Dontari Poe might look good in Blue and White.

Hey, we all know what the Colts are going to do with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but what about those other rounds?  Indy needs help almost everywhere, so it will probably be a case of the fabled “best available talent.”     Between now and the draft, we’ll look at a few of the guys who might fill some of the Colts’ many holes.

University of Memphis DT Dontari Poe certainly has something the Colts should be looking for: run-stop ability.  Poe, a second-string All-Conference USA selection, is big, strong, and quick.  His strong point is tackling ball carriers, which, when you get right down to it, is a pretty important attribute for a TACKLE to possess.   Of course, that would be in stark contrast to the Colts D in recent years and might get them off the field a little more quickly.

Poe, just finishing his junior year, declared for the draft in December.

Big Ben Ijalana is expected to provide strong side protection for Peyton Manning ... soon!

Over the last few days, somewhat hidden beneath the flash of free agency and the Peyton Manning contract negotiations, the Indianapolis Colts have been busy securing players they hope will part of their future.    Now, as training camp is gearing up in Anderson, the Colts have signed three of their 2011 draft picks: Villanova offensive tackle Ben Ijalana (second round), Syracuse running back Delone Carter (fourth round) and Michigan State cornerback Chris Rucker (sixth round).    Notably absent from that list is first-rounder Anthony Castonzo, an offensive tackle from Boston College.  LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis (third round) is also still unsigned.

With the impending release of Ryan Diem, Ijalana may have a chance to win the right tackle position outright during camp, though the team earlier announced that neither he nor Castonzo would be starters out of the gate.  Carter is a hard-nosed runner who I think will compete for serious playing time in a crowded running back rotation, and he should provide insurance for the newly re-signed Joseph Addai.   Rucker also may get more of a shot than initially expected thanks to the recent cutting of Kelvin Hayden.

It is vital for the Colts to get Castonzo under contract as soon as possible, because left tackle has been a sore spot for the team since Tarik Glenn retired in 2007.    Everyday of camp that Castonzo misses is a big deal, especially since there were not OTAs this year, and Peyton Manning’s aching neck makes LT more important than ever.