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INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, a close friend of Peyton Manning’s, is certain Manning will be healthy enough to play next season. But Saturday is not certain which team Manning will play for.

“I talk to him regularly,’’ said Saturday, working as an NFL Network Scouting Combine analyst, in quotes posted by ProFootballTalk.com. “I love 18. He’s my guy so I communicate with him regularly. He’s doing his deal, and he’s getting ready, and he’ll be playing football—I can assure you of that.’’

He isn’t certain what team it will be with, but Colts center Jeff Saturday is certain Peyton Manning will play in 2012. (AP Photo)

Most NFL people expect Manning to leave the Colts. They have the No. 1 pick and will owe Manning a $28 million roster bonus if he is still on the roster March 8.

Saturday is still holding out hope that Manning remains a Colt. “I hope it’s here,” Saturday said. “But he’ll be playing somewhere. Absolutely.”

Saturday’s confidence in Manning’s ability to play is a good sign for the teams hoping to land him.

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INDIANAPOLIS — Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn did not have a great senior season, during which he didn’t appear to be in the best of shape. However, he continues to raise his stock in the offseason, following an impressive Senior Bowl with a strong Scouting Combine.

After measuring at 6-5¾, 345 pounds and having the longest arms among offensive linemen (35¾ inches), Glenn continued to impress teams on Saturday during testing and drills. He showed the body control, coordination, balance and overall quickness that is rarely seen in a huge lineman like him.

Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn is expected to be chosen in the first round after a good showing in Indianapolis. (AP Photo)

For a player who was viewed by many as only a guard prospect when the 2011 season ended, his performance at the Combine has reinforced the view at the Senior Bowl that he can handle playing offensive tackle—most likely right tackle—in the NFL.

Now, he must continue to prove to teams that he can handle playing tackle by performing well at his pro day, as well as ease concerns about his ability to stay in shape and compete at a high level all the time.

With his showing in Mobile and Indianapolis, Glenn could be a first-round pick and the third offensive linemen selected overall (behind USC’s Matt Kalil and Stanford’s Jonathan Martin). It’s quite a rise for him after playing more like a third- or fourth-rounder in pads at Georgia.

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INDIANAPOLIS – A footrace between Andrew Luck and Cam Newton would be pretty interesting.

Luck ran an impressive 4.59 in the 40-yard dash Sunday at the Scouting Combine, the same time Newton ran last year. That speed will help him avoid some potential sacks once he reaches the NFL.

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. (AP Photo)

While Luck was not the dynamic runner at Stanford that Newton was at Auburn, Luck showed scouts Sunday he doesn’t have to be a statue in the pocket.

Mobility is more important than ever for NFL quarterbacks. Luck’s speed should help him extend plays, scramble for first downs, and make him a harder quarterback to defend.

With Robert Griffin III posting the fastest time among quarterbacks at the combine (4.38), it was a superb day for both Luck and Griffin.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker is expected to be named the team’s franchise player if a new deal is not reached, according to multiple reports.

The Boston Herald and ESPN both cited unnamed sources.

Welker, who led the NFL with 122 catches last season, would earn $9.5 million under the franchise tag.

The Herald reports that the Patriots have considered allowing Welker to test the free agency but cited a league source as saying several teams have indicated a high interest in signing him.

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Editor’s note: Every team is preparing to attack its offseason to-do list, with free agency set to open on March 13 and the draft April 26-28. This is the fifth of 32 reports in 32 days looking at the offseason game plan for each team. We’ll analyze the AFC first, in alphabetical order. Monday: Chicago Bears. Tuesday: Dallas Cowboys.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The arrival of quarterback Cam Newton and coordinator Rob Chudzinski helped turn the Panthers’ offense from the league’s worst into one of the best. Chudzinski crafted a dynamic scheme to take advantage of Newton’s unique skill set, and Newton silenced the naysayers who said he could not handle a pro-style offense. The Panthers’ best offseason news arguably was Chudzinski getting passed over for the three head-coaching jobs.

