for his services. It would be a mistake for the Colts to ditch Wayne, though,  especially if they don’t re-sign Manning. Whoever is the Colts’ quarterback, whether it’s Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Dan Orlovsky, or Curtis Painter, will need someone who has leadership and consistency to lead the receiving corps. Also, Wayne is only 33 years old and should be productive for at least two more years.

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