Colts: 3 position battles that could have surprising endings

2. No. 3 Cornerback: Rock Ya-Sin vs. TJ Carrie

While this battle may also include players like returner extraordinaire Isaiah Rodgers and 2020 opt-out Marvel Tell, the two top dogs competing for the No. 3 spot next to outside stud Xavier Rhodes and slot master Kenny Moore are former Temple star Ya-Sin and the battle-scarred veteran in Carrie.

This is a case of the age-old debate of finished product vs. upside. While the Colts know they are going to get some solid, if uninspiring, production from Carrie, this could be the year Ya-Sin finally starts to make good on all the potential that almost made him a first-round pick.

Will Rock Ya-Sin beat out TJ Carrie on the Colts?

Ya-Sin went from starting 13 games as a rookie to just eight last year, and while the presence of someone like Rhodes, essentially an upgraded version, did cut into his playing time, he ultimately has struggled in Matt Eberflus’ scheme, and there has to be a breaking point where the coaching staff says enough.

The Colts will be fighting for a postseason spot, meaning that they likely won’t be in a position to allow Ya-Sin to make young mistakes. Carrie might not be prime Deion Sanders, but he’ll make enough plays to keep the dam from breaking.