Johnny O takes a look at the pass rushers.
In 2004, Mathis’ first season as a major force in the defense, he missed a Divisional Playoff game against the New England Patriots. After winning nine consecutive meaningful games, the Colts lost to the Patriots, 20-3. Three seasons later, with Freeney out with a foot injury, the Colts were unable to generate significant pass rush late in the season and lost a Divisional Playoff game to the San Diego Chargers. This past season, with Freeney playing with a sprained ankle in the Super Bowl, the Colts were unable to get enough pressure on New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees in the second half of a 31-17 loss.
Thus, with the No. 31 overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Colts selected Hughes, a pass-rushing linebacker from Texas Christian who had 26.5 sacks over the past two seasons. He led the nation with 15 sacks as a junior, and the Colts envision him as a rusher who can play from a three-point stance and also a player who can play linebacker in some situations.
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