The Facts: Brown’s 645 rushing yards ranked 30th in the NFL last season but they were acquired at an average of 4.8 yards an attempt, a figure exceeded by only 10 of the running backs ranked above him. So one wonders: why didn’t the Indianapolis Colts use him more, and might they this season? “Donald is an every down back,” HC Chuck Pagano declared during the club’s OTAs.

Diehards Line:Pagano added: “He understands, especially on third down as far as protections go and all of those things. Nothing is going to be more important than protections.” As Star staffer Phil Richards noted, protections are a priority because of the significance of the protected -- in this case, rookie QB Andrew Luck, the man around whom the Colts are rebuilding. With Joseph Addai no longer on the roster, Brown is the Colts RB most adept at pass protection. He is also the speed guy, the top outside threat and the best receiver among the backs. The group also includes Delone Carter and newcomer Mewelde Moore. Worth noting: Carter stubbed his right thumb on a blocking bag the first day of OTAs. He tore a ligament, required surgery and missed all the OTAs and mini-camp but is expected to be sound for the start of training camp. Regardless, Brown gets first shot at the lead role and we'll be watching to see what he does with the opportunity throughout the summer.