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Anderson and Smith are Expected to be Signed Before Training Camp

By Luke Schultheis

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There are only two unsigned draft picks from this year’s NFL Draft, and both players belong to the Indianapolis Colts in their 3rd round picks: defensive end Henry Anderson and cornerback D’Joun Smith.

While the Tennessee Titans Marcus Mariota had previously drawn the majority of headlines for being one of the last unsigned rookies (before inking his new contract this past Tuesday), the Colts still have a defensive duo that they need to sign in their own right to rookie deals.

It’s widely expected that both Anderson and Smith will be signed before the start of August’s training camp. Just recently, Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen has said as such, and it comes from earlier July comments made by general manager Ryan Grigson regarding a seemingly small conflict in Anderson and Smith’s new proposed contract language (via Indy Sport Central’s Mike Chappell):

"“Just a couple contract language issues that we’re confident will be worked out before the beginning of training camp,’’ Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said."

It’s anticipated that both Anderson and Smith will play a key role for the Colts defense, even if each isn’t initially projected as a starter. Anderson should push for reps as a rotational defensive lineman right away, while Smith should see playing time as a dimeback and could potentially challenge either Greg Toler or Darius Butler for additional snaps.

Therefore, it’s imperative that the Colts get these two defensive rookies signed sooner rather than later. Playing in the NFL is hard enough, let alone as a rookie with a possibly shortened training camp. Getting the defensive duo of Anderson and Smith on the field as soon as possible is the best for all parties involved and is something that should get done fairly soon by all indications.

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