The bar has been set for the Indianapolis Colts’ next wave of rookies.
It’s akin to Muggsy Bogues — all 5-3 of him — attempting to surpass Javier Sotomayor’s world record high jump. That would be 8 feet, one-half inch.
“Last year was much different, obviously,” coach Chuck Pagano said during the Colts’ rookie minicamp. “We did have more holes to fill.”
The holes were a result of a 2-14 finish in 2011 and the decision by owner Jim Irsay and general manager Ryan Grigson to make dramatic personnel moves.
Much was demanded of quarterback Andrew Luck, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, and fellow rookies Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, T.Y. Hilton, Vick Ballard and others.
Much was delivered.
The rookies and first-year players combined to appear in 178 games with 70 starts. Only the eternally-rebuilding Cleveland Browns (197 games, 84 starts) were more reliant on their rookie class.
Keeping it close to home, the games and starts were the most by the Colts in their storied history. In 1998, Peyton Manning’s rookie season, rookies contributed 145 games and 69 starts.
The influx of new talent, though, didn’t simply take up space. It combined for 3,112 total yards from scrimmage on offense, the most by an NFL rookie class since 1970. The previous high was set by the Edgerrin James-led Colts in 1999 (2,751).
“Guys were able to come in, especially on the offensive side of the football, and contribute early,” Pagano said.
Luck set a league rookie record with 4,374 passing yards, which aren’t included when compiling total yards from scrimmage. Ballard led the team with 814 rushing yards while Hilton’s 861 receiving yards were the second-most in club history by a rookie. Allen and Fleener combined for 71 catches, 802 yards and five touchdowns.
Now, the focus shifts to linebacker Bjoern Werner, guard Hugh Thornton, center Khaled Holmes and others. Werner, the 24th overall pick in the draft, must help compensate for the offseason departure of Dwight Freeeny.
“I hope I can come in and help the team right away,” he said. “I’ll try to do my best.”
The Colts’ ability to hit on so many productive rookies in 2012 and add several veteran free agents this offseason should mean they’re less reliant on newcomers in ’13.
“That doesn’t mean to say some of these guys that we drafted or any of the tryout guys or college free agents can’t come in and contribute in some capacity, especially on special teams,” Pagano said. “With what we did in free agency, there’s not that many holes to fill.
“That’s means you’re getting closer from a roster standpoint and team standpoint to where you want to be.”
according to indystar.com
