Why We Need To Get Clark Back

[Dtman513]

Dallas Clark is still on the market. We lost Tamme to Denver, leaving Eldridge as our veteran tight end on the roster.

I think Grigson should try to find a way to work a deal with Clark to get him back on the roster for the Colts.

He'll provide good veteran experience for Luck, a security blanket, and if somehow they can draft Coby Fleener he would be a good mentor for the guy.

I feel that's what they did in retaining Wayne, and they should do the same for Clark.

Thoughts?

[21isSuperman]

If he comes cheap, sure. His blocking is below average, so he can't do much for you there. He is also injury prone, as he has missed his fair share of games recently. Some say he might retire

[Andy]

I think the Colts can't find a top TE in the draft, then they should try to get Clark back, but only for a cheap price.

So, Clark should only come back if he's cheap and we're desperate.

[turner46992]

I like the Idea of just trying to get Fleener with out Clark, I dont think he really needs a mentor, Although Id love to have clark back but His ability to stay healthy the past few seasons is really what makes me want to keep away from dallas, unless of course we cant get anyone else

for example say there are 2 free agents: Clark and I guess we can say Shockey if he is a FA. Id choose clark everytime. But Id really just like for them to shoot for Fleener and leave clark behind

[Indeee]

If Fleener isn't there at 34th pick then I think they look at bringing clark back on the cheap

[Coltswarriors]

I'd rather have Visanthe Shianco than Clark. Love Dallas, but he isn't a very good blocker and last season without Manning Clark struggled. He's also been very injury prone lately...

[braveheartcolt]

If Fleener isn't there at 34th pick then I think they look at bringing clark back on the cheap

Bring him back on the cart more like....

[Smonroe]

I'd rather have Visanthe Shianco than Clark. Love Dallas, but he isn't a very good blocker and last season without Manning Clark struggled. He's also been very injury prone lately...

Besides the injuries, he's also dropped more than his share the last couple years. Probably a consequence of the injuries.

Love the guy, but we can get by without him.

[B-B]

What about Brody Eldridge? Has everyone given up on him?

[Smonroe]

If Fleener isn't there at 34th pick then I think they look at bringing clark back on the cheap

I'm sure this has been brought up in other threads, but I wonder if the Colts would consider moving up if Fleener gets past say 25?

[jskinnz]

Clark is done.

[Warhorse]

Lots of suggestions about resigning Clark, at what average $ per year? Please be realistic, he is not going to play for league minimum.

[GoColts8818]

I don't think we will explore this. I think frankly the fact the Colts really didn't seem to go after Tamme tells me that I think the Colts are moving in a different direction at the tightend spot. I think they want a more traditional blocking tightend. If he can stay healthy I would really look for Eldridge to thrive in that kind of system.

[GrizzColt]

Fleener's stock is so high now, that he could have a press conference stating he wears women's clothing and he would still get picked in the 2nd round.

[GoColts8818]

Fleener's stock is so high now, that he could have a press conference stating he wears women's clothing and he would still get picked in the 2nd round.

Good thing we have the second pick of the second round lol.

[bWild]

If he comes cheap, sure. His blocking is below average, so he can't do much for you there. He is also injury prone, as he has missed his fair share of games recently. Some say he might retire

And since his wrist sugery he's had the dropsies...

[UndecidedFrog]

I would rather have a TE with a larger frame, that is capable of:

1) run blocking

2) pass protecting

3) route running with speed

4) catching the ball

[willysp]

Vet minimum.

Because:

- poor blocker

- injury prone

- dropsies big time last year

Peyton made him look much better than he is. (Like he did most of the team)

[Phil J]

I'll bet fleener isn't there at 34. Just a hunch

[funktacious2]

What about Brody Eldridge? Has everyone given up on him?

Eldridge is a decent blocker, but unimpressive in the passing game. We could really use a pass-catching tight end. It's pretty common to have a tight end duo of some kind where one mainly catches and the other mainly blocks. (and of course they mix it up from time to time.)

Perhaps a pass-catching tight end isn't as prevalent as some other positions, but if we pick one up in the draft or FA he will certainly be put to good use.

[betheafan41]

latest mock draft on NFL.com doesnt have feener (sorry if i messed up on his name) the TE from stanford going in the first round...if that holds up the colts can easily draft him in the second round. and could solve the TE problem.

