INDIANAPOLIS – There’s been some emergence at key position battles for the Colts this camp.
The Colts have been on the practice field for 10 of their 19 days of practice at Grand Park.
What have we seen with the team’s position battles?
Running Back Reps:
We know the Colts are going to rotate backs to some degree. That’s how Frank Reich rolls.
But you can’t walk away from watching a day of practice and not realize Jonathan Taylor is a different talent and should be treated like that with reps.
Taylor needs No. 1 running back touches this fall.
Nyheim Hines is back practicing after missing the first four sessions. He looks like his normal self. And Marlon Mack has had some nice moments in his return from a torn Achilles. Jordan Wilkins was sidelined for a bit, but has looked good when participating.
You understand why the Colts will be rotating their backs. But a commitment to Taylor in that unquestioned No. 1 spot is a must.
Filling Out The Wide Receiver Group:
As expected, we haven’t seen really any changes to the top four names on the WR depth chart: T.Y. Hilton, Michael Pittman, Zach Pascal, Parris Campbell.
The name from the other tier of wideouts that has made the strongest impression is rookie Mike Strachan. While the size of Strachan is eye-popping, he’s carried himself in a way that it doesn’t seem like this extreme jump to the NFL isn’t too big for him. I would slot him in that 5th WR role right now. Dezmon Patmon has had a couple of good recent days.
You know Ashton Dulin, who has missed time due to injury, is always a candidate because of his special teams impact, with DeMichael Harris also trying to prove that he’s needed as insurance for Campbell.
Offensive Line Depth
Injuries have really complicated things with this group.
Who is a starter? Who is more of a backup? That’s been tough with Eric Fisher, Quenton Nelson and Ryan Kelly all missing substantial time.
Sam Tevi got work with the starters at left tackle for 7 straight practices, but Will Holden was back with the first team on Sunday.
This battle for Eric Fisher’s job, until he is ready to go, is far from over. Julie’n Davenport is also someone that the staff says is in the mix now that he’s returned from the COVID list.
Currently, Chris Reed is your starter at left guard (with Nelson out) and Danny Pinter is the guy at center (with Kelly out).
Jake Eldrenkamp and Joey Hunt are other interior depth guys, with rookie Will Fries trying to prove his versatility is worthy a roster spot.
Starting Defensive Ends
Kwity Paye and Tyquan Lewis are your starters at defensive end.
Now, Al-Quadin Muhammad came off the COVID list on Friday. Could he push for some starting time?
It seems Paye and Lewis are the definite guys there, even playing on passing downs (Lewis sliding inside with Kemoko Turay on the field).
The depth at DE has had a nice camp. Of course, evaluating them against this offensive line is a bit of a tough barometer.
Third Linebacker
This is still one to sift through.
With Darius Leonard out, E.J. Speed has taken the WILL starting reps. Bobby Okereke is the definite MIKE.
That has left Zaire Franklin as the main SAM linebacker, when the Colts go with their base personnel.
But when Leonard returns (the linebacker hopes that is this week), the staff wants to see Speed compete at the SAM position.
That’s very contrasting skillsets in Franklin and Speed.
Third Cornerback
With Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie back, we are starting to get a better look at the cornerback depth.
Rock Ya-Sin has been available and a frequent nickel personnel guy in camp.
Carrie has played there, too, and has even been used at safety lately with Julian Blackmon out due to a knee injury.
It seems that Ya-Sin and Carrie are a notch above Marvell Tell and Isaiah Rodgers on the depth chart.
Placekicker
When both kickers are perfect, the nod has to go to the incumbent.
Through three kicking sessions at camp, both Rodrigo Blankenship and Eddy Pineiro are a perfect 10-of-10 at Grand Park.
For Pineiro to win the job, he would really have to outkick Hot Rod in camp, and then in preseason games.
