The early rounds in a very real sense typify not only the strength of the Colts’ roster – they made the Super Bowl and sustained no significant free-agent losses, so it stands to reason there would be few roster openings for rookies – but also the Colt’s operating philosophy.
The Colts have remained one of the NFL’s elite teams for nearly a decade for many reasons. The most obvious is four-time Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning, but another critical reason is Polian’s roster management, and this year’s draft is another example.
The hope, of course, is that Hughes can make an impact immediately, but it’s just as true that Freeney and Mathis are entering their ninth and eighth seasons, respectively. That’s not young in NFL years, and the Colts have struggled defensively at times when either player has been hurt. Now, Indianapolis perhaps can withstand a bit easier the absence of one of the two.
Polian has been adept in recent years at drafting with an eye toward the roster a year away. Outside linebacker Clint Session is entering the fina lyear of his contract and despite re-signing a long-term extension, middle linebacker Gary Brackett won’t necessarily play out that contract. Angerer likely will be a backup this season, but could move to Session’s possession next season and Brackett’s sometime soon after that.
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