Morris Claiborne would be an ideal pick for the Panthers, but it’s unlikely he’ll be available at No. 9 when Carolina makes its selection. (AP photo)

Now the defense has to catch up. Injuries to linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis hurt, but there is a noticeable talent gap between the offense and defense the Panthers need to address. Defensive tackle and cornerback are the most pressing needs, although the Panthers also could use a pass-rushing end to replace the enigmatic Greg Hardy.

Key departures

Linebacker Dan Connor has started the past two seasons, but only because of injuries to Beason and Davis. Connor, a physical run-stopper, wants to be a full-time starter and is likely to get that chance elsewhere.

The Panthers love Davis, but not enough to pick up his $8 million option. They could restructure his deal.

The team faces a similar situation with No. 3 quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who is due a $923,000 roster bonus in March. That’s a lot of money for a QB who was inactive for every game last season.

Linebacker Omar Gaither was injured for most of what will be his one season in his Charlotte hometown.

Needs and targets

1. Cornerback. Chris Gamble bounced back from a miserable 2010 and did a nice job of blanketing the opponent’s No. 1 receiver. But cornerback Captain Munnerlyn struggled on the other side. According to Pro Football Focus, no corner gave up more completions than the 5-foot-8 Munnerlyn, who has trouble against bigger receivers. Munnerlyn is a competitor who will do all he can to keep his spot, but he could be relegated to nickel situations if the Panthers draft Dre Kirkpatrick or another corner. Morris Claiborne would look good in a Panther’s uniform, but figures to be gone when they pick ninth. The most interesting prospect: North Alabama’s Janoris Jenkins, who will have to be vetted thoroughly after being dismissed from Florida after two marijuana charges.

2. Defensive tackle. Many analysts thought the Panthers would consider a defensive tackle with the No. 1 pick last year. Veteran left tackle Jordan Gross was on record as saying the Panthers should take Alabama’s Marcell Dareus to help on the defensive interior. Instead, they took Newton No. 1 and drafted a pair of DTs in the third round — Terrell McClain and Sione Fua, who were inconsistent before going down with season-ending leg injuries late in the year. The Panthers think they have a space-eating tackle in Ron Edwards, the former Chief who was injured his first year in Charlotte. But they could use an inside force like LSU standout Michael Brockers to pair with him.

3. Receiver. Steve Smith was a finalist for Comeback Player of the Year after the moody wideout was rejuvenated by the arrival of Newton. At 32, Smith remains one of the best big-play receivers in the NFL. What the Panthers are missing is a complementary receiver to run underneath routes. Third-year wideouts Brandon LaFell and David Gettis are deep threats, while Legedu Naanee is a free agent and might not be back. Ron Rivera and Chudzinski love big, physical receivers and would jump on Justin Blackmon if he’s available when the Panthers pick. With the presence of tight end Greg Olsen and tailback tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, a No. 2 receiver is not as big a need for the Panthers as other teams.

4. Linebacker. With Beason expected to be limited initially in his return from Achilles surgery and no one sure whether Davis will play again following three ACL surgeries on his right knee in a 22-month span, the Panthers will look for linebacker depth either through free agency or later in the draft. Jordan Senn played well filling in last year, and his special-teams prowess makes him a priority among the team’s own free agents.

5. Specialists. The Panthers’ special teams were among the league’s worst in 2011. Undrafted free agent kicker Adi Kunalic was signed in December after Olindo Mare missed a pair of short fourth-quarter field goals. Punter Jason Baker had the worst net average (34.1) in the league, and with a salary cap figure of $2 million, could be a cap victim. If the Panthers cut Baker, they might look at a punter like Georgia’s Drew Butler in a later round.

Person’s take

After splurging on seven of their core players last summer, the Panthers are not expected to be major players in free agency and will not use the franchise tag.

