The good stuff to watch at this year’s Training Camp will be the competition over a few key positions, namely, wide receiver, running back, safety and linebacker. These are the roster battles which will predate the pre-season, and give a good approximation of the how the Colts will shape up. Here’s a short preview of the returning Colts players for your edification. For insight into the new Colts additions read our blog post here.
Andrew Luck (QB)
He’s great and is only going to get better. The NFL Top 100 Players of 2015 video quotes players saying he might not be the best now, but in a year or two he will be. Watch to see how his style will evolve, and how he will continue to grow into his glory. But the big contests of training camp will be who he’s passing to, and who’s protecting him.
Robert Mathis (OLB)
Mathis is hoping he’ll be able to return at the start of Training Camp after a torn achilles. But whether or not he’ll be up to strength with his age and his health remains to be seen. He is a big part of the question mark which defines Colts defensive. There are lingering doubts about how much be able to aid the Colts struggling defense coming off a serious injury. More interesting, though, will be the completion for the other outside linebacker spot opposite Mathis
Cam Johnson (OLB)
He was traded to the Colts back in 2013 and played 12 games that year. In 2014 he made the team, but was subsequently injured. And now he faces a stronger Colts line. He competes for an OLB spot after Mathis and free agency pick-up Trent Cole against Bjoern Werner, Erik Walden, Daniel Adongo, and rookies Cody Galea and Zack Hodges. He hasn’t seen much playing time, but that doesn’t mean he won’t continue to impress the coaches.
Jonathan Newsome (OLB)
Beginning his second year with the Colts, he’ll continue to build off his rookie season. He’s grew as the season progressed, which is good to see for progressive longevity. The lack of competition last year helped him gain a larger spotlight. He continued to get better even late into the season, which helps his odds going into Training Camp.
Bjoern Werner (OLB)
He was the 24th overall draft pick in 2013. But, since then, he’s had difficulties preforming. He mentioned in an interview (https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2015/05/27/bjoern-werner-speaks-lackluster-play-hurt/28033785/) , that he believes injuries are holding him back. So going into Training Camp, he has a chance to prove himself and work out his frustrations on the field. And the Colts have to decide whether they’re giving up on him.
Daniel Adongo (OLB)
This year marks the third year of Adongo’s and the Colts after he made the transition from African Rugby. This seems like it could be the pivotal year, as last year he was on injured reserve, and this year there’s competition for the depth OLB spots. His improvement and adjustment at Training Camp this year will be the determining factor.
T.Y. Hilton (WR)
Hilton stepped up last year, making his first Pro Bowl. His first two years with the Colts show tremendous potential as he averaged 71.5 yards per game from 2012-2014. But, before this season, Hilton was the only consistent receiver for the Colts, which may have something to do with his great stats. With great new additions in the offseason, his go-to status may alter.
Donte Moncrief (WR)
In the first season without Reggie Wayne, the Colts fans will be on the lookout for a new favorite wide receiver. The position for a WR slot is open to the young players like Moncrief and newcomer Phillip Dorsett. After a solid rookie season, where he played all games, Moncrief needs to mature this season into a bigger presence to contend with the other high caliber offense players.
Dan “Boom” Herron (RB)
With newcomer Frank Gore, in all probability, starting for the Colts this year. It’s the second spot for a running back in contention in the form of draftee Josh Robinson, who comes off a 1,203 yard season with Mississippi State. Boom preformed especially well toward the tail end of last season and into the playoffs. So, it’s about continuing to prove his skill.
Vick Ballard (RB)
Back in 2012, he looked great. Then he was injured in 2013 to miss the season. And injured again in early 2014. So it all depends on how healthy he looks and how well he’s able to play after a couple years of damage repair. If he seems both strong and able, and more importantly, is able to maintain his health, he’ll factor into the running back spots.
Zurlon Tipton (RB)
Tipton didn’t see much Colts action until the playoffs when he became the second to Boom Herron after Trent Richardson’s difficulties. His situation depends on training camp this year, as well as the other running backs. But more options can only mean good things for a Colts running game that’s been scraggly in the past.
Mike Adams (S)
The question will be who will play opposite Mike Adams. Because Adams became the standard bearer last year. He started every game and set a career high with 87 tackles. He was named to his first Pro Bowl. But, he’s a part of the Colts aging roster problem, at 34, so he may not have another year like last year.
Colt Anderson (S)
Anderson was re-signed back in March. He plays mostly on special teams and as a depth defensive back, which he does well. But, he could also add an options for the safety position, a place where the Colts need help. Though, the Colts brought on rookies Robert Smith and Clayton Geathers who may bandage the gaping hole next to Mike Adams.
Vontae Davis (CB)
Davis had one of the best seasons of any cornerback in the league. As such, he was named to his first career Pro Bowl. He excels at the Colts style of press man coverage, and his stats back that up. He returns as part of a trio of CBs with the good slot cornerback Darius Butler and the controversial Greg Toler. Rookie D’Joun Smith may fill that fourth man opening.
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