AFC South: Mike Newton
A quick look around the AFC South Sunday evening…
The Colts released eight players. Gone are guard Josh Beekman, tackle Casey Bender, receiver Joe Horn (no, not the old one), running back Devin Moore, defensive back Chip Vaughn and quarterback Mike Hartline. Linebacker Cody Glenn and defensive back Mike Newton were waived injured. If they are unclaimed, their rights revert back to Indianapolis.
The Jaguars got a pep talk from Maurice Jones-Drew, who didn’t play, after they fell behind 17-0 in Buffalo Saturday night. "I thought we were pressing a little bit too much,” he told Tania Ganguli. “There were certain things I was seeing that were very uncharacteristic of our offense. I kind of pointed those things out and said we don't practice like this, we don't work like this so why play like it? The guys, they settled down, they played well. Sometimes you just gotta point out certain things and guys understand it.”
The Texans seem optimistic about Arian Foster and his left hamstring. “Everything was positive today,” Gary Kubiak said. “It looks like we’re dealing kind of with the same thing we were dealing with at the start of camp. Hopefully get him back on the rehab train and get him ready for opening day. He’ll be day-to-day. I’ll keep you guys up to date, but we feel like we’re fortunate.”
The Titans plan to get Kenny Britt working with the first team Monday in practice. “The only reason he hasn’t been at times is just because when we got into getting ready for the game mode or the carded-periods, there was no reason for him to take away reps from someone who was actually going to play in the game,” Mike Munchak said. “I think it will be a little bit different the next couple of days where he will get a chance to run with the first group and get some reps and continue that on hopefully for the rest of the season.”
The Colts released eight players. Gone are guard Josh Beekman, tackle Casey Bender, receiver Joe Horn (no, not the old one), running back Devin Moore, defensive back Chip Vaughn and quarterback Mike Hartline. Linebacker Cody Glenn and defensive back Mike Newton were waived injured. If they are unclaimed, their rights revert back to Indianapolis.
The Jaguars got a pep talk from Maurice Jones-Drew, who didn’t play, after they fell behind 17-0 in Buffalo Saturday night. "I thought we were pressing a little bit too much,” he told Tania Ganguli. “There were certain things I was seeing that were very uncharacteristic of our offense. I kind of pointed those things out and said we don't practice like this, we don't work like this so why play like it? The guys, they settled down, they played well. Sometimes you just gotta point out certain things and guys understand it.”
The Texans seem optimistic about Arian Foster and his left hamstring. “Everything was positive today,” Gary Kubiak said. “It looks like we’re dealing kind of with the same thing we were dealing with at the start of camp. Hopefully get him back on the rehab train and get him ready for opening day. He’ll be day-to-day. I’ll keep you guys up to date, but we feel like we’re fortunate.”
The Titans plan to get Kenny Britt working with the first team Monday in practice. “The only reason he hasn’t been at times is just because when we got into getting ready for the game mode or the carded-periods, there was no reason for him to take away reps from someone who was actually going to play in the game,” Mike Munchak said. “I think it will be a little bit different the next couple of days where he will get a chance to run with the first group and get some reps and continue that on hopefully for the rest of the season.”
Camp Confidential: Indianapolis Colts
August, 12, 2011
8/12/11
11:03
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
ANDERSON, Ind. -- It’s trendy to call the Colts aging and to view the Texans and even the Jaguars as up-and-comers in the AFC South.
But if Indianapolis is healthy, it’s awfully risky to be ahead of the curve regarding its demise.
This is a team that lost a ton of talent to injury last season and still won the division at 10-6. It’s added some nice pieces on defense through bargain-basement free-agency. It drafted two offensive tackles who should be pillars, and also selected a short-yardage back.
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a big rebound year, and most teams aren’t even talking rebound when it comes to following a division title.
“I think it’s really the same team,” middle linebacker Gary Brackett said.
The same team is a major threat to win the division and compete for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Should it break through for the third Super Bowl appearance of the Peyton Manning era, a huge prize awaits: The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.
THREE HOT ISSUES
1. Manning’s health.
Photo/Michael ConroyIt's unclear how soon Peyton Manning will return from offseason neck surgery.He spoke after signing his contract and has been seen around the team a couple of times during training camp at Anderson University. But like in 2008 following offseason knee surgeries, he’s not practicing.
