Stampede Blue - All PostsAn Indianapolis Colts bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29818/stampedeblue_fave.png2024-03-28T08:00:00-04:00http://www.stampedeblue.com/rss/current/2024-03-28T08:00:00-04:002024-03-28T08:00:00-04:003 NFL Draft prospects to watch for the Colts — Week 3
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In this weekly series, we’ll break down three prospects who could be great fits for the Indianapolis Colts. </p> <p id="yfMPMs"><em>In this series, I’ll be breaking down three intriguing prospects that the Colts should take a strong look at. These prospects could be blue chip first round prospects or diamond in the rough late round guys. This series will run weekly until the draft.</em></p>
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<h3 id="OcrG1M"><strong>Adonai Mitchell — Wide Receiver — Texas</strong></h3>
<p id="bDZ88B">The first thing you see when you look at Mitchell is his tremendous length and size. He is an elite athlete and is one of the top in that regard of all the receivers. Mitchell is a fluid runner as well and can change directions at top speed pretty easily. He consistently proved to be a big play threat, which is something the Colts have been lacking over the past few years. </p>
<p id="42C5BQ">Texas used him a lot on an island as a split end. They looked to him oftentimes in the redzone and has shown the ability to win 1on1. Texas also used him a lot on quick screens. It was obviously they felt stronger with the ball in his hands. They trusted his big play potential so they almost always targeted him down the field or on quick hitters. </p>
<p id="hjdlTi">I believe Mitchell is more of a project than people make him out to be. For his size, he needs to use it better winning 50/50 balls. He also needs to do a better job of gaining separation off the line. While he is a fluid athlete, I find he needs to be more efficient with his cuts, especially on hard horizontal breaks. On subtle, more vertical cuts I find he is very smooth and quick. In fact his cuts on posts and fades are fantastic. While he has great top speed, I also think his acceleration is not overly quick and he can oftentimes play with the same speed throughout a route.</p>
<p id="5RY3qu">The Colts sent some key staff members to the Texas pro day recently and while there are other very intriguing athletes at Texas, I’m sure the team took a long look at Mitchell. Mitchell should be available in the 2nd round and potentially in the 3rd round where he would be big value. </p>
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<h3 id="JE9QXr"><strong>Ben Sinnott — Tight End — Kansas State</strong></h3>
<p id="2NzVDS">Sinnott was one of the highest rated tight ends in terms of RAS scores and we know that Chris Ballard has an affinity for players who rank highly in that regard. He is a complete receiver who runs all types of routes at all levels. He is great with the ball in his hands and can get a lot of yards after the catch, a rarity with tight ends. <a href="https://www.bringonthecats.com">Kansas State</a> believes in him so much in that regard that they will use him on screen plays. </p>
<p id="9Ghf2P">Sinnott shows good effort as a blocker, but struggles engaging defenders in space and can often be seen on the ground. In fact, most of his issues revolve around his blocking, but if the effort is there, then there could be potential, but at the moment, he would not be a 3 down tight end in the NFL. Separate from his blocking, I find he’s not a fluid athlete and doesn’t change directions too smoothly or quickly. His subtleness in his route running somewhat masks that. </p>
<p id="BVM181">He doesn’t project as a high end tight end in the NFL, but can easily be a reliable pass catching tight end, which is what the Colts desperately need from that position. He is slated to go in the 3rd or 4th round, so getting a player like him in the 4th round would be huge value as he possesses day 1 impact potential. </p>
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<h3 id="bJq4KM"><strong>Trey Benson — Running Back — Florida State</strong></h3>
<p id="1diK1X">Like Sinnott, Benson had one of the highest RAS scores out of all the running backs in this year’s class. Benson is shifty, quick and is very well built for the NFL. He showcases great cutting ability, especially a nice one cut move (as opposed to shuffling or shaking too much). His numbers as a receiver are also somewhat encouraging and has shown he can run a variety of routes out of the backfield. </p>
<p id="eYas14">Thing about Benson is that while he’s shifty, he’s easy to bring down when a defender has him in his grasp. He’s also not the type of runner to get those hard yards when the pile is stuffed. Despite the nice size, he definitely is more of a finesse runner, which makes him a nice complimentary back to Jonathan Taylor. </p>
