Two Colts’ early round draft picks are capitalizing on their training camp opportunities.
We are only two training camp practices in, but two of the Indianapolis Colts’ early-round draft picks are capitalizing on their opportunities.
On the first day of practices, with the starting cornerback spot opposite of Charvarius Ward up for grabs, it was third-round pick Justin Walley who got the start.
Then, on Day 2 of training camp, with Kenny Moore getting a vet rest day, Walley’s versatility was on display as he started at the nickel.
Although undersized, Walley is fast and is hyper-competitive. His versatility, man coverage skills, and ball production make him a good fit for Lou Anarumo’s more aggressive and disguise-heavy defense.
“He’s a pretty damn good player,” Shane Steichen said after Wednesday’s practice. “He did some really good things in the spring, so he’s going to compete at that spot.”
After what ESPN’s Stephen Holder called a “quiet” first day for first-round pick Tyler Warren, the tight end was much more involved on Day 2.
As Holder notes, what stood out about a few of Warren’s receptions was that neither throw–one from Anthony Richardson and one from Daniel Jones–were all that accurate.
However, one of the many things that drew the Colts to Warren during the pre-draft process was his reliability as a pass catcher.
“Coverage is going to be tight,” said Jim Bob Cooter, via ESPN. “The passes are going to have to be in different areas. You’re going to have to make some of those tough, strong-handed catches and really focus on finishing.”
While Warren’s impact in the passing game will garner much of the attention, his true impact in this offense won’t be felt until the pads come on and his blocking abilities can be on display as well.