This time it’s a result of neck surgery in May. It’s the second year in a row Manning had a neck procedure after the season. But he and the team have expressed confidence that all he needs is time and rehabilitation. It’s unlikely that a five-year, $90 million contract would have gotten done if the medical staff and management had any doubts.
While the Colts move forward without Manning, his absence also puts them in limbo. No matter how strongly they spin Curtis Painter’s performance, the defense isn’t being pushed in practice the way it would be if Manning was running the other side.
And no matter how precise the routes, how good the blocking or how well-timed the play, the offense will still need to sync it all up with the star quarterback once he returns.
That knee in 2008 limited him early, when the team struggled out of the gate. Coming back from a neck injury, Manning is less likely to have any sort of mechanical issues or physical limitations that affect his passing. That’s one case for expecting a better start after so much missed time.
The timetable for his return is unknown. You know the drill: They say he’s progressing well, that they are optimistic, etc., and no one outside a very tight circle has any real idea when he will re-emerge. He was spotted once throwing with what a witness called “decent velocity.” Hey, encouraging news is encouraging news.
2. Is the secondary deep enough?
Last season, the Colts were stretched virtually everywhere. Aaron Francisco wasn’t on the team for opening day, ranking as the fourth or fifth option at strong safety, and he played a good share of the season as the starter.
Behind free safety Antoine Bethea and re-signed and healthy strong safety Melvin Bullitt, there are unproven options including Al Afalava, Joe Lefeged, Mike Newton, David Caldwell and Chip Vaughn.
And after the top three corners -- Jerraud Powers, Justin Tryon and Jacob Lacey -- there also isn’t proven depth.
“At the safety position, I’m confident that we’re going to get two guys that will emerge there,” Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said. “We see enough signs to know that there is quality in that group.
“I also think there is some quality in the backup corners. Kevin Thomas is one of them. There are some interesting guys, and they’ll play themselves on or off the roster based on the preseason. But based on what I’ve seen thus far, I’d say we’ve got a good group and one or two guys will emerge.”
They will all benefit, of course, from a better pass rush. And if Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are better supplemented by Jerry Hughes and Jamaal Anderson on the edges and Tommie Harris provides a solid nickel push in the middle, they could have one.
3. Will the passing game have enough consistent weapons?
The ability of the 2010 Colts to get production from the likes of tight end Jacob Tamme and receiver Blair White was remarkable.
AP Photo/Michael ConroyThe Colts hope Austin Collie's concussion issues are in the past and that he'll be on the field for the entire season.But if they can’t count on often-injured receiver Anthony Gonzalez or Austin Collie, who was shut down last season after concussion issues, it will be harder to make things go again.
Reggie Wayne is in fantastic shape and working hard, and will be a key target for Manning as always. Dallas Clark is back from a wrist injury. If the Colts are calling plays for those two and Pierre Garcon, Collie and Gonzalez, they can be potent. If the group shrinks, the effort is more exhausting.
Manning averaged 6.92 yards per attempt in 2010. That’s the lowest mark in his career outside of his rookie season (6.5). The Colts need to find more big plays and move the ball with a little less effort to be the kind of team they want to be.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
If the Colts get a significant contribution out of Anderson, Harris or linebacker Ernie Sims, it’ll be a win. All three signed cost-effective one-year deals that amount to low-risk, high-reward scenarios. Polian said in a normal year, the market wouldn’t have given the team an opportunity to sign players like these, veterans who are all ideally suited for Indy’s defense. If they get something from two of them, it will make for a home run. Three-for-three amounts to a grand slam. Harris looks very good so far, while Sims is recovering from an appendectomy.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Polian was singing Philip Wheeler’s praises and saying that while the team loves starting strongside linebacker Pat Angerer, it loves Wheeler too. But he failed to hold the job last season and should be able to win and hold a starting job by now. Brody Eldridge gets a mention, too. He had knee surgery after last season, and a setback means he hasn’t seen the practice field yet. They need him to be part of the run game.
OBSERVATION DECK
But if Indianapolis is healthy, it’s awfully risky to be ahead of the curve regarding its demise.
This is a team that lost a ton of talent to injury last season and still won the division at 10-6. It’s added some nice pieces on defense through bargain-basement free-agency. It drafted two offensive tackles who should be pillars, and also selected a short-yardage back.
There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a big rebound year, and most teams aren’t even talking rebound when it comes to following a division title.
“I think it’s really the same team,” middle linebacker Gary Brackett said.