<p id="9hqX0A">Benson could be available to be taken in the 3rd or 4th round. I believe that the 3rd round might be a bit early to take someone who will be a backup to Jonathan Taylor, but a day 3 pick would make a lot of sense. </p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/28/24106967/nlf-draft-prospects-colts-week-3Andrew Aziz2024-03-27T22:09:13-04:002024-03-27T22:09:13-04:00Report: Colts have recently re-engaged free agent starting safety Julian Blackmon in contract discussions
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<p>Could starter Julian Blackmon return at safety after all to help shore up the backend of the Colts secondary? </p> <p id="k8WCtO">According to ESPN’s <a href="http://www.twitter.com/holderstephen"><strong>Stephen Holder</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39815959/nfl-free-agency-colts-michael-pittman"><strong>the Indianapolis Colts have re-engaged starting free agent safety Julian Blackmon in recent contract discussions</strong></a>: </p>
<blockquote><p id="PkVoHk">“(Chris) Ballard strongly suggested there would be roster moves to come, particularly in the secondary,” writes Holder. “The Colts, he said, have re-engaged with safety Julian Blackmon, their 2020 third-round pick who remains on the market after visits to the Bills and 49ers in the past week. The Colts are also likely to consider a cornerback with their first-round draft pick, 15th overall, next month.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="TzWpVY">After an initial slow start, Blackmon has seen his free agent market garner more-and-more interest as of late—as he’s had recent visits with both the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, although he didn’t ultimately reach a contract with either returning playoff team. </p>
<p id="l8fDa9">He’d also be the one projected starter of the Colts 2024 free agency class that includes Michael Pittman Jr., Grover Stewart, Kenny Moore II, and Rigoberto Sanchez that Indianapolis has yet to re-sign—which is somewhat peculiar given how much general manager Chris Ballard has prioritized (*to the tune of over $200 million) his other internal free agent starters. </p>
<p id="lOpYsg">Perhaps that’s a clear indication that Blackmon perceives his contract value as higher than what the actual market believes it to be right now. There’s some genuine interest, but not enough where any potential suitor has currently met his contract demands to ink a deal. </p>
<p id="g62Wfm">What is clear is that the Colts could use his help next season and likely would welcome a return (*pending the price is right)—although Indy is kicking the tires on other safety options, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/27/24114101/report-texans-veteran-free-agent-safety-kareem-jackson-visits-colts-on-wednesday"><strong>including veteran Kareem Jackson, who was brought in for a free agent visit on Wednesday</strong></a>. </p>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/27/24114211/report-colts-have-re-engaged-free-agent-starting-safety-julian-blackmon-in-contract-discussionsLuke Schultheis2024-03-27T19:50:11-04:002024-03-27T19:50:11-04:00Report: Colts hosted Texans veteran free agent safety Kareem Jackson on Wednesday
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<p>Could a longtime AFC South safety be joining the Colts to help boost the backend of their secondary? </p> <p id="tnXREJ">According to NFL reporter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/hbalzer721"><strong>Howard Balzer</strong></a>, Houston Texans veteran free agent safety <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackKa99.htm"><strong>Kareem Jackson </strong></a>visited the <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2023.htm"><strong>Indianapolis Colts </strong></a>on Tuesday: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lions UFA QB Nate Sudfeld visited with the team today. Texans UFA S Kareem Jackson visited the Colts, while Ravens UFA RB J.K. Dobbins visited the Chargers.</p>— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) <a href="https://twitter.com/HBalzer721/status/1773108094010028477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2024</a>
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<p id="5mMm35">Originally a 2010 first round pick of Houston, the longtime Texans (and former Denver Broncos) safety is coming off a 2023 season with both teams in which he recorded 53 tackles (37 solo), 2 interceptions, and 3 passes defensed during 10 games (8 starts). </p>
<p id="EZ4FCP">Now 35 years old, Jackson’s best pro football days are presumably behind him, but it’s possible he may be able to help a team as a veteran depth option with a wealth of proven NFL experience—having had 193 career starts. He initially was a cornerback before transitioning to safety in 2018 as he approached his thirties. </p>
<p id="aWj3qM">Per PFF (subscription), Jackson was their 52nd best graded safety with a +66.4 overall grade—including a +75.4 coverage grade, this past season. </p>
