Dan

Klecko

Klecko suffered the injury playing fullback, which raised some eyebrows in New England. The Pats plan to convert Klecko to a full-time inside linebacker in the future.

His versatility is a plus, but he’s just not big enough to play on the line. Plus, the Patriots are loaded there and need inside linebacker help.

It makes a lot of sense. The versatile threat lost weight off his 275-pound frame because of the logjam on the defensive line in New England. He could compete for a starting outside linebacker spot.

Klecko was playing fullback today in place of the injured Patrick Pass.

The former nose tackle converted to linebacker last season, but may be moving back to the trenches.

With Roman Phifer leaving town, Klecko would already have an expanded role. Depending on Tedy Bruschi’s health, he could be a candidate to start.

The Colts originally wanted Pitcock to play the three technique and rush the passer, but he’ll have to occupy blockers as a nose. Fellow rook Keyunta Dawson, Darrell Reid, and Dan Klecko are also in the mix. This figures to be a big problem area for what projects again to be a poor Indy run defense.

Johnson, one of a whopping 12 rookies to make the Super Bowl champs final roster including all nine draft picks, will play along side DT Raheem Brock. The Indianapolis Star says disciplinary issues in college caused Johnson, who had five sacks his senior season at Penn State, to be skipped in the draft.

Hilliard adds depth to a painfully thin offensive line that may be without LT Tony Ugoh, who is listed as doubtful. Klecko has played in only three games this season.

Klecko had played in only three games with the Colts before being waived last week so the team could sign OT Corey Hilliard.