Robert Griffin III had his pro day yesterday and impressed many team officials, including the Colts. Griffin is a special talent. He can run the ball better than most running backs, he is smart and pays attention to detail, but the most underrated part of his game is his ability to throw the football. Griffin is a quarterback who will be good for many years and is an owner’s dream. He will sell tickets just like all big-name guys do.

Andrew Luck has his pro day on Thursday and is expected to impress even more than Griffin did. Luck has it all. He can make throws, is smart and is a quick thinker. However, don’t sleep on his athletic ability as he is more athletic than he receives credit for. In fact, his numbers from the NFL Combine were almost identical to Cam Newton’s from 2011. Luck will be a very good pro and I don’t think anyone honestly believes he will fall to No.2, but Griffin sure is giving him a run for his money.

The decision of the right quarterback in 2012 is much like the decision in 1998. There were two great college quarterbacks coming into the NFL via draft, which many said would both have outstanding careers. The  Colts decided on Peyton Manning while the San Diego Chargers picked Ryan Leaf, who ended his short career as one of the biggest busts in NFL history. It’s ironic that the Colts are in the same situation again. Will they make the right choice?

We are still over a month away from the 2012 NFL Draft and the debate is just starting to heat up. Expect to see each player’s stock rise and fall throughout this whole process. I really don’t think you can go wrong with either of these guys.

The question now is who goes No.1? The Washington Redskins traded up to get the No.2 Pick, but who will be there at No. 2? Don’t assume that Andrew Luck is a lock for No.1; in fact, don’t be surprised to see the Colts shock everyone and take Robert Griffin III with their selection. Only time will tell and it should be one heck of ride until we know for sure.

For the latest Colts news, rumors and opinions follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

Fans should be excited for the movement in this year’s off season they have made numerous moves. These additions may not be big-name guys, but players who will be solid contributors.

Ryan Grigson, the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, is adding help to the offensive line, something that has lacked in the last 5 years. He understands no matter who is lining up behind center they can’t make throws lying down. Take David Carr, for example. He had the most talent coming into the league in 2002 but was unable to become the quarterback he was destined to be. He was sacked 76 times his rookie year and was never able to put things together. When you are sacked that many times, you tend to think of the guys coming at you rather than making plays down field, which is what Carr did. Grigson is determined to protect his quarterback with a solid offensive line.

Another veteran, Jeff Saturday, was added to the list of players leaving Indianapolis. Saturday will be playing for another team in the fall, which opened up the center position. That spot was filled on Wednesday with the signing of Samson Satele, a center who was on the Oakland Raiders last season. Satele is another player who will be solid, but on the cheaper end of the pay scale. The biggest issue the Colts’ front office has addressed so far in free agency is the offensive line, which has to make future Colt Andrew Luck very happy.

The Colts’ front office keeps impressing me; sure they may not be the “sexiest” of signings, but they are work-horses and that is exactly what they need. Taking nothing away from the Colts’ teams in the past, but the 2012 team will work much harder and be ready to win football games.

For the Latest news, rumors and opinions follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

Tim Tebow is not a conventional quarterback and he needs to find himself in the right system to succeed, much like he did while with the Denver Broncos. Even with Tebow’s success, the Broncos found themselves with a chance to obtain a future Hall of Fame quarterback. They feel that it would be best for Tebow to find a potential starting job so the Broncos will try to trade him.

One team that is not in the running for Tim Tebow is the Indianapolis Colts, but maybe they should be.

Think about it for a minute. The Colts have released many key parts of their team last year, with the biggest piece being Peyton Manning. The Colts need some excitement back in the building and Tebowmania may be the answer. Tebow is a running-style quarterback who can make throws, but don’t expect him to be consistent. The biggest thing Tebow has is the ability to get other players to play better, which is a trait that all the great players in the game have had. Tebow is not the future of the Indianapolis Colts, but someone who could help the Colts win some games and assist rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. The more weapons Indianapolis has the better it could be. Right now no one is expecting too much out of them, but if they could land Tebow maybe that could change.