<p id="e34tXy">Of course, the Colts could use some safety help. Specifically, starter Julian Blackmon remains a free agent. <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39815959/nfl-free-agency-colts-michael-pittman"><strong>While the Colts have reportedly re-engaged him in contract discussions</strong></a>, he’s also had recent free agent visits with both the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, meaning his return to Indianapolis is far from a guarantee right now. </p>
<p id="fMVCTz">Otherwise, neither Rodney Thomas II nor Nick Cross were able to run away with the starting safety position alongside Blackmon—as neither was nearly consistent enough in coverage. </p>
<p id="3QVo5H">Jackson could be a solid depth option, and the Colts have had some success with veteran safeties in the past—including former 2x NFL Pro Bowler Mike Adams and more recently, Rodney McLeod. That being said, if that’s the only ‘big’ offseason addition at the safety position for Indianapolis, it leaves a lot to be desired, all things considered. </p>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/27/24114101/report-texans-veteran-free-agent-safety-kareem-jackson-visits-colts-on-wednesdayLuke Schultheis2024-03-26T17:17:46-04:002024-03-26T17:17:46-04:00Colts team owner Jim Irsay is a ‘tough dude’ who’s ‘getting better every day’
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<p>Colts team owner Jim Irsay continues to recover from health issues, but the latest report is that he’s progressing. </p> <p id="26CHlx">According to vice chair <a href="https://twitter.com/KalenIJackson"><strong>Kalen Jackson</strong></a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcTeAKWJca6XyJ37_ZoKIQ/videos"><strong>on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’</strong></a> her father and team owner/CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2023.htm"><strong>Jim Irsay</strong></a>, is ‘a tough dude’ who’s ‘getting better every day’ <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/8/24095048/recovering-jim-irsay-jokes-about-colts-trading-up-to-draft-marvin-harrison-jr"><strong>as he presumably recovers from a recent leg surgery that required hospitalization</strong></a>: </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Dad is doing better and everybody has been so kind checking on him..<br><br>He's a tough dude and he's getting better every day" ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/KalenIJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KalenIJackson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMSLive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMSLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/pvW2Uen39W">pic.twitter.com/pvW2Uen39W</a></p>— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1772680165019033891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a>
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<p id="Ncb5x4">Mcafee said Tuesday on his show, “I heard it was not good. Right? Is that accurate? Your dad’s a tough dude.”</p>
<p id="qQkMcN">“He is a tough dude,” Jackson responded. “Of course, without going into specifics of his medical condition. He can answer those questions for himself. It’s going to be a long road for him, but he’s getting better every day.” </p>
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<p id="bSDUGw">Irsay’s health issues have been kept largely private—and rightfully so.</p>
<p id="hXPUW6"> <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/01/17/jim-irsay-found-unresponsive-blue-suspected-overdose-december-cops-say/"><strong>It was reported by TMZSports that in early December of this past year, Irsay was found unresponsive by the Carmel police department at his home</strong></a>. While that fueled initial potential speculation, <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/1744738948847722763?s=20"><strong>the team did release a statement in the beginning of this year</strong></a> indicating that he was being hospitalized for a severe respiratory illness. </p>
<p id="J6J2bw">In late February, Colts general manager Chris Ballard<a href="https://x.com/JoelAErickson/status/1762915432627916921?s=20"><strong> indicated that the team owner was “progressing well” and still heavily involved in daily club football operations conversations</strong></a>. </p>
<p id="BsCXoj"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/8/24095048/recovering-jim-irsay-jokes-about-colts-trading-up-to-draft-marvin-harrison-jr"><strong>Fox 59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell reported in early March that Irsay was hospitalized for a leg procedure</strong></a>—but was still in good spirits, having even enough levity to joke about the Colts potentially drafting prized Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., who is of course the son of a certain Hall of Famer and Super Bowl Champion for Irsay’s franchise. </p>