The same team is a major threat to win the division and compete for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Should it break through for the third Super Bowl appearance of the Peyton Manning era, a huge prize awaits: The game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.
THREE HOT ISSUES
1. Manning’s health.
Photo/Michael ConroyIt's unclear how soon Peyton Manning will return from offseason neck surgery.This time it’s a result of neck surgery in May. It’s the second year in a row Manning had a neck procedure after the season. But he and the team have expressed confidence that all he needs is time and rehabilitation. It’s unlikely that a five-year, $90 million contract would have gotten done if the medical staff and management had any doubts.
While the Colts move forward without Manning, his absence also puts them in limbo. No matter how strongly they spin Curtis Painter’s performance, the defense isn’t being pushed in practice the way it would be if Manning was running the other side.
And no matter how precise the routes, how good the blocking or how well-timed the play, the offense will still need to sync it all up with the star quarterback once he returns.
That knee in 2008 limited him early, when the team struggled out of the gate. Coming back from a neck injury, Manning is less likely to have any sort of mechanical issues or physical limitations that affect his passing. That’s one case for expecting a better start after so much missed time.
The timetable for his return is unknown. You know the drill: They say he’s progressing well, that they are optimistic, etc., and no one outside a very tight circle has any real idea when he will re-emerge. He was spotted once throwing with what a witness called “decent velocity.” Hey, encouraging news is encouraging news.
2. Is the secondary deep enough?
Last season, the Colts were stretched virtually everywhere. Aaron Francisco wasn’t on the team for opening day, ranking as the fourth or fifth option at strong safety, and he played a good share of the season as the starter.
Behind free safety Antoine Bethea and re-signed and healthy strong safety Melvin Bullitt, there are unproven options including Al Afalava, Joe Lefeged, Mike Newton, David Caldwell and Chip Vaughn.
And after the top three corners -- Jerraud Powers, Justin Tryon and Jacob Lacey -- there also isn’t proven depth.
“At the safety position, I’m confident that we’re going to get two guys that will emerge there,” Colts vice chairman Bill Polian said. “We see enough signs to know that there is quality in that group.
“I also think there is some quality in the backup corners. Kevin Thomas is one of them. There are some interesting guys, and they’ll play themselves on or off the roster based on the preseason. But based on what I’ve seen thus far, I’d say we’ve got a good group and one or two guys will emerge.”
They will all benefit, of course, from a better pass rush. And if Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are better supplemented by Jerry Hughes and Jamaal Anderson on the edges and Tommie Harris provides a solid nickel push in the middle, they could have one.
3. Will the passing game have enough consistent weapons?
The ability of the 2010 Colts to get production from the likes of tight end Jacob Tamme and receiver Blair White was remarkable.
AP Photo/Michael ConroyThe Colts hope Austin Collie's concussion issues are in the past and that he'll be on the field for the entire season.Reggie Wayne is in fantastic shape and working hard, and will be a key target for Manning as always. Dallas Clark is back from a wrist injury. If the Colts are calling plays for those two and Pierre Garcon, Collie and Gonzalez, they can be potent. If the group shrinks, the effort is more exhausting.
Manning averaged 6.92 yards per attempt in 2010. That’s the lowest mark in his career outside of his rookie season (6.5). The Colts need to find more big plays and move the ball with a little less effort to be the kind of team they want to be.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
If the Colts get a significant contribution out of Anderson, Harris or linebacker Ernie Sims, it’ll be a win. All three signed cost-effective one-year deals that amount to low-risk, high-reward scenarios. Polian said in a normal year, the market wouldn’t have given the team an opportunity to sign players like these, veterans who are all ideally suited for Indy’s defense. If they get something from two of them, it will make for a home run. Three-for-three amounts to a grand slam. Harris looks very good so far, while Sims is recovering from an appendectomy.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Polian was singing Philip Wheeler’s praises and saying that while the team loves starting strongside linebacker Pat Angerer, it loves Wheeler too. But he failed to hold the job last season and should be able to win and hold a starting job by now. Brody Eldridge gets a mention, too. He had knee surgery after last season, and a setback means he hasn’t seen the practice field yet. They need him to be part of the run game.
OBSERVATION DECK
- Delone Carter is coming into a perfect situation as a rookie. He’s unlike any of the Colts' other running backs and should get chances in short yardage and goal-line situations. If Javarris James ran for six touchdowns last season, Carter could run for 12 this fall. The Colts can continue to praise Donald Brown, but with Joseph Addai back and Carter in the fold, when does Brown get on the field?