Carolina is one of four teams over the salary cap, and needs to create nearly $10 million in cap space by the start of the new league year March 13.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey, who caught 37 passes for 455 yards and four touchdowns in his first season with the Panthers, brought a nasty — and needed — edge to the offense. Rivera said Shockey, who will turn 32 in August, is considering retirement, although general manager Marty Hurney said that is not the case.

With or without Shockey, the Newton-led offense should only get better in 2012. If the defense stays healthy and gets more pressure up front, the Panthers could be a playoff team.

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INDIANAPOLIS – Robert Griffin III reaffirmed Sunday that he will be one of the fastest quarterbacks in NFL history, if not THE fastest.

Griffin was unofficially timed at 4.38 seconds on his second attempt in the 40-yard dash Sunday at the combine, after doing 4.41 seconds in his first attempt. If it stands officially, Griffin’s 4.38 time will be the fastest for a quarterback in the 12-year history of the combine’s official data.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. (AP Photo)

Scouts already knew Griffin was a speedster. He was one of the country’s top hurdlers at Baylor before turning his attention strictly to football. However, Griffin’s shear speed will bring a different dynamic to the quarterback position for any team that drafts him.

It’s another dimension that gives Griffin at least a puncher’s chance to be the No. 1 pick in the draft, if the Colts are keeping an open mind whether to chose Griffin or Andrew Luck.

Neither Griffin nor luck will throw Sunday, but Griffin has made a splash at the combine with his personality and physical talent. Griffin is likely making quarterback needy teams like the Browns and Redskins think even harder about trading up to get him.

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INDIANAPOLIS—When Memphis’ Dontari Poe checked in a 6-4 and 346 pounds, it was clear he had the ideal size to be a nose tackle in the NFL. He then helped his draft stock with 44 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, which showed he worked hard in preparation for the Combine.

On Monday, Poe knocked everyone’s socks off by running the 40-yard dash in the high 4.8s with a quick and explosive initial burst.

Dontari Poe impressed scouts in a big way with his quick and explosive initial burst in the 40. (AP Photo)

Obviously, nose tackles aren’t needed to chase plays down all over the field, so the actual 40 time isn’t that important. However, his initial acceleration out of the blocks showed he can get out of his stance and on top of offensive linemen before they can get set.

With nose tackles in such demand, Poe moved ahead of Washington’s Alameda Ta’amu and could well have locked up a spot in the top 15 picks in the draft.

Don’t be shocked if Poe ends up being picked by the Chiefs at No. 11 in the first round as they are desperate to find a big, young and powerful nose tackle to anchor their 3-4 scheme.

MORE NFL SCOUTING COMBINE COVERAGE

Robert Griffin III posts blazing 40-yard dash

Janoris Jenkins tries to convince teams he has changed

Andrew Luck matches Cam Newton’s 40 time

Impressive Kirk Cousins could enter first-round discussion

Michael Floyd helps draft status with 40 time

Virginia Tech’s Danny Coale near perfect in route running

Case Keenum turns in disappointing throwing performance

LaMichael James excels at the NFL Scouting Combine

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INDIANAPOLIS—South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram followed up an impressive week of practices at the Senior Bowl with another outstanding performance in the athletic testing drills Monday at the Scouting Combine.

He displayed the explosive initial quickness, speed and flexibility in drills that gets NFL teams excited about edge pass rushers. Ingram, who measured 6-1 7/8, 264 pounds and ran a 4.66 40 Monday, is one of the most gifted and versatile pass-rushing prospects to come out of the college ranks in recent memory.

In his college defensive scheme, he started at end in South Carolina’s base package and was moved inside to tackle in obvious passing situations. At the Senior Bowl, the Washington Redskins’ coaching staff incorporated a lot of 3-4 defensive principles, which allowed him to play like an outside linebacker from a two-point stance.

Unlike most end and linebacker prospects, he can legitimately be considered by every NFL team in the draft because he can fit in any scheme and be a productive player.

At the end of the defensive line-specific drills Monday, teams requested some players to also work out as outside linebackers. Ingram stood out once again, showing loose hips, quick feet and exceptional change-of-direction ability for a man his size.

