2012 NFL Draft: After Andrew Luck, What Do the Indianapolis Colts Need?

The Indianapolis Colts finished the 2011 season with a 2-14 record, and for their troubles they received the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Most people believe the Colts will take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first selection, but the team needs far more than a young quarterback to turn things around.

While Luck is everything you could want in a franchise quarterback, Indianapolis will have to surround him with talent if they want the young man to be successful any time soon. First of all, the Colts need an infusion of young talent to the team in general, but more specifically they need help along both lines.

New head coach Chuck Pagano will bring a 3-4/4-3 hybrid scheme to town, and general manager Ryan Grigson's first priority will likely be to find some solid defensive linemen to fill the front three or four.

With Robert Mathis likely gone via free agency and fellow defensive end Dwight Freeney having battled injuries in recent years, Indianapolis must add some pass-rushing talent. Jerry Hughes was the team's first-round pick in 2010 and has been a huge bust. Along with edge rushers, the Colts could use an anchor in the middle of the line.

Along the offensive line, center Jeff Saturday and guard Ryan Diem are headed for free agency, and the Colts need to get younger there. There is a lot of talent along the interior line in this year's draft class, and targeting a guy like Wisconsin center Peter Konz with the top pick in the second round could mean a huge steal. 

While the lines are a big concern, so is adding some receivers for Luck to target. Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon are also headed for free agency, and there is some depth at receiver in this draft. Guys like Arkansas' Joe Adams and Arizona State's Gerell Robinson should be available in the middle rounds, and that would be a start. 

The bottom line is that Grigson can't miss with this draft. Getting Luck would be a start, but the Colts new general manager must surround the young man with talent for him to succeed.