Indianapolis Colts, let’s take a look at one big question facing each position group. Up next are the cornerbacks.
The Indianapolis Colts will begin Phase III of the offseason programs on May 28th, which means the start of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Rather than only doing individual drills as the Colts have been doing, they will now be permitted to do 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 team drills, although no live contact is allowed.
So with this important part of the offseason schedule about to begin, I wanted to highlight one big question facing each position group. Up next are the cornerbacks.
Below you can find our previous position previews.
How deep will Indianapolis Colts‘ cornerback rotation go?
Under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, there is going to be a much greater reliance on the defensive back position group. With many offenses wanting to push the ball through the passing game, defenses need to be able to match that personnel so they don’t find themselves in disadvantageous situations.
“It’s been a matchup league and certainly if the offense puts out a certain personnel group you want to be able to match it with what they’re doing,” Anarumo said during offseason programs. “Especially on third down, you want to get cover guys covering receivers. Nowadays, tight ends, the days to me of putting linebackers on tight ends is not ideal for the defense.
“So you always want to get a bigger, longer athlete that maybe can run a little bit. A DB mindset. So more DBs out there in pure passing situations is something that we’ve always tried to do and will continue to do.”
So whether it be with an additional cornerback or safety, we are going to see more dime personnel packages from the Colts, where there are six defensive backs on the field.
GM Chris Ballard has reshaped the cornerback room this offseason. This includes signing Charvarius Ward and drafting Justin Walley in the top 100.
What we can say right now is that Ward and Kenny Moore will be on the field. But beyond those two, how things shake out at the other starting outside cornerback position remains to be seen. If I were to guess right now, Jaylon Jones is starting Week 1, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are specific down-and-distances where Anarumo tries to get Walley–or perhaps JuJu Brents–involved.
This new defensive scheme is going to be disguise-heavy to keep opponents off balance and matchup-driven, with flexible game plans based on what the offense runs. So I could see the Colts cornerback rotation this season going four or even five deep, depending on what’s needed in a given week.