The well-stocked Colts were outfitted with a lot of late-round ammunition, and a class full of role players is befitting of a team in their position. Not that they intend for their draftees to always be backups. Venerable C Jeff Saturday will be 33 in June, and with the future of the position in mind, the Colts took three college centers. Neither Mike Pollak, Steve Justice nor Jamey Richard qualifies as a powerful road grader, but they all play with the intelligence demanded of the position. Their overall efficiency makes them attractive options to eventually replace Saturday. Pollak likely will compete at guard right away, but Richard needs a lot of coaching. TEs Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi provide value at a position lean with capable bodies behind Dallas Clark, although each excels in different areas. Tamme’s a crafty receiver with little worth as a blocker, while Santi can help open running lanes but doesn’t inspire with the ball in his hands. The third round has been Bill Polian’s Achilles’ heel, and OLB Philip Wheeler’s lack of football intelligence could be restricting. Marcus Howard has CB-speed but limited experience and zero instincts. His raw speed could allow him to rush the passer, however, and he could see action in a situational role initially. While Mike Hart is a better fit for a power-running offense than the Colts’ spread, he personified toughness and production throughout his standout career at Michigan and could make it. Division III product Pierre Garcon shows some spark as a punt and kickoff returner and has the work ethic and speed to develop into a reliable receiver eventually.
