Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Shirley-USA TODA Sports I’m not going to beat around the bush here: I have a bit of a man crush on Seattle Seahawks’ QB Russell Wilson. I’ve tried to deny it, looking instead for a more traditional QB in this year’s Fantasy Football drafts, but I can no longer fight the feeling – this guy was made for fantasy football. Sure, I could spend an earlier pick on New England Patriots’ Tom Brady or Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning, the traditional level of NFL talent I’ve been looking at. But that would be a significantly higher pick for my QB, and what would I really gain? Brady was a 34 TD guy last season and Manning was a 37 TD guy, while Wilson had only 26 TDs. However, if you only get four points for passing touchdowns and six points for rushing touchdowns plus rushing yards, the extra Brady/Manning TDs almost come out in the wash. Plus, don’t forget the fact that Wilson really didn’t have that true No. 1 target one season ago. In the offseason, Seattle sent a first-round pick east for Minnesota Vikings’ electric WR Percy Harvin, who suffered through injury last season and could be labeled a poster child for explosion when at the top of his game and health. Imagine Harvin going an entire season injury free, and the proverbial ceiling of expectations from Wilson is raised exponentially. Many believe he’s a risky pick to base your fantasy football franchise on. I disagree. I believe this guy not only deserved the Rookie of the Year Award one season ago over Washington Redskins’ QB Robert Griffin III and Indianapolis Colts’ QB Andrew Luck, he is also the better fantasy option of the three. Hear me out on this one. RGIII gained nearly 300 more yards on the ground and four more rushing TDs than Wilson, but Wilson threw six more TDs than RGIII, threw for more yards, and Wilson doesn’t have the injury concerns of RGIII. Luck had far more passing yards than Wilson, but Wilson was superior on the ground in completion percentage, and threw far less INTs than Luck. The argument over whether Luck or RGIII would be better was a projected one even before we knew what team these two QBs would play in the NFL. A third name forever belongs in that argument. Don’t forget, Wilson lasted longer in the playoffs a season ago. Even if he is not as safe a pick in 2013 fantasy football drafts as the traditional top-tier pocket passers. You get more flexibility and options in this scenario. Wilson offers you near equal production with the possibility of even greater upside at a far lower pick than the traditional passers, which leads to the bottom line of this argument: draft Brady and a handful more passing TDs but far fewer rushing yards and rushing attempts plus a tier-two RB/WR, or take Wilson and a tier-one RB/WR – say team mate Marshawn Lynch? My money in 2013 is on the latter – give me Wilson, I’m loving those odds. Jim Heath is a Fantasy Football writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Michael Hickey-USA TODAY Sports Coming off an impressive 2012 campaign, the Indianapolis Colts have been scoping out any potential avenues via which they can add talent. On Thursday, the Colts signed linebacker Caesar Rayford, formerly of the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League (AFL). He has also spent time with the Spokane Shock of the AFL and the B.C. Lions of the CFL after failing to impress the Detroit Lions as an undrafted rookie in 2008. In a corresponding move, Indianapolis waived fellow linebacker Jake Killeen, who was signed to a futures/reserve contract back in January after playing three seasons with the Tri-Cities Fever of the Indoor Football League. A defensive end and Washington product, Rayford spent the last four seasons with the Blaze, amassing 68 total tackles, 22.5 sacks, 26.5 tackles for a loss, 16 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, seven fumbles recovered and two interceptions. In case you’re not familiar with AFL football, those numbers – especially the sack total – are impressive in a league that thrives on quick passes. His real prowess, however, is as a kick blocker. Over his four AFL campaigns, Rayford blocked six kicks, including a league single-season record five in 2011. Throughout his college career with the Huskies, he also thrived as a kick blocker. The signing corresponds with Colts GM Ryan Grigson’s background as a CFL player and scout as well as a coach in the AFL. While he’s far from a lock to make the roster, the fact that the Colts noticed Rayford despite being six years removed from college is impressive. It took hard work, dedication and standout film to get Grigson’s attention, so Rayford is obviously doing something right at this point in his professional football career. Now with the Colts, Rayford will battle with the likes of Justin Hickman and Lawrence Sidbury for one or two backup outside linebacker spots. Although he’s a longshot to make the 53-man roster, he can’t be completely discounted as a factor in the competition considering his AFL production and physical tools. We’ll see soon enough if Rayford’s outstanding AFL showing can translate in Colts training camp. Gil Alcaraz IV is a Content Planner/NFL Featured Columnist for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Just like during training camp, certain players stand out when they run around in shorts and helmets at OTAs. Sometimes, it's a sign that they could bring something special to the team, like when Jerrell Freeman was impressing coaches last year, or as Antoine Bethea did in 2006 as a fresh-faced, sixth round selected rookie. Other times, they're just another Drew Haddad or Taj Smith. This year, it seems the the star of OTAs is Colts free agent corner Greg Toler. Here's our buddy George Bremer, who was at OTAs this past Wednesday: But the clear defensive MVP on Wednesday was cornerback Greg Toler. The fifth-year veteran, signed away from the Arizona Cardinals to replace Jerraud Powers, broke up passes intended for tight end Coby Fleener and wide receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and T.Y. Hilton during red-zone drills. He showed the athleticism and instincts that made him an offseason priority for general manager Ryan Grigson. "We’re really happy with Greg," defensive secondary coach Mike Gillhamer said. "He’s coming here with a great attitude. He’s so powerful. He might be the big-game cat, like a cheetah or something. He’s just so powerful and can spring, and his attitude’s been awesome. He’s been everything that we hoped he’d be." For me, Toler's early impact does not surprise. I do not think this guy is another "shorts and helmet" guy. He can play, and play well. I spent a lot of my free time in March watching tape of Toler, and I came away very impressed. In fact, of the 13 free agents Ryan Grigson has signed since the new league year began, the Toler signing was one of his best in terms of talent-for-cost. Fans in Indianapolis might not have any idea just how dominant the Arizona Cardinals defense was in 2012. If the Cardinals had anything remotely resembling a quarterback last year, they would have won the AFC West. Yes, over both the 49ers and the Seahawks. Their defense was better than both San Fran's and Seattle's, and Toler is an important part of that defense. The big question mark with him is health. He missed four games for Arizona last season due to injury, and I'm hearing chatter that he's now walking around OTAs in a soft cast or walking boot. We'll keep you posted as best we can on his health. More: Stampede Blue Free Agent Profile On Greg Toler

2012 REGULAR SEASON: 164-91*-1 (.643) PLAYOFFS: 7-3 (.700) SUPER BOWL: 1-0 (1.000) COLTS PREDICTIONS: 13-4 (.765) Life isn't easy for a Predictificationist - especially during this NFL offseason. After I correctly predicted the Baltimore Ravens as Super Bowl champions (not to mention predicting the Patriots and Falcons losses in the Conference Championships) before the season started last August my email, twitter and cell phone have been ringing off the hook! (yes, I'm aware that email and twitter don't 'ring') It's because of superior Predictification powers that I've been buried in questions all offseason: "Who are the Colts going to sign, Nick?" "Who are the Colts going to draft, Rags?" "Which team will win the Super Bowl this year, Predictificationist? "Hey, can you give me the winning PowerBall numbers?" I guess I should have seen it coming (I am a Predictificationist after all). To be honest, there is a part of me wanted to simply drop the mic and walk off stage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zIdUlp3QAsk I mean could it get any better? I need to remind you (as I did last year), the power of these predictions often cause people to lash out. This isn't a bad thingt - heck, even encouraged. Do you know how many people mocked my Ravens pick last year? Look at the comments section for a good laugh (TY46, LuckSCI12, Bruce_Wayne, SpanishColtsFan, ColtsFan1345, profootballfanatic, ohsnap12, and James Busch... I've got a video for you!). Some people can't handle the power of Predictification. But, alas, I've decided to share my gift with you for another season. You're welcome. (SPOILER ALERT! The entire NFL season is revealed below!) AFC EAST New England Patriots 12-4 (y) Miami Dolphins 7-9 New York Jets 3-13 Buffalo Bills 2-14 AFC NORTH Baltimore Ravens 11-5 (x) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5 (x) Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Cleveland Browns 6-10 AFC SOUTH Houston Texans 11-5 (x) Indianapolis Colts 9-7 (x) Tennessee Titans 4-12 Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13 AFC WEST Denver Broncos 13-3 (z) Kansas City Chiefs 6-10 San Diego Chargers 6-10 Oakland Raiders 6-10 (z - home field, y - first round bye, x - wildcard round) Division winners: Broncos, Patriots, Texans, Ravens Wildcards: Steelers, Colts NFC EAST New York Giants 10-6 (x) Dallas Cowboys 9-7 Washington Redskins 8-8 Philadelphia Eagles 6-10 NFC NORTH Green Bay Packers 12-4 (x) Chicago Bears 10-6 Minnesota Vikings 7-9 Detroit Lions 6-10 