The Indianapolis Colts made several offseason moves to shore up a team that went 2-14 last season. Clearly the franchise is being built around rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, who has been impressive so far in training camp.
Listed below are the most impactful free-agents who joined the Colts in 2012.
Cory Redding, DT: Redding, a 10-year pro, came to Indianapolis from the Baltimore Ravens. A solid interior lineman and an inspirational force, Redding was lured to the Colts by head coach Chuck Pagano's simple overture: "Cory, I need you." Redding will anchor a defensive line making the transition to a 3-4 scheme.
Tom Zbikowski, S: Also an ex-Raven, Zbikowski wil play safety in a defensive backfield looking to improve from a season ago. A fifth-year pro, Zbikowski looks for a more substantiak role with Indianapolis.
Donnie Avery, WR: If anything, Avery will serve as a useful backup to long-time wideout Reggie Wayne. However, Avery has made a splash in camp and could find himself starting opposite Wayne with Austin Collie moving back to his traditional spot in the slot.
Deji Karim, RB: Karim spent last season backing up Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville, and he will find a similar role with the Colts. Karim's bulk (5-8, 209) should, however, work well in offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' scheme. Arians has said that he wants to be a team with a bruising rushing attack.
Brandon McKinney, DT: It really seems as if the Colts raided the Baltimore defense -- not a bad plan -- as McKinney, too, is an ex-Raven. McKinney will battle Antonio Johnson for the starting nose tackle spot.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSSportsNFLIND.