SDOGO

An in-depth look at the Colts' needs heading into the 2007 draft:

1. Outside linebacker. This position will be a huge need if the Colts don't re-sign weakside linebacker Cato June. After losing free agent David Thornton last year, the team must add an adequate replacement for June if he leaves. Gilbert Gardner, projected by the team as a good strongside starter, was replaced by Rob Morris, who was one of the reasons the defense had such a dramatic turnaround in the postseason. But Morris isn't the long-term answer on the strong side. The other roster prospects are young and/or untested. Day 1 options include Florida State's Lawrence Timmons, Miami's Jon Beason and Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander.

2. Defensive tackle. Anthony McFarland and Raheem Brock played well, mainly down the stretch, but the team needs reliable backups. One of the foundations of the defense is solid play by the front four, which entails keeping the tackles fresh. Dan Klecko, Darrell Reid and Josh Thomas are adequate, but a more formidable No. 3 tackle is a must. The team values tackles who can get an inside push; that aids the outside rush of ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. The Colts likely will part with Corey Simon, who was injured in training camp and missed last season after being placed on the nonfootball illness/injury list. The problem could be solved if Montae Reagor returns from injuries he suffered in a car accident, but the team could look at quicker tackles such as Florida's Marcus Thomas or Ray McDonald on Day 1.

3. Wide receiver. Marvin Harrison, 34, and Reggie Wayne, 28, have shown no signs of slowing down, but Brandon Stokley, who missed most of 2006 with an Achilles' injury, was cut. Free agent Aaron Moorehead could fill the role if he returns but is an outside receiver, not a slot man. The team might re-sign Troy Walters, but it also could look at a receiver on Day 1, perhaps a speedster such as Fresno State's Paul Williams.

4. Safety. The starters are set, but depth is a concern. Mike Doss, who missed time with a knee injury last season, might leave as a free agent. Matt Giordano is a decent backup and a stopgap starter, but the Colts would be wise to get someone to groom. Sound coverage skills are vital for the safeties, but it's also imperative that they hold up in run support.

5. Offensive tackle. Everything the team does starts with protecting quarterback Peyton Manning. At some point, the team must look into an eventual replacement for left tackle Tarik Glenn -- he has protected Manning's blind side since Manning came into the league -- who will be 31 and going into his 11th season. The team could draft a project and let him learn under Glenn. Depth isn't necessarily a concern. Rookie Charlie Johnson was more than adequate when right tackle Ryan Diem missed time with injuries last season.

6. Running back. Dominic Rhodes and rookie Joseph Addai worked well together in 2006, but Rhodes is a free agent and probably won't be re-signed. Addai is clearly the featured back, but he is at his best when he isn't getting 20 to 25 carries per game, so the team needs to get a solid No. 2 back if Rhodes leaves. The Colts like the potential of backup DeDe Dorsey, but they might sign a mid-level free agent or draft a prospect on Day 2.

OUTLOOK

Team president Bill Polian won't hesitate to trade for a player he wants; he has made a deal in each of his nine drafts with the team. Who he'll target is a bigger unknown because the team doesn't hesitate to take smaller defensive players. Polian and his staff are at their best locating solid Day 2 prospects, in part because they are looking for undersized players other teams might discount. Even if June returns, the team could draft an outside linebacker high because the position is thin on proven talent.

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