Colts needs: There's no need to fear, Polian is here

Tony Dungy retired, but things should be status quo for the Indianapolis Colts for two reasons.

The obvious reason is quarterback Peyton Manning.

Tony Dungy's gone but Bill Polian's still around to find the right personnel. (Getty Images)

The second is general manager Bill Polian.

The Colts will again be considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender because of Manning's abilities at quarterback and Polian's abilities to build a team around him.

Simply put, Polian is the best in the NFL at putting together a roster.

That doesn't mean the Colts don't have holes. With a new defensive coordinator coming on board in Larry Coyer, the Colts have to get bigger inside at tackle, although coach Jim Caldwell said the system would be similar.

The Colts could use help on the offensive line, need a third receiver and have a huge hole at linebacker.

Polian has allowed several big-ticket linebackers to walk in free agency in recent years in large part because he thinks that position is replaceable as easily as any. So far, it has worked.

But a scan of the depth chart shows it's time to address that position again.

Polian can be bombastic and abrasive, but when it comes to finding and picking football players he's as good as any.

The Colts will be just fine under Caldwell as long as Manning is tossing footballs and Polian is putting the pieces in place around him.

QB: They have Manning. No worries. He doesn't miss games. If he did, this team is dead anyway. Jim Sorgi is the backup, but does it matter? They could use a young player to develop.

RB: Joseph Addai is the starter, but he didn't play as well as expected last season. Some in the organization thought he danced too much. Mike Hart is the top backup, but he's coming off knee surgery. They need help.

WR: Marvin Harrison is gone, released by the team. Reggie Wayne had taken over as the No. 1 receiver anyway, but the release of Harrison elevates Anthony Gonzalez to the second spot. Manning really likes him, so this could be his breakout year. After those two, there is a big drop. They do like young speedster Pierre Garcon.

TE: As long as Dallas Clark is healthy, this isn't a worry position. He is a big-time pass receiver. Tom Santi, Gijon Robinson and Jacob Tamme all offer something as backups.

OL: This was a unit hit hard by injuries last season. They did re-sign Jeff Saturday to play center, which was a good thing. As long as it stays healthy, this is a good unit. Left tackle Tony Ugoh needs to play tougher. They could use some tackle depth.

DL: At some point, they have to get bigger inside. That time is now. They can't play with Keyunta Dawson and Eric Foster as starters again. Antonio Johnson is an intriguing player as a backup. Ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis remain one of the best pair of edge rushers in the game. Raheem Brock is a capable backup.

LB: When you look at the three listed starters -- Gary Brackett, Clint Session and Phillip Wheeler -- there isn't a lot to excite. But the Colts have always made do with average linebackers in their defense. Even so, they could use an upgrade in the worst way. The backups are raw as well.

Secondary: The back four were hit hard by injuries, yet gave up only three touchdown passes. The return of Marlin Jackson from a knee injury will be huge. Kelvin Hayden was re-signed to play the other corner. Safety Bob Sanders remains one of the best, while Antoine Bethea is solid. There is a depth that played last season.