Colts 2018 rookies: Kemoko Turay

The Colts had four second round draft picks last April. We have talked about the first three, so now we move onto the fourth one.

Kemoko Turay hasn’t played a lot of football in his life. He only started playing as a freshman in high school. He is still learning the finer points of the game. That much was evident in his rookie season with the Colts after being taken in the second round out of Rutgers.

Turay showed some flashes early. Those flashes were enough to get him into the starting lineup for three games in the middle of the season. He recorded four sacks in his rookie year, as his athleticism allows him to rush the passer effectively.

The Colts drafted Turay based on his athleticism. They think they can coach him into learning the finer points of the game and become an even better player. They drafted Turay on potential. It’s not a bad idea when you have four second rounders and you’re short on playmakers.

Turay dealt with some injuries in the middle of the year that stunted his growth a bit. Those nagging injuries affected his ability to play up to his capability. Turay will have a full offseason now to be within the Colts strength program so he can put on some muscle.

Because of how effective the defensive line was at the end of the year, Turay might have problems cracking the starting lineup again. Tyquan Lewis has passed him up as a starting end, and the other end is Jabaal Sheard. Al-Quadin Muhammad also played well late.

With all of that competition in front of him, it will be critical for Turay to work hard this offseason to improve his technique. Solid play is the only way he will get steady time on the field other than obvious pass-rushing scenarios. He is young though and will have a chance.

Even if he can’t get into the starting lineup, Turay offers some quality depth at the defensive end position. He can make plays when he is out there.