<p id="DW4xa7">This latest development on Jim Irsay’s health is encouraging as Indy’s eccentric team owner needs to be healthy and ‘back in the owner’s box’ as soon as possible—as it’s not quite the same without him. He adds a lot of passion and personality publicly to the sidelines. </p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/26/24112145/colts-team-owner-jim-irsay-is-a-tough-dude-whos-getting-better-every-dayLuke Schultheis2024-03-26T15:30:00-04:002024-03-26T15:30:00-04:00Colts’ recent moves are based on the idea that Anthony Richardson can shoulder the load
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<p>The Colts have focused on retaining most of last year’s team with the thought that Richardson will propel them forward.</p> <p id="fFYJAP">Anthony Richardson, of the <a href="https://x.com/HolderStephen/status/1772256106389094532?s=20"><strong>Indianapolis Colts</strong></a>, was on full display during first round action of the NCAA basketball tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday. Images of him on the jumbotron got the fans going inside the fieldhouse. Then, sights of him swinging his arm 360 degrees made fans on the internet go wild. After witnessing him in a sling for the majority of his rookie campaign, watching that full rotation was a thing of beauty. For Richardson’s sake, he better hope his back is feeling as good as his shoulder because the Colts are looking for him to carry the team to new heights. </p>
<p id="YLvsst">With Chris Ballard putting on another master class in offseason inactivity outside of the organization, the roster remains essentially untouched from last year’s 9-8 team. While fans may bemoan this approach, for those on the inside, it appears to be by design. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last point is key. The single biggest reason the Colts have basically run it back with their roster is because they are convinced Richardson is a difference maker who can help them take a leap. That has come through in numerous conversations I've had in recent weeks.</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1772256106389094532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<p id="2GsuVt">Richardson making a leap is far and away what all fans of the franchise want to see next year. Last year was a like teaser trailer for a movie that doesn’t come out for ten months. We got a glimpse of what he is capable of, wanted more, and then were devastated by an injury that cut a promising start short. All of that, however, is built on hopes, dreams, and potential. </p>
<p id="oHsG5f">The glimpse we got looked good, but that was all we have to go on. Yes, people in the building got to see more and have a better understanding of what Richardson can truly be. To build the roster the way they are though, they need to be right. If they are wrong, this season could be rough. To put the weight of an NFL team on your second year quarterback who played less than a quarter of his rookie year, seems misguided when you have the resources to improve the overall roster but have not taken steps to do so at this point.</p>
<p id="DV0GEt">Perhaps, the idea is for Richardson to develop into a lockdown corner too since that position has been neglected. Maybe, the Colts feel that the best defense is a good offense. The thought could be that Richardson will keep the offense on the field so much that the other team simply won’t get enough possessions to gash a porous Colts defense. Whatever the reasoning, the Colts believe they have the man in place to vault last year’s team to the playoffs without any upgrades. Let’s just hope they are right.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/26/24112522/colts-recent-moves-are-based-on-the-idea-that-anthony-richardson-can-shoulder-the-loadJon Spradley2024-03-26T07:00:00-04:002024-03-26T07:00:00-04:00Colts optimistic QB Anthony Richardson will be ‘good to go’ for spring practice
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<p>Colts head coach Shane Steichen offered some words of encouragement and high praise for his young quarterback. </p> <p id="djXVaE">According to his head coach <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SteiSh0.htm"><strong>Shane Steichen</strong></a>,<a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2023.htm"><strong> Indianapolis Colts</strong></a> quarterback <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RichAn03.htm"><strong>Anthony Richardson</strong></a> is expected to be ‘good to go’ for spring practice (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/holderstephen"><strong>via ESPN’s Stephen Holder</strong></a>):</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good update from Colts coach Shane Steichen on QB Anthony Richardson from this morning's owners meetings coaches breakfast: <br><br>"I think he'll be good to go for spring practice. Obviously we've got to limit it and monitor it and don't go overboard, but I can't be more (more)</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1772255555576332584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">(cont'd) excited to get him back going again. His limited sample size that he had in those first five weeks were impressive. I mean, he made some plays that I've never seen guys make."