In theory, the defending champ should have a tough time reloading in the draft.

Apparently, the Indianapolis Colts didn’t get the message. Their day 1 draft added a starter and 3 players who should expect plenty of snaps in 2007.

Daymeion Hughes can’t imitate Champ Bailey, but he’s a polished player who will patrol his area in the Cover 2 physically and keep the ball out of the hands of receivers on short and intermediate routes. With the loss of 2 starting CBs, Indy needed a refill at the position. Spending a 3rd was a cheap way to do it.

Word is that the Colts wanted Craig Davis in round 1, but WR Anthony Gonzalez will probably play the role of Brandon Stokely even better than Stokely. Indy slot receivers are asked to run crisp intermediate patterns, and Gonzalez will occupy enough defensive attention to free up their starting widouts. That, or he’ll be more than ready to make the play himself. Gonzalez may not be a likely successor to Wayne or Harrison, but he’s ready to help them during this championship window, and that should take precedence.

In the trenches, both Ugoh and Pitcock will enter the rotation immediately, too. Adding depth up front is just icing on the cake for the loaded Colts.

Year after year, Bill Polian churns out excellent drafts. Along with New England, they deserve to be considered the class of NFL Draft braintrusts. Is it any coincidence they’re the best 2 teams in the league?