He clearly has confirmed his status as a top-15 pick.

MORE NFL SCOUTING COMBINE COVERAGE

Melvin Ingram displayed the explosive initial quickness, speed and flexibility in drills that gets NFL teams excited about edge pass rushers. (AP Photo)

Robert Griffin III posts blazing 40-yard dash

Janoris Jenkins tries to convince teams he has changed

Andrew Luck matches Cam Newton’s 40 time

Impressive Kirk Cousins could enter first-round discussion

Michael Floyd helps draft status with 40 time

Virginia Tech’s Danny Coale near perfect in route running

Case Keenum turns in disappointing throwing performance

LaMichael James excels at the NFL Scouting Combine

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INDIANAPOLIS—West Virginia defensive end/linebacker Bruce Irvin was the most explosive athlete in the defensive line workouts Monday morning at the Scouting Combine.

He displayed rare explosiveness in his movement through the bag drills Monday and recorded a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash. He has an exceptional combination of speed, quickness and change-of-direction ability to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL.

Irvin played in an unusual defensive scheme at West Virginia, which asked him to play down as a 5-technique defensive end. Despite how he was utilized, he showed outstanding ability to rush the quarterback off the edge.

Measured at 6-3, 245 pounds, Irvin lacks the potential to grow to more than 250 pounds, however. So if a 4-3 team wants him to play defensive end, it will have to deal with his deficiencies against the run or use him as a situational pass rusher.

After watching the big impact of 49ers first-round pick Aldon Smith, who made the transition from college end to 3-4 outside linebacker last season and was eased into the lineup as a designated pass rusher, teams will be interested in Irvin for a similar role.

However, Irvin lacks Smith’s 6-4, 258-pound size, so look for him to be a second-round pick.

MORE NFL SCOUTING COMBINE COVERAGE

Bruce Irvin ran a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash at the Combine. (AP Photo)

Robert Griffin III posts blazing 40-yard dash

Janoris Jenkins tries to convince teams he has changed

Andrew Luck matches Cam Newton’s 40 time

Impressive Kirk Cousins could enter first-round discussion

Michael Floyd helps draft status with 40 time

Virginia Tech’s Danny Coale near perfect in route running

Case Keenum turns in disappointing throwing performance

LaMichael James excels at the NFL Scouting Combine

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INDIANAPOLIS—West Virginia defensive end/linebacker Bruce Irvin was the most explosive athlete in the defensive line workouts Monday morning at the Scouting Combine.

He displayed rare explosiveness in his movement through the bag drills Monday and recorded a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash. He has an exceptional combination of speed, quickness and change-of-direction ability to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL.

Irvin played in an unusual defensive scheme at West Virginia, which asked him to play down as a 5-technique defensive end. Despite how he was utilized, he showed outstanding ability to rush the quarterback off the edge.

Measured at 6-3, 245 pounds, Irvin lacks the potential to grow to more than 250 pounds, however. So if a 4-3 team wants him to play defensive end, it will have to deal with his deficiencies against the run or use him as a situational pass rusher.

After watching the big impact of 49ers first-round pick Aldon Smith, who made the transition from college end to 3-4 outside linebacker last season and was eased into the lineup as a designated pass rusher, teams will be interested in Irvin for a similar role.

However, Irvin lacks Smith’s 6-4, 258-pound size, so look for him to be a second-round pick.

MORE NFL SCOUTING COMBINE COVERAGE

Bruce Irvin ran a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash at the Combine. (AP Photo)

Robert Griffin III posts blazing 40-yard dash

Janoris Jenkins tries to convince teams he has changed

Andrew Luck matches Cam Newton’s 40 time

Impressive Kirk Cousins could enter first-round discussion

Michael Floyd helps draft status with 40 time

Virginia Tech’s Danny Coale near perfect in route running

Case Keenum turns in disappointing throwing performance

LaMichael James excels at the NFL Scouting Combine

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