Indianapolis Colts: 3 players with most to lose in summer OTAs

The Indianapolis Colts are about to kick their preseason preparation into high gear at OTAs, as they will try to make sure that Carson Wentz and the rest of this team have the proper platform in order to spring off into career-best seasons amid some turnover.

Offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni is gone, and the arrival of Wentz means that the Colts should once again be considered among the favorites to win the AFC South, especially considering all of the change around the division.

The key to winning the division title this season will be figuring out which players on this roster have starter potential and which are better suited for backup duty. While not the be-all-and-end-all, OTAs should be able to give Frank Reich a good sense of who deserves playing time and who should be on the bench.

Reich and the rest of the Colts fanbase should keep an eye on these 3 players, as a poor showing from any one of them could be a disaster for their 2021 outlook.

These 3 Colts need to play well in OTAs — otherwise…

3. WR Parris Campbell

Campbell looked like a no-brainer selection when the Colts selected the Ohio State speedster in the second round in 2019. Lightning quick with the ability to crack off big plays at the drop of a hat, Campbell could’ve changed the shape of the offense. Unfortunately, it seems like he may be more of a gadget player.

In addition to being half a receiver and half a running back, thereby failing to master either craft, Campbell has struggled with injuries and has recorded just 30 touches in two seasons. Having added Michael Pittman Jr. last year, are the Colts done waiting for Campbell?

Is Colts WR Parris Campbell on his way out in Indy?

Campbell might start the season No. 3 on the depth chart, but he could lose that spot instantly. Zach Pascal remains consistent, Dezmon Patmon has size, JJ Nelson has speed, and rookies like Tyler Vaughns, Mike Strachan, and Tarik Black could steal Campbell’s snaps.

Campbell did change his number, citing the need for a fresh start, but time will tell if his maneuver actually ends up bearing any fruit. If it doesn’t, he will assuredly be playing somewhere else next season.

2. QB Jacob Eason

Eason is the favorite to take over backup duties this season, as the former Washington star still looks like he’s straight out of central casting as far as quarterbacks go. With his 6-5 frame and absolute mortar tower of a right arm, Eason could be an ideal fit if Wentz goes down with an injury.

However, the Colts don’t seem to be 100% sold on Eason in a game situation. If they were, then why pick Texas QB Sam Ehlinger in the sixth round of the draft? Eason might be the better prospect, but he didn’t get on the field last year, so he is far from guaranteed a spot as QB2 this year.

What do the Colts think of Jacob Eason?

Ehilnger’s arm talent is nowhere close to that possessed by Eason, but he does have mobility and playmaking skill on his side, which is not insignificant. Eason’s issues in college stemmed from struggles with going through his reads, and an entire season with no preseason or game reps didn’t help in that regard.

Eason can shut up all of this noise by going out there, throwing the ball all over the yard, and relegating Ehlinger to gadget-package duty. His accuracy needs work, but he could show strides and put Ehlinger back on the bench with a strong performance in OTAs.

1. DE Tyquan Lewis

Lewis is one of several second-round pick edge rushers fighting for space, as two other disappointing picks in Ben Banogu and Kemoko Turay will also try to wiggle into the starting lineup. While Lewis has had the best career of those few players, his starting spot has been put on notice.

In addition to the signing of Isaac Rochell, Indianapolis used their first two draft picks on edge rushers in Michigan’s Kwity Paye, who will likely start opposite Lewis, and Vanderbilt’s Dayo Odeyingbo. Lewis’ pass-rush productivity has been uninspiring, and he needs to start proving himself.

Tyquan Lewis has plenty of competition with the Indianapolis Colts.

Lewis came into his draft as a bit of a tweener, as he is too small to play defensive tackle and not quick enough to play defensive end. With DT locked down for the foreseeable future, Lewis needs to figure out how to get more explosive if he wants to hold on to his starting spot.

Lewis has plenty of value in the NFL, but he might not be the right fit for this Indianapolis roster right now, as they need someone with a bit more athletic ability or experience to take over the spot opposite Paye. If Odeyingbo takes his starting spot when healthy, this could be the end of Lewis’ tenure in Indy.

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