NFC SOUTH Atlanta Falcons 13-3 (z) New Orleans Saints 11-5 (x) Carolina Panthers 6-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 NFC WEST San Francisco 49ers 12-4 (y) Seattle Seahawks 11-5 (x) St. Louis Rams 7-9 Arizona Cardinals 5-11 (z - home field, y - first round bye, x - wildcard round) Division winners: Falcons, 49ers, Packers, Giants Wildcards: Saints, Seahawks WILDCARD ROUND: Colts over the Texans Ravens over the Steelers Packers over the Saints Seahawks over the Giants DIVISIONAL ROUND Broncos over the Colts Patriots over the Ravens Seahawks over the Falcons 49ers over the Packers CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Broncos over the Patriots 49ers over the Seahawks SUPER BOWL Broncos over the 49ers So, there you have it. Peyton Manning will win his second ring and beat Andrew Luck, Tom Brady and Jim Harbaugh in the process. Couldn't get much better than that, could it? (Well, for Peyton Manning at least) I'm sure that you are all much smarter (since you've been reading my articles) this year and won't say ANYTHING about my spotless predictions.... or will you? Be on the lookout for the article next week where I will go into detail on my predicted 9-7 season for the Colts, including projections for Andrew Luck for year two. It will be amazing (of course). Questions, comments, concerns? Leave me something below in the comments or shoot me an email to predictification@gmail.com. Want more of me in

2012 REGULAR SEASON: 164-91*-1 (.643) PLAYOFFS: 7-3 (.700) SUPER BOWL: 1-0 (1.000) COLTS PREDICTIONS: 13-4 (.765) Life isn't easy for a Predictificationist - especially during this NFL offseason. After I correctly predicted the Baltimore Ravens as Super Bowl champions (not to mention predicting the Patriots and Falcons losses in the Conference Championships) before the season started last August my email, twitter and cell phone have been ringing off the hook! (yes, I'm aware that email and twitter don't 'ring') It's because of superior Predictification powers that I've been buried in questions all offseason: "Who are the Colts going to sign, Nick?" "Who are the Colts going to draft, Rags?" "Which team will win the Super Bowl this year, Predictificationist? "Hey, can you give me the winning PowerBall numbers?" I guess I should have seen it coming (I am a Predictificationist after all). To be honest, there is a part of me wanted to simply drop the mic and walk off stage. I mean could it get any better? I need to remind you (as I did last year), the power of these predictions often cause people to lash out. This isn't a bad thingt - heck, even encouraged. Do you know how many people mocked my Ravens pick last year? Look at the comments section for a good laugh (TY46, LuckSCI12, Bruce_Wayne, SpanishColtsFan, ColtsFan1345, profootballfanatic, ohsnap12, and James Busch... I've got a video for you!). Some people can't handle the power of Predictification. But, alas, I've decided to share my gift with you for another season. You're welcome. (SPOILER ALERT! The entire NFL season is revealed below!) AFC EAST New England Patriots 12-4 (y) Miami Dolphins 7-9 New York Jets 3-13 Buffalo Bills 2-14 AFC NORTH Baltimore Ravens 11-5 (x) Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5 (x) Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Cleveland Browns 6-10 AFC SOUTH Houston Texans 11-5 (x) Indianapolis Colts 9-7 (x) Tennessee Titans 4-12 Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13 AFC WEST Denver Broncos 13-3 (z) Kansas City Chiefs 6-10 San Diego Chargers 6-10 Oakland Raiders 6-10 (z - home field, y - first round bye, x - wildcard round) Division winners: Broncos, Patriots, Texans, Ravens Wildcards: Steelers, Colts NFC EAST New York Giants 10-6 (x) Dallas Cowboys 9-7 Washington Redskins 8-8 Philadelphia Eagles 6-10 NFC NORTH Green Bay Packers 12-4 (x) Chicago Bears 10-6 Minnesota Vikings 7-9 Detroit Lions 6-10 NFC SOUTH Atlanta Falcons 13-3 (z) New Orleans Saints 11-5 (x) Carolina Panthers 6-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 NFC WEST San Francisco 49ers 12-4 (y) Seattle Seahawks 11-5 (x) St. Louis Rams 7-9 Arizona Cardinals 5-11 (z - home field, y - first round bye, x - wildcard round) Division winners: Falcons, 49ers, Packers, Giants Wildcards: Saints, Seahawks WILDCARD ROUND: Colts over the Texans Ravens over the Steelers Packers over the Saints Seahawks over the Giants DIVISIONAL ROUND Broncos over the Colts Patriots over the Ravens Seahawks over the Falcons 49ers over the Packers CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Broncos over the Patriots 49ers over the Seahawks SUPER BOWL Broncos over the 49ers So, there you have it. Peyton Manning will win his second ring and beat Andrew Luck, Tom Brady and Jim Harbaugh in the process. Couldn't get much better than that, could it? (Well, for Peyton Manning at least) I'm sure that you are all much smarter (since you've been reading my articles) this year and won't say ANYTHING about my spotless predictions.... or will you? Be on the lookout for the article next week where I will go into detail on my predicted 9-7 season for the Colts, including projections for Andrew Luck for year two. It will be amazing (of course). Questions, comments, concerns? Leave me something below in the comments or shoot me an email to predictification@gmail.com. Want more of me in smaller doses (140 characters at a time)? You can follow me on Twit

