The Colts’ pass defense was poor last season, but an infusion of talent at cornerback could solve that problem.
The cornerback depth chart looks a bit like the depth chart at wide receiver where the top two positions look to be locked up, but there’s an open competition for the remaining spots.
Vontae Davis has established himself as a number one cornerback during his career, but he took a step back last season. The Colts are hoping his dip in performance was due to nagging injuries, and not a sign of things to come.
The Colts drafted Quincy Wilson in the second round this offseason to play opposite of Davis as the number two corner.
Wilson was Bleacher Report’s top-rated cornerback prospect, but he was a polarizing player among the draft community.
He has the potential to become a great CB, but he has a lot to prove in his rookie year.
Next: Starting Lineup Projections: Wide Receiver
Darius Butler figured to be the third cornerback in this unit, but he will likely move to safety with Clayton Geathers out for the first six games.
With Butler at safety, Rashaan Melvin should be promoted to that third cornerback spot to start the season.
Melvin was very productive for Indianapolis last season after Butler took Geathers’ place at safety. He racked up 52 tackles, with 7 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
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Melvin played well enough last season to be the unquestioned number three corner heading into 2017.
Darryl Morris earned a solid amount of playing time with the Colts last season, but Rotoworld listed fifth-round rookie Nate Hairston above him on the depth chart.
Cornerback is a difficult position to learn as a rookie, and the Colts could have some issues with two rookies in the first four spots on the depth chart. However, the ceiling is pretty high for this unit in 2017.