- It was a surprise to find Lacey as the No. 2 cornerback at the start of camp. He was better as a rookie than in his second season. And he can be an effective piece of the secondary. But I’d bet on Tryon passing him before opening day.
- After one long and hot afternoon practice session, two players stuck around to catch machine-thrown balls: Wayne and Bethea. Those are some solid veterans and the kind of guys any team would like to have leading the way.
- Manning didn’t react well to TV crews that saw a recent throwing and running session. My understanding is that the Earth is still spinning, however. I understand being private, but everything and everyone cannot always be controlled. Did I miss the catastrophic outcome?
- The buzz is good on Hughes, and with him and Anderson in the mix, the Colts may pace Freeney and Mathis better. That could make for fresher stars in December and January.
- They won’t talk until after the season, but as of now I’d expect the Colts to try to keep both Wayne and Mathis with new contracts.
- Jacques McClendon or Joe Reitz could be an upgrade over Kyle DeVan at left guard. The big question on the line to me -- presuming Anthony Castonzo takes over left tackle reasonably quickly -- is right guard. Mike Pollak has had sufficient opportunity, and the team can aspire to be better there. Couldn’t they be better with Ben Ijalana there until he’s ready to displace Ryan Diem at right tackle?
- 'Tis the season for Garcon to prove he's a consistently reliable threat. He had too many drops and too many lapses last season. He needs to be more than fast. He spent more time with Manning this offseason, before the neck surgery, than he did last offseason.
Thoughts on the Colts’ 23-17 win over the Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium.
What it means: The Colts moved to 6-3 and stand alone atop the AFC South thanks to Tennessee’s loss in Miami.
Turnover festival: Indianapolis scored 17 points off turnovers. Kelvin Hayden had his second pick-6 in three games. Tyjuan Hagler and Aaron Francisco also had interceptions, while Kavell Conner and Dwight Freeney forced fumbles that were recovered by Antonio Johnson and Mike Newton. Meanwhile, the offense didn’t turn it over. That’s an easy way to survive being outgained 341-256 in total net yards.
What I liked: A start for Jeff Linkenbach at right guard over Mike Pollak that appeared to be merit-based.
What I didn’t like: Pierre Garcon’s inability to secure an onsides kick late that would let the Colts’ worry less. A 42-yard run by Brian Leonard on a fourth-and 1 for Cincinnati. It was his only carry of the game.
The next newcomer: Brandon James did little as the punt returner, but he did chip in with four catches for 36 yards. For those keeping track he qualifies as the team’s sixth wide receiver.
What’s next: A trip to New England for the always intriguing matchup with the Patriots.
What it means: The Colts moved to 6-3 and stand alone atop the AFC South thanks to Tennessee’s loss in Miami.
Turnover festival: Indianapolis scored 17 points off turnovers. Kelvin Hayden had his second pick-6 in three games. Tyjuan Hagler and Aaron Francisco also had interceptions, while Kavell Conner and Dwight Freeney forced fumbles that were recovered by Antonio Johnson and Mike Newton. Meanwhile, the offense didn’t turn it over. That’s an easy way to survive being outgained 341-256 in total net yards.
What I liked: A start for Jeff Linkenbach at right guard over Mike Pollak that appeared to be merit-based.
What I didn’t like: Pierre Garcon’s inability to secure an onsides kick late that would let the Colts’ worry less. A 42-yard run by Brian Leonard on a fourth-and 1 for Cincinnati. It was his only carry of the game.
The next newcomer: Brandon James did little as the punt returner, but he did chip in with four catches for 36 yards. For those keeping track he qualifies as the team’s sixth wide receiver.
What’s next: A trip to New England for the always intriguing matchup with the Patriots.
Roster jiggling, practice squads so far
September, 5, 2010
9/05/10
5:12
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Roster and practice-squad news so far Sunday:
Houston Texans
Were awarded linebakcer David Nixon from the Oakland Raiders and cornerback Jamar Wall from the Dallas Cowboys of waivers. Released linebacker Danny Clark.
Indianapolis Colts
Signed quarterback Tom Brandstater, defensive end John Chick, receiver Brandon James, defensive back Mike Newton and receiver Blair White to the practice squad.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Were awarded defensive tackle Landon Cohen off waivers from the Detroit Lions. Released offensive lineman Paul McQuistan.
