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A pre-training camp, position-by-position look at the 2009 Indianapolis Colts: The Offensive Guards
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In the sixth of a position-by-position series, we'll examine the Indianapolis Colts' offensive guard position entering 2009 training camp . . .
The Indianapolis Colts' offensive guard position is a position of uncertainty entering 2009, but it's also one that received a touch of good news late in the offseason.
The strength of the position for the team entering 2009 largely depends upon the health of six-year veteran Ryan Lilja, a starter from 2004-2007 who missed last season with a knee injury. Lilja's absence hurt the line last season, particularly in the area of run blocking, but he participated in organized team activities and minicamp in May and June and the team is cautiously optimistic he will be able to play this season. At right guard, Mike Pollak started 13 games as a rookie and although he played well at times, this season will be critical because he needs to make the expected significant jump in productivity from Year One to Year Two. The depth at the position is solid, with OG/OT Charlie Johnson and OG/OC Jamey Richard each having extensive starting experience.
Breaking down the Colts' offensive guard positon . . .
Ryan Lilja, sixth season, Kansas State. Lilja was without question one of the Colts' major offseason stories, and his progress during training camp will be critical for the 2009 season. When Lilja is in the lineup, the Colts are a better run-blocking team, and without him in 2007, the team finished 31st in the NFL in rushing. He underwent three knee surgeries in the past year and a half and missed last season, but he worked with the team during OTAs and minicamp and at the end of the team's June minicamp he was optimistic about his chances for 2009. Outlook: If he's healthy, it will not only be a great comeback story, it should significantly improve not only the team's running game, but the play-action passing game, too.
Mike Pollak, second season, Arizona State. He started 13 games last season, and although he wasn't bad, he wasn't happy with his 2008 performance. He said during the offseason he believes his experience as a rookie will lead to improvement. If it does -- and if Lilja is healthy -- a so-so position last season could return to the form of 2004-2007. Outlook: Look for significant improvement from the 2008 second-round draft selection.
Charlie Johnson, fourth season, Oklahoma State. We broke him down in the offensive tackle position, but the reality is he as much a guard as he is a tackle in terms of how the Colts use him. He's a crucial member of the offensive line because he is a sixth man who can play at or close to a starter's level when needed. Outlook: Ideally for the Colts he would entered the season as the top backup at guard and tackle.
Jamey Richard, second season, Buffalo. He'll be mentioned in the position-by-position breakdown at center, too, because as is the case with many members of the line he is considered more of an "interior offensive lineman" than any particular position. Richard said recently he'll start calling himself a "guard" or a "center" when he earns a position, but not before. He started seven games last season -- four at center in place of three-time Pro Bowl C Jeff Saturday and three at guard -- so if he doesn't earn a starting position soon, at the very least he's what winning teams and productive offenses must have: a reliable, multiposition backup who can play near a starter's level. Outlook: If he doesn't earn a starting job, it's likely he will play extensively somewhere as a backup.
Jaimie Thomas, rookie, Maryland. The selection of Thomas in the seventh round of the April 2009 NFL Draft was intriguing because it marked a potential depature in philosophy: "potential," because it's hard to call one draft selection a change in philosophy. Still, the Colts typically have played "smaller," quicker offensive linemen -- particularly on the interior of the line --and whereas Lilja and Pollak weigh 290 and 301 pounds, respectively, Thomas weighs 330 pounds. Colts President Bill Polian joked on draft day that Thomas weighed as much or more than the Colts' offensive tackles, but it's no joke: Thomas has serious size for a Colts offensive guard and if he develops into more than a backup, he could help change the dynamic of the offensive line. Outlook: Likely will make the roster as a backup this season, and could develop into more in a year or two.
Cornelius Lewis, rookie, Tennessee State. Along with Thomas, Lewis' acquisition caused some to believe the Colts are trying to go bigger on the interior of the offensive line. Lewis (324 pounds) is more than a "free-agent" rookie. Maybe draft analysts expected him to be selected on the second day of the draft -- perhaps even in the middle of the second day - and he will get an opportunity to make a contribution. Outlook: Will get a serious look and has a good chance to stay around -- although it may be on the practice squad.
Kyle DeVan, first season, Oregon State. He signed as a free agent shortly before the 2009 NFL Draft after spending time with Washington and the New York Jets in 2008. He was with the Boise Burn of Arena Football2 when he joined the Colts. Outlook: A longshot to make the 53-man roster.
Tom Pestock, rookie, Northwest Missouri State. Signed as a free agent shortly after the 2009 NFL Draft. Outlook: A longshot to make the 53-man roster.
Synopsis
This position depends largely upon Lilja's ability to stay healthy, and for that reason, the last few days of organized team activities was a happy, optimistic sign around the Colts' offensive line. While Lilja said he can offer no guarantee, he said the knee that has bothered him for a year and half felt better than it had at any time during that span. If Lilja is healthy, a position of major concern becomes one of strenghth and a running game that struggled last season could improve drastically this season. If Lilja can't play, the depth drops significantly, as does the front-line ability, and the Colts again could have trouble running up the middle and to the right.
Starters: Lilja, Pollak.
On the roster: Johnson, Richard, Thomas.
On the practice squad: Lewis.
THE POSITION-BY-POSITION PRE-TRAINING CAMP SERIES:
OTHER EXAMINER COLTS TOPICS . . .
- QB Peyton Manning omitted from ESPN.com's All-Decade team
- The best of the Indianapolis Colts blogosphere . . .
- 2009 Colts training camp schedule
- SERIES: Top Five reasons to worry about Colts in 2009
- SERIES: Top Five reasons to feel good about the Colts in 2009
- Manning: Influence of Tony Dungy still felt around Colts
- A look back at 2009 Colts minicamp
- Mudd, Moore return inevitable, happy end to long story
- Colts to allow sponsors on practice uniforms
- QB Peyton Manning willing to be patient regarding assistants
- A look at the defense entering 2009 minicamp
- A look at the offense entering 2009 minicamp
- QB Peyton Manning among three Colts players ranked highly in Madden 2010
- Hints Emerging about potential Colts defensive changes
- QB Peyton Manning must let assistant coaching situation play out
- Top Five Real Issues Facing Colts Entering 2009
- Top Five Myths Surrounding the Colts Entering 2009
- Top Five Underrated Players on Colts Entering 2009
- Top Five Breakout Players for Colts Entering 2009
- Top Five Nonissues facing Colts Entering 2009
- Why Frank Winters and Ron Johnson fit the Colts' philosophical approach
- Why Colts QB Peyton Manning is primed for another big season
- Preseason dates and times
- Former Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy essays on Michael Vick
- On Loss of Dom Anile
- Re-signing DT Ed Johnson makes DT situation even better
- SERIES: Peyton Manning Top 10 underrated moments.
- Breaking Down the 2009 Colts Schedule
- Colts Rookie Minicamp
- Top 10 rookie free agents in the Polian era
- Too early to quit on Addai
- A recap of the Colts' 2009 NFL Draft
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