How the Colts Rookies are Faring so Far in Camp
By Ryan Stano
The Colts had a lot of draft picks in this year’s draft. How are those draft picks doing in camp thus far, and will any of them start?
The Colts drafted a lot of players on both sides of the ball in April’s draft. They needed to re-tool. Now all of those picks are in training camp. With the first preseason game only two days away, how have the rookies done so far?
Quenton Nelson has been very good. In the first unofficial depth chart, several rookies are starters or close to being one. Nelson is already listed as a starter, and that shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. That’s what he was drafted to do.
Darius Leonard is also projected as a starter. The linebacker has looked very good in camp so far and should only get better. Tyquan Lewis was another second round pick, and he is listed as a backup defensive tackle. He should be able to get a lot of playing time early based on that projection.
Braden Smith might also see time, as he is listed as a backup guard. He will have a tough time seeing playing time as a starter unless someone gets hurt. Same can be said for Jordan Wilkins, as fellow running back Nyheim Hines will see much more playing time than him early on.
Deon Cain will see a decent amount as a wide receiver as well. He is listed as the fourth wide receiver right now, and should see the field in plenty of spread sets. But the biggest surprise is DE Kemoko Turay who is currently listed as a starter.
Turay may not hold that position over Tarell Basham, but it interesting to see that the team thinks so high of the rookie. It will be interesting to see how the depth chart changes after the preseason opener on Thursday.