Indianapolis Colts Season Preview

Andrew Luck is the Colts' most important player and this may be a make-or-break-it year for the former number one overall pick. There is no denying Luck is good but wins are not coming in Indianapolis. The defence can be blamed for the Colts' failures as they have been terrible - and if there is no improvement expect no playoffs.

Arrivals/Departures:

Arrivals: Kamar Aiken, Jon Bostic, Johnathan Hankins, Margus Hunt, Jeff Locke, Barkevious Mingo, Brian Schwenke, Jabaal Sheard, John Simon, Sean Spence, Brandon Williams, Al Woods
Departures: Mike Adams, Dwayne Allen, D'Qwell Jackson, Arthur Jones, Robert Mathis, Pat McAfee, Matt Overton, Joe Reitz, Patrick Robinson, Erik Walden



Offence:

Andrew Luck returns as the quarterback to lead an offence that flourishes in the pass game but struggles in the run game. Luck has flashed huge amounts of potential in his short career but more was expected from him than what he has accomplished. Veteran running back Frank Gore is no longer one of the best backs in the game but he is still a good consistent runner with Robert Turbin and Marlon Mack getting time behind him. TY Hilton led the NFL in receiving yards a year ago giving Luck a true number one receiving target with his speed and route running. Donte Moncrief is either good or bad so this will be a big year for him while Phillip Dorsett will also start even though he has not shown anything close to what got him drafted in the first round. Former Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken will also be a key piece of the passing attack. Jack Doyle and Erik Swoope each showed good things last year so they have earned more playing time entering the upcoming season. Ryan Kelly was excellent in his rookie season at center and should improve with age. The right side of the line is solid with Jack Mewhort and Anthony Castonzo but the left side is weak as Joe Haeg and Le'Raven Clark are unproven.



Defence:

The defence was atrocious last year so it got upgrades specifically at the linebacker spots but it still needs more work. The defensive line looks in better shape with the addition of run stopping expert Johnathan Hankins from the Giants at nose tackle. Kendall Langford and Margus Hunt will be the edge rushers with Grover Stewart, Al Woods, David Parry and Henry Anderson providing depth across the line. Jabaal Sheard was brought in from the defending champion Patriots to provide help for the linebackers as well as Sean Spence and John Simon from division rivals. Antonio Morrison will be the only starter returning at linebacker. Jon Bostic, Barkevious Mingo and Akeem Ayers provide good depth. Vontae Davis is the best player on this side of the ball but he no longer covers half of a football field or covers the number one receiver like he used to. Rookie Quincy Wilson will likely be the other starting cornerback. Clayton Geathers will start at strong safety and 15th-overall pick Malik Hooker will start at free safety where he needs to improve on his terrible tackling if he wants to succeed.



Special Teams:

Adam Vinatieri is the most clutch kicker ever to play in the NFL and even at age 44 he is still one of the best. Pat McAfee retired as one of the best punters so they brought in former Viking Jeff Locke to fill the position. Chester Rogers will start as the punt returner and Josh Ferguson will start as the kick returner.

Starters:

Offence	Defence
Donte Moncrief	Kendall Langford
Phillip Dorsett	Johnathan Hankins
TY Hilton	Margus Hunt
Anthony Castonzo	Jabaal Sheard
Jack Mewhort	Antonio Morrison
Ryan Kelly	Sean Spence
Joe Haeg	John Simon
Le'Raven Clark	Quincy Wilson
Jack Doyle	Clayton Geathers
Andrew Luck	Malik Hooker
Frank Gore	Vontae Davis

2017 Draft:

15. Malik Hooker
46. Quincy Wilson
80. Tarell Basham
137. Zach Banner
143. Marlon Mack
144. Grover Stewart
158. Nate Hairston
161. Anthony Walker

Top 10 Players:

10. Donte Moncrief

9. Anthony Castonzo

8. Jack Mewhort

7. Frank Gore

6. Jabaal Sheard

5. Ryan Kelly

4. Johnathan Hankins

3. Vontae Davis

2. Andrew Luck



1. TY Hilton

Season Prediction: 6-10 (4th in AFC South)
Last Year: 8-8

Photo credit for Johnathan Hankins goes to https://www.thescore.com/trending. TY Hilton and Vontae Davis goes to http://bleacherreport.com/. Andrew Luck goes to http://www.colts.com/.