2008 Indianapolis Colts Season Preview

2008 Indianapolis Colts preview from MadduxSports.com. The AFC South is once again loaded and week by week anyone can knock off anybody in this division. Having an expert NFL pick handicapper will help you maximize your sports betting profits this season.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Predictions
By Adam Barone

Rundown
New stadium, same coach, same quarterback—same old Colts. Indy has decidedly one of the strongest rosters in the league, led by one of the best coaching staffs. And Peyton Manning—he’s decent.

The RCA Dome will be replaced by Lucas Oil Stadium, an enormous, Ford Field-like entity that will probably only inspire the Colts to be better.

Head coach Tony Dungy was expected to retire following last season, but surprised everyone with his decision to stick around.

Running back Dominic Rhodes and nine draft picks will replace the likes of linebacker Rocky Boiman, defensive tackles Dan Klecko and Anthony McFarland, linebacker Rob Morris, guard Jake Scott, and tight end Ben Utecht. Many of those names are recognizable, but none produced the appropriate numbers recently for such recognition.

In 2007 the Colts were fifth in total offense and third in total defense, and they’ve cleaned out their clutter in order to get younger. Be afraid.

Draft Analysis
Indy did not have a first round pick, but had a total of nine picks overall. Depth at defensive end and receiver along with a replacement for Rob Morris at middle linebacker topped the list of needs.

The Colts, however, seemed to just pick the best player available in an attempt to add depth. They chose two tight ends and waited until the fifth round to add an end, choosing Marcus Howard out of Georgia.

College fans would recognize the name of Michigan running back Mike Hart. Indianapolis chose him in the sixth round at pick 202. He probably won’t get much playing time behind Joseph Addai, Rhodes, and Kenton Keith.

Gary Brackett is expected to move over to middle linebacker, but third round pick Philip Wheeler out of Georgia Tech could see time there.

Overall, seven of the nine picks were offensive players.

After viewing the Indianapolis Colts preview check out other AFC South clubs including the Texans, Titans, and Jaguars.

Related Pages:
Colts Official Site
NFL Betting Odds