Another aspect of signing Tebow would be selling tickets. Usually they do not have an issue with that, but this is the first year without Peyton Manning in the building so it is too early to see what the ticket sales will be like. Despite everything, if the Indianapolis Colts decided to take part in Tebowmania they would have popularity, even if they were losing. Watching Tim Tebow playing football is like watching a car wreck; you know what’s going to happen, but you can’t look away for fear of missing something.

Coach Chuck Pagano has said that he wants to have a team that can play tough defense, run the ball, keep the games close and win in the end. Isn’t that the formula of success for Tim Tebow?

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

It is important to keep the fans happy with the off-season acquisitions. With the way the Colts’ front office has signed players expect to see more veteran free agents to coming their way.

Recently, the Colts’ front office has signed key-free agents for the defensive side of the ball and now they need to focus on the offensive side of the ball and more importantly the running game.

It is important with these signings that they bring in class-act players, ones that the younger players can look up to. LaDainian Tomlinson is a free agent looking for work who still has a few years left. One of the biggest things that Tomlinson has going for him is his leadership skills. However, don’t sleep on his ability to run the ball, something the Colts have lacked in the last few years. Tomlinson is also someone who Andrew Luck can depend on to catch passes out of the back field. The signing of Tomlinson would be right in line with what they have done so far on the defensive side of the ball.

The signing of free agent LaDainian Tomlinson would give the Colts an option to draft a running back for the future. Tomlinson is not an every-down back so he would share the duties of running back with a rookie.

The Indianapolis Colts have made some great moves that haven’t hurt their salary cap. Bringing in LaDainian Tomlinson would keep with that format, while adding a locker room presence that they don’t currently have.

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports for the latest Indianapolis Colts news, rumors and opinions.

As I have mentioned before, the Colts need to change their entire organization. Jim Irsay has done that with the front office moves and changes to the coaching staff. Now Coach Pagano has made the same kind of moves. He wants to bring in a different style of players who have been here before. Pagano coaches tough, smash-mouth style football and he needs players that are the same. With the moves that have been made in free agency this year it is proven that he is changing the landscape of the Colts. Expect to see many more moves that represent the head coach and what he brings to the team.

Tom Zbikowski brings toughness, knowledge and the ability to change the attitude on the defensive side of the ball. The Ravens were successful with their defensive scheme and how they used players, especially their safeties and Pagano was the mind behind the idea. Everyone wants to find the “Ed Reed” of their defense, one that can make plays and can put fear into offenses. Zbikowski is a dual threat because he can also return kicks, as he did for the Ravens in 2011 with a 23.2 yards-per-return. He will be lined up next to Antoine Bathea and the duo should be quite productive. Zbikowski is great at stopping the run, so expect to see him in the box on certain plays.

There were other safeties in free agency who were better options, but considering what the Colts have done this off-season this makes perfect sense. The Colts have signed either low-end free agents with something to prove or guys near the end of their career that can help the younger guys learn.

Coach Pagano was extremely excited to add Zbikowski to the Colts saying, “Tom is a very dedicated and fiery player. His competitiveness drives him to perform at a high level, and his aggressive style of play parallels the attitude we’re looking for from the defensive unit. We’re very excited Tom will be joining the Colts this season.”

As the Colts rebuild their team, they are doing it with quality players who respect and understand what Coach Pagano is trying to do. Colts fans should be very excited about this move and should look forward to seeing what he can do in a Colts uniform.

They hired the right general manager and with his changes the future is looks bright.

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

For years in Indianapolis, they had the combo of Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. A few years ago, the “Batman,” Marvin Harrison retired, and it left a hole on the right side of the formation. Pierre Garcon filled that hole but never became the dominate player that they needed. Now Garcon is heading to Washington through free agency. The Colts need to find a new “Robin” to Reggie Wayne and they will have to use the draft to find him. The Colts will draft Andrew Luck with the first overall pick. With their second pick, they need to draft a wide receiver.

