Here’s a look at the perceived draft needs of the Indianapolis Colts, with heavy input from Matt Miller and David Gardner of NewEraScouting.com.  

Running back:  Due to a recent arrest, Kenton Keith has proved unreliable this offseason, and may not make it to camp.   The team wants a big back who can be a runner, blocker, and receiver.  Matt Forte’ of Tulane fits the mold.  He could be had with the Colts first pick, at No. 59.

Wide receiver:  When Marvin Harrison went down last year, the offense had to rely more on Dallas Clark and the running game.  Harrison is aging and finally starting to show the signs of it.  Anthony Gonzalez is a good option at No. 2, but this offense works best with three receivers on the field.  The Colts like Donnie Avery of Houston, a third-round prospect, and Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech. 

Defensive tackle:  Ed Johnson is quietly turning in a solid career, but he’s not the penetrator that a Cover Two team prefers.  The Colts might look to add a quicker tackle, who can shoot the gaps, possibly as early as round two.  The Colts have the best defense under Tony Dungy that we’ve seen from them, but getting deeper at tackle would be wise.

Tight end:  The Colts’ roster has so few holes that late in the draft they will be grabbing the best player on their board. At some point the team should add depth at tight end.  The injury to Harrison showed how much they depend on Clark, a player with little receiving talent behind him.

Quarterback:  Peyton Manning is Mr. Durability (and Mr. Potato Head), but Jim Sorgi is a scary alternative.  The Colts would be wise to use a mid-round selection on a quarterback to groom behind Peyton for the next three or four years. Manning is 32, and there is no guarantee that he will hold up into the next decade.