The Colts They Are A-Changin'

For the first time in years the Indianapolis Colts face uncertainty on a number of fronts as they approach training camp. Other than a massive coaching overhaul, the Colts also face major issues filling important spots on both sides of the ball.

Defense

One major question mark will be the interior of the defensive line, as the Colts spent a second round pick on USC's Fili Moala. The 6'4", 303-pound defensive tackle is expected to compete for a starting spot immediately. While Dwight Freeney mans one end spot and Robert Mathis has the other, the defensive tackle spots appear to be wide open.

Raheem Brock is a natural tackle but often rotated at end with Mathis on running downs last season. He could take one of the spots, while Moala and a host of other players will try to grab the other. Eric Foster and Keyunta Dawson were productive last season, but both weigh under 280 lbs and can't match Moala's physicality.

Terrance Taylor, a 2009 fourth-round selection, should also get a long look on the inside, as his 6', 306 lbs frame will add size to a smaller defense.

Offense

At running back the Colts made a statement by selection Connecticut's Donald Brown with their first round pick in 2009 (27th overall). Brown  was incredibly productive in his three years in Storrs, racking up 3,800 yards and 33 touchdowns. In 2008 he finally got full time reps and delivered, rushing for 2,083 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The Colts must believe Brown can and will be an every down back in the NFL because you don't spend a first round pick on a running back unless you expect him to play.

Indianapolis has to be hoping the selection of Brown will spur a revival from Joseph Addai, who at just 26-years-old looked all but finished last season. Addai was in only his third year as a pro in 2008, but had easily his worst NFL season. He missed four games, and only rushed 544 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those numbers are down from 1,072 yards and 12 scores in 2007.

The Colts allowed Dominic Rhodes to walk this offseason (again) which means they will give Addai one final shot at keeping his starting spot. If he fails to impress, don't be surprised to see Brown in there early.

The other major hole on offense will be at receiver. Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne has the No. 1 spot locked down but after the release of Marvin Harrison the Colts will need to find other targets for Peyton Manning. The presumption right now is that Anthony Gonzalez will graduate from his No. 3, slot position, to become Manning's No. 2 target.

As of now, the No. 3 receiver slot appears to be rookie Austin Collie's to lose. Collie was a fourth-round pick out of BYU this year and the Colts love his frame, strength and ability on the inside.

The Colts may choose to bring Collie along slowly, and they can afford to thanks to Dallas Clark. Clark blossomed from good tight end, to go-to guy last season with his 77-catch, 884-yard season.

Expect Clark to be just as important this year, if not more so.

Special Teams

The team is without a punter after Hunter Smith was signed by the Redskins this offseason, but they should find a capable regular after drafting West Virginia's Patrick McAfee and signing Tim Masthay from Kentucky.