NFL Draft 2011: 6 Prospects the Colts Can Surround Peyton Manning With

Since drafting Peyton Manning in the 1998 draft, the Indianapolis Colts have continually tried to draft high quality offensive targets to surround him. From Edgerrin James in 1999, to Austin Collie and Donald Brown in 2009, the Colts have attempted to optimize Manning's abilities with high quality teammates.

In the 2011 draft, there are once again players that could be valuable assets to Manning and the Colts' potent offense. With six picks this year, one in each of the first six rounds, the Colts will have players that they can draft on offense to help the offense's efficiency.

Of course, as a Colts fan, I hope the Colts work the defensive side of the ball as well, but let's take a look at the best prospects in each round that the Colts could take offensively.

Round 1: OT Anthony Costanzo, Boston College

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Anthony Castonzo #74 of the Boston College Eagles congratulates teammate Montel Harris #2 after Harris scored a touchdown in the first quarter against the Florida State Seminoles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Che

Most of the offensive prospects around the Colts' pick at 22 are offensive linemen, of which Anthony Castonzo would be the best fit for the Colts.

With Castonzo's work ethic, intelligence, and natural abilities, no other offensive lineman (save maybe Gabe Carimi) would be able to provide the initial impact that Castonzo can. His ability to both pass protect wonderfully, as well as be an adequate run blocker, would improve the Colts' offensive line tremendously.

Honorable Mentions: Gabe Carimi, Derek Sherrod, Nate Solder, Mark Ingram

Round 2: OG Rodney Hudson: Florida State

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Rodney Hudson #62 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Florida Gators at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Once again, there are a solid number of offensive linemen at pick number 53, and if the Colts end up passing on an offensive lineman in the first, the second round would be an ideal place to pick one up.

Rodney Hudson would be a great pick up for the Colts interior line, especially if they failed to grab a tackle in the first round. Hudson's zone blocking experience would be especially helpful in his transition. Hudson's flexibilty (i.e. having played both center and guard) will also be great for the Colts, who often times shift players around on the line.

Honorable Mention: Marcus Cannon, Ben Ijalana, Jon Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, James Carpenter

Round 3: WR Titus Young:

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Titus Young #1 of the Boise State Broncos is tripped up by Brian Blechen #2 of the Utah Utes during the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Again, more offensive linemen dominate the possibilities, but if Young slipped to the Colts' third rounder, they'd be hard pressed to pass him up.

Young has that breakaway speed that allows him to stretch the field, which allows players like Austin Collie and Dallas Clark to exploit the middle. Young's speed, crisp routes would make him an ideal receiver for the Colts. Young could possibly even develop into a starting role.

Honorable Mentions: Stephen Wisniewski, Will Rackley, Edmond Gates

Round 4: WR Denarius Moore, Tennessee

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BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Denarius Moore #83 of the Tennessee Volunteers carries the ball as he evades Brandon Hampton #3 of the California Golden Bears at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2007 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty I

The theme of these prospects seems to be offensive linemen, but there are many players who would fit perfectly on the Colts in different areas. Once such player would be Denarius Moore.

Moor has soft hands, as the Colts love, and is a very disciplined route runner, with experience he could be a top option. He'd be another consistent deep threat to keep the middle of the field empty.

Honorable Mentions: Zack Hurd, Derrick Locke

Round 5: WR Austin Pettis, Boise State

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 23: Wide Receiver Austin Pettis #87 of Boise State Broncos makes a diving catch against Cornerback Rafael Priest #10 of the TCU Horned Frogs during Frogs' 17-16 during Frogs' 17-16 win over the Broncos in the San Diego County Cre

This past year, Austin Collie was one of the most productive WR's in the NFL when he was healthy. When Collie went down with a concussion, the offense's efficiency dropped. The Colts have always flourished with a solid slot receiver, and Collie fulfilled that role perfectly.

Pettis has actually been mentioned as a reminder of Austin Collie, a good sign for an aspiring possession receiver. Pettis has an uncanny ability to find holes in zone coverages, and tracks the moving ball extremely well. He would be a great value if he dropped all the way to 5th round.

Honorable Mentions: Vincent Brown, Keith Williams

Round 6: OT Chris Hairston, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Chris Hairston #61 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Another OT caps off the look at offensive prospects. Chris Hairston was a two-time All-ACC left tackle for Clemson during his career, and has a lot of mobility for such a big guy.

At 6-7, 333 lbs, Hairston may be able to be moved inside if he doesn't work out at tackle. Either way, he would provide more depth to an oft-injured Colts' offensive line. Although his technique is sloppy, he still managed well in college, and looks to be improved in the coming years.

Honorable Mention: Evan Royster, Jeff Maehl