Colts’ draft all about protecting Manning
Pat Kirwan | Tags: 2011 NFL Draft, Anthony Castonzo, Ben Ijalana, Indianapolis Colts, Pat Kirwan, Peyton Manning
NEW YORK — It’s no secret that the Colts’ offensive line has been breaking down and they need to start protecting Peyton Manning, who isn’t getting any younger. So it’s no surprise that they filled two of their pressing needs with offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft.
Teams have become more aggressive and taken more risks in pressuring Manning, so the days of the Colts just getting by with third- and fourth-round players on the line wasn’t going to cut it. The need to get younger and better was critical.
I think Anthony Castonzo was a tremendous value for the Colts at No. 22 overall, and they’ll get great mileage out of him. He can play either tackle spot or even guard, although they don’t need him there since they took Ben Ijalana in the second round. But I don’t think Ijalana is quite ready, it will take him some time.
I still look at the Colts’ roster and wonder who will replace center Jeff Saturday. The Colts probably will look to defense next, but I don’t know that they are done taking linemen before this is over.