The Colts continue to look for diamonds in the rough that will, hopefully, make their 2013 pass rush a bit more sparkly. Indianapolis has signed outside linebacker Caeser Rayford, formerly of the CFL and, most recently, of the AFL's Utah Blaze. To make room for Rayford on the team's 90-man roster, the Colts waived linebacker Jake Killeen. If you have no idea who Jake Killeen is, that's OK. I follow pretty much every move this team makes. I dissect every decision they finalize. I write, and write, and write some more... and yet, I had no idea a guy named Jake Killeen was even on this team. Now, there's Caesar Rayford, a 267 pound outside linebacker who stands a staggering 6'7! How the hell can a guy who is 6'7 can play outside backer? I guess we'll see. Per Colts.com, Rayford played 35 games at the University of Washington. He earned just 13 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, one forced fumble, and blocked a kick. Like former Army standout Josh McNary, who was signed by the Colts as a free agent before the 2013 NFL Draft, Rayford seems like a project player. So, don't get too excited about his chances of making the 53-man roster in August. Then again, 2012 leading tackler Jerrell Freeman was a project player last year. I guess anything is possible.

The 2013 organized team activities are in full swing for the Indianapolis Colts, and with them we start to see what this new roster could perhaps morph into for the upcoming regular season. Last year this time, we wrote a ton about how the team was unrecognizable. The coaches were new. Most of the players were new. The quarterback was a 23-year-old kid not-named Peyton Manning. Fans were abandoning the franchise. Irsay was lashing out on Twitter. Fun times. This year, it's actually almost deja vu all over again! While we might view general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano as friendly faces, both brought in thirteen free agents, drafted seven new players, and signed fifteen undrafted rookies. That's 35 new players that did not play a down of football for the Colts in 2012! Add in the potential returns of nose tackles Josh Chapman and Brandon McKinney - both of whom were lost last season to knee injuries - and that number jumps to 37. Gone is franchise stalwart Dwight Freeney, recently signed by the San Diego Chargers for reasons that baffle the mind. Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano is the younger brother of Chuck, and Chuck's defense in 2012 wasn't the best fit for Freeney. Also, gone are Jerraud Powers, Donnie Avery, Moise Fokou, and Winston Justice. In many ways, the 2013 Colts are a totally new team from the 2012 squad almost as much as the 2012 squad was from the 2011 crew. Knowing this, here are the three stories us nutballs at Stampede Blue are following all throughout OTAs and into training camp: The Relationship Between Chuck Pagano and Pep Hamilton No, Pep Hamilton is not yapping again about using Andrew Luck in the read-option, but we still find it interesting that the Colts hired a West Coast Offense guru (who is open to using read-option) to replace Chuck Pagano's good friend, Bruce Arians. Pagano and Arians shared the same beliefs in terms of coaching philosophy, and Arians is on record as saying he hates the West Coast Offense and read-option. Also, Pagano has spent a lot of time this offseason explaining to people that the Colts aren't really running a "pure" West Coast scheme, almost as if he's apologizing for it. He's seemingly gone out of his way to note that the Colts will run the ball and "take their shots" down the field. Basically, he's saying that the Colts will retain some of Arians' scheme from last year. However, Andrew Luck has already said that 75% of this new Colts offense is the Stanford offense he once ran for Hamilton. Left tackle Anthony Castonzo said this is the third offensive terminology and system he's had to learn in three years in the league. This offense is indeed new. West Coast. "No Coast." Whatever. It is NOT Bruce Arians' offense. At least, from what the players are saying, it doesn't sound like it. Obviously, this doesn't mean there's friction, finger-pointing, or haymakers being thrown between Pagano and Hamilton. What is interesting is that these guys have never worked together, and I get the distinct impression that it was not Pagano that hired Hamilton. If he did, why did he hire someone he has no previous NFL coordiantor experience to run an offense that isn't suited for the personnel the Colts drafted in 2012? If Pagano didn't hire Hamilton - and by that I mean he didn't personally reach out to the coach, bring him in, and convince management he's the guy - then who did? Grigson? Irsay? The working relationship between these two coaches absolutely is fascinating. Hamilton is considered a rising star as a coach in both college and the NFL. Stanford's David Shaw is also someone many feel will one day make the leap to the NFL. Pagano only coached five games in 2012 (including the playoffs), and went 2-3 in those games. He is a defensive-minded coach who seems to have a very dated sense of what it takes to score points in the modern NFL. If the Colts struggle in 2013, and especially if the defense

