As you read this, the Colts training camp is in full swing. All the vets and all eleven rookies are signed in and gathered at the Grant Park facility in Westfield. There are some rookie free agents looking for a job that will be there as well. Bud Light is sponsoring fan activities and free tickets for fans are available on a first come first severed basis. There are daily activities planned for the fans so check the team’s Web site.
GM Chris Ballard has announced that Andrew Luck is ready to go and has no restrictions placed on his participation, so he will be the focus of media attention. The running game will be closely watched to see if an every down-back emerges. Right now second year vet Marlon Mack is the leading candidate to replace the departed Frank and big things are expected from rookie Nyheim Hines. As always the offensive line will be under scrutiny in the hope that it will come together to form a cohesive unit.
Defensively, the switch back to a 4/3 set will mean that everyone will be looking for a consistent pass rush to emerge. The secondary will have to quickly come together. Ballard did not sign any big name free agent defensive backs so the team is depending on some rookie and second year players to step up.
At this moment there seems to be seven veterans that are on the bubble. Offensive tackle Le’Raven Clarke was a third round pick in 2016. He just hasn’t been able to adjust to the pro game at either right or left tackle. He could be gone. Running back Christine Michael was signed last year to play special teams; unfortunately he just isn’t special. Linebacker Antonio Morrison was a 2016 pick and played inside linebacker in the Colts 3/4 defense. He is moving to the SAM position but may not have the mobility for the position. Guard Jack Mewhort, a 2015 pick out of Ohio State, is a Pro Bowl performer if he can stay healthy. Unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. The Colts drafted Braden Smith to push Mewhort. Tight end Erik Swoope joined the club in 2015 as a former college basketball player. In 2016 he showed promise as a second tight end. He missed all of 2017 with injuries. The tight end position is crowded this year so there just may not be a place for him on the final roster. Surprisingly, linebacker John Simone came from the Texans last season and after coming off an early injury, he became one of the team’s most consistent and effective defenders. He is a 2/44 pass rushing backer; however, there may not be a place for him in the Colts 4/3 set. He will quickly find work elsewhere if the Colts release him. Finally, defensive back T.J. Green, a second round pick in 2016, has size and speed but just hasn’t produce at either cornerback or safety. He will have to have an impressive camp to stay with the squad.
So there will be all kinds of drama coming out of the Colts training camp. Stay tuned.
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