Darrell

Reid

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.

“He’s going to do both. He’s going to have his hand on the ground some, and he’s going to stand up some,” said coach Josh McDaniels. As an undersized end and a poor run-stopper, Dumervil should be used almost exclusively as a pass rusher.

The Post reported Sunday that Ayers would play mostly outside linebacker in the hybrid defense, but he fits in better at end and fills a greater need there. Former ends Elvis Dumervil and Darrell Reid are the current favorites to start at outside linebacker.

Haggan has been strictly a special teamer since entering the league in 2003. He’s moved ahead of Tim Crowder and Darrell Reid, but Haggans’ two career sacks give us little hope that he’ll be a pass-rushing presence on the strong side.

They would receive a fourth-round pick for Gandy and Giordano if anyone signed them away. Gandy has starting experience, so he may get a look. Giordano is the Colts’ third safety. Reid is an exceptional special teamer.

Gandy has started 14 games since being the Colts’ fourth-round pick in 2005. He is poised to replace Jake Scott at right guard this year. Reid is a dynamic special teams player and deep reserve defensive tackle.

Reid underwent a cutting edge procedure called an “articular allograft cartilage transplant” to repair connective tissue damage in his knee. It’s an alternative to microfracture surgery. “I had the surgery because I have a significant hole in the cartilage in my knee,” explained Reid. An important special teamer and rotational defender, Reid’s timetable for recovery is six to eight months. He’ll be a candidate for the PUP list to start the season.

Reid, a four-year veteran, was a special teams standout for the Colts. He will likely play as a run-stopping defensive end in the Mike Nolan’s 3-4 defense. The Colts had soured on Reid after his second arrest as a pro earlier this month.