</p>— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1772255557983809793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<p id="oXnfDX">Richardson has already resumed throwing the football as he continues to rehab and recover from season-ending shoulder surgery. <a href="https://x.com/Colts/status/1771303748666581006?s=20"><strong>Judging from how he looked on Friday cheering on the Florida Gators men’s basketball team in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament</strong></a>, it appears as though Richardson’s throwing shoulder has fully mended. </p>
<p id="yIDUUc">Steichen is in attendance this week at the NFL annual league meetings in Orlando, Florida—which also includes the yearly AFC coaches breakfast. </p>
<p id="O3hHLo">NFL clubs with returning head coaches like Steichen can begin team offseason workout programs on April 15th this spring. </p>
<p id="ysOo1W">Despite the rookie quarterback’s limited starts in 2023, in particular, Steichen had high praise for Richardson’s internal processing ability—even with his brief experience so far at the pro level:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pumped to watch our guy play quarterback. <a href="https://t.co/Bvt4ue78b6">pic.twitter.com/Bvt4ue78b6</a></p>— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1772346001573007401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a>
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<p id="D1Y0r0">Obviously, both comments from Steichen regarding Richardson are encouraging, especially coming off an injury-shortened rookie campaign. </p>
<p id="mYEK94">After a tantalizing start to his pro career, showcasing his dynamic ability to score with both his arm and legs, here’s hoping Richardson can hit the ground running again, healthy, and right where he left off. It’s clear that his head coach has a lot of conviction in his young quarterback—and for good reason to-date. Richardson has so much talent and potential. </p>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/26/24112146/colts-optimistic-qb-anthony-richardson-will-be-good-to-go-for-spring-practiceLuke Schultheis2024-03-25T08:00:00-04:002024-03-25T08:00:00-04:00JuJu Brents has a massive chance to earn his stripes in 2024
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<figcaption>Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin #44 and cornerback JuJu Brents #29 react after a win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium — December 31, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana | Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>With a full season under his belt, JuJu Brents may prove he is Indianapolis’ best perimeter defender.</p> <p id="04ny2k">An opportunity for a breakout campaign is destined for the hometown Colt.</p>
<p id="fVLkBI">JuJu Brents can become the shutdown cornerback to salvage the Colts secondary and shadow an opponents’ best receiver. Last April, NFL scouts clamored over his 6-foot-3 frame and 82⅞-inch wingspan, the longest wingspan ever recorded at his position in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine. After securing franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, Indianapolis selected Brents with the No. 44 pick in the second round. </p>
<p id="82qtSk">The Indianapolis native played nine games during his rookie season and compiled 43 tackles, with six passes defended and one forced fumble. The 24-year-old is aggressive at the line of scrimmage and can accelerate to break up pass attempts in zone coverage. Brents was inactive for the first two weeks, but earned a starting nod in the Week 3 showdown against the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> and made an immediate impact toward the end of the first quarter. He tracked down running back Kenyan Drake, punched the football loose and recovered the momentum shifting fumble. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Balling from Warren Central to the Shoe.<br><br> for more highlights visit <a href="https://t.co/L0POMCe2XT">https://t.co/L0POMCe2XT</a> <a href="https://t.co/u0vWbzVpTp">pic.twitter.com/u0vWbzVpTp</a></p>— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1748086010905313350?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="kTSkjI">The Colts enter 2024 with emanate issues in the secondary that have not been addressed, including an emerging starter at either strong or free safety. Colts general manager Chris Ballard planned to rely on youth after using three draft picks on cornerbacks last April, which included Darius Rush in the fifth round and Jaylon Jones in the seventh round. Jones outshined Rush in training camp to make the 53-man roster, then played in all 17 games and made 10 starts during his rookie campaign. Brents missed significant time during training camp and the regular season with numerous hamstring and quadriceps injuries. </p>
