Indianapolis Colts safety Clayton Geathers could be starting in next season’s secondary.
For a defense that desperately needs an infusion of youth, Geathers could end up replacing Dwight Lowery at starting safety, who’s set to become a free agent.
While Lowery no doubt played well, he’s 30 years old and can’t be considered anything more than a stopgap solution at the safety position. With fellow starting safety Mike Adams turning 35 years old in March, the Colts safety tandem could be considered fossils from a football perspective–should Lowery be re-signed.
That’s not to say Lowery shouldn’t be re-signed on a reasonable new deal for insurance and veteran depth. However, it seems like Geathers should at least be given an equal opportunity to compete for the starting position.
Colts owner Jim Irsay already talked about “getting younger” this offseason. At some point, the Colts are clearly going to need to turn the keys over to a younger safety–and Geathers seems like a player who can fit that bill.
Originally a 4th round pick of the Colts in last year’s NFL Draft out of the University of Central Florida, Geathers flashed his potential and physical ability in limited action. The rookie appeared in 15 games (2 starts) for the Colts, recording 34 tackles.
The 6’2″, 215 pound former Knights standout is one of the biggest safeties on the Colts roster, but also has the speed to match up with opposing wide receivers and tight ends in coverage.
The Colts made quick use of his physical ability by initially deploying him as a hybrid dime linebacker at the beginning of this past season in clear passing situations.
Make no mistake about it though. Geathers’ calling card is his ability to hit and hit hard at that.
Just ask Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman.
Geathers would theoretically bring tremendous physicality to the back of the Colts secondary–the likes of which fans haven’t seen since former star safety Bob Sanders infamously roamed between sidelines.
The Colts previously tried bringing in hard-hitting safety LaRon Landry to give the defense an enforcer in the back of their secondary. However, Landry was ineffective for 2 seasons and was subsequently released–appearing to be more interested in professional body building than playing football all together.
That being said, Geathers has the potential to provide the Colts with some much needed physicality and attitude at safety and help the defense form a true “tough guy” identity.
That is, if the Colts actually decide to fully unleash Geathers this offseason.
