With OTAs for the Indianapolis Colts beginning on May 26, let’s take a look at three things to watch for on defense as the next few weeks unfold.
For what to watch for on offense, you can find that here.
In this third phase of offseason programs, no contact can take place, but teams can do competitive team periods. OTAs are also voluntary for the players.
Now, here’s what to watch for on defense.
Who starts next to Laiatu Latu at DE?
The Colts added quite a bit of competition to the defensive end room this offseason, but it remains to be seen who will be starting next to Latu this season. Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Arden Key may be the favorites to fill that role.
Whoever is starting on Day 1 of OTAs may not be starting with Latu come Week 1, but it will give us a peek at what the current depth chart looks like.
The cornerback depth chart
At the top of the depth chart, we know that Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and Justin Walley will lead the way for the Colts. But how the roster shakes out behind them is yet to be determined.
What could end up happening is Cam Taylor-Britt, Mekhi Blackmon, Cameron Mitchell, Jaylon Jones, and Johnathan Edwards are competing for two or perhaps three roster spots — leaving one to two players on the outside looking in.
Who starts at safety next to Cam Bynum?
Similar to the defensive end position, the Colts are likely to remain fluid when it comes to playing time at the safety position, with things potentially changing as OTAs, training camp, and the preseason unfolds.
That said, this will be one of the bigger positional battles taking place this summer, with AJ Haulcy, Jonathan Owens, Juanyeh Thomas, and Hunter Wohler all vying for snaps.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 things to watch for during Colts’ OTA practices on defense
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