via arenafootballone.com As reported last night and by Josh Wilson via twitter: The #Colts signed 6-7, 265 lb OLB Caesar Rayford. Has spent time in both AFL and CFL. Recorded 22.5 sacks and 6 blocked kicks past 3 years.— Josh Wilson (@Coltsfanwilson) May 24, 2013 A quick stat run down by the Colts: Rayford, 6-7, 265 pounds, spent the last three seasons with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League where he totaled 68 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss, 16 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also blocked six kicks, including an AFL single-season record five in 2011. In 2012, Rayford started all 18 games and recorded 21 tackles (17 solo), 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, three passes defensed, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Prior to joining the Blaze, he played for the Spokane Shock of the AFL and the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. Rayford played in 35 games at the University of Washington and recorded 13 tackles (seven solo), 5.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. As a senior in 2007, he tallied career highs with 10 tackles and 4.0 sacks in 13 games. With this move, the Colts cut LB Jake Killen. This seems like a signing that will help bring some more competition to the Colts defense this training camp, especially to the OLB position. Rayford has spent his AFL time as a defensive end, which would mean another DE converted to OLB for the Colts. He has some pretty impressive stat lines, and all of the passes defended, forced fumbles, recoveries, and TFL lead me to believe he has the athleticism to make the transition (I know, it's the AFL, but still...). Here is a highlight video you can find him in: Utah Blaze vs. Georgia Force Highlights 6/23/12 (via utahblaze) Overall, he seems like a nice guy who loves the sprt of football and is very grateful for the oppurtunity, ready to work his ass off and try to make the team: God works in amazing ways truly blessed. Got a call from the Indianapolis Colts leaving today for a workout wish me luck #TeamBringIT!!!!!— Caesar Rayford (@CaesaRay85) May 22, 2013 I like to first of all thank The Lord because thru him I can do anything and it's been a long journey but Feeling so blessed right not INDY!— Caesar Rayford (@CaesaRay85) May 24, 2013 Inside Blaze Training Camp 2012 with DE Caesar Rayford (via utahblaze) I like these signings a lot. They add competition; which only leads to increased talent and work ethics overall (imagine a guy most likely making the team getting pushed around and sweating because of a no-namer out of the AFL - LOVE IT), open the door for a diamond in the rough with little to no impact cap-wise, and most importantly gives us something to talk about during the boring months of late May and June. via arenafootballone.com As reported last night and by Josh Wilson via twitter: The #Colts signed 6-7, 265 lb OLB Caesar Rayford. Has spent time in both AFL and CFL. Recorded 22.5 sacks and 6 blocked kicks past 3 years.— Josh Wilson (@Coltsfanwilson) May 24, 2013 A quick stat run down by the Colts: Rayford, 6-7, 265 pounds, spent the last three seasons with the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League where he totaled 68 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 26.5 tackles for loss, 16 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He also blocked six kicks, including an AFL single-season record five in 2011. In 2012, Rayford started all 18 games and recorded 21 tackles (17 solo), 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, three passes defensed, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Prior to joining the Blaze, he played for the Spokane Shock of the AFL and the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. Rayford played in 35 games at the University of Washington and recorded 13 tackles (seven solo),