Rueben Randle is a 6’3”, 210-lbs wide receiver out of LSU with great hands. In his last season at LSU, he managed to catch 57 balls for an average of 17.5 yards per catch. He also had an option quarterback throwing to him which was why his numbers were low. Randle’s upside is in the red zone, which will help him get drafted earlier in the second round. Coaches in Indianapolis are looking for guys they can mold into the perfect receiver. With the help of Reggie Wayne, Randle may become a great dependable receiver, something Garcon never achieved.

According to Barry Every, a national recruiter analyst for Rivals.com, “Randle is an athlete who is a cross between A. J. Green and Julio Jones. He should have a similar impact at the next level.”

If this is true, he would be a good, cheaper option with fewer headaches than any of the free agent wide receivers who are available right now.

As the Colts continue to make small moves through free agency, expect their biggest moves to come in the draft. They are stealing the blueprint for a championship team by building through the draft, much like New England and Green Bay has done.

It may be a different looking Colts team in 2012, but it won’t lack in production. Things are on their way up and if they can get a Batman and Robin connection, watch out!

Follow me on twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

Those days in Indianapolis are now over and the Colts are rebuilding, starting from scratch. They have released several veteran players, but managed to keep a few key parts in the process. Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will need to be leaders in the fall of 2012. This team will look completely different than before, without the superstars.

Part of the Indianapolis Colts’ off-season plan was to bring players in that didn’t cost too much. In years past they would spend a lot of money on position players such as quarterback, running back and wide receiver. However, this year they are planning on paying second-tier type of players that they can build around, while at the same time giving them a chance to revive their careers. So if you are a Colt fan, don’t expect to see big name players in Indianapolis.

General manager Ryan Grigson is building this team up the old-fashioned way, through draft picks and lower based salaries. ESPN NFL insider John Clayton has reported that Dwight Freeney won’t be traded; however, don’t be surprised to see Freeney traded for draft picks. Grigson decided that the reason for last year’s inability to win was from lack of depth. Because of that he has already made moves for three offensive linemen and plans to add more depth to their team.

The plan is great and necessary, but you still need to bring in excitement to the city of Indianapolis. Will Andrew Luck be enough to bring fans in? I know typically the Colts don’t have a problem filling their seats, but this is the first season without Manning in the building. There are still free agents out there that could cause a stir of excitement for the fans if the Colts are willing to bring them in.

One such prospect is running back Michael Bush, who played very well filling in for the injured Darren McFadden in Oakland. Bush is still looking for work  and he could be the main piece in the Colts’ offense. Coach Pagano has said that he wants a running game first and a passing game second. Bush could be the guy to get the carries and take some pressure off of Luck.

The Colts’ fans have been used to seeing a certain style of football on and off the field, so after last year losing season it’s obvious changes needed to be made. No one expects the changes to include the front office, head coach and even the star quarterback, but Colts fans everywhere are hoping this change will be for the good.

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

When this first started the teams that everyone expected to be interested in Manning, like Miami, Denver, Arizona, Seattle and Kansas City did indeed publicize their interest. Manning has not met with all of them, but they were considered. Recently, the newest member added to the “Manning Watch” party, and the one team that Jim Irsay isn’t too fond of, is the Tennessee Titans.

The Tennessee Titans are not just interested in Peyton Manning, but they plan to throw everything at him. The Titans’ owner says that he wants Manning and is willing to pay anything to acquire him. The Titans and Manning met on Wednesday afternoon and continued at least six hours into the evening. In the meeting, it is possible that Titans’ owner, Bud Adams, offered him not only a position on this team, but also a chance to be a minority owner. The rumor was that the Titans are prepared to give him as much money as he wants and the right to their franchise. Other than this being a very sweet deal, it is also inviting. Manning is yet to give a decision, or even lean toward a team, as of yet. No one knows what Manning is thinking, but how can you pass up a part owner position? He may very well sign with Tennessee where he played his college ball. Manning would play for the Titans and have part ownership as well; much like Mario Lemieux did in Pittsburgh.

