In the nine seasons since the AFC South has been in existence, the Colts have managed to win the division seven times and have missed the playoffs only once in the past 12 seasons. Despite suffering what many thought of as a down year, the 2010 Indianapolis Colts won their final four contests to finish 10-6 and once again qualify for the NFL post-season. But a one and done Wild Card Playoff loss to the Jets exposed some of the key weaknesses that the aging Colts would need to address in the 2011 NFL Draft. Securing protection for  superstar quarterback Peyton Manning was the top priority, and the club did that in a big way.

Draft Day Needs

• Offensive Tackle- Peyton Manning’s greatness cannot be understated. The Colts have never had a superior line, but Manning’s uncanny ability to read the defense and get rid of the ball quickly has kept him relatively injury-free. But at 35, Manning is entering the twilight of his career. Keeping him upright, healthy and with a clean jersey is the top priority for Bill Polian to address.

• Defensive Tackle- Like so many other NFL squads the Colts need help along the defensive line. Antonio Johnson, Fili Moala and Daniel Muir have not made a big impact at defensive tackle. In a draft known to be very deep in quality defensive lineman, it’s likely that Indianapolis will address this position in the first two rounds.

• Strong Safety- The Indy secondary has desperately missed a healthy Bob Sanders. The Colts will play several pass-heavy offenses in 2011, so beefing up the secondary is a big priority.  Since Sander’s career in Indianapolis is likely done, the Colts will focus on replacing him in the middle rounds of  the draft.

• Running Back- Starter Joseph Addai missed a lot of time last year and his absence was noticeable. Addai, 28, has a lot a wear on his tires, and is a pending free agent. 2009 first round selection Donald Brown has underachieved and seems to have lost the coaching staff’s confidence. What the offense has been missing is a big rushing threat to punch out a short yardage role and act as a closer when the Colts are protecting leads in the fourth quarter of close games. 

2011 NFL Draft Day Selections

Round 1 (22) Anthony Castonzo (OT) Boston College- Anyone who watched the draft saw how delighted the Colts were with this selection…it took them all of one minute to turn their card in. Castonzo was widely considered the top pass-blocking tackle available in this draft-class and should be ready to start from day one. He’s an instant upgrade for the club and fills the team’s biggest off-season priority perfectly.

Round 2 (49) Ben Ijalana (OG) Villanova- The Colts really solidified their top need by double dipping on the offensive line. Ijalana was a three time All-American at small school Villanova and has the versatility to start at guard or tackle. He will likely start out on the right side and combined with first round selection Anthony Castonzo could give the Colts a solid starting duo for the next decade.

Round 3 (87) Drake Nevis (DT) LSU- After addressing the team’s biggest needs on the offensive side, the Colts made an excellent value pick with their first defensive selection. Drake Nevis is fast, strong, and plays with a ton of emotion. He’s an instant upgrade and will help improve the club’s traditionally poor rush D.

Round 4 (119) Delone Carter (RB) Syracuse- Fantasy football sleeper alert! Carter is a short, compact runner in the mold of Maurice Jones-Drew. He’s only listed at 5’9″ tall, but is a solid 225 pounds. Carter played four season at Syracuse and finished his career third on their all time rushing list. He’s a solid inside runner that rarely fumbles and is the perfect candidate for the crucial short yardage role. If Joseph Addai does not return to Indy, Carter could be a candidate for a much bigger role and would make a huge fantasy football sleeper candidate.

Round 6 (188) Chris Rucker (CB) Michigan State- Continuing the trend of solid value at need positions, the Colts ended their excellent 2011 NFL Drat by grabbing a talented cornerback who slipped because of character concerns. Although Rucker faced adversity for involvement in a fight and was hit with a two game suspension for an October DWI arrest, he showed a lot of maturity by owning up to his mistakes and apologizing to his teammates and coaches. Rucker (6’1″ 195 lbs.) combines excellent size and coverage skills.  He could see immediate playing time in the secondary as a nickel or dime coverage corner, or as a special teamer.

Fantasy Football Impact

It’s scary to think how much better Peyton Manning could be with a solid young offensive line protecting him. The Indy receiving corps is aging and prone to injuries. Dallas Clark should return healthy and be a top two tight end. The most important situation for fantasy football fans to keep an eye on will be in the Colts backfield. If Joseph Addai re-signs and is healthy he’ll be a solid contributor. The real sleeper in the mix could be the rookie fourth round selection, Delone Carter, who is a perfect fit for the type of player that the potent Colts offense has been sorely lacking.