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Projecting stats for every Colts defensive rookie selection

By Brandon Daniels

BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 01: Chad Hansen #6 of the California Golden Bears catches a touchdown in the endzone while covered by Julian Blackmon #23 of the Utah Utes at California Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 01: Chad Hansen #6 of the California Golden Bears catches a touchdown in the endzone while covered by Julian Blackmon #23 of the Utah Utes at California Memorial Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 4: Isaiah Rodgers #9 of the Massachusetts Minutemen returns the ball after he intercepted a pass intended for Jesse Jackson #86 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS – NOVEMBER 4: Isaiah Rodgers #9 of the Massachusetts Minutemen returns the ball after he intercepted a pass intended for Jesse Jackson #86 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Davis Wade Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /

DB. UMass. IsaiahRodgers. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 211. 46

The Colts had four 6th-round selections, including picks 211, 212, and 213. At 211, the team selected DB Isaiah Rodgers for more secondary depth. The undersized cornerback stands at only 5’10” and 170 pounds.

Rodgers isn’t seen as an outside corner given his size, but his instincts in coverage do lend a helping hand in his ability to play on the inside. His 4.28 speed is exactly what the Colts are looking for. Rodgers told reporters after getting drafted of his expected dual usage on both defense and special teams.

"“They’re gonna use me more so on nickel packages, go to inside corner,” Rodgers said. “And then definitely every aspect of the game in special teams, from kickoff return, punt return and gunner.”"

Rodgers’ main strength is playing on special teams. He totaled 99 kickoff returns for 2,338 yards and returned 21 punts for 156 yards (as well as returning a punt for a touchdown). He ranked 1st in the Independent Conference in kickoff returns, kickoff return yards, and punt return touchdowns during the 2019 seasons. His 53 kickoff returns for 1295 yards both ranked 1st in the NCAA in 2019, as well, not to mention leading the conference in kickoff returns and yards as a freshman in 2016.

Rodgers’ undersized frame won’t translate well into the NFL, especially not as a CB, but he did produce some stellar statistics during his time in the secondary. His 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown both led the Independent Conference in 2019; he also led the conference as a freshman with 7 passes defended.

Colts 2020 Projection:
Rodgers won’t see the field much at all at CB, given Kenny Moore being entrenched as the starter moving forward as the slot corner. Rodgers’ only chance to play on defense is if injuries occur and he’s called in to step up. Rodgers will play a large role on special teams, however, likely returning only kickoffs because of Nyheim Hines‘ punt return abilities. Still, Rodgers should have a successful season on the kickoff return if given the job.

Rookie Projection: 10 tackles, 2 PD, 14 kickoff returns, 275 yards, 0 TD

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