<blockquote><p id="cmX1Gx">“At the end of the day with JuJu, he’s very talented,” Ballard told reporters at his end-of-season press conference on Jan. 11. “He cares deeply. We think he’s going to really be an excellent player, but he’s got to be healthy and he’s got to practice. That’s how you get better. He’s a great kid and he cares. When he played, he played well.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="LW6JQX">Ballard was active in retaining homegrown players during the first phase of free agency, but eschewed the chance to take a big swing in a potential trade for L’Jarius Sneed, who was made available from Kansas City and ultimately traded to AFC South rival Tennessee. The front office will lean toward scouting draft prospects to field a competitive team as Richardson progresses back to full health.</p>
<p id="OykbA7">A classic dichotomy in free agency philosophies has left the fan base at an impasse, but don’t underestimate the talent set to assemble in Indianapolis. Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley recognized how meticulous Brents and Jones are at taking notes and watching film to detect different releases. Colts head coach Shane Steichen allowed the younger players to earn reps and gain competitive experience on the gridiron. With a full season under his belt, Brents may prove he is Indianapolis’ best perimeter defender.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/25/24111181/juju-brents-chance-to-earn-his-stripesThomas Butler-Guerrero2024-03-24T17:48:55-04:002024-03-24T17:48:55-04:00Colts Free Agency: 5 defensive backs the Colts could target
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<p>The Colts still have a need in the defensive backfield. What options remain in Free Agency to fill it?</p> <p id="CWnfdx">Two weeks into the 2024 NFL Free Agency, and the Colts still have an estimated $22.4-$23 million in cap space remaining. With the biggest domino in the Defensive Back market falling in the recent L’Jarius Sneed trade, there could be moves in the horizon for NFL teams looking for help in the secondary.</p>
<p id="L5qZ2s">But who is remaining? Let’s dive into a list of potential Colts free agent Defensive Back targets:</p>
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<h2 id="hp1NyX">Justin Simmons | S</h2>
<p id="xzPMz8">The Belle of the Safety ball, Justin Simmons is the top remaining Defensive Back in Free Agency. The 30 year old Safety has enjoyed an 8 year career entirely with the Denver Broncos so far, being a 2nd team All Pro Safety in 4 of the last 5. However after the Broncos decided to move on from Russell Wilson and take the largest dead cap hit in NFL History, Simmons became a cap casualty.</p>
<p id="FY53mW">The star Safety thrives predominantly as a Free Safety, but has also accumulated over 2000 snaps in the box and over 1000 in the slot. Versatility is certainly his strong suit. Playing in a very smart and instinctual manner, Simmons is very adept at reading QBs and flying to the football. Since 2019 he leads all Safeties in Passes Defended (51) and INTs (23). Combine his coverage abilities at multiple alignments and schemes with reliable yet hard hitting tackling in his sturdy run defense? There’s a lot to love about Simmons’ game.</p>
<p id="OhfsLw"><a href="https://www.nfl.com/news/best-nfl-team-fits-for-notable-remaining-free-agents-stephon-gilmore-to-patriots-obj-back-to-l-a">NFL Network’s Nick Shook</a> even listed the Colts as the best fit for Justin Simmons. For a franchise looking to add a playmaker, leader, and mentor in the back end of the Defense, it’s hard not to see the fit. He still looks like a top 10 Safety in the NFL in 2023, and in 2022 he had a very strong case as the best with 6 INTs in just 12 games. Even as he enters his age 31 season, there still looks to be very good football ahead for Simmons in the next few years.</p>
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<h2 id="qHx5kg">Quandre Diggs, S</h2>
<p id="UDdFpk">Diggs is another Safety target that could interest the Colts. The 2020-2022 Pro Bowler has the 8th most Passes Defended among Safeties and the 3rd most INTs since 2020. While 2023 saw a regression in Diggs, the 31 year old Safety was arguably one of the most consistent Safeties in the previous 4 seasons. Predominantly a Free Safety, Diggs patrols the back of the Defense well.</p>
<p id="2aaRFZ">A vocal and outspoken player, Diggs is unafraid to hold teammates and his teams accountable while at the same time mentoring younger players. His playmaking abilities and veteran leadership were noted as being very helpful for Seattle’s corners Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen’s rookie seasons the last 2 years.</p>
