A pre-training camp, position-by-position look at the 2009 Indianapolis Colts: The Offensive Tackles

In the fifth of a position-by-position series, we'll examine the Indianapolis Colts' offensive tackle position entering 2009 training camp . . .

The Indianapolis Colts' offensive tackle position is one that will be under much scrutiny entering 2009, largely because it is a critical year for the critical position of left tackle.

Tony Ugoh, the team's second-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft, has started each of his first two seasons, but Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell said recently Ugoh was inconsistent last season. A more consistent, higher-level performance will be expected from Ugoh, who this season needs to prove he is a franchise-level left tackle. On the other side, right tackle Ryan Diem started every game for the first time in four seasons this past season and there are those around the Colts -- Diem included -- who believe he had his best NFL season. Depth is an issue for the Colts at tackle this season, with the quality of the depth depending largely on the availability of four-year veteran Charlie Johnson.

Breaking down the Colts' offensive tackle positon . . .

Ryan Diem, ninth NFL season, Northern Illinois. Diem has been a fixture on the right side of the Colts' offensive line since 2003, and both he and Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell believed he had his best NFL season last season. The main reason: health. Diem, after missing time with various injuries the last several seasons, played all 16 games this past season for the first time since 2004. Diem, who after C Jeff Saturday is the most-tenured Colts offensive lineman and a key leader, said maintaining that durability this season is a major priority. Outlook: If Diem stays healthy, the Colts know what they have on the right side: a solid, reliable veteran.

Tony Ugoh, third NFL season, Arkansas. This is a hugely important season for Ugoh, for whom the Colts traded a first-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft to obtain the 2007 second-round selection that they used on him. That's a major investment, and thus far, whether Ugoh is a franchise-level left tackle has yet to be determined. He has missed nine starts in two seasons, including several this past season when he was not listed on the injury report. He played behind fourth-year veteran Charlie Johnson in those games, but teammates said Ugoh improved dramatically upon his return, after which he started the final 10 games of the season. Ugoh has big-time talent, and teammates laud his work ethic. Outlook: He'll start and how he fares could determine how the Colts address the tackle position next offseason.

Charlie Johnson, fourth season, Oklahoma State. Although he's not a starter, there may be no more important player to the Colts' offensive line. The reason for that is he is the team's top backup and both guard and tackle, so he essentially has been the sixth man the last two seasons, starting 10 games at tackle in 2007 and 16 games at guard and tackle this past season. Outlook: Ideally for the Colts he would entered the season as the top backup at guard and tackle.

Daniel Federkeil, fourth season, Calgary. He started the first three games of last season at right guard and was active for nine more, but with OG Ryan Lilja expected to return, he may have trouble finding a spot. Outlook: His hopes for a roster spot depend largely upon his ability to play guard and tackle.

Corey Hilliard, third season, Oklahoma State. He has played five games for the Colts over the past two season, but spent most of the two seasons on the team's practice squad. Outlook: This year's training camp is critical if he is to establish himself as one of the team's Top 7-8 offensive linemen.

Michael Toudouze, third season, Texas Christian. A third-year veteran, he has spent most of his two NFL seasons on the practice squad. He spent the first 15 games of last season on the practice squad before joining the active roster for the regular-season finale. Outlook: Not likely to make final roster.

Brandon Barnes, first season, Grand Valley State. He signed as a free agent with the Colts shortly before the NFL Draft after spending time this offseason with the Green Bay Blizzards of Arena Football League 2. Outlook: A longhot to make the final roster.

Synopsis

This is a position with questions everywhere. Can Ugoh fulfill the potential that made him a first-day draft selection? Can Diem stay healthy in his ninth season? Will the guard position remain healthy enough for Johnson to be a backup tackle? The bottom line for the Colts' tackle position is much at is throughout the roster: so long as the starters remain healthy, Indianapolis is in good shape here, but they likely can't afford to dig further into their depth past Johnson.

Starters: Diem, Ugoh.

On the roster: Johnson.

On the practice squad: None.

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