FanHouse CharlieJohnson

Training camp is finally here and FanHouse breaks down the most important position battles heading into the season, team by team.

Despite playing center at Arizona State, the Colts insist that second round pick Mike Pollack will play guard for them this year.

And there is an opening. Long time starter Jake Scott has left for the Tennessee Titans and Indy needs a new right guard. Right now, the battle is between Pollack and third year player Charlie Johnson. Johnson is a converted tight end and backed up rookie Tony Ugoh at left tackle last season.

The problem here is that neither Johnson or Pollack are guards by trade. Johnson struggled with speed ends last season, so a change should do him well. Pollack played center at ASU but will be asked to move over a spot.

Right now, put your money on Pollack. He is extremely athletic for an interior lineman and is a punishing pass blocker. He fits the mold of what the Colts want from their offensive linemen. Johnson may end up being that utility guy that can be thrown in anywhere if there is an injury issue.

Of course, Pollack could end up at center down the road. Current center Jeff Saturday is on the downswing of his career and may see Pollack as his eventual replacement.

1st Round (30th) - Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

• Addai has some big shoes to fill. With Edgerrin James leaving for Arizona in the off-season, the backfield now consists of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai. Addai is a 5-11, 215 lbs running back who ran a 4.49 at the combine. He has been praised for his pass blocking ability and field vision. On the other hand, he has been criticized for his upright running style and lack of explosiveness through holes. My guess is he will be the starter by week 8.
  

2nd Round (62nd) - Tim Jennings, CB, Georgia

• Jennings was a 3 year starter at Georgia. During his last 2 years he was all-conference. Despite his size at 5-8, Jennings has been praised for his athleticism. His main criticism stands with his ability to read the defense. Jennings will most likely not make a push for the starting job in 2006, but look for him as a surprise in '07

3rd Round (94th) - Freddy Keiaho, OLB, San Diego State

• Keiaho had 113 tackles in 2005, leading his team at SDSU. He was named to the first team all-conference as a starter during his senior year. One problem with Freddy is his size for a NFL style linebacker. He is only 5-11, 227 lbs. However, he could make up for this with his speed and field vision He is currently listed at 3rd on the depth chart for LOLB.

5th Round (162nd) - Michael Toudouze, T, TCU

• Toudouze is a 6-5 1/2, 303 pound tackle who has been a starter since his sophomore year. He was awarded all-conference honors while at TCU.

6th Round (199th) - Charlie Johnson, OG, Oklahoma State

• Johnson received all-conference honors at Tight End before he moved to OG as a senior.

6th Round (207th) - Antoine Bethea, S, Howard

• During his senior season at Howard, Antoine received first team all-conference honors.

7th Round (238th) - T.J. Rushing, CB, Stanford

• See my blog here about Rushing