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Colts Sign Henry Anderson and D’Joun Smith

By Luke Schultheis

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There were only two unsigned rookies remaining out of the NFL Draft’s 256 total selections, and both of those players belonged to the Indianapolis Colts. Each of the team’s 3rd round picks in defensive end Henry Anderson and cornerback D’Joun Smith were still unsigned.

That is, until today. 

The Colts announced that their previously unsigned defensive duo was signed to new rookie deals respectively, and that both will be ready to go for the start of the team’s training camp come August 1st.

Smith, Round 3: Pick 65, played for Florida Atlantic last season as a cornerback. In 11 games, he recorded 53 tackles, 1 interception, and 8 pass deflections.

Anderson, Round 3: Pick 93, played for Stanford last season as a defensive lineman. In 13 games, he recorded 66 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.

It was a significant move because each rookie is expected to play an important role for the defense this season. While neither is projected to be a defensive starter initially, each is expected to play a factor as a backup and could push for additional playing time.

Anderson should see playing time immediately as a rotational defensive lineman, while Smith will at the least be the defensive dimeback if not push either Darius Butler or Greg Toler for additional reps. Should an injury arise to a starter, either Anderson or Smith could very well be the “next man up” at their respective position, so it was imperative that they get on the field sooner rather than later for training camp.

It was largely expected that both Anderson and Smith would be signed before the start of the Colts training camp, but what was widely anticipated became a reality today.

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