Fans of the Indianapolis Colts seemed fairly excited after the team picked up Josh Chapman in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. After missing his entire first year, the excitement has continued to build in anticipation for his first game on the field in the NFL. A knee injury sidelined Chapman all last season, but now things are looking up. According to Craig Kelley of Colts.com, Chapman is completely healthy. Chapman apparently said that he's "full go" and "100 percent" heading into OTAs starting on Monday. Apparently, the team likes Chapman enough to have him working with the first team once OTAs begin. At 6'0'' and 316 pounds, the defensive tackle will be looking to earn a starting job with the team. It will be no easy task for Chapman, as he will be facing some stiff competition. He will be competing for a starting job along with Aubrayo Franklin and Brandon McKinney. At Alabama, Chapman showed off tremendous strength. Combining that with his big size helped him fill lanes and disrupt plays with ease. He has a good football IQ for a defensive tackle, meaning that he understands his job on defense isn't always making tackles or sacks, but often opening up plays for the linebackers. Stamina was an issue in college, but hopefully Chapman has worked on that while trying to get healthy. He was consistently a two-down player in college, but hopefully the Colts can find ways to use him even more. There's a lot of hype surrounding Chapman now that he is returning, and that is both a blessing and a curse for the young player. It's good in the sense that he's getting an opportunity to start, but a problem because he could end up disappointing a number of people. No one knows for sure how well he will play in 2013, but a lot of fans are certainly rooting for him.

When transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense, often times the defensive line can be the hardest to work with because of the changes. The Colts defensive line played respectably last season, but it was evident that they still needed help along the defensive front. One of the first moves they made to do that was by signing the highly sought after Ricky Jean-Francois from the San Francisco 49ers. Jean-Francois was drafted in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the 'Niners out of LSU, where he won a national championship with the Tigers and was even named the defensive MVP of the 2008 National Championship Game. According his LSU bio page, he also participated in track and field. In his four seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, Jean-Francois has played in 51 games (starting 5) and has notched 49 tackles, 3 sacks, forced a fumble and batted down 2 passes. He was a role player for the 49ers and backed up one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, Justin Smith. Thus saying that Jean-Francois' lack of starts means he isn't a good player is not a valid argument at all, as he was stuck behind one of the league's best. When Smith was injured this past season, RJF stepped in and played well. Following the 49ers' Super Bowl XLVII loss to the Ravens, Ricky Jean-Francois' contract was up and he was due to test free agency. A number of teams were reportedly interested in signing him, including the Titans, Browns, Packers, Ravens, and Eagles - plus the Colts, of course. His first visit once the free agency period began was to Philadelphia, and once he left there without a contract he headed to Indianapolis. The Colts reportedly very much wanted RJF and made a big push to sign him. He never left Indy without a deal - a very lucrative deal, I may add. General Manager Ryan Grigson gave Jean-Francois a 4-year, $22 million contract ($8.5 million guaranteed) that has him making $5.5 million this season. With 3 career sacks, the $22 million deal means that the Colts are paying RJF just over $7 million per career sack. That said, he is a solid player overall and a good run defender. Perhaps his biggest attribute is his versatility, however. Although he played just 27% of defensive snaps for San Francisco last year (because as we already noted he was behind Justin Smith), he played all three spots along the defensive line and played them well. He won't be the best at any one of those positions, but he is a solid player at each of them. Another positive to the Colts signing him is that he can help teach coordinator Greg Manusky's system to the younger defensive lineman, as Jean-Francois played for Manusky for two seasons in San Francisco (2009-2010). The Colts list him as a defensive tackle on their roster, but at 6'3, 295 pounds he would seem to project better as a 3-4 defensive end that could switch over to a DT in a 4-3. Again, however, he can play all three spots along the defensive line. The question is just where his primary position will be, and the Colts seem to think it will be at tackle. I'm not sure, but there's time to figure that out before the season begins. Quite a bit of time, actually. Last season as a part of the San Francisco 49ers, Ricky Jean-Francois was on a team that won the NFC Championship, played in the Super Bowl and came very close to winning it. The loss is still a sore subject for him. But when he signed with Indy, he was confident that before long, he'll get a shot at making up for the loss last year by winning it all. He's motivated to get back, and that's exactly the type of guy Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano want on their football team. And lastly, a profile on Ricky Jean-Francois wouldn't be complete without a link to his now famous Peanut Butter Jelly Dance. It's probably what he's most known for by fans throughout the league.