Who will be most surprising rookie for the Colts?

Last year’s crop of rookies had plenty of surprising performers. But who on this year’s class could come out and be a surprising contributor early?

Darius Leonard and Braden Smith were great players last year. They were rookies, and were unknown going into the draft process for most Colts fans. But Leonard ended up being an All-Pro, and Smith solidified his start as a starter on the offensive line.

There are players who end up being surprisingly good every year. But who could that be for the Colts this season? Certain players like Rock Ya-Sin and Parris Campbell are expected to contribute immediately. They won’t be a surprise. But this guy might be.

That guy is Khari Willis. Willis is a safety out of Michigan State. He has a unique opportunity that no one else in this draft class on defense has. He could become a long-term starter immediately if he plays well in camp. Not even Ya-Sin can claim that.

Willis could achieve that by playing better than oft-injured strong safety Clayton Geathers. Geathers has all kinds of problems staying healthy. If he gets hurt again, Willis could step in and never relinquish that job again. He has the skills to do so.

Because of those skills, the Colts were ecstatic to get him as late as they did in the draft. Willis fell to the fourth round. They think he could be a starter-level player now. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job right away, he will get a decent amount of playing time as a rookie.

He could end up in the exact scenario as Smith this season. Even if he doesn’t, his future is bright with the team.