As the Colts training camp enters its third week there are some definite trends emerging. One, and this may be the biggest, is that Jacoby Brissett looks very comfortable running the first team. With Andrew Luck holding himself out of training camp because of that nagging calf injury, the 4th year signal caller has had to shoulder the majority of the snaps in the practice sessions. Brissett is in his final rookie contract year. Coach Frank Reich is glad that #7 is there to lead the squad. This will more than likely be Brissett’s final year as a Colt.
The team is hoping to find a capable runner to handle the number 2 spot behind Marlon Mack. Second year Jordan Wilkins had his moments last year but had serious fumbling issues. He was also a bit slow hitting the inside holes. NyNyheim Hines is their 3rd down back but they need a good inside runner. The team recently acquired D’Onta Foreman on waivers from the Texans. Houston picked Foreman in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft after his impressive college career at the University of Texas, but his talent hasn’t carried over as a pro. The Horseshoe is hoping a change of scenery will help him reach his potential.
Last season, the cornerback was a problem area. Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore II emerged as the starters going into the playoffs and performed better than expected. GM Ballard added some talent in the offseason and the competition for a roster spot is hot. Rookie Rock Ya-Sin has impressed everyone with his play. Carl Hairston is back in the groove after a disappointing 2018 season. The biggest surprise however is 3rd year corner Quincy Wilson. Wilson was the team’s 2nd round draft pick in 2017 and in his first two seasons he hasn’t impressed anyone with his play. This training camp, however, he has been burning like a house on fire. He is on the early season depth chart as the starting right corner.
As far as the rookies go Ya-Sin has caught everyone’s eye. The surprise, however, is linebacker E.J. Speed. The fifth round pick from Tarleton State has played at all the linebacking spots but will probably plug into the SAM spot. Heralded rookie Paris Campbell has been hacked by injury and hasn’t been able to show off his receiving skills.
Third year middle linebacker Anthony Walker has been a revelation. After a solid 2018 campaign, Walker looks to be even better in 2019. Wide receiver and punt return man Chester Rogers is having a strong camp. There a several others to keep an eye on.
The Colts first preseason game is Thursday night, Aug 8, against the Bills. We can see the progress that some of the individual players are making then.
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