The idea of Manning going to Tennessee has got to be eating at Colts owner Jim Irsay. Here are the reasons: Manning knows that division very well. He also knows the Colts and what they can do. Everyone in that division thought they just got rid of Manning, but if he goes to Tennessee, they would have to deal with him as an opponent and on a better team, no less. The Titans have good young receivers, a fairly new head coach, and a running game that, a few years ago, rushed for over 2,000 yards. There is no way Irsay wants to see Manning in Indianapolis as a visitor on a divisional team.

I still believe that Denver is the best spot for him, but with this recent news, how could Manning pass up this opportunity? These players play in the game because they love it, but it does come with rewards, like money. Let’s face it; this is Manning’s last time to make a significant amount of money while he plays. He is not going to take the lowest amount just to play again. The idea is for these players to earn this money to live on the rest of their life. Why wouldn’t he want to do whatever it takes to make as much as he can?

A report out of Tennessee is that owner Bud Adams offered Peyton Manning a contract “for life.” Honestly, how can Manning turn that down? Even with that news Manning says the Broncos, Cardinals and Dolphins are still in the mix, and he would consider meeting with new teams.

Will the Peyton Manning saga ever end?

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports

Coach Pagano has stressed defense and change and the change has definitely happened with the revamp of the offense. In years past, the Colts have leaned on their offense with star players like Peyton Manning. Now, however, the Colts will be led by their defense. They plan on having a running game and play smash-mouth football keeping the games close and making teams fear their defense, much like teams fear the Ravens.

Last night the Colts made an excellent decision in keeping Reggie Wayne and now general manager Ryan Grigson is making another wise decision by signing Redding. It is clear they are ready to move on from last year’s 2-14 season.

Colts fans can get excited again; they have brought new faces and they are talking with other potential players.

It has been reported that the Colts have agreed to trade their 6th round draft pick for the Eagles 6th round draft pick and OT Winston Justice. This addition will definitely add depth to an offense line that needs help.

The Indianapolis Colts need to analyze their tight end position. They were looking at Jon Carlson, but he just agreed to a deal with Minnesota. They must have a solid tight end for rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. Tight ends are like blankets for babies; whenever they need a little protection, they turn to their tight ends. I firmly believe that tight ends are overlooked when it comes to young quarterbacks. Not every quarterback is going to be able to throw deep every time. They need a reliable guy to whom they can turn.

These moves are great and expect more to follow. I know Colts fans would love to see a running back come to Indianapolis; Michael Bush from Oakland would be a great fit.

They are definitely in re-load mode, and it shows. Be ready for more players to come to Indianapolis.

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder

This is great news for Colts fans who have not had any positive news in the last few weeks. The signing of Wayne will give Andrew Luck a No.1 target and a leader for this young offense. This was the Colts’ top priority going into the 2012 free agency.  Signing Wayne secures him for the next three years. While he is Indianapolis, he will have the opportunity to help mold the younger talent that will come via the 2012 NFL draft.

The news of re-signing Reggie Wayne was huge because earlier in the day the Colts lost Pierre Garcon to the Washington Redskins, and there was no way the team would be able to lose the top two receivers and expect success with Andrew Luck coming in.

It’s still early for this year’s free agency really to take effect but with this signing the Colts can start to mold their team together, knowing they will have a key component to their offense.

The Colts signing Wayne helps everyone. If the rumors were true and Wayne followed Peyton Manning somewhere, it could have been hard for some teams to stop with these two guys knowing each other the way they do. On a side note, it will be sad not to see Manning throw to Wayne ever again unless something big happens via trade.

This is the first step in the right direction for the Colts’ general manager Ryan Grigson. Let’s just hope he can get out there and strike a deal with someone to go with Wayne, maybe even a defender.

Follow me on Twitter @cbbatchelder, or “like” me on Facebook at Christopher B. Batchelder-Rant Sports