Can the Colts Still Capitalize on Undrafted Free Agents This Year?

Bob Kravitz has an article in the Indianapolis Star this morning that contends the lockout won’t ultimately affect the Colts as much as it will some other, less experienced teams.    That may be true, but I think Peyton Manning’s lingering neck and contract issues are big worry points, as is the uncertainty at left tackle.   Simply put, this offense may sputter along for awhile until Manning is healthy and has his timing back, and that could spell bad news for Big Blue in the context of the entire season.   This team is and always has been predicated on a high-powered offense and a quick, hard-hitting defense.

One point that Kravitz makes which I think is right on the money is that undrafted free agents are going to play less of a role this year than ever before during the Polian era in Indy.   The Colts have been masterful in mining the ranks of guys who just missed on draft day, coming up with gems like Gary Brackett and Melvin Bullitt who made an impact almost immediately.  Without the benefit of the normal off-season activities and time to study the Colts system, anyone brought on board would likely be learning from the sidelines this fall.  Also, most of the front office effort is going to be focused on how to handle the team’s own free agents, so it’ll be a tough row to hoe for the undrafted guys this time around.

Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Colts give a couple of guys a shot.    The Bleacher Report has a list of the top undrafted free agents, and there are a couple of interesting names on that board, particularly on the defensive side of the board.  Someone will give them a chance, and the Colts could get involved on guys like safeties DeAndre McDaniel and Deunta Williams or DT Martin Parker.