Colts: Assessing every defensive position group for 2020

Defensive Back Group Outlook

2019 DB Group

CB: Pierre Desir

CB: Rock Ya-Sin

SLOT CB: Kenny Moore II

S: Malik Hooker

S: Khari Willis

2020 DB Group

CB: Xavier Rhodes

CB: Rock Ya-Sin (R)

SLOT CB: Kenny Moore II

S: Malik Hooker

S: Khari Willis (R)

The secondary went through a wild ride in 2019. It looked to be holding up nicely through the first chunk of the season. Malik Hooker had a solid start to the year and looked to be putting together the beginnings of his first full season. Kenny Moore was shaping into one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league and was on the way to his first Pro Bowl before getting sent to injured reserve after Week 13.

As time went on, however, the secondary worsened and became one of the most inconsistent groups in the NFL. Malik Hooker recording only one game with more than 4 tackles before heading to IR after Week 13. This marked the third season (out of three) that Hooker would end up on IR, jeopardizing his future on the team after the 2020 season.

Rock Ya-Sin had an up-and-down year but ultimately proved that he hadn’t developed enough in his little amount of playing time to be the primary corner.

2020 still has a big question mark in the case of the secondary. The starters are mostly the same, apart from Pierre Desir’s departure. It’s going to be huge for the group if new addition Xavier Rhodes can return to his Pro Bowl status that he had in Minnesota.

The former Viking didn’t record an interception for the first time since his 2013 rookie season. It was easily the worst season of his career and it was clear that he needed a change of scenery in hopes of returning to his top form. Rhodes was the top CB in the NFL in 2016; he finished with five interceptions (including a 100-yard pick-six), 10 passes defended, and 52 tackles.

He followed it up with another Pro Bowl vote in 2017 and added an All-Pro selection. He once again was one of the best in the league at his position. If he can return to his previous form, the Colts’ back end could become a top-15 unit against the pass with the possibility to reach the top ten.

The verdict: Undecided (projected improvement)