Indianapolis Colts Midseason Awards: Breakout Player
By Keenan Alban
The first half of the season was pretty rough for the Colts. Injuries have been horrible, coaching has been bad, and it has all led to a lot of losing. However, one bright spot has been the play of cornerback, Rashaan Melvin.
Following the draft, many fans believed that second round pick Quincy Wilson would start at cornerback alongside Vontae Davis. Rashaan Melvin had played pretty well towards the end of last season, and there were talks of him remaining with the starting defense in a nickel role.
At 6’2″ and nearly 200 pounds, he kept stressing that he is an outside corner. Melvin has now proven doubters wrong and is in no jeopardy of losing his starting role.
Rashaan Melvin has been fantastic this year. He has 2 interceptions and ranks second in the league in passes broken up with 11. He’s been the 11th best cornerback in the league this year, according to Pro Football Focus, with an overall grade of 86.4.
Two CBs that have been shutdown in coverage pic.twitter.com/uWCOYcKb5N
— PFF (@PFF) October 22, 2017
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Melvin was injured early in the game against the Jaguars, missing the majority of that game and all of last Sunday’s contest. The Colts will likely get their breakout corner back this week. Melvin has proven to be an essential part of the defense, and the Colts need him back against the Texans’ dynamic passing attack led by Deshaun Watson on Sunday.
Rashaan Melvin has solidified himself as a starting cornerback with the Colts. Don’t be surprised if the Colts decide they are confident enough in Rashaan Melvin to carry on with him and Quincy Wilson as the starters for the future, as Vontae Davis will hit free agency this spring.
Melvin is already 28 years old, which is a bit late to have a breakout season, but better late than never as he’s given this Colts secondary a boost this year.