The Indianapolis Colts readily admit why they seldom venture into bidding for free agents.

     They're just not very good at it.

     Instead, they rely on a solid draft strategy that keeps the team young and the Cap Space available for its stars.  And all they have to show for it is five straight play-off appearances and shiny, new Vince Lombardi Trophy.

     In fact, you could start a pretty good team with some of the players other teams have signed away from the Colts in recent years:  Edgerrin James, Marcus Washington, Walt Harris, Mike Peterson, Chad Bradzke, Marcus Pollard, Steve McKinney, David Macklin, David Thorton, and Larry Tripplett.

     It's not surprising, then, that the only free agent they signed was G Rick DeMulling, whom they originally drafted in 2001.

     So while Indianapolis needs to to replace several key free agent defections, they seem well positioned to do it.  Antoine Bethea, a 7th round steal in 2006, had already taken the starting job from Mike Doss (Vikings) and versatile Marlin Jackson will start at one of the corners.  The Colts drafted a younger, faster, and healthier Anthony Gonzalez to replace slot receiver Brandon Stokely and may use a committee of young backs (led by Dee Dee Dorsey) to fill the void left by Dominic Rhodes.

     If there's a problem, it's in the middle of the front seven on defense.  Teams ran at will against the Colts last year, and especially at the departed Gilbert Garner.  Rob Morris stepped in and performed well enough to merit a new contract.  Replacing Cato June will be more difficult.

     Another problem is the looming ghost of Free Agency future.  Yes, negotiations with Franchise Player Dwight Freeney continue without the acrimony of other tagged players.  But Safety Bob Sanders-- who keyed the Colts resurgence on defense at the end of last season-- will likely be a free agent next spring.  Knowing the Colts' history, only one of them will be on the team in 2008

     With 10 draft picks and plenty of cap space, the Tennessee Titans seemed poised to bolster their roster significantly.  But when the smoke cleared, they had lost two wide receivers (Drew Bennett to St Louis and Bobby Wade to the Vikings) two running backs (Travis Henry to the Broncos and Chris Brown), along with defenders Robaire Smith and Colby Bockwoldt.    They also lost their best cornerback and an elite kick returner when the league suspended Pac Man Jones.

     While the Titans had the needs and the means, they shied away from the prohibitive going rates for skilled position players. Thus, there are still glaring, blinding needs at wide receiver and at running back.  The team talked to Kevin Curtis, but he signed with the Eagles.  They brought in Keyshawn Johnson, but wouldn't guarantee the money or the years he asked for. And at running back, Lendale White possesses the talent of a star, but the dedication of a day-dreamer.

     What the Titans do have is QB Vince Young, who has more upside than the north face of Mount Blanc.  In the meantime, the Titans, perhaps still hungover from their adventures in Cap Hell, can't be blamed for being deliberate about their future.     

     Who's to blame in Jacksonville?  The Jags are a small market team that needs to win just to sell out its stadium and, therefore, have neither the time for  long term rebuilding nor the money for  free agent quick fixes.  But before they decide what direction to take the team (shhh, hint: West, very, very West), they need to decide if Head Coach Jack Del Rio and QB Byron Leftwich  can be even short-term solutions.

     Defensively, the Jaguars are in excellent shape.  They extended the contract of play-maker Rashean Mathis and drafted Reggie Nelson to offset the loss of Deon Grant.  If they can stay healthy, this is one of the best "D's" in the league.

     Offensively, they are well stocked at running back and added former Raven Tony Pashos to their already solid run-blocking line.  But, like the Titans, this is a team desperate for help at wide receiver and the best they could do is sign Dennis Northcutt, a stellar return man who never developed into the receiver  many thought he could be. Reggie Williams is an okay possession type, but the Jaguars need a down field threat to take advantage of Leftwich's arm. Ernest Wilford signed his RFA tender, and Jag fans were heartened that he was able to hold onto the pen.

    If things don't turn around--quickly-- Del Rio and Leftwich may not be the only Jags leaving town and the next big contract with Wayne Weaver's name on it may be with the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission.

     Another team with frayed fan relations, the Houston Texans made the kind of bold moves Lone Star residents expect from their football teams.  They signed Ahman Green, the kind of  top tier runner the Texans have never had.  Green, despite turning the over-dreaded age of 30,  still has speed and good hands.  He will fit perfectly into Coach Gary Kubiak's offensive scheme. 

     As will newly acquired QB Matt Schaub.  While lacking the numbers that come with experience, Schaub does have all the physical tools and a solid understanding of the WCO. He has already demonstrated the kind of leadership David Carr was alleged to have lacked.  Upon joining the team, Schaub personally called every player on the team to introduce himself and express his confidence in the upcoming season.

     Bull-dozing FB Vonta Leach flirted with the New York Giants before re-upping with Houston.  All three would benefit from better O-line play, and a steady wide receiver to take some of the heat off Andre Johnson.

     The Defense should be improved as second year men Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans continue to mature and learn under DC Richard Smith.  The Texans also added veterans Jeff Zgonina and LB Shawn Barber.  Zgonina's work ethic and Barber's nose for loose balls will make good teaching tools for the younger players.  If the front seven can finally create a pass rush, it will relieve some of the pressure on the secondary, where Dunta Robinson continues to blossom.  DB Dexter McCleon re-signed with the team and will get a shot as the starting safety.