Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

Colts Rookie Profile: Safety T.J. Green

By Cody Felger

Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker B.J. Goodson (44) and safety T.J. Green (15) tackle Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker B.J. Goodson (44) and safety T.J. Green (15) tackle Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indianapolis Colts were able to find a few more draft picks by trading down, one move turned into T.J. Green, a blazing fast safety that could be the future of the team’s secondary.

When the Colts traded down to the 57th pick in the second round of the NFL Draft and selected hard hitting safety T.J. Green, it raised a few eyebrows.

Safety T.J. Green recorded 130 total tackles last year with the Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Safety T.J. Green recorded 130 total tackles last year with the Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety wasn’t exactly a glaring need, and some felt like the Colts reached for Green in the second round. PFF didn’t like the selection by Indianapolis, calling it the one of the worst selections in the draft.

More from Colts News

Pro Football Focus had this to say about Green: “Another selection based on size and speed, Green did not play well last season, finishing 90th overall among draftable safeties. His -10.8 coverage grade ranked dead last as he often looked lost in space. There were pre-draft rumors that he might transition to cornerback, and while the size and speed are intriguing, he has to make immense improvements to be worth a second-round pick no matter which position he plays.”

Another knock on Green is the fact that he has only been playing safety for two years. A converted wide receiver in 2013, Green has the speed to stay even with the league’s speediest receivers. His 4.34 second 40-yard dash was the fastest among safeties in this draft.

Live Feed

The Washington Football Team has third-round magic
The Washington Football Team has third-round magic /

Riggo's Rag

  • 2020 NFL Draft: Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald scouting reportNFL Mocks

    • On the other side of the coin, some analysts really liked the pick by the Colts.

    Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star had this to say about Green: “One thing they are banking on: Green was a WR until sophomore yr. Has only been on defense three years. See him as having huge upside.”

    Green is also a tackling machine. Last year with Clemson, Green recorded 130 total tackles (102 solo).

    Oct 3, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) fumbles as he is hit by Clemson Tigers safety T.J. Green (15) in the fourth quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
    Oct 3, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) fumbles as he is hit by Clemson Tigers safety T.J. Green (15) in the fourth quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Clemson won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

    He also is a very durable player. With the Tigers, Green started every game last season.

    Whatever the case, when they drafted him, the Colts viewed Green as a steal. They also believe that they got tremendous value by drafting him in the second round. They also view him as the future starter beside Clayton Geathers and eventual replacement for the ageless Mike Adams.

    While he most likely won’t start this year, it will be interesting to see how Green makes the transition to the NFL and also from offense to defense.

    Home/Colts News