INDIANAPOLIS – Each week, readers of Colts.com can submit their questions to have a chance of them being answered in our Wednesday mailbag.**Submit your question here**.
Here is this week's collection:Robert Worley (Modesto, CA)
I've been a Colts fan for almost 40 years. I was just thinking about the Colts running game. Trent Richardson was unable to do much of anything, but then Dan Herron comes in and does very well. Zurlon Tipton even looked good. And this is not even considering the great year Bradshaw was having before suffering his leg injury. I'm thinking, given all of this, that we had a pretty good offensive line and were very capable running the ball with just about anyone other than Trent. Maybe instead of worrying so much about the Colts ability to run, the real issue is finding an above average runner and letting them have the ball. But even then, if we hang on to Bradshaw, we have that guy. And Vick Ballard as well. I think our run game will be fine next year. What do you think?
Bowen: As has been a frequent trend with the weekly mailbags, a number of running back inquiries were sent in. Some answers in the backfield could come as quickly as next week with free agency starting on Tuesday. The Colts have been rumored for just about every free agent back this offseason. Just like defensive line, I think there's a real possibility where you see the Colts address their running back needs via both the draft and free agency. There are several proven backs that could hit the open market next Tuesday. Also, this draft class of running backs is the deepest its been in a long, long time. With questions on nearly every back currently on the Colts roster, some answers could be coming very soon.
Barry Stevens (Martinsville, IN)
Is Andrew luck coming back this year
Bowen: Barry, No. 12 will be back in 2015. He is still under his rookie contract and it's a safe bet Luck isn't leaving Indianapolis anytime soon. It sounds like contract talks will be on the back burner for a while with a second deal getting done in the coming year or so.
Justin Gasser (Utah)
With our first round pick, if we go on the defensive side who would be a guy that would be available to pick?
Bowen: Justin, here's a link to some mock drafts around the league and who they have pegged for the Colts in the opening round. Defense seems to be the popular consensus from fans on who they would like to see the Colts nab at pick No. 29. Last week, I took a look at the defensive line targets that could definitely be around in the second half of the first round.
Paul Aine (Middletown, NY)
I really enjoyed Matt Hasselback's show.I found it to be very interesting and informative. He was very entertaining and funny with a great report with his teammates.I sure hope his resigning means we will be seeing more of him.
What are the chances this show continues?
Bowen: I think you are correct, Paul. A fan asked Hasselbeck this very question last week on Twitter. I couldn't agree more with you in that Hasselbeck does a tremendous job with these pieces. They are really informative and entertaining at the same time. I enjoyed the variety in people who came on for the segments, too.
Wyatt McCann (League City, TX)
What do you think the odds are of the Colts trading up in the draft to get a player like Danny Shelton? The dude is a beast, and I feel like he may be exactly what the Colts need on the defensive front.
Bowen: Shelton is a name that is probably the top interior player in this year's draft class. While his talent and fit into the 3-4 scheme seem to be more than ideal, it would take a serious package to climb up into the top part of the draft to take him. I can't recall too many mock drafts I've seen where Shelton has fallen outside of the top 10. The good news is this is a pretty deep draft for interior guys so the Colts might not have to move up from No. 29 to still get a quality player.
Jeff Patten (Bristol, Connecticut)
Bjorn Werner. Is it possible to move Bjorn from OLB to ILB? Many players need to find the correct spot to excel. Kinda like Jerry Hughes!
Bowen: Jeff, I'm not really sure that's an option that would suit Werner. He was already making the switch from defensive line to an outside linebacker role when he entered the league in 2013. Another position switch, let alone taking into consideration his body type, would certainly set him back. While Jerry Hughes changed teams and had a very nice season in 2014, he was still used as an edge rusher and did not change positions.
Dave H (Sebring, FL)
I'VE BEEN HOPING THAT CHAPMAN, M HUGHES,OR KERR WOULD START MAKING A BIG PRESENCE, UP THE MIDDLE. THIS TEAM, HAS NOT HAD THAT SINCE McFarland WAS HERE. AND HE WAS VERY DISRUPTIVE AND DID NOT LET PEOPLE PUSH HIM AROUND. SO, WILL THE COLTS STAFF PUSH AND STRESS. THIS MORE THIS SEASON, THAT THEY NEED A GREATER NEED FOR NT, DT,DE TO GET AFTER, AND TO THE QB'S AND RB'S. SO THIS TEAM CAN GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND TAKE PRESSURE OFF THE SECONDRY??? IF THEY CAN GET THESE GUYS PLAYING AGGRESSIVE AND IN BEAST MODE THEN WATCH OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bowen: I don't think it's a secret anywhere that the need for the defensive linemen in 2015 is pretty high for the Colts. You mentioned some of the younger bodies on the Colts defense line. They've yet to take on an expanded role (outside of Josh Chapman last year) but that might change shortly. The Cory Redding retirement question should have an answer relatively soon and that will impact the makeup of the unit in 2015. I would not be surprised at all if the Colts addressed defensive line needs through the draft and free agency.
Terry Whalin (Ocklawaha, Florida)
Kevin, after reading that the Colts have released Landry and Ricky Jean I'm frustrated. Why not trade them for draft picks instead of getting nothing for them. Even if they only got 5th or 6th round picks for them that's something they could use to get better players or to trade up in the draft with. Don't forget, Tom Brady was a 6th rounder and he's been kicking our butts for years. They do this all the time and it just drives me crazy.
Bowen: Terry, I understand why that might seem plausible but think about it from the other team's point of view. Why would a team want to take on that type of contract? The moves of releasing Landry and Jean Francois cleared some substantial cap space for the Colts. A team does not want to bring on that cap space by trading away one of their draft picks.
