Colts set well at linebacker positions

The Indianapolis back seven are led by middle linebacker and defensive captain Gary Brackett. Brackett struggled in 2006, but rose to prominence in 2007 and 2008. An undrafted free agent out of Rutgers, Brackett plays with great intensity that could be fueled by the fact that he has lost almost all members of his family.  He is a great representative for the team on and off the field. 

Strongside linebacker Clint Session performed admirably in the 2008 campaign. Session is a prime example of how the Colts maximize as much talent as they can through developing and teaching. With the exception of the called facemask on Darren Sproles during overtime of the playoff game in San Diego, Session is very even-keeled and was the most improved player on defense in 2008. Of all of the linebackers, he defends the run as well as anybody.

The Colts released third-year pro Freddie Kieaho, but signed Tyjuan Hagler. The battle for the weakside linebacker spot will be interesting heading into training camp and the preseason, let alone the draft, with Hagler, 2008 third-round pick Philip Wheeler and free agent signee Adam Seward.

It's interesting to hear Jim Caldwell say that the defense will remain the same under Larry Coyer; yet, the linebackers are getting bigger. According to NFL.com, Seward is 6-2, 250 pounds. Wheeler is 6-2, 240 pounds. Session is 6-0 and a heavy 230 pounds. Seward was a quiet free agent acquisition from the Panthers and could win the job. At the very least, the Colts have good solutions across the board at linebacker that bodes well for the future. The lack of a defensive tackle hurts this group. 

In the secondary, the Colts were nailed with injuries in 2008, but many players stepped up as the season progressed. Cornerback Marlin Jackson is ahead of recovery schedule after a torn ACL last October. Jackson is the most physical of any player on the defense and is an excellent tackler. 

Kelvin Hayden is very similar to Jackson. The Colts are better with him in the lineup, and signing him to a long-term deal on the eve of the NFL Combine last February was huge. Tim Jennings played well as a fill-in, but depth is a concern. The physical and fast Jennings holds his own for a 5-8 cornerback, but much like departed Jason David, he needs safety help over the top. He struggles against tall receivers like that of Donald Driver and Randy Moss.

At strong safety, Antoine Bethea went backwards in 2008 and needs to step up in all phases. At free safety, Bob Sanders borders on overrated. He is not strong in pass defense and doesn't wrap up. He goes for the big hit, which results in whiffs. He was praised in the 2006 postseason for being the hero of the Super Bowl run, but he was nowhere to be found in several games in 2008. The Colts routinely keep Sanders out of practice due to his durability issues. As one of the highest paid defensive backs in the league, he played six games in 2008. The real surprise of the defense was then-rookie Melvin Bullitt, who stepped in Sanders' place and made plays all over the field.
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Bryan Ault is a student at Franklin College, and he writes columns for The Tribune. He may be reached online via his blog at bryanaultfootball.blogspot.com, and he will be blogging for www.nfldraftspot.com during this weekend's NFL draft.