Signed offensive tackle Daniel Baldridge, tight end Mike Caussin, receiver John Matthews, and defensive tackle Kommonyan Quaye to the practice squad.
Tennessee Titans
Were awarded linebacker Tim Shaw from the Chicago Bears and linebacker Patrick Bailey from the Pittsburgh Steelers off waivers. Released linebackers Stanford Keglar and running back LeGarrette Blount.
Signed defensive lineman Hall Davis, receiver Dominique Edison, cornerback Pete Ittersagen, center Kevin Matthews, safety Myron Rolle and linebacker Patrick Trahan to the practice squad.
Houston Texans
Were awarded linebakcer David Nixon from the Oakland Raiders and cornerback Jamar Wall from the Dallas Cowboys of waivers. Released linebacker Danny Clark.
Indianapolis Colts
Signed quarterback Tom Brandstater, defensive end John Chick, receiver Brandon James, defensive back Mike Newton and receiver Blair White to the practice squad.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Were awarded defensive tackle Landon Cohen off waivers from the Detroit Lions. Released offensive lineman Paul McQuistan.
Signed offensive tackle Daniel Baldridge, tight end Mike Caussin, receiver John Matthews, and defensive tackle Kommonyan Quaye to the practice squad.
Tennessee Titans
Were awarded linebacker Tim Shaw from the Chicago Bears and linebacker Patrick Bailey from the Pittsburgh Steelers off waivers. Released linebackers Stanford Keglar and running back LeGarrette Blount.
Signed defensive lineman Hall Davis, receiver Dominique Edison, cornerback Pete Ittersagen, center Kevin Matthews, safety Myron Rolle and linebacker Patrick Trahan to the practice squad.
With third-round draft pick Kevin Thomas lost for 2010 due to a knee injury he suffered at an early rookie practice, cornerback depth is an issue for the Indianapolis Colts.
After Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey, the options are limited.
Indianapolis drafted Ray Fisher in the seventh round, brought in six undrafted corners and has a leftover from the practice squad.
I asked Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. if he could tell us a bit about each of them so we might gain a better feel for who has a chance to emerge this year the way Lacey did in 2009.
Here’s what Muench said:
After Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey, the options are limited.
[+] Enlarge
AJ Mast/Icon SMISeventh-rounder Ray Fisher didn't play cornerback until his final year at Indiana.
AJ Mast/Icon SMISeventh-rounder Ray Fisher didn't play cornerback until his final year at Indiana.I asked Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. if he could tell us a bit about each of them so we might gain a better feel for who has a chance to emerge this year the way Lacey did in 2009.
Here’s what Muench said:
Ray Fisher (Indiana) -- Fisher is a developmental prospect who played receiver for the first three years of his career at Indiana and sustained a season-ending knee injury in his only season playing corner [last year]. It’s going to take him some time to pick up an Indianapolis scheme that’s been more creative under defensive coordinator Larry Coyer. So, as you point out, Fisher is going to make his biggest impact on special teams at least early on.
Here is how I would rank the rest of their options at corner at the back end of their roster. We don’t see any of them developing into quality starters but they are capable of providing adequate depth.
Brandon King (Purdue) -- King doesn’t have great man-to-man cover skills but he flashes the ability to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage. In addition, it’s still a base Cover-2 scheme and he can hold up in underneath zone coverage.
Mike Newton (Buffalo) -- Newton doesn’t have great speed for a corner or size for a safety but he is a four-year starter who shows above-average instincts and can line up at corner as long as he gets help over the top. He’s capable of picking up this scheme and giving Coyer some flexibility in coverage.
Terrail Lambert (Notre Dame) -- Lambert is the X factor here. He signed with San Francisco as a rookie free agent in 2009 and later signed with the Colts. I don’t know how he’s progressed over the course of the last year but I put him here because he spent some time on the practice squad last year and should be comfortable with the scheme/team.
Thad Turner (Ohio) -- Turner has the potential to be an effective reserve bump-and-run corner but he needs to add weight and his upside is limited by stiff hips.
Jordan Hemby (North Carolina) -- There’s a lot to like about his upside but Hemby has had some problems staying healthy and it has hindered his progress. While he’s someone to keep an eye on, I’d be surprised if he made a substantial contribution this year.
Donye’ McCleskey (Indiana State) -- The good news is he has the tools to develop into an effective reserve safety. The bad news is he got away with suspect technique at Indiana State and he’ll have to break those bad habits to succeed in the NFL.
