Bill Tobin has always maintained it takes at least three years to analyze a team's draft. That certainly appears to be the case this season with the Indianapolis Colts, who stressed need far more than the best available player in this year's selection process.

Tobin, the director of football operations conducting his fourth draft with the Colts, used his first two picks on offensive tackles Tarik Glenn of California and Adam Meadows of Georgia, then announced they will fight it out for the starting left tackle job.

"We know what we are doing and why we are doing it,'' Tobin asserted after taking Glenn and Meadows.

Quarterback Jim Harbaugh, battered and bruised all last season, saluted the selections. "That's great music to my ears,'' he said.

Coach Lindy Infante added: "That position is one where somebody has got to rise up and play well. We need one guy to play there every snap of every game.''

Last season, Troy Auzenne, Kipp Vickers and Jason Mathews saw duty at left tackle. No one was very successful.

Bulk could be a problem with Glenn and Meadows. In Glenn's case, it is a matter of too much mass. In Meadows, it may not be enough.

Glenn, carrying 335 pounds after weighing 354 at the combine, has a tendency to put on weight. Meadows, at 297, must add muscle.

The Colts traded down with San Francisco in Round 3, then took Notre Dame outside linebacker Bert Berry, best known for his pass rushing prowess. Berry may be pressed into duty early if Trev Alberts makes good on his rumored retirement.

Tobin attempted to address problems in the secondary by taking cornerback Delmonico Montgomery of Houston with the fourth pick and cornerback/strong safety Clarence Thompson out of Knoxville via Michigan in the seventh round.

The Colts are woefully shy of competent defensive backs, especially with veteran Eugene Daniel unsigned and contemplating retirement. Both Montgomery and Thompson will not be immediate hits, but the belief is they can develop into dependable backups this season.

Wide receiver Nathaniel Jacquet of San Diego State, the first of two fifth-round choices, is a major project. Jacquet, a cornerback until his final season, has great speed and the scouting report says he can "pluck'' the ball out of the air on the run and not break stride.

"We need someone who along with Marvin Harrison can stretch the field,'' Tobin said. "He has above average hands.''

An attempt was also made to address a less than average pass rush on the fifth round with the drafting of Louisville defensive end Carl Powell. Although undersized (6-2, 257), Powell is supposed to be quick off the ball. Arizona State linebacker Scott von der Ahe, taken in the sixth round, is a mystery man. He played inside in college, but is expected to work on the outside in training camp.

Tobin contends the Colts "are a better football team than before the draft began. I didn't know it was going to work out this way, but I'm happy,'' he said. "I think we addressed most of our needs and concerns.''

As Tobin likes to say, time will tell.

ROUND-BY-ROUND ANALYSIS

Round 1/19 -- Tarik Glenn, OT, California

Fills a major need at left tackle, where he is expected to replace the trio of Troy Auzenne, Kipp Vickers and Jason Mathews who attempted to play the position last season. The pick is a good one if Glenn, who turns 21 May 25, matures enough to handle the job.

Round 2/48 -- Adam Meadows, OT, 6-4, 297, Georgia

Is penciled in to fight it out with Glenn for the left tackle job. The addition of Meadows permits the Colts to move Vickers to right guard where he may start if Eric Mahlum's surgically-repaired knee does not heal. Colts' officials believe Meadows can also play center or guard.

Round 3/86 -- Bert Berry, OLB, Notre Dame

Will be used as a rush man in passing situations. Berry is a better athlete than a player and is considered a project.

Round 4/117 -- Delmonico Montgomery, DB, Houston

Lack of cornerbacks prompted this selection. Can also play free safety, where he would back up Jason Belser, and is considered a prime nickel back candidate.

Round 5/150 -- Nathaniel Jacquet, WR, San Diego State

A college cornerback moved to wide receiver last season, Jacquet started just four games. Colts believe he has the speed to team with Marvin Harrison to stretch the defense, but inexperience at the position may create a major problem.

Round 5/156 -- Carl Powell, DE, Louisville

Arrives with reputation of being a good rush end. Very quick off the ball but is undersized (6-2, 257). May replace aging, unsigned Richard Dent.

Round 6/182 -- Scott von der Ahe, LB, Arizona State

An inside backer in college who will begin training camp on the outside. Considered a good hitter with quickness. Was drafted to give depth to linebacking corps.

Round 7/219 -- Clarence Thompson, DB, Knoxville

Began college career at Michigan where he was a starter before academic problems forced him to transfer. Will be tested at corner and strong safety, where David Tate is coming off neck surgery. Could be surprise of draft picks.