The Indianapolis Colts entered the NFL Draft with a few glaring needs on defense. Safety was considered a top concern, even with the re-signing of Mike Adams and picking up Dwight Lowery in free agency. The Colts still needed to find a long term playmaker at the position.
The Colts had an opportunity to take the player many considered to be the best safety in the draft, Landon Collins, instead taking a wide receiver in the first round. The Colts waited until the fourth round to address this need by taking Clayton Geathers out of UCF.
Geathers is a hard hitting safety with a knack for playing against the run. He’s solid in coverage but his ball skills leave a lot to be desired as evidenced by having just three career interceptions.
The Colts are hoping that Geathers will develop into starter in the future, but he’s already picking up snaps and impressing the coaches. Chuck Pagano said that Geathers has great football intelligence (or FBI as he put it) and that he could end up playing his way onto the field.
Those covering today’s practice were impressed with his skills as well:
S Clayton Geathers is getting some work in the box today in dime defense. Certainly known as a hard hitter.
— Stephen Andress (@StephenAndress1) May 27, 2015
Not surprised rookie S Clayton Geathers has been having a pretty good OTA the last couple of weeks. Have been impressed by his play.
— Tom James (@TJamesIndState) May 27, 2015
Can rookie Clayton Geathers earn a big role in Year 1? "I don't think there's any doubt about it," Pagano says. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) May 27, 2015
Pagano likes Geathers' physicality, football intelligence. Says rookie has exceeded expectations. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) May 27, 2015
I mentioned Geathers earlier. Pagano says they have plans for him in some defensive sub packages.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 27, 2015
S Clayton Geathers has gotten a lot snaps today and nearly just made a highlight interception. Keeping an eye on this rookie. #Colts
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 27, 2015
Its still just OTA workouts right now, but the fact that Geathers has been getting more reps says a lot about how quickly he has picked up the playbook and made an impression with the coaches. While the Colts appear to have their starters set (with Adams and Lowery) it also sounds like Geathers will get some snaps on defense, and not just special teams.
Expecting Geathers to make a big impact this season is unrealistic, but with Lowery on a one-year deal, Geathers could ease into the position and be a full time starter by 2016. Or he could blow everyone away in training camp and the preseason and start this season.