David Caldwell (William & Mary) -- Caldwell is a small-school prospect who should have a more difficult time adjusting to the speed of the game than McCleskey because he doesn’t have as much natural ability.
With all the teams that go from bad to great and great to bad from one season to the next, forecasting how things will pan out in the NFL is close to impossible.
It’s another ingredient in why the NFL is the best thing going in sports, another piece of the unpredictability we love.
Generally, I have trouble forecasting big things for teams that are counting on a high number of unproven players to make simultaneous jumps and be productive -- though they can emerge as far better than I expect, of course. Still, it’s why I am not particularly optimistic about the 2010 Tennessee Titans.
I thought I’d go team-by-team in search of less-than-established spots in the lineup to create an AFC South uncertainty index.
Let’s be clear: you may not prefer Amobi Okoye at defensive tackle for the Houston Texans, Kyle DeVan at right guard for the Indianapolis Colts, Brad Meester at center for the Jacksonville Jaguars or Michael Griffin at safety for the Titans. But they are guys who will play and have a degree of faith from the team.
I’m looking at spots where inexperience is a big factor.
We’re not pretending to know the season-opening depth charts here, simply building off last year’s versions. We’ll look a bit beyond starting lineups with significant roles and return jobs included. Here's our look in order of uncertainty. (Starting positions labeled with an asterisk.)
Titans (10, with three starters)
Jaguars (10 with two starters)
Indianapolis (six, with one starter)
Houston (four, with three starters)
It’s another ingredient in why the NFL is the best thing going in sports, another piece of the unpredictability we love.
Generally, I have trouble forecasting big things for teams that are counting on a high number of unproven players to make simultaneous jumps and be productive -- though they can emerge as far better than I expect, of course. Still, it’s why I am not particularly optimistic about the 2010 Tennessee Titans.
I thought I’d go team-by-team in search of less-than-established spots in the lineup to create an AFC South uncertainty index.
Let’s be clear: you may not prefer Amobi Okoye at defensive tackle for the Houston Texans, Kyle DeVan at right guard for the Indianapolis Colts, Brad Meester at center for the Jacksonville Jaguars or Michael Griffin at safety for the Titans. But they are guys who will play and have a degree of faith from the team.
I’m looking at spots where inexperience is a big factor.
We’re not pretending to know the season-opening depth charts here, simply building off last year’s versions. We’ll look a bit beyond starting lineups with significant roles and return jobs included. Here's our look in order of uncertainty. (Starting positions labeled with an asterisk.)
Titans (10, with three starters)
- *Defensive end: Derrick Morgan
- *Outside linebacker: Gerald McRath
- *Cornerback: Jason McCourty, Ryan Mouton, Alterraun Verner, Rod Hood, Tye Hill
- Third outside cornerback: McCourty, Mouton, Verner, Hood, Hill
- Second running back: Javon Ringer
- Blocking tight end: Craig Stevens
- Second receiving tight end: Jared Cook
- Third defensive tackle: Sen’Derrick Marks
- Punt returner: Damian Williams, Alvin Pearman, Ryan Mouton
- Kick returner: Marc Mariani, Damian Williams, Mark Jones
Jaguars (10 with two starters)
- *Defensive tackle: Tyson Alualu
- *Second and third wide receiver: Troy Williamson, Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard
- Second and third running back: Deji Karim, Rashad Jennings
- Third or fourth defensive tackle: D’Anthony Smith
- Third or fourth defensive end: Larry Hart, Austen Lane
- Third tight end: Zach Miller
- Nickelback: Don Carey, Scott Starks, Tyron Brackenridge
- Punt returner: Scotty McGee, Thomas, Karim
- Kick returner: McGee, Karim, Thomas
Indianapolis (six, with one starter)
- *Left guard: Tony Ugoh, Andy Alleman, Jacques McClendon
- Third (possibly second) tight end: Brody Eldridge, Tom Santi, Jacob Tamme
- Third defensive end: Jerry Hughes
- Fourth cornerback: Ray Fisher, Mike Newton, Brandon King, Jordan Hemby
- Punt returner: Fisher, Jerraud Powers, Brandon James
- Kick returner: Fisher, Sam Giguere, James
Houston (four, with three starters)
- *Running back: Ben Tate
- *Right guard: Antoine Caldwell
- *Cornerback: Kareem Jackson
- Third (possibly second) tight end: James Casey, Garrett Graham
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
