Happy Leap Day!

The Indianapolis Colts enter the free agency signing period this morning with no intent on snatching-up any marquee players. In fact, since 2003 only 1 NFL free agent has been offered a contract by the Colts (Adam Vinatieri). The Colts draft so well they don't have to scramble for talent, and thus eliminating any risk of grabbing a player in haste.

Also, Colts owner Jim Irsay has expanded the horseshoe logo to the LPGA by sponsoring golfer Becky Lucidi (pictured). 

Are the Indiana Hoosiers looking for a new head coach? That all depends on how well Dan Dakich's team performs in the NCAA tournament. He's probably more than capable of coaching this squad, but I fear IU is looking for a big-name hire to lure the top recruits. If we've learned one thing from Purdon't this year is that you can put together a no-name-team of underclassmen and still contend for the conference title - as long as you emphasize the fundamentals like defense and ball control. Of course, these players aren't really 'no-namers', they're actually Indiana HS All-Stars, but the point is IU doesn't have to shoot for the moon to win. Prominent names that have been thrown around include Thad Matta, Rick Pitino and Rick Barnes. Lesser-known candidates on the radar include ex-Boiler Kevin Stallings, Washington State's Tony Bennett, Wright State's Brad Brownell, Baylor's Scott Drew and Xavier's Sean Miller.

The Indiana Pacers are dealing with more off-court troubles now that Shawne Williams' pal has been arrested for a Memphis murder. This news comes after a report that a woman was raped at Marquis Daniels' home last month, David Harrison failing a 3rd drug test, Jamaal Tinsley the target of a drive-by, Williams arrested for having no license/expired plates/possession of gun & weed, JT and 'Quisy beating up a club owner, Stephen Jackson firing a pistol and kicking a retard... and all this after the infamous brawl in Detroit. We make the Bengals look like choir boys.

With the 32nd pick, the XLi Champs select...

The defense lost two solid veterans in Cato June and Nick Harper, but I doubt we'll be looking for a CB with a core secondary of Bob Sanders, Antoine Bethea, Jason David, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden. I've heard reports that Ron Meeks and Mike Murphy are ready to push Freddie Keiaho to start at LB alongside Rob Morris and Gary Brackett. This is obviously the ONLY HOLE in the Colts starting 25 (22 + Hunter Smith, Adam Vinatieri, Terrence Wilkins). The run-defense stepped up in the playoffs, but you cannot expect Booger and Brock to plug the gaps every down.

The next position we need to look at is RB. With the absence of Rhodes, Peyton will need a similar compliment to handle some of the rushing/blocking when Addai rests. The type of player Gene Huey wants here will be someone that's available on Day #2 or even in Free Agency.

When Brandon Stokely only played a handful of games, we saw replacement-wannabes continually drop passes from Peyton's laser-rocket arm. Morehead is still too raw, and Dallas Clark was only a temporary slot-receiver. There is an abundance of talented WRs in this year's draft, but I doubt Polian will flinch at the studs that'll be available.

Here's a look at some possible candidates for the 32nd pick in the 2007 draft:

• Brandon Siler (LB) UF
• Jon Beason (LB) Miami
• Justin Harrell (DT) Tennessee
• Anthony Spencer (DE/LB) Purdue
• Dwayne Jarret (WR) USC
• Steve Smith (WR) USC
• Brian Leonard (RB) Rutgers

Polian's previous 10 1st round picks:
Joe Addai, Marlin Jackson, Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Rob Morris, Edge, Peyton Manning, Tarik Glenn, Marvin Harrison

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