3. Depth at linebacker. The Colts enter the season with their three starting linebackers – in this case, OLBs Clint Session and LB Philip Wheeler and MLB Gary Brackett – returning for the first time in nearly a decade. That could give them a continuity entering the season they haven't had in some time. And with their experience and potential, it could be the best linebacking corps the team has had in several seasons. But beyond that initial trio, the Colts have no one on the roster with extensive NFL experience. They opted to not re-sign free agents Tyjuan Hagler and Freddy Keiaho, the first of whom started the first half of last season and the second of whom provided solid depth last season after starting in 2007 and 2008. The Colts have a longstanding policy of not re-signing outside linebackers, and that causes there to be significant transition as many years as not. Even with reserve Ramon Humber and Cody Glenn returning for their second seasons, there could be a transition among the reserves with second-round selection Pat Angerer and and seventh-round selection Kavell Conner candidates to move into the equation.
4. The inexperience of DE Jerry Hughes. The addition of Hughes is another reason for the the Colts to be optimistic about their defense in the long run. The Colts long have been searching for a third pass rusher to complement Pro Bowl DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis and they believe Hughes – who led the nation in sacks as a junior at Texas Christian in 2008 – is that guy. The Colts see Hughes as a player who can provide a pass-rush element if Freeney or Mathis are unavailable or limited, and they also spent part of the off-season working on ways to work Hughes into the lineup when Freeney and Mathis are in the game. One thing to remember is that often pass rusher is a role that takes time to perfect in the NFL, particularly for a rookie. Mathis needed a year in the NFL to develop into a full-time factor and Freeney didn't start the first half of his rookie season. Considering the Colts' history of draft success, Hughes almost certainly will contribute, but it wouldn't be unusual if there was an early adjustment period.
5. The development of DT Fili Moala. The Colts selected Moala with a second-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, and he played a limited role as a rookie. Antonio Johnson and Dan Muir developed into a solid tackle tandem last season, and along with reserve Eric Foster helped the Colts improve dramatically as a run defense. Whatever role Moala plays, the Colts will be more stable entering this season at the position than they were last season. But if Moala can fulfill the potential that had many scouts and analysts believing him a potential Top 10 selection had he come out of the University of Southern California as a junior. Caldwell spoke optimistically about Moala late last season and during this off-season's OTAs, but until he shows it on the field, it can be considered an area of concern.
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