[Andy]

latest mock draft on NFL.com doesnt have feener (sorry if i messed up on his name) the TE from stanford going in the first round...if that holds up the colts can easily draft him in the second round. and could solve the TE problem.

He may not go in the first round (I'd be surprised if that happened), but keep in mind the Rams are in front of us. Lance Kendricks didn't pan out and Bajema is easily replaceable. They could easily go with a great target for Bradford.

[bahhummbug]

I would rather have a TE with a larger frame, that is capable of:

1) run blocking

2) pass protecting

3) route running with speed

4) catching the ball

i agree 100% TE is changing the game but still need to be big and fast so they can also block

[hawkeyes]

Clark has one bad year due to injuries and not having Manning and everyone thinks hes a second class citizen.... the guy was a pro-bowl calibur TE for years!

[wig]

Fleener does not fit the mold for the offense the staff says they want.

[coltsfanej]

Even if he drops to 2nd round Fleener would still have to get past the Rams at 33 or somone could leap frog us to get him there. I think the Rams are going to try to get as many weapons as possible for Bradford this year and Fleener might be one at 33.

[coltsfanej]

But if Dallas is cheap I would like to see him retire a Colt if he has a couple years left.

[Warhorse]

Fleener's stock is so high now, that he could have a press conference stating he wears women's clothing and he would still get picked in the 2nd round.

Ya, but can he accessorize?

[IndyTrav]

Clark has one bad year due to injuries and not having Manning and everyone thinks hes a second class citizen.... the guy was a pro-bowl calibur TE for years!

For a year. 1. Singular.

[hawkeyes]

WRONG!

For a year. 1. Singular.

I dont care how many times he was actually selected - He had pro-bowl calibur years multiple times!

[Keith L. Scott]

We just need a veteran security blanket for Luck. Check downs to the TE and the RB might be a huge part of the game plan this season.

[PatMcAfeeFan]

Only if he does the Number two catch in this video with every catch he makes.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-top-5-catches/09000d5d82332f30/Week-6-Top-5-catches

[Ihh61691]

If Fleener became available early 2nd round wouldn't our desperate need at a NT outweigh our need at TE? Should TE come before DT if either position is not met by draft?

[Balzer40]

If Fleener became available early 2nd round wouldn't our desperate need at a NT outweigh our need at TE? Should TE come before DT if either position is not met by draft?

NT is without doubt a bigger need than TE, however if the Colts sign a vet NT before the draft, it could push back the need to draft one early in the draft. They could target Asa Chapman late in the draft, listed at 6'4" 408lbs. WOW! Seriously though, he will probably suck.

[willysp]

We just need a veteran security blanket for Luck. Check downs to the TE and the RB might be a huge part of the game plan this season.

A security blanket need to reliably catch the ball and not drop it.

[IndyTrav]

WRONG!

I dont care how many times he was actually selected - He had pro-bowl calibur years multiple times!

What years were those again

[hawkeyes]

What years were those again

IMO he had great years in 2007, 2008, 2009 - and a lot of good years prior to that. Sure he only made 1 pro-bowl, IMO he'd have made a few more if it weren't for Gates and Gonzalez in the AFC.

[Thewholefnshow28]

I do not know how much of a security blanket Clark will be for Luck.

The guy just cannot block to save his life, has become rather injury prone, and honestly when healthy last season he was non-existent. For someone who was always touted as having good hands he always come up with some untimely drops and unless he would come back for really cheap I just think it is best to move on from the guy.

I think Clark is just another example of a guy who had some talent, but was made to look much better then he was by Manning.

[MIColtsFan]

2007- 58 catches, 616 yards, 11 TD's

2008- broke franchise record for yards in a season = 848

2009- 100 catches, 1,106 yards, 10 TD's

2010- broken wrist ended season in Oct. 37 catches, 347 yards, 2 TD's

2011- seriously, Painter was at QB, no one looked good

Love Dallas Clark, it would be great for Luck to have a veteran TE to rely on!

[Tark The Shark]

I just don't think Clark will fit into what Arians wants to run. Obviously with Fleener's great pro day, anything short of trading up, we couldn't be able to get him. Unless that ankle injury he had during his pro day affects how teams look at him, I don't see him falling into the 2nd round. I say we keep Eldridge and go for a undrafted rookie FA TE