<p id="I9QBh0">There are <a href="https://atozsports.com/indianapolis/report-colts-quandre-diggs-mutual-interest-nfl-free-agency/">reports of mutual interest</a> between Diggs and the Colts, and Diggs has interacted positively with Colts players such as Zaire Franklin recently. Could he be the most likely candidate to join the Colts?</p>
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<h2 id="rV8HsE">Tashaun Gipson, S</h2>
<p id="TehgBw">Gipson is the Oldest potential target on this list at the age of 33 but don’t let that fool you, he still looks like a very good rangy Safety at his age. Playing predominantly as a Free Safety (though moving to the box and slot at times as well), Gipson ranked 23rd/102 Safeties in 2023 in coverage. With Gus Bradley liking to use a 3 Safety rotation, Gipson could have an opportunity to have a similar snap count and role as he did for the vaunted 49ers defense the last two years to help keep him fresh.</p>
<p id="n7vgos">Gipson’s experience and mentorship as he enters his 13th NFL season could prove valuable to the Colts young secondary. With experience on 6 different teams and even more different schemes, there is little he hasn’t seen or learned in the NFL.</p>
<p id="Us9EQx">While Gipson might not be in the Colts long term plans on the roster, he could provide good coverage snaps in the rotation while allowing Nick Cross, Rodney Thomas II, Daniel Scott, or even a rookie to gain valuable reps as well. With a proven teacher of the game on the field with them, he could help some of them take the next step in their development as potential long term safeties for the Colts. That mentorship could have an much longer impact on the Colts than his time on field donning a horseshoe. For an inexpensive price, I could see this move allowing the Colts to still have cap leftover for another signing or two as well.</p>
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<h2 id="H7aRO5">Steven Nelson, CB</h2>
<p id="8NGTyg">The Colts could look for a veteran Corner as well this Free Agency, and turning to a divisional rival might be a solution. Former Texans CB Steven Nelson had an impressive 2023 season as their boundary Cornerback 2 (though he did become their top man for 6 weeks when Derek Stingley Jr. was injured). He finished the year tied 19th in Passes Defended with 12 while adding 4 INTs. He has only allowed 1 TD in each of the past 2 seasons as well.</p>
<p id="RzZpKW">Adept as a man coverage corner while providing above average zone skills, Nelson would provide a proven starting caliber Cornerback to the Colts. The 31 year old Cornerback has had a solid career so far, and has a projected Spotrac Market value of $8.4 million per year. If he signs with the Colts, he gives them a short term starter while allowing Julius Brents, Dallis Flowers, &/or Jaylon Jones to develop on the other side of the field from him.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Steven Nelson Pick 6 <br><br>(via <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a>) <a href="https://t.co/6Q7A8BJpz2">pic.twitter.com/6Q7A8BJpz2</a></p>— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) <a href="https://twitter.com/brgridiron/status/1746314280528384020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a>
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<p id="kb4HS4">It might be an awkward reunion with new Colts backup Quarterback Joe Flacco in Training Camp though considering what happened in the 2023 Wildcard Round...</p>
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<cite>Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images</cite>
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<h2 id="wR9Qb7">Ahkello Witherspoon, CB</h2>
<p id="rEoxJS">If the Colts want a big, physical, and very athletic veteran Cornerback who performed very well in 2023, one of their targets has to be Ahkello Witherspoon. He went through a gauntlet last year, being the 5th most targeted Corner in 2023 with 99. However Witherspoon prevailed, allowing the 4th lowest completion % among all Corners in 2023. All while being a 6’3 200lb Corner with a 9.89 Relative Athletic Score and 33 inch arms. His profile feels like a Chris Ballard and Gus Bradley cornerback prototype.</p>
<p id="KjGAJZ">The 29 year old Corner had a nice bounceback season in 2023, and previously showed flashes in 2019-2021 with the 49ers and Steelers as a starting Corner. If given another shot at a starting job in a good scheme fit, the Colts could reap a nice reward. He only signed a 1 year, $3 million deal with the Rams last year, but should be do for a nice pay raise. Even still, he likely won’t be the most expensive Corner left to sign in Free Agency.</p>
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/2024/3/24/24107503/colts-free-agency-5-defensive-backs-the-colts-could-targetJay.Robins