Shaking Up the Front

Just when you think the Colts are set to stand pat with their current roster, they throw fans a curveball that sets the tone for the rest of the offseason. According to Fox Sports the Indianapolis Colts have released left guard Ryan Lilja. It was no mystery that the Colts had to upgrade the offensive line, but this move indicates the Colts are clearly aware of the problem and it is something that will be addressed. Lilja missed the 2008 season with knee surgeries, and this season he performed like a shell of his former self. Throughout the season he struggled in the run game, just as the majority of the offensive line did. However, it does not appear that the Colts believe Lilja will ever be able to return to the level of performance he was once at. This move may force the Colts to target a guard in the 1st or 2nd round in this year’s draft, and there are a couple of players that instantly come to mind. 

Two of the first round prospects that the Colts may choose to pursue at offensive guard come from opposite ends of Division I football. Maurkice Pouncey was a starter for the Florida Gators, helping anchor one of the best offenses in college football over the past few seasons. Pouncey played center at Florida, however, he has the capability of playing either guard position or center. Not only would Pouncey provide a quality upgrade at either guard position, but he would also be able to be Jeff Saturday’s eventual successor. It is rare to see an interior lineman drafted in the first round, but Pouncey has the talent and ability to crack the top 32. He is a fantastic all-around blocker, and being part of a winning culture fits in nicely with what the Colts want. Another possible guard prospect that the Colts may select in the first round is Idaho guard, Mike Iupati. Unlike Pouncey, Iupati comes from a smaller college, and has not had to face the level of competition that Pouncey has. However, Iupati has the frame and build to be successful in the NFL, and he is an absolute monster on the inside. A big, tough, and physical blocker, Iupati offers everything that teams look for from their guards. Although he is a brute, 6-5/330, he is still learning the game and his feet aren’t overly nimble. These weaknesses were often masked in college, as he was able to make up for it with strength. However, his upside and potential is tremendous, and he will continue to grow in the NFL.

 Although there are multiple guards that the Colts may look to select in this year’s draft, these are the only two that are garnering first round buzz. Rodger Saffold, out of Indiana University, is another guard who is rapidly climbing up draft boards, and the Colts could look to add a hometown kid in the second round. Saffold played tackle in college, but many teams are more interested in shifting him to guard. The Colts must look to add depth and talent to the offensive line, and I believe that they must do so early. Waiting until the fourth or fifth round to find a starting caliber lineman, will not cut it. There are a plethora of quality guards who can step in from day one and start, but they will all be gone with the first few rounds. It is important that the Colts snag one of these talented guards, and several will be available with the 31st pick.