<
>

With Hughes out, '07 draft class not Colts' quality

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky

Cornerback Dante Hughes and offensive lineman Steve Justice are among the first three cuts for the Colts, according to Mike Chappell.

Hughes was a third-rounder in 2007, a class of nine that has not proven to be Bill Poilian’s best.

  • First-rounder Anthony Gonzalez is in line as the second wide receiver and has been very good in his first two years.

  • Second-round left tackle Tony Ugoh has been demoted to backup status though it wouldn’t be a surprise if he gets the starting left tackle job back.

  • Hughes played in 24 games in two seasons.

  • The other third-rounder, defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock, retired before training camp of his second season.

  • Fourth-round defensive Brannon Condren played in eight games as a rookie, was elsewhere in 2008, re-signed in 2009 but was cut in late July.

  • Fourth-round linebacker Clint Session is in line to start and looks like he will be a good player.

  • Fifth-round receiver Roy Hall played in seven games in two seasons and was waived injured on Aug. 13. He is now on IR.

  • Fifth-round defensive back Michael Coe played in six games and was recently cut.

  • Seventh-round defensive end Keyunta Dawson was eventually moved to tackle, where he started 14 games last year. He now ranks as a backup end. I think they like him, but don't know if he's a lock for the final 53.

A draft class of nine players produced a crop that now includes two starters and two backups. Granted, Pitcock was a bad-luck development for the team and a good club isn't necessarily going to have room for late rounders.

Still, the way the Colts operate, I feel as if a group in its third year should be nearing its peak and contributing and producing more than that.

Do you agree?