Far be it from me to say but...

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By Bryan Ault, April 24, 2009

Yet, Polian has made the Colts a contender for the Super Bowl year in and year out. He just proves them wrong. 

 

So I’m not going to predict how Polian will draft. However, I would like to mention a few first-round-projected pla yers who I wouldn’t mind adding to the roster. 

Players are selected based on the assumption the Colts will not trade up or down from their 27th first-round pick.

 

1. James Laurinaitis, Linebacker, Ohio State University.

 

The Colts need to replace outside linebacker Freddie Kieaho, whom they released. Before the 2009 season, Laurinaitis was projected to be a top-10 selection.

 

But the rise of USC linebackers Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews, and Brian Cushing after the Trojans’ Pro Day has lowered Laurinaitis’ draft stock. Whether or not those projections will hold true cannot be certain.

 

 If Laurinaitis falls to the 27th pick, he would be a steal. He possesses the intangibles - a strong work ethic, passion for the game and great character - that many players and coaches in Indianapolis have.

 

2. Peria Jerry, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi University.

 

The Colts need a strong identity at defensive tackle to not only stop the run, but to fully utilize the pass-rushing abilities of defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Throughout their careers, neither Freeney nor Mathis has played with a dominant force at defensive tackle to command attention. Jerry could be that force. 

 

3. Shonn Greene, Running Back, University of Iowa.

 

The defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals were 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards last season. The Colts were 31st. With standings like that one might be led to believe that the run game is not necessarily all that important. But don’t be fooled. More times than not, success in the NFL depends on a solid ground game.

 

The running game didn’t come to life at any point throughout the 2009 season, which only adds to the pressure on Manning. Joseph Addai’s job could be on the line after a disappointing season. 

 

Greene runs with power and can pick up first downs. He is what some would call a “pounder,” and it’s a pounder’s league.  

 

4. Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver, Rutgers University.

 

Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison is gone, so the Colts need a new yin to Reggie Wayne’s yang. With a new reciever to take the number two spot, Anthony Gonzalez can remain an underrated number three receiver.

 

A rumor around the league is that scouts from the Colts and Giants were at every Rutgers game in the 2009 season, keeping tabs on six-foot, four-inch 215-pound receiver.