Tom Zbikowski played in 14 games, starting the first four, for the 2010 Baltimore Ravens. He finished the season with 16 defensive and seven special-teams tackles. At the end of the season he worked as a backup to strong safety Bernard Pollard, a fierce run defender who struggles in pass coverage.
The Colts will likely look for more from Zbikowski, who joins defensive lineman Cory Redding as players from Baltimore’s defense to join the Colts. Indianapolis coach Chuck Pagano was Baltimore’s defensive coordinator.
“Tom is a very dedicated and fiery player,” Pagano said in a team news release. “His competitiveness drives him to perform at a high level and his aggressive style of play parallels the attitude we’re looking for from the defensive unit. We’re very excited Tom will be joining the Colts this season.”
Zbikowski can also return kicks; he had a 23.2-yard average on nine returns last year.
The Colts platooned David Caldwell and Joe Lefeged at strong safety after Melvin Bullitt was lost early in the season. Bullitt was recently released. Zbikowski should have a good chance to rank ahead of that duo and play alongside of one of the team's few remaining stalwarts -- free safety Antoine Bethea.
Here is a scouting report on the newest Colt from Scouts Inc.
Zbikowski has adequate size, strength and athleticism for the position. He is solid in filling the alley in run support and has pop and power on contact. He does a nice job maintaining leverage when defending the run and the pass. He lacks great speed and recovery quickness in man coverage but can be effective in combination-zone schemes. He has contributed some as a kick and punt returner but his production is nominal and is best as a core special teams player.