Following a few weeks of OTA practices, ESPN’s Indianapolis Colts reporter Stephen Holder provided a few updates on the defensive side of the ball.
Most notably, he shared some insights into how things are unfolding at the safety position.
Leading the way will be Cam Bynum, but with Nick Cross leaving in free agency, the starting spot next to him is up for grabs. Competing for those snaps will be AJ Haulcy, Johnathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Wohler.
However, according to Holder, while there is still a long ways to go before these position battles are determined, Haulcy may have the early advantage.
“Another possible rookie starter is A.J. Haulcy, a third-round choice who appears to have the inside track at replacing Nick Cross at strong safety,” Holder wrote.
If Haulcy can win the starting job, his presence could help elevate the ceiling of this Colts’ defense.
Haulcy brings very impressive ball production to the secondary, not to mention that he is quite versatile, able to be moved around the defensive backfield.
This not only provides Lou Anarumo with additional flexibility in how he utilizes Haulcy and constructs his game plans, but it also allows him to move Bynum around more as well.
Owens is the most experienced of the group competing for snaps, but has primarily filled a special teams role in recent years. Thomas possesses upside, but has just 549 career defensive snaps over four NFL seasons.
Wohler may be best suited as the team’s third safety, playing down in the box in defensive back heavy formations.
Anarumo likes to utilize defensive backs, so although just one of these players will be a starter, we could see the other safety options earn snaps in different formations throughout the season.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